The bauble shapes and colors caught my attention. This card featured a hand drawn illustration by artist Brandi Powell that is hand printed on an antique press. Also check the Season greetings set by Sweet Harvey Letterpress on etsy.

+ Merry Christmas letterpress greeting cards $24 USD for pack of 6

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There are furniture you love at first sight. Hea by the Norvegean sofa maker BG Norge is one of those times.

The creative use of patterns grabbed my attention. The design cleverly mixes fabrics in the front and the back. It is also interesting to see how the design fits well in what looks like a cottage.

Sadly for us, BG Norway seems to be available only available in Norway where they got more than a hundred retailers.

MORE:
+ Hea by BG Norge
+ Via Apartment Therapy and Alvorada

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I have a thing for the glamour behind the world of advertising although I do not watch TV ads. And it is fun to watch the customs of the 60s. It reminds us how our customs have evolved for the better of everyone one in our society.

AMC describes the series in those words:

From Matthew Weiner, the Emmy award-winning executive producer and writer of “The Sopranos,” “MAD MEN” is the ground-breaking, daring series about the glamorous and ego-driven “Golden Age” of advertising, where everyone is selling something and nothing is ever what it seems.

I laughed when I saw Betty Draper, the wife of Don, preparing stuffed celery sticks for a party. Thank God that we are so beyond that now. Examine the typical details of office parties from the show. We see that drinking in Mason jars is nothing new. The prints on the paper cups look cool today.

The series also explores the first step of women taking their place in the workforce with the sweet Peggy Olsen moving from secretary to junior copywriter.

If you never catch the show on AMC, season 1 is available on DVD. You have to wait until summer 2009 for Season 2 on DVD.

Modern Office, version 1964

Lastly, I spot this cool 1964 dream office advertisement by Steelcase on a cool blog called The Mid-Century Modernist.

I had a few office chairs like the secretary chairs on the ad. I gave or sold them, except one, at the end of last year. I was said to let them go but we lacked the space. I think they are cool.

SOURCING:
+ Mad Men – Season One $23.99 USD
+ Mad Men – Season 1 Blu-Ray edition $24.99 USD
+ Mad Men – Music from the Series, Vol. 1 $13.99 USD
+ Images from the Mad Men official site on AMC

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It is popular with mid-century home owners. You can dig originals on ebay and craighlist or buy a brand new Classic Aluminum Christmas Tree from New-York retailer Hammacher Schlemmer.

The appeal of using aluminum for a Christmas tree rests in its reflective quality. The downside is that putting Christmas lights in the tree would be too dangerous. This is why the color wheel was invented. A more elegant option is a single color lamp instead of the 4-color wheel.

If you are not convinced yet, I included more decorated trees.

The left tree was found on Flickr on the Aluminum Christmas trees pool. Jenn Ski paid $25 on Craigslist for a the 6-foot silver tree last summer. Jenn dreams of a pink aluminum tree like the one on the right. Any colors other than silver are hard to find and can be expensive.

Before you buy any trees, verify the width and the height to make sure it will fit your apartment.

Brand New Aluminum Christmas Trees

Hammacher Schlemmer sells the aluminum Christmas tree made popular in the 1950s in 5-foot and 7-foot. They are made of high-quality, long-lasting aluminum foil branches that insert into a hardwood trunk. Their easy-to-assemble tree is made with non-corrosive high-quality aluminum foil branches that will long outlast the brittle tinsel of lesser trees.

Yuletide Expressions produces slim, wide and standard width aluminum Christmas trees from 4 to 9 foot. A Premium version with 30% more branches is available. They cost about the same as the trees at Hammacher Schlemmer. What is great about Yuletide Expressions is that they sell the parts if you broke your tree.

The Aluminum Christmas trees is not for everyone and for every décor. But if you do, they are nice options out there.

SOURCING:
+ 5 Foot Classic Aluminum Christmas Tree – $399.95 USD at Hammacher Schlemmer
+ Yuletide Expressions
+ I.am.dancing aluminum Christmas tree
+ NWW Holiday 2008 tree
+ Via Arren Williams and Jenn Ski

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Kitsch has a good and a bad side. For me, this patio snack set is on the cute good side. I came across this 1950’s cute milk glass breakfast or snack set through Jenn Ski’s blog.

I bought it from a friendly etsy seller. She inquired if the package arrived intact. Blue Sky Days sells fine vintage and handmade goods that she collected over the last 8 years.

This set brings a new style to my tableware collection. The design feels fun and out of the ordinary. In the 1970’s, my mother has milk glass cups, so I guess there is an emotional connection. My husband likes it too.

This snack set is ideal to serve breakfast. Since I prefer drinking my morning coffee in a larger cup, I can serve yogurt or a fruit in the cup and put my toasts on the plate. Luckily, it harmonizes with my coffee/tea cup from my Chirp Dinnerware set by Lenox.

At lunch, I can serve a panini with a small soup or salad in the cup on a terrace.

I am saying thank to graphic designer and artist Jenn Ski. Without her, I would have missed this etsy find.

