Dressing Your Dining Room Table

It's Christmas Eve, so break out the china and show your dining room some lovin'! Check out this glamourous dining room and see how Lillian of Richmond, VA dresses her table for the holidays!

First, let's take a step back to see this room, simply stunning! The monograms on the back of these chairs are so elegant and chic.

A close-up of this fabulous Christmas tree :)

How well-dressed is this table?! Makes my heart happy <3  

So glitzy! I'm in love with the girly charm…a true southern woman's house ;)

Happy Holidays!

RVA Symphony Designer House Tour & Reviews

OH MY! This year's Richmond Symphony Designer house blows it out of the park...Here's a sneak peak of a few of my favorite things :)

This glamorous-gilded beauty is located in the Hallsley neighborhood in Midlothian, VA. The house has four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms and is just over 4,200 square feet, with an additional 1,100 square feet of finished outdoor living space. The design of this house incorporates an open floor plan with practical spaces for entertaining and family use. Built by Bel Arbor Builders this house is simply stunning from top to bottom! Let's see what $1 Million looks like...

As you're walking up to the front door, this private patio (off to the right) is the perfect greeting!

Nothing says Hello like a foyer full of gold! From this glimmering chandelier, to the grand staircase & this amazing wallpaper wrapped around the entire room. The foyer was probably my favorite part of the whole house, just richly spectacular!! 

The foyer leads straight into the family room. These glass doors open to the porch, which then opens to a screened-in porch that's right off the kitchen. I love all the purple accents, and especially this hand painted mural above the entryway. 

Standing in the kitchen looking into the family room. Love this accent table with the geometric cut-outs on the side & the ottomans stored underneath. You will notice the geometric patterns incorporated through out the house!

Is this straight out of a magazine?! You would think…but its actually the study! Very modern + hipster! This white sofa is wrapped around the entire perimeter of the room and adds contrast with a more casual vibe. In the center of the room is a cluster of ottomans all different sizes. I love this decor for a magazine or photo shoot, definitely a cool concept but seems very commercial to me, not so much for a home. I feel like this space is not very practical, I'd prefer this to be an office.

These ceilings are wild! That's actually a red vinyl material they used, very thick! This light fixture is amazing though, and so versatile! 

The woman's closet! Love Love Love this mauve paint color & built-in jewelry dresser!

Back porch. How beautiful is this succulent arrangement?!

The back porch leads to this screened-in patio…

Which is right off the breakfast nook…

How fabulous is this table?! I had to take a close up…

Another accent table…directly across from the kitchen table.

More geometric patterns in the light fixtures & backsplash of the kitchen!

Butler's Pantry & Coffee Bar

This office area is right off the kitchen & the ideal "command station" for moms…I can't get enough of these gold accents & turtle shells :)

Downstairs guest bedroom. The theme of this room was inspired by Richmond street art. The pictures behind the two night side tables are graffiti art found here in Richmond. I love love love these colors! So perfectly pulled together!

Laundry/Mud Room. This is a great space for caterers to gather when hosting a house party. It's very spacious considering the refrigerator, sink, and dishwasher are all duplicates of the existing appliances in the kitchen.

Heading upstairs, notice the risers are wallpapered with coordinating wallpaper to go with the foyer walls. Love this idea, once again using geometric patterns.  

Upstairs. This gold wallpaper is to die for :)

A mirrored wall allows the room to feel more open! 

Hallway to bar area & movie room. The shelves to the left are actually a secret door, media closet inside.

This high top table, wet bar & movie room is an entertainers paradise! Also, the movie room opens up to another screened-in porch! Love this opening that looks down into the family room.

View from above.

Movie room.

Guest room.

Downstairs half bathroom. It's actually underneath the staircase. Genius idea & great way to conserve space. 

The concept behind the Richmond Symphony Designer House Tour is to designate a different designer to each room. In some cases there were rooms I didn't care for at all, so unfortunately they aren't pictured on my blog. These rooms were the Master Bedroom, Dining Room, Guest Bedroom, Upstairs screened-in porch. Hope you enjoyed this fabulous house tour! To buy tickets, click here. Last day is October 13th! 

How-To & Must-Do's: Hosting a Bridal Shower

Just a few weeks ago, I was beyond thrilled to host a bridal shower for one of my dearest friends since middle school, Caitlin. Caitlin & her hubby-to-be met in the insurance industry at a Christmas party in Atlanta, GA, where she currently lives! Here's a picture of us, almost a year ago at the park where they'll say, "I do" this November!

