Dots & Spots: Self-Restraint Edition

It took all my self-restraint not to buy these gold-dotted coffee cups at Kate Spade in Palm Springs. The main reason I held back was because we don't have one more inch in our cupboard. But these would make afternoon tea time so festive!

They remind me of Joy's gorgeous office {from oh joy!} that she posted earlier this month!

Dots + Gold = Happiness

World Traveler

In an ideal world, my house would be filled with goodies from my world travels - Paris, Morocco, India... but until I start racking up those frequent flyer miles, thank goodness for shops like World Market and Anthropologie... Some of my favorite Anthropologie/bazaar goodies currently on their website:

These chevron-boho-chic drapes would look amazing in a room with a flokati rug and moroccan pouf.
I have a pretty bad obsession with placemats. When getting married, I wanted to register for 500 different placemats, and my husband wanted 500 different trivets (who needs that many trivets?) If I were getting married today, I'd throw these on the registry.

This rug makes me drool. Rich color. Worn in. Looks like your uncle brought it in from abroad.

Table #4: Black and Gold

Black and gold is still one of my favorite colors, so my roundup of favorite tabletop goodies wouldn't be complete without a black and gold table setting!

If I were getting married today, I'd register for these black lace dishes (which I originally spotted in InStyle.)


This gold bowl would be my centerpiece.


And of course I'd use this gold flatware.

This sexy black tumbler is gorgeous (I featured the matching plate last week, though I wouldn't use them together as it seems too matchy-matchy.)

I love my gold Chilewich placemats - here are some similar ones.
This is another great setting that works for Valentine's Day, Oscars, or any day of the week!

Plate and flatware and placemats from Conran Shop
Twig gold bowl from Vivre
Tumbler from Bloomies

Table #3: Wild Nights

Here's a table setting to up the ante for your Oscar party. Something unexpected and chic.

LOVE LOVE LOVE these snakeskin plates.




All the major actresses (like Angelina Jolie) were rocking emerald green dresses at this year's Golden Globe awards. Bring some emerald green to your party with this stunning agate platter.


A big grouping of candlesticks makes any home look festive.



This chic and streamlined flatware is the perfect way to top it all off!

Plates and platter from Vivre
Candlesticks and flatware from Velocity

Table #2: Sexy Dinner Date

If all the pink and red and hearts for Valentine's Day makes you want to puke, here's a gorgeous table setting that sets the mood without provoking your gag reflex:

This candelabra will provide the perfect mood lighting



I am obsessed with these sexy, brooding dinner plates


You can serve your dessert (definitely something chocolate-y) on these gold plates.



I'm pining for this glasses to replace my current chipped onesCandelabra and gold dessert plates from Vivre
Dinner plate from Bloomies
Glass from Velocity

Table #1: Ladies Luncheon

I've been excited about all the options out there for table tops goodies - over the next few days I'll be posting some of my favorite table top combos from all the things I'm currently obsessed with.

In my life, it feels as though so many of my girlfriends are engaged or pregnant - so I've got a ton of ladies luncheons on the horizon. Here's some goodies I would put on my table if I were hosting a fete for one of these lucky ladies:


I would start with some clean but feminine dishes.



Serve our signature cocktails in these stunning glasses by Marchesa for Lenox


I'd bring out the hors d'oeuvres on this purple floral tray.

I'd use this nature-inspired silverware.



And these Kelly Wearstler napkins (in the blush color)


This ginko flower dish would be front and center on the table.
I'm ready to host!

Dishes and glasses from Bloomingdales
Tray and Silverware from Velocity
Napkins from Sferra
Ginko platter from Vivre

Best of the Goods - GOLD!

From now through the end of the year (I can't believe 2010 is almost over!) I will be posting some of my favorite goodies from the past 2 1/2 years of blogging. I went through all 720 of my previous posts to bring you the Best of the Goods!

Today's recap is all things GOLD. It seems we've all been on a gold kick for a few years now, and I don't see it fading anytime soon (and now you can mix in bronze and other warm metals.) Here are some of my favorite gold goodies to warm up your home.


I've been lusting after metallic cowhides for years. Maybe in 2011 I will finally pull the trigger.
Vivre


These shimmery bean bags are the perfect way to dress up a bookcase.

Sophie Nova

A gold piggy bank would be a good omen for lots of $$$ in the year to come. Or at least that's how I would rationalize buying it.
Calypso Home


You have to have a BIG personality to pull off a BIG gold room, like this one from Dolce & Gabbana.
InStyle


Gold is the perfect way to dress up a dinner party, like these teacups or flatware.
Vivre



Conran Shop

Best of the Goods - Tabletop

A few table settings to get you in the mood for a gorgeous Christmas dinner...

lonny


House Beautiful

Best of the Best

Today I've got a roundup of some fabulous December magazines... Here's one of my favorites: Lonny, the online design mag. I am SO thrilled by their announcement, they will now be coming out with new content every month, rather than every other.

They featured some gorgeous tabletops...

I saw those placemats at a sample sale and am still kicking myself for not buying them!

Still lovin' gold flatware.



This home is absolutely adorable - totally shows that decorating is fun!

What a festive, happy December/Holiday issue!

Pattern Party

I love this table setting from Canadian House & Home magazine. Pink and orange is one of my favorite fresh color combos!