>>> Sourcing:
Shopping: Blue Sky Days [etsy shop]
Buy online: Lenox Chirp Dinnerware [Lenox] – price: $99.95 for a 5-piece setting
Via: Etsy Find [Jenn Ski]

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With Mother’s Day in less than two weeks, I spot more gift ideas for moms who enjoy hosting outdoor entertaining for her family and friends.

My first suggestion is Late for Dinner, a new melamine collection at Anthropology.

My encounter with these pop-art flora plates on Hostess with the Mostess started the ball. For there, I looked for outdoor tableware that I can harmonize with Late for Dinner patterns.

My search brought me to the grandma macramé look of these Crocheted Food Cover shown here in Yellow and dark green. At the same time of the pop-art trend, the crocheted look was hip. The look reminds me of grandma, because we should not forget grandmothers on Mother’s Day.

The morning-bright flora of the Fresh-Squeezed Juicer and the Painted Garden Pitcher complete the communal look.

As you can see from the pictures, you can mix those with many solids and patterns.

>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Late for Dinner melamine plates at Anthropologie – price: $25.26 CAD – $24 USD set of 4
Buy online: Crocheted Food Cover at Anthropologie – price: $18.95 CAD – $18 USD
Buy online: Fresh-Squeezed Juicer at Anthropologie – price: $25.26 CAD – $24 USD
Buy online: Painted Garden Pitcher at Anthropologie – price: $18.95 CAD – $18 USD
Via: Retro-Mod Melamine [Hostess with the Mostess]

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I was inspired by too many objects when I was writing my Dotted Theme for a Girl Graduation Party post, that I created a second mood board.

This one is an exercise in pattern arrangements. See how a traditional pattern can take a new life when it is harmonized with hip patterns.

My Design

You can leave the top open of the Teeny Green Dots Lunch Box to use them to store vintage mil bottle filled with non alcoholic cocktails or juices. Next to a buffet table, use them as a container for the napkins. Below is the Chain Link pattern from the MacBeth Collection. Chain Link is offer in Pool (blue) and Apple (green).

The Party Girls invites by Inviting Company are suitable whether you are preparing a Sweet 16 birthday for a girl, a graduation party or a girl night out. You can send them to your girl friends if you want to throw a Before Movie Cocktail the premiere of the Sex and The City movie. Add $50 for printed invites by thermography, lithography or value printing (I do not know what this means)

Pop Ink makes the retro style heavy-duty melamine plates. Their plate illustrations range from the whimsical with a touch of kitsch to lovable drawings. Each set of four plates are packaged in a jewel-like acrylic display box. The designs by Pop Ink are sure to inspire to throw more parties. I select a botanical design called Plant Food.

Sourcing:
Buy online: Metal Lunch Box at The MacBeth Collection – price: $48 USD, $35 for the mini
Buy online: Party Girls invitation cards at Paper Affairs – price: $13 for 10 unprinted invites
Buy online: Pop Ink Plant Food Melamine Plate Set at Velocity Art & Design – price: $36 USD for 4 dinner plates

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My 4 picks of the week

Purple Area for Clarissa Hulse

The Urban Jungle range enlivens a classic ivory and black with punches of neon pink, aqua and sweet pea. Clarissa Hulse emulated the urban landscape by the bright lights of city life.

One of the most distinctive textile designers in the UK, Clarissa Hulse is designer of luxury housewares specializing in wallpaper, cushions, throws and lamp shades. Fabrics by the meter are also available.

GlamNest for Getting’ Steamy in Here! The Hottest Vent Hoods Ever

Like a movie star, the shining, glossy steel of Platinum does not go unnoticed. I am especially fond of the models that like a lamp shape. Look at Grace, Platinum, Twin, Star and Wave for the hottest island vent hoods on the market.

The high-end appliances produced by the Italian brand Elica are both stylish and technologically advanced. If you live in North America, you will be sad to know that these most daring and fashionable vent hoods are neither available in Canada or the United States for the moment.

Decor8 for Arthur’s Circus

The vintage look is all the range for many. The Japanese tableware for kids does not escape this trend. If this is your taste, check out the inventory from Arthur’s Circus. This small online retailer from Australia specializes in old-fashioned toys and vintage style housewares.

Arthur’s Circus carries this cute Cat plate set by Shinzi Katoh. There is also A Rabbit Plate set online. Both are so cute.

Oh Joy for happy friday + new orla!

I adore this 60′ style dress from the Orla Kiely Spring/Summer 2008 collection. Orla Kiely described the SS08 in Collection in these terms:

The silhouette of theis modern, simple and sophisticated with a boyish charm, cute dresses, knee-length shorts and mini summer trenches.

Sourcing:
Buy online: Wingnut & Helix large tapered drum lampshade at Clarissa Hulse – price: £195
Learn more: Hottest Island Vent Hoods by Elica
Buy online: Cat Plate Set by Shinzi Katoh – price: $35 USD
Learn more: Orla Kiely Multi Rhododendron Dress – price: £252
Buy online: Front Bow Floral Print Dresses by Orla Kiely – price: $342 USD

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Stylish living and entertaining is fun but why not take some time to entertain ourselves at the style? I went on a hunt for a witty video cast.