Her wedding theme is vintage glam with fuchsia bridesmaid dresses & gold accents. Burlap & lace give that rustic-glam contrast and seem to be the latest trend for wedding decor! As they say, "It's all in the details." I'm pretty particular when it comes to party planning ;) I wanted to buy things that could be used as shower decor and again at their wedding. To start with, I made a banner that said, "Mrs. Wahlstrom" for the shower, and also did a "Mr. &" so she could put it together for the wedding. 
1. How to make a pennant banner:

Materials: Square sized card stock paper, decorative trim to match, string (to strand together), marker, hot glue gun, flower accessories, hole punch, pencil, scissors 
1. Use a 5X7 card (I used an index card) to create the template for pennants. Fold in half (vertical) and cut at an angle, from center to outer edges. Trace the template on to card stock paper. To make the arrow shaped pennants, finish the trace of the two sides so the outer lines are as long as the entire paper. The shapes should share the same "v" cut. 2. Cut out pennants.  3. Use a marker to draw the letters. This is freehanded so be sure to practice beforehand!! 3. Use a hot glue gun to tack the trim to the sides & edges of pennants. 4. Punch holes in top corners of pennants. 5. Strand together. 6. Hot glue flowers wherever desired. 
I had a ton of these paper flower petals, and I felt like the banner needed a little extra something, so I made these flower strands to go behind the banner. How lovely is this bride to be?!
2. How to make Flower Strands:

Materials: Clear Fishing Wire, Scissors, Paper flower petals (with hole in center)
1. Cut fishing wire to the exact length needed, then make duplicates for desired amount of strands. 2. Strand petal by petal, tying a knot into the center of each petal. 3. Leave some space, repeat.
As for the details, a food label is always a must! People like to know what they are eating & it really helps to complete the look! I made mine with faux burlap card stock paper, a stamp & marker. I would highly reccomend buying these label stamps from Hobby Lobby, there's a small, medium & large! I've used them so much since buying them for this shower! How cute are they & what else can I label?!
3. How to make a Food Label:

Materials: Card stock paper, stamp, marker, tape, scissors, index card
1. Use stamp on card stock paper. 2. Repeat desired amount. 3. Write food name on card. 4. Cut out. 5. Cut a strip of an index card, tape to the back of the food card, and crease to make stand.
**All of my crafts are from Hobby Lobby, they have the best selection**
4. Drinks, Menu & Dessert
First things first...whats to drink?! I love a champagne bar because theres options & its so stinking cute! The juices: Mango, Orange & Passion Fruit, tie a label on those too!! I also had white & red wine just incase someone didn't care for the champagne. 

Bridal Shower Menu (2pm event):

Caprese Kabobs w/ balsamic glaze
BBQ chicken dip w/ chips
Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Veggies with Spinach Dip
Sausage & Cheese Wontons
Watermellon (not pictured)
Since the shower was at 2pm, it was a slight relief not having to do a full out brunch, lunch or dinner…but, 2pm can be tricky because some people hold out on eating until the shower. I've been to a shower at 2pm and the food was devoured, so never leave guests hungry…overdo on the food! Finger foods are great because its quick and easy for guests!
Now for the cake…or how about cupcakes?! I personally like cupcakes especially for a girly event ;) They're cute, individual and the perfect size! I have an amazing "cake lady" that I use & her specialty is a vanilla with buttercream icing thats out of this world! She accessorized these cupcakes with wrappers & toppers from Etsy! Add a pretty arrangement to the center and you're good to go! I got this tiered platter from Amazon, which has 5 tiers total. You can add or take them off as need be, but a great thing to have on hand for hosting a party or event!

5. Fresh Flower Arrangements
ALWAYS have fresh flowers in your home when hosting an event! It looks so nice & classy. These are straight from my mom's garden & assembled by her…it helps to have a mom in the garden club! So save some money, and get to clipping in your garden ;) 

6. Balloons
Don't forget balloons! I primarily like balloons to go outside...on the mailbox & outside my front door on the banisters. It gets your guests excited for what's to come inside, and extends a warm welcome before saying Hello! Also, if you have an outside space that you want people to use, put some balloons out there so they know its okay to venture that way. My little balloon helper was loving her job until it came time for the party ;)

7. Favors
The favors were done by Caitlin's cousin & Maid of Honor, Leigh. They just so happened to match my foyer perfectly so we decided to stagger them along the staircase so people could grab them just as they were leaving! How cute are they?! Wrap a candle with two different color ribbons (brides colors), glue in place, tie on a tag (these are from Etsy) and done! Who doesn't love a candle?!

Happy showering!! 

