Christmas Decorating

Izzy

Decorating my house today for the holidays and my three dogs are fascinated - this is my real life foo dog Izzy.

Chinoiserie Chic Dogs & Fabulous Finds

I thought you might like to meet the newest addition to Chinoiserie Chic. My daughter Kate, my dog Izzy, and I have been wanting another dog and fell in love with the Japanese Chin. We just found her on Monday at a breeder in Pennsylvania and finalized everything yesterday.

My dog Izzy (Isabella) is a Tibetan Spaniel, so she is "Chinoiserie" too. We will be bringing the new puppy home in July and we think her name is going to be Margot.

Here is a sneak peek of Margot -

And here is Izzy -

Today is the last day of Horchow's Friends & Family Sale - here are some favorite finds -

Chevron Outdoor Tables

Chinoiserie Barstool - for indoors or outdoors

Lynn Chase Dinnerware Set

Bamboo Flatware - 20 piece set for $17.43!

Elephant Cookie Jar

45 Piece Bamboo Flatware Set

This pillow reminds me of Clarence House Flowering Quince wallpaper

Silver Bamboo Towel Rack

Capriz Fretwork Mirror

Vintage Fretwork Table

Jungle Boogie Bed Linens

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween to everyone. I love Halloween. Today is the annual Doggie Howl-o-ween Costume Contest at the Hotel Monaco in Alexandria. Izzy has won Most Glamorous Dog three times in a row. The last time we won a fabulous weekend in NYC. Last year was unfortunately canceled due to Hurricane Sandy. That was the Japanese kimono costume in the last photos. My daughter Kate, Isabella (Izzy), and I have this year's costumes all set to go. Izzy's involves a wig this year, so we'll see how that goes. ;-)

 It's an outdoor event, of course, and it's sunny and 72 degrees here in DC today. Here are some photos of my house all ready for Halloween and some photos of our costumes from past years.

Isabella as a Geisha

The doggie "Howloween Party" scheduled for tomorrow has been cancelled because of Hurricane Sandy, so Izzy wanted to dress up today and show you her costume.

Wardrobe malfunction!!!!

The Chinoiserie Stair Runner

I am taking a pause today from my One Room Challenge Chinoiserie Series to tell you about the next project in my house I am working on. I have decided to tackle my entryway. The painter is coming next week. I have found a stunning pair of Chinoiserie sconces and some wonderful things for the walls. I am now zeroing in on the stair runner. I have been thinking about a sisal stair runner, but have read that dogs can get their nails caught running down the stairs. Isabella has vetoed the idea. This sisal dragon tail stair runner by Barry Dixon with nail head trim is sensational though isn't it? I am also toying with the idea of a black and white Greek key runner like the bottom photo, but sans cat.

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Sarah Klassen of Haute Design tagged me to post on 6 uninteresting things I love. Since this blog is entirely Chinoiserie, it is going to be 6 of my favorite Chinoiserie everyday things, of course. 

 1. I wanted my calling cards to reflect my love of Chinoiserie. These from Iomoi are wonderful-my personal calling card has the pink pagoda and our Style Redux blog card has SR and double elephants. The second and third photos are closeups from Iomoi's website so you can see them better. I am having Iomoi do darling cards for Chinoiserie Chic as well.

2. My Tibetan Spaniel Isabella (Izzy). This breed originated in the Himalayan Mountains of Tibet. They often lived in monasteries, trailing behind their Lama masters. They are thought to resemble the Chinese guardian lions or Foo lions. They were regarded as dogs of great value and prestige.

3. Writing is such a pleasure with my Chinoiserie inspired red lacquer Elsa Peretti pen from Tiffany & Co.

4. I love Asian food of all kinds and it tastes so much better eating with beautiful chopsticks.

5. I love scented candles and keep a box of these chic Chinoiserie matches from Iomoi next to each one-makes lighting them a pleasure!

6. I am a big list maker and love to use beautiful memo pads like these from Iomoi which you can see here next to my computer.

What common, everyday things bring pleasure to your life? I'd love to hear!