I got my answer with Brini Maxwell downloadable video series featuring footage from the original New York cable access show. It is a comedy. Brini’s weekly New York-based television show broadcasts recipes, tips, and information. You can see the episodes revisited on the Web.

To give you an idea of the show, explore a little vintage through the reveal of Brini’s apartment renovation. It is a satire about the DIY home improvement shows. Watch first 03-17 The Big Finish – Part One to be transported in the 1940’s. 03-18 The Big Finish – Part Two is all about vintage furniture and accessories. Take a break and enjoy!

This excerpt from Wikipedia introduced the personage:

Sabrina “Brini” Maxwell is a fictional character played by American actor Ben Sander. Maxwell is a cross between Martha Stewart and Donna Reed who celebrates the fashion of the late 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s. Sander’s character became a cult television icon after five years on Manhattan’s local cable access channel.

Podcasts for NPR

Hints for Gracious Living is a series of audio recordings by Brini Maxwell. Available every Friday, these podcast may help you make your life more gracious with tips on entertaining, crafts, interior decorating and a host of other subjects.

Sourcing:
Watch: The Vidcast of Brini Maxwell
Listen: Podcasts of Brini Maxwell’s Hints for Gracious Living

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The minute I laid my eyes on the Orbit bowl while reading All That and A, I knew that we are galaxy away from the same old dish. These Jetson inspired bowls erupted from the collective minds of the Miam.Miam team.

The orbit bowl is versatile. You eat your morning cereals in it as well as serving a mushroom risotto to your guests. You saw in my previous post how the shape of the orbit bowl can elevate a simple pasta recipe.

Besides the orbit bowl, the Miam.Miam Mushroom series comprise four more sizes of footed bowls, all stackable inside each other for space saving.

Miam.Miam Mushroom is designed as a multi-functional collection. It ranges from a covered broad serving container to individual bowls for eating cereals, soups or desserts up to serving bowls for sauces and condiments.

Always hot with the Espresso Towers

A high tech fusion of stainless steel and porcelain create a pocket of insulation between the walls to maintain the temperature of your favorite beverage for maximum flavor. Apparently, your espresso will stay hot for an hour if ever it takes you that long to drink it.

The Espresso Towers come in a gift box set for 2. They are insulated, stackable and extra durable. A set contains two porcelain and stainless steel espresso cups with their own saucer, lid and spoon.

Soda siphons

If you are nostalgic of the modern cocktail era, you are probably wished to show off a soda siphon. You have to admit the classic mesh models look pretty cool. It is fairly common to recycle an old soda siphon as a lamp structure.

Some companies still produce them but your best bet is stores that carry mid-century modern products. Soda siphons are fun, easy to operate and add elegance when you are making a drink. Unfortunately, the new ones I am showing you are out of stock on United Brands.

United Brands own three registered trademarks: whip it!, Miam.Miam and Café Crème.

Sourcing:
Learn more: Miam.Miam Mushroom series at United Brands
Learn more: Espresso Towers at United Brands
Learn more: Soda siphons at United Brands
Via: miam.miam orbit bowls on All that and A

RELATED POSTS:
+ Chic plating and modern tabletops
+ Must-have bar tools

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This week I added a challenge to my weekly column. I decided that the posts of the week must share a common theme. A little bit like a mini inspiration board for a party theme. I liked the experience so much that I will repeat the experience as long as I can.

My first mini board is for a retro chic baking party with your girlfriends. When you plan an event, why not integrate a few activities? For example, organize a baking class in a cooking studio followed by a cocktail party.

1 | Imedagoze for Tools you bake

Who could guess that these elegant cake shapes come from vintage tool molds? These aluminium baking tins are manufactured by German metal goods manufacturer Hugo Bra?uer. I dig Tools you bake on Imedagoze blog. Imedagoze is the playground of a mother of two from Singapore who has great admiration for the creators behind every beautiful and creative thing.

2 | Poppy Talk for Lucky

I spot these vintage kitchen canisters through the blog of a Canadian fellow. Poppy Talk is basically a craft and art blog promoting emerging design talent. Unfortunately, these canisters are a picture taken from a Flickr member. So you need to be Lucky if you want to bring them home.

3 | Toasts and Table for Kitchen Kouture: Aprons strings tie me to my past

You already know that I am an avid collector of aprons. Sarah from Toasts and Table compiled a list of old fashioned aprons in Kitchen Kouture: Aprons strings tie me to my past. I added my favorite looks to her list.

With all the rage surrounding this brand, it is fair to say that Jessie Steele is the source for retro-chic hostess aprons and feminine vintage aprons. This shot of the perfect cocktail hostess exhibits the key ingredients of the party theme I am suggesting here. On the other hand, many of your girlfriends will envy your Needle Art Apron from Anthropologie. With so much beautiful models, it is hard to choose just one.

Sourcing:
Learn more: Web site of Tools you bake
Buy online: Web site of Jessie Steele
Buy online: Needle Art Apron available at Anthropologie – starts at $24.00 USD

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