20 Secrets About ME & Liebster Award Nomination

I'm thrilled to announce I've been nominated for the Liebster Award by Life's Next Big Step. Katie's blog is so fun & I love reading about her life as a mom! Be sure to check it out!
What is the Liebster Award?
The award is given to support and recognize up & coming bloggers. The word “Liebster” has German origins & is reported to mean sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, & welcome. 
Rules of the Liebster Award:
1. Thank & link the person who nominated you. 2. Display the Liebster Award with rules. 3. Answer the 11 questions given to you. 4. Write some facts about yourself. 5. Nominate other bloggers (who have less than 200 followers). 6. Write 11 new questions for your nominees.
Q&A
1. What is your favorite way to exercise? Going on walks with my daughter around our neighborhood! I have the BOB stroller, which is great for jogging! 
2. What is your favorite way to wind down? With a glass of red wine on the patio!
3. What is one of your pet peeves? When people are late! 
4. Summer, Spring, Winter or Fall? Fall! There's nothing like a fall candle burning, pumpkin lattes, and cooler weather + October is my birthday month! 
5. What is your favorite quote? "Be yourself, everyone else is taken."
6. What is your favorite beverage? Coffee.
7. Something you never leave home without? Phone & diapers!
8. Do you have a lucky charm? What is it? I sure don't…boring I know.
9. What is your favorite day of the year? Christmas!! 
10. What is one thing that inspires you? Pinterest.
11. What is one goal you hope to achieve in the next year? Finding a piece of property to build our dream house!
Facts about ME!
- I look forward to my morning coffee every day! - If I could travel anywhere in the world it would be Bora Bora or an African Safari. - My daughter is 20 months old and her middle name is Norwood (the same as mine, its a family name) - My guilty pleasure is reality TV! - I'm 5'11, my husband is 6'3 & Reagan is in the 100th percentile for height, we're a tall family! - I love decorating my home…it never stops! - My favorite restaurant of all time is Miyabis in Myrtle Beach, SC. - I was born on my dad's birthday, October 13. - I graduated with a Business Management Degree from Radford University. - I have two dogs, Samspon (Bichon Frise) & Oliver (Morkie, maltese + yorkie) - I get very homesick - I love hosting a good dinner party!
NOMINATIONS
Harris Heart-to-Hearts Thirsty Richmond
Blogger's if you choose to accept this nomination, here are your questions:
Questions for Nominee's:
1. What inspired you to start a blog? 2. What's your ultimate vacation destination? 3. Most embarrassing moment?  4. Wine, beer or liquor & what kind? 5. What's your favorite recipe? 6. Where are you from? 7. Favorite TV show? 8. Biggest pet peeve? 9. Favorite holiday? 10. Biggest fear? 11. Favorite quote?  
What are some of your favorite up & coming blogs?! Leave a message below!   

From Wardrobe to Walls & TWO FREE Giveaways!

When it comes to your home, choosing the right color for your walls can be overwhelming and tedious at times. Trying to find that perfect color, in the right lighting, that you won't get tired of is a lot to be mindful of. But don't worry, I've got the perfect solution!
Let's turn to your closet for inspiration! What's your favorite top?! One that you wear all the time, that stays on repeat in your washer & dryer or that dress you've had for years that always seems to be your go-to! What makes you look & feel fabulous? Chances are whatever colors you love to wear that you don't seem to get tired of is the perfect place to start a new color pallet for your home or simply find the right shade for an accent wall. If you don't get tired of wearing it-you probably won't get tired of it on your walls. My go-to is black & white. If its not black & white, its normally a bright color and pink is my fav because it looks great on blondes ;) 

Your home is a direct reflection of you. Let's face it, sprucing up your home with a little paint can do wonders! If you're not the decorating type or you've never painted before, take a leap of faith--it will pay off in the end ;) Don't be afraid to change it up a bit, it's only paint and you can always repaint if need be.  Here's a small collage of my favorite colors, wallpapers & fabrics from my home. I love Moroccan prints! They are easily incorporated into any room and the geometric patterns really stand out and look great with damask prints too!

My latest project was painting our foyer the "Cabaret 18-2140" color by Valspar. It's a fuchsia color, slightly on the darker side. My inspiration came from this handle on a Lilly Pulitzer shopping bag. 

Because it's a darker hue, it was the perfect color for my foyer which gets a ton of light! It definitely makes the room feel more chic and I'm pretty obsessed with my new mirrored kudu that I found at Homegoods! Here's a before and after picture of my new "Lilly" foyer ;) The next step of this project, painting the spindles black :)   

I couldn't be more excited for this week's blog giveaway! One of my great friends owns a boutique in Fredrick, MD called Country Shabby Chic. She specializes in monogram home decor & accessories. This week she's giving away TWO monogramed trays! One blue & white Moroccan print (pictured below) or a red and white chevron tray! 
Here's how to enter to win!
1. "LIKE" our Facebook pages: The House of Holly & Country Shabby Chic 2. Leave a "COMMENT" on my page with your initials and which color you would like. 3. "SHARE" my Facebook blog link with your friends! 

Good luck!!