in good taste

We hope you all had a WONDERFUL holiday!  During our trip north to visit family, we had the chance to stop in Ardmore, Oklahoma to visit two of my favorite people at their new chic eatery, Ten Star Pizza Kitchen.

Amber and Ryan Matlack, Ardmore natives, recently returned to their hometown and opened this darling restaurant.  Amber and I have been great friends since we first met in the Interior Design program at The University of Oklahoma.  She is a very talented designer, as you can see from the Southern-inspired decor of Ten Star.

If you are passing through Ardmore (hopefully you are on your way to Texas!), please stop in and enjoy some of the best pizza around... in a setting that is in good taste.

spotted!

JMI's Wishlist 2010 item #2, Maxim 7-Light Beaded Chandelier, was recently spotted in a design mag and looks fabulous in this chic breakfast room.

The image comes from latest issue of Veranda magazine.  Designed by Michelle Workman, this serene Los Angeles home marries feminine and masculine qualities, resulting in a subtle glamour that is both classic and fresh.

setting it straight

Some rules are made to be broken (who doesn't love to eat dessert first!?!), but setting the table isn't one of them.  Here is a little reminder on how to properly set the table for your upcoming holiday soire...

• All items are placed according to the order that it will be used
• Dinner plate at center of the place setting (I often use chargers with the dinner plate, a great way to add a pop of color), salad plate on top
• Napkin placement is flexible - to the far left, under the forks, or on top of the dinner plate
• Dinner fork to the immediate left, then the salad or appetizer fork to the outside
• Knife to the immediate right (blade turned in), with soup spoon to the outside
• Water and wine glasses above the knife, with the wine glass closest to the guest's right hand
• Bread plate and butter knife go above the forks
• Dessert spoon and cake fork sit above the dinner plate

Some stylish table settings to inspire your own...

wrap it up!

The halls are decked, lights are up, and holiday cards from friends and family are on display.  Christmas is around the corner and there is just one thing left to do, WRAP ALL THOSE GIFTS!

Let me share my gift-wrapping philosophy:  keep it simple.  Pick a theme and go with it.  This year I wrapped all of my gifts in a simple, natural kraft paper.  After a quick trip to my favorite wholesale supply shop, I adorned the simple boxes with chartreuse and aubergine ribbon, and attached small decorative objects like glittered butterflies and sleigh bells.

The key to fabulous looking gifts with little work, don't make it more complicated than it has to be.  Simple colors, objects, and ideas will make for quick and painless gift wrapping and keep the focus on the joys of gift giving.

Some inspiring ideas... 

"MOSS BERRIES"

from Paper Source

"SILVER & GOLD"

from Crate & Barrel

an affair to remember

Today is my fifth wedding anniversary and to celebrate my husband and I are visiting the scene of the crime!  The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is not only an architectural gem, but the sight of our wedding reception.  What a joy it is to know that this beautiful building designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ondo will be there always for us to visit and reminisce the day we were married.

If you haven't had the opportunity to visit The Modern, make room on your calendar!  The building itself is a sight to behold, not to mention the incredible collection of art.  Be sure to go when you are hungry because Cafe Modern has been called "One of America's best restaurants" by Gourmet Magazine.

The Modern

Cafe Modern

Ladder for Booker T. Washington

office to the max

After a day of organizing and cleaning my office, I have been on the hunt for items to enhance my workaholic environment.  It's not easy to find stylish desk accessories - but we found a few to glam-up a corner office.... or a cubical!  All office accessories available through JMI.

Woven Desk Blotter, Ivory, $138

Woven Pencil Cup, Ivory, $58

Scratched Wood Caddy, $125

Scratched Wood Letter Tray, $125

Business Card Case (available in white, red, green, turqoise) $24

Blockhead Bookends, $158

retail treat | serena & lily

Some of you may be familiar with the California creation Serena & Lily, but for those of you who are not... get acquainted!

Initially attracted by their fab baby line (what an awesome place to register!!!), S&L has since developed their line into a posh collection of bedding, furniture, and gifts.  Here is a peek of what we consider the best of their best.

Tan Moroccan Leather Pouf

Pondicherry Headboard with Nailheads

Gobi Sheet Set

Bel Air Table

Fabulous Fabric Selections

Hayworth Shelf, White

Marlo Herloom Baby Bedding

Gray Damascus Inlay Mirror

Brazilian Hide Rug