Thursday, October 28, 2010

Before and After: Let there be light!

I have been working with a lovely young couple, assisting them in the update of their new home. They recently moved in to a quaint (yet dated) bungalow with the intent of tackling some tough projects in order to achieve their desired aesthetic. Most of the updates needed are purely cosmetic, as the home has an excellent lay-out and great bones. However, the walls of most rooms in the house are clad with dark and dated paneling that just won't work in the bright and cheerful home this young family hopes to create.

We have all agreed that the largest design challenge to overcome will be turning the dark, cavernous spaces into open, airy and inviting rooms. In scouring the web for inspirational transformations, I came across an adorable blog that I would love to share, www.younghouselove.com!
 
The blog was created by another young couple, very similar to my clients, who moved into a new home and decided to document and share their transformations. I was very inspired by their before and after photographs documenting projects with this same design challenge of dark brick and dark paneling throughout. Please see their images below...
 








Pretty amazing, huh? Just a few coats of paint can completely change the look. Well, we've got some great inspiration now, and we're well on our way to creating a beautiful new home. I'll be sure and post our before and after photos when the project is complete.

Bat Bag

Don't go Trick-or-Treating without it.

Creeping Critters Centerpiece

Martha has done it again! If you're hosting a Ghoulish Gala this Halloween, you'll want to recreate this creepy centerpiece (from Martha Stewart). It has all the drama, beauty, and texture of a traditional fall table topper, with the eerie appeal of fright night!

Pretty Pumpkins...

I am loving these gorgeous works of autumnal art from Lynne Bonnell. I'm so sad I didn't discover them earlier. I hope to have them in the store for next year's fall festivities. Aren't they cool?

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Happy Hula-weiner!

I am just dying over these pets in Halloween costumes that I saw over at www.marthastewart.com.
I've posted just a few, but you must clink this link to see them all. Hilarious!
If you happen to dress your pet for Halloween, be sure to stop by the store and show us. We're hoping to get some pictures of the fabulous costumes that cruise through our doors this week and post them on the blog for all to see!
Why do people do this?

Oh, cause I love it.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Terrific Tablescapes!

As promised, I have finally posted the images of our wonderful afternoon at the "Holidays on a High Note" fundraiser. We were honored to take part in such a beautiful and meaningful event. It was a pleasure to find inspiration in all of the lovely tablescapes. Here are some images of our Harvest Holiday table and some of our other favorite tablescapes and stand-out details...



"White Christmas"
By: Jaye Parsons (me)
For: Harvest Furniture



"An Asian Affair"
By: Joan Lee
For: Joan Lee Catering
(Joan (my mom) is an excellent culinary instructor and caterer, contact her for your next event!)




"Afternoon Tea"
By: Victoria Thorne
For: Victoria Thorne Design
(Victoria shops with us at Harvest, and she also writes a lovely blog, be sure to check it out here: http://design.victoriathorne.com/)



"Rustic Thanksgiving"
By: Emily Joubert
(love these little antique chairs with the mini boxwood wreaths--such a smart idea to embellish the chairs as well as the table to make each seated guest feel special)

"A Holiday Table"
By: Brick Monkey
(the great vintagey-burlap chairs are from Noir and we carry them at Harvest!)

"Long May She Wave"
By: Sue Riviello
For: Susan Subbotin Interiors

"A Visit From The Birthday Fairy"
By: Patty Greene
For: Greene Design

"Santa Paws"
By: Patty Greene and Sally Karlin

"An Elegant Evening"
By: Andi M. and Kris F.
For: Pomegranate Events

"Mardi Gras"
By: A-Abco Rents and Sells Inc.

"Serving It Up"
By: Sally Karlin
(by far the most creative table--so cute)

just a few of the gorgeous floral centerpieces...

Thank you to the Foothill Auxiliary to the Peninsula Family Service Agency for allowing us to be part of such a lovely event! We hope to join in the fun again next year!

Don't Miss the Annual Menlo Park Halloween Parade!



If you're planning to attend the always-adorable Menlo Park Halloween Parade, we hope you'll bring your little ones by the store for some tricks-and-treats! You'll find us right between the LeftBank and Vida restaurants!

Details:
Halloween Parade and Carnival

The annual Halloween Parade and Carnival is held the Saturday before Halloween. Come in costume and participate in the annual parade from Burgess Park to Fremont Park. Participants will receive a trick or treat bag. After the parade, trick or treat your way back to Burgess Park through Downtown Menlo Park at participating stores (like Harvest!) The Burgess Recreation Center will then open for a carnival for children ages 12 and under. Activities are co-sponsored by the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce.

Trick-or-Tweet!


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My wax, Briwax!

Many of our customers inquire about the best way to treat and care for their Old Lumber products. We proudly recommend Briwax, (rhymes with "my wax"). This product, developed in 1860, has withstood the test of time and remains our preferred choice for cleaning, polishing and protecting your reclaimed lumber furnishings.
The Briwax company offers several wood finishing and touch-up products. At Harvest we carry the original wax in 3 colors for the touch-up and maintenance of our Old Lumber furniture.
I have recently discovered the Briwax Blog, full of helpful hints, new product information, and great woodworking ideas. Be sure to check it out!
If you're wondering how Briwax really works, feel free to come by the store and ask one of our associates for a quick demonstration. We'll be happy to show you!

Monday, October 11, 2010

Holidays on a High Note...


I apologize for publishing this post so close to the event date, but I wanted to let you all know about this exciting fundraiser. Holidays on a High Note is hosted by the Foothill Auxiliary to Peninsula Family Service. Each year, they enlist local, Bay Area designers and florists to create unique tablescapes for all attendees to see. The lunch is delicious, the presentations are inspiring, and overall, the event is an enjoyable afternoon in support of a worthy cause.

We will be participating in this fantastic fundraiser by decorating a table to display at the luncheon. This will be our second time joining this fabulous event. Having attended before, I can certainly tell you what a wonderful and inspiring event it is.

To buy tickets or find out more information, please click the link below.

If you must miss it, I will be sure to post some pictures of our table and many others after the event. Here are some pictures from last year's celebration.



Details....


The Foothill Auxiliary to Peninsula Family Service—formerly known as Family Service Agency of San Mateo County—will host its 13th annual ‘Holidays on a High Note’ home entertaining benefit on Monday, October 18th, 2010 from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at the Menlo Circus Club, 190 Park Lane, Atherton, CA. The annual sell-out event will feature a special presentation by world renown Ikebana master Soho Sakai. The benefit will also include stunning holiday table settings and festive floral displays from some of the Bay Area's best designers, a floral auction, and a boutique marketplace. Tickets are $100 per person, including lunch. Advance reservations are required.
All proceeds benefit Peninsula Family Service, a nonprofit organization based in San Mateo dedicated to helping transform the lives of children, families and older adults in need. For tickets, to request an invitation, or for more information please call Peninsula Family Service at 650-403-4300.


When:
Monday October 18, 2010 from 9:00am - 2:00pm
Where:
Menlo Circus Club
190 Park LaneAtherton, California 94027