Our Favorite Things: Hints of Spring

Posted by Geoff Nelowet / Friday, March 2nd, 2012

By Lindsey Leake

March has arrived, the month that comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, as the old saying goes. It marks the gradual transition from winter to spring, lengthening days and the return of brighter colors and lighter fabrics to your wardrobe and home decor. While the weather this month may still be a bit chilly and windy, these decorative pieces will help bring a tranquil, springtime feel to your home early this season.

 

Aviary Tyne Loveseat, $499.99 & Peacock Shag Rug, $249.99, Pier 1 Imports

 

The essence of spring is reflected in this loveseat’s playful nature pattern. The lush shag rug pulls out the piece’s darker hues to create a completed look. This elegant blend of deep winter blues and a bold, vernal design is a fitting way to honor March’s transitional mood.

 

 

 

Butterfly Boudoir Lamp, $40, Pier 1 Imports

 

The glossy, metallic base, crackled glass stand and curved ivory shade make this timeless lamp a beautiful way to light your home during any season. It’s the butterfly gem atop the brown sash that adds a dash of spring.

 

 

Arielle Ivory Sheer Curtain Panel, $39.95-$59.95, Crate & Barrel

 

You’ve kept the windows closed and curtains drawn all winter to keep the cold out. Now it’s time to let the fresh spring air in! The sateen rod pocket and 10” hem put a chic spin on a classic sheer. You can hang panels using the rod pocket for a gathered look, or the back tabs if you’re in the mood for pleats.

 

 

Urban Garden Duvet + Shams, $19-$89, West Elm

Update your bedroom and kick off the season with this funky floral duvet set. Offset the white with ice blue sheets reminiscent of late winter and early spring. While you’re waiting for things to bloom outside, enjoy an indoor garden with this 1950s-inspired print.

 

 

Capiz Pendant, $199, Pottery Barn

 

Add shimmer to any space this spring with this lotus flower-shaped pendant. It’s made of hundreds of capiz shell petals trimmed with polished nickel. The pendant hangs from an 18” decorative chain for added sparkle.

 

 

Crochet & Crewel Floral Pillow, $27.96, Pier 1 Imports

 

It’s time to dress up your favorite sofa, loveseat or easy chair for spring, and this decorative pillow is a great way to add pops of color and texture to your lounging space. It’s also a fitting accent piece for this month; its teal and yellow leaves and petals reflect March’s birthstone, aquamarine, and flower, daffodil.

 

 

Carlisle Vase, $125, Crate & Barrel

 

When you start picking flowers this month, display them in this showy, lead crystal glass vase. Elliptical slashes on the vase’s outer rim accentuate the thick-walled, hand-cut piece. If flowers upset your allergies, try filling the vase with colored pebbles, potpourri, a candle or any seasonal items you can think of to create a unique accent piece.

 

Eleanor Frameless Mirrors, $79 – $99, Pottery Barn

 

Mirrors can make any space appear roomier, but these charming mirrors do so without adding the bulk of a heavy frame. Mix and match the four different beveled-glass mirrors, each with slight corner cutouts. The mirrors can be hung either vertically or horizontally and come with a bronze-finished chain or grosgrain ribbon for extra hanging options.

 

 

Gislev, $19.99, IKEA

 

This low-pile gray rug is a perfect transitional piece for March, as it contrasts bright white outlines of spring flowers against a background the color of snow slush. The rug’s neutral color scheme gives it the potential to work well in a variety of spaces.

 

 

Iznik Dipping Bowls & Plates, $24.50 – $39.50 for set of 4, Pottery Barn

 

Dip into spring with these hand-painted dipping bowls and plates, crafted in the tradition of Turkish Iznik tiles. Four different nature scenes are beautifully illustrated on the glazed stoneware plates and bowls and are a fun way to celebrate the season in your home. 

 

(March 2012)

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Holiday Gift Guide: Enticing Ideas for the Entertainer

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, December 6th, 2011

Hello there, shoppers! If you’re excited to go holiday shopping but armed with less than ample ideas, you’re not alone. If only everyone would be forthcoming with their wish lists, right? Santa has it so easy with everyone being so specific — minus all that travel and the length of his list, I suppose.

At any rate, fret no more. Help is here. Inspiration shall abound. Your friends at SWAG have done all the homework so you don’t have to. Each weekday today through Dec. 13, score ideas for absolutely everyone on your list!

Today:

Enticing Ideas for the Entertainer

Have a friend or family member who could give Martha Stewart or “Barefoot Contessa” a run for her money? Someone who is always throwing a bash and doing so with class? Buying — or if you’re really daring (or are more artistic than moi), making — the party perfecter a gift can be especially daunting because you really, really want to deliver. Fortunately, we found more than a few gifts that could do just that — and for far less than what you’d expect. What follows are some of the standouts.

*Also check out, if you haven’t already, some of my top picks for the host and hostess as found in the November issue of Northern Virginia Magazine.

What: 10 x 14 Slate Cheese Board

Why:  First of all, how fun and versatile is this? Your favorite entertainers should also enjoy it because they can take less time explaining which cheeses they picked and more time partying themselves. The bonus: It’s dishwasher-safe!

Where to Get It: Alexandria’s Red Barn Mercantile

What It’ll Cost You: $35

What: Cocktail Napkin Box by Mariposa

Why: If your dearest party perfecter is especially anal retentive about keeping the ol’ table display neat, including those oh-so-easily disheveled napkins, this attractive gift could be especially appreciated. Even if he or she is more low-key, there’s always the question as to where is best to fan the napkins; this solves it fast. After all, there are cocktails around which to wrap said napkins.

Where to Get It: The Nest Egg at Fairfax Corner

What It’ll Cost You: $44

What: Peruvian Pottery 

Why: This special line of handmade Peruvian pottery is hand-cast using clay from the Andes Mountains and is microwave-, dishwasher- and oven-safe! Choose a unique gift for your favorite dinner party-loving entertainer from a full range of place settings, serving pieces and table accessories.

Where to Get It: Vienna’s Valerianne

What It’ll Cost You: Water pitcher shown is $61; set of three glasses, $53.

What: Bar Games Drink Coasters 

Why: Even the host with the most likes to sit back and allow his friends lead the fun from time to time. These coasters/bar games will help them with that enjoyable endeavor.

Where to Get It: Sur La Table at Tysons Galleria

What It’ll Cost You: $12.95

What: Jingle Bell Wine Charms (Set of 10)

Why: Not only is it party season; it’s flu season. If your favorite entertainer and other friends get sick, that stops the celebrations — and fast. These festive wine charms help keep everyone out of the sick wing and center stage at all the season’s can’t-miss soirees.

Where to Get It: Crate & Barrel

What It’ll Cost You: $12.95 (makes a nice stocking stuffer or accompaniment to a nice bottle of vino)

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

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Shoppers: A Chance to Win a $100,000 “Ultimate” Wedding

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

Engaged to be married?

Have all the details of your love story etched into your brain?

Have a solid idea of what would make up your perfect wedding?

Able to visualize your dream home?

If you just answered, “Check, check, check, check,” and register for gifts at Crate & Barrel, you could win a $100,000 ultimate wedding arranged by celebrity wedding planner Yifat Oren.

Just hurry and enter the contest by March 31 to be eligible to kick it like Costner, Kevin Costner!

Good luck!

–Natalie Kaar

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