And Cue The Rainbow

Just a run-of-the-mill snapshot of the farm from The Martha Blog.

Holiday Green

The eco-friendly, live succulent wreath from Viva Terra.

With minimal water, this wreath made of succulent plants stays green year round. Why didn't Martha think of this? Oh wait--she did. Here are directions to make your own.

Another idea for a Thanksgiving hostess gift is to send potted succulents from an establishment like Succulent L.A.. The mission behind this "flora design" firm, conceived by actress Samantha Mathis and interior designer Ryann Davis, was to create a low-maintenance, environmentally responsible alternative to cut flowers. And trust me--these plants are idiot proof.

They also make pretty place holders (and take-home favors) for your dinner table.

(Potted echeverias from Martha Stewart Living, September '07).

Top Design: Eddie Ross

While Bravo's Top Design has several talented designers on the roster this year, one who stands out is Martha Stewart Living Senior Style Editor, Eddie Ross.

A bow-tie guy with a culinary degree and a tureen collection, it's easy to see how he fits in so well with the gang over at Living. For his Top Design audition tape, he finds a pair of painted candlesticks at a flea market, takes them home to strip them with a vibrating toothbrush and reveals the Sheffield silver plate beneath. Then he uses them to set the dinner table in his adorable New York City apartment by candlelight. I almost cried it was so cute.

Of course, I would probably think the whole thing was a hoax if not for his highly informative blog, which details his weekly antiquing adventures. This guy knows his flea market finds.

Whatever, Martha!

"I take what I do very seriously, and I think there is a lesson to be learned in every segment. But contrary to popular opinion, I do have a sense of humor." - Martha Stewart

More about it here.

Whine

Anyone care for another glass? No thanks.


1) Yes, I bought a bottle of Martha Stewart Vintage.
2) No, it was not a good thing (unless you like your glass of chardonnay mixed with 4 packs of Equal. However, I usually take mine mixed with 2 parts Perrier if that gives you an indication as to my level of oenophilia).

So, I am a sucker for many things Martha. I am also one of those women who buys wine at the grocery store based on which bottle has the girliest label. In this case, the painterly monogram (the same "ms" initials of which I share) did me in. After one sip, I was ashamed of how much of a consumer cliché I had become...until I read this article in the New York Times. As it turns out, none of us are wine experts--except, of course, the experts.

(Top photo from Martha Stewart Living).

An Early Spring

Ashley from Decor Amor was kind enough to leave a comment this week and I am so glad she did. Ever since, I have been trolling her blog filled with seriously beautiful floral photography and more.

In addition to the flowering inspiration, Decor Amor introduced me to Fab India, an exporter of hand-printed Indian textiles at very affordable prices. (Above is the Gulmarg tablecloth in green). I am already imagining an alfresco table set for Spring cookouts.

Perhaps an updated version of this vignette, which I believe was torn from a Martha Stewart Living (and obviously folded up) at least ten years ago.

Harvest Gold

I am not going to lie. Thanksgiving is not my favorite holiday in the aesthetics department. While I love the idea of being grateful for your blessings and celebrating the harvest, for the most part, Thanksgiving is just a drably-hued obstacle in the way of the Christmas countdown.

This year, however, Martha Stewart is challenging my prejudice with her shimmering, golden tabletops--borrowing a bit from her palette for Christmas 2006 (below). And while I am not much of a cook, the Carmelized Apple Spice Cake dusted with gold has me intrigued enough to study the mechanics of the recipe.

Pumpkins

Is it strange to have a fantasy where I impress the neighborhood with a display of these intricate, lace-carved pumpkins seen in Martha Stewart Living?

In real life, this project is honestly a bit more involved than anything I care to tackle. Instead I have compiled a few alternative projects that satisfy the creative side, while remaining considerably less complicated to execute.

Jack O' Lanterns with drilled holes from Good Housekeeping do not require special attachments or carving tools.

Glittered pumpkins from Martha Stewart look elegant paired with silver stands.

Pumpkins with nail head street numbers (from cottage living) satisfy the neutral palette.

Stacked gourds act as a pedestal for traditionally carved Jack O' Lanterns from Martha Stewart.

Happy October!

Crafty Devil

Just when we think we have Martha's Halloween game plan all figured out (hand-dipped candy apples, intricately carved pumpkins, etc.), she warps our fragile little minds with an offering of "glittered skeletal parts".



Thankfully she stays true to her brand by using "vintage glass glitter" for this project. (Careful kids--it's made of real glass shards). For more traditional decorations and recipes visit Martha Stewart Living.

In other Martha Stewart news, it has been announced that her team is joining E. & J. Gallo Wineries in a new venture, "Martha Stewart Vintage". Good thing? MSNBC has the details.

Bedtime Stories

TV producer Lisa Wagner had these built-in bookshelves added to the bedroom to accomodate her husband's book collection of several thousand. Personally, I do not know if I could sleep with all of those books staring at me. (Photo from Martha Stewart Living, Sept. '07).

Bill Blass (1922-2002) kept books near his favorite reading place, the bed, in his 18th century Connecticut residence. (From At Home with Books).

Fun Fact: In 1994 Blass donated $10 million dollars to the New York Public Library. At the time, it was one of the largest donations ever made. "Books change peoples lives" said Blass. Right on!

Succulence II

Potted echeveria favors at an alfresco dinner party in Malibu.

(From Martha Stewart Living, September '07).