Long Weekend

Williams Sonoma

 

I am looking forward to a long holiday weekend with Valentine's Day tomorrow and President's Day on Monday. If you get red roses this weekend, there is no prettier combination than red roses in a blue and white Chinese vase or ginger jar.

Pink Chinoiserie for Valentine's Day

Chinoiserie Monkey with Parasol Hooked Wool Pillow

 

With Valentine's Day this weekend, I am in a pink chinoiserie mood (outside of Christmas, I am not a red fan). I'll take pink roses over red any day of the week. Here are some darling pink chinoiserie picks -

Valentine's Day

Cartouche Linen Embroidered Cocktail Napkins

 

Valentine's Day is right around the corner. I have found some wonderful gifts for yourself or loved ones - nice alternatives to candy and calorie free. We all need to spread a little love right now -

Chic Valentine's Day Decor

Champagne Kir Royale - Caspari

Did you know that decorating for Valentine's Day has become a thing? Holiday decor is not just about Christmas anymore. First, Halloween decorating became a big trend and I was completely on board because I love Halloween. I read that decorating for Valentine's Day has become popular because the house can look a bit dreary after putting the Christmas tree and decorations away. I was in HomeGoods and they were loaded with Valentine's Day decor and it was flying off the shelves.

The Pink and Red Chinoiserie Dining Room

House Beautiful

 

I was thinking yesterday about upcoming posts for Valentine's Day. I came across this chinoiserie dining room in coral pink and red that I posted on several years ago. The room was featured in the December/January 2014 issue of House Beautiful. Such pretty Valentine's Day inspiration.

Valentine's Day Champagne & More

Caspari

 

A perfect drink for Valentine's Day is the Champagne Kir Royale. And it is so easy to make with only three ingredients.

Heart Sunglasses

Heart Sunglasses

 

Heart sunglasses have been popular since Saint Laurent brought them out several years ago. Their popularity continues with the Saint Laurent ones selling at $400 plus. I found this pair of heart sunglasses at a great price point and they are such classics in tortoiseshell.

Valentine's Day Breakfast in Bed

Juliska Provence Rattan Heart Tray

 

Such a darling idea - breakfast (or coffee) in bed on Valentine's Day. The wicker heart tray is by Juliska. I have always loved their china, but their wicker collection has become next level.

More Valentine's Day

Frances Valentine - Elyce Arons

 

This is Elyce Arons, CEO of Frances Valentine, trying on some great pieces from their Warehouse Sale that is on now. This skirt would be perfect for Valentine's Day and it is on sale reduced from $398.00 to $98.00 with free shipping. I love it because I love feathers and this feather fringe skirt has feathers made of organza - so much more durable than real feathers that you have to be careful with. Also available in black and in silver.

Valentine's Day

Ruby Paillette Mona Maxi Skirt

I am hosting a very special Valentine's Wine Tasting & Pairing where ever course from appetizer to dessert will have a chocolate component - like coffee and cocoa rubbed filet mignon and white chocolate mashed potatoes as an example. This multi course meal and wine pairing will be quite the event.

Valentine's Day Flower Tips

Carolyne Roehm

Many of us will be getting roses for Valentine's Day whether as gifts from others or to ourselves. Most will come in those generic glass florist's vases or no vase. Do yourself a favor and put them in one of your blue and white Chinese vases or ginger jars. Such a beautiful combination. And carnations as shown above in this beautiful vignette by Carolyne Roehm are a gorgeous and very chic again alternative to roses.

Valentine's Day Favorite

Frango Valentine's Day Heart Milk Mint Box of Chocolates

I always look forward to a box of my favorite Frango Mints for Valentine's Day. This darling heart box contains 50 pieces - more than a pound - 18 ounces of this iconic Chicago favorite.

Valentine's Day

Harper

I love feathers and have several pieces with feathers in my wardrobe. Harper and I were in HomeGoods yesterday on a little shopping excursion before the puppy's arrival next weekend.

The Tulipiere for Valentine's Day

Juliska Delft Tulipiere

 

I know that many of us have blue and white tulipieres. I am always looking for inspiration for flowers for them, especially for holidays.

Heart Healthy for Valentine's Day

Muraglia Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Heart Bottle

 

With January being the month for New Year's resolutions like eating healthier, I just hosted a wine tasting featuring the wonderful Spanish Tempranillo wine - the only wine found in studies to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. And in February in honor of Valentine's Day, I am featuring the wines and very healthy foods of the Mediterranean.

Famille Rose For Flowers and Plants

Famille Rose Set of Bud Vases

I have posted before about Williams Sonoma's very popular and beautiful Famille Rose Collection. They have come out with a gorgeous collection of vases and planters just in time for Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Day Candle

Red Roses Candle

 

I got this candle last year around Valentine's Day and absolutely loved it. It smells like a bouquet of roses and has wonderful throw. Actually, most roses from the grocery store or florist today have little to no scent. Over the last twenty five years, appearance and durability have been prized over scent. So this candle smells like the exquisitely scented roses of your childhood.

 I am thrilled that it is back and I will stock up again. It reminds me so much of Diptyque's Roses candle that sells for $74 for a 6.7 ounce candle.

My Top Ten Valentine Gifts

Paulo Bendandi

 

Red roses are of course a traditional gift for Valentine's Day, but with prices at florists of about $100 for a dozen long stemmed red roses in many areas, here are some other great options I would love to receive starting under $10.00.

Valentine's Day Gifts for the Chef

Muraglia Heart Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Here are some lovely ideas for Valentine's Day gifts for the chef in your life - or perhaps for yourself. 

Red Roses for Valentine's Day

Williams Sonoma

For Valentine's Day, I love my home filled with red roses in blue and white ginger jars. Such a classic. Publix had roses on BOGO this week, so I decided to take advantage of this great deal.