Holiday « the NEO-traditionalist

Archive for the ‘Holiday’ Category

Valentine’s Wish List

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

I adore holidays because they give me an excuse to make wish lists! Valentine’s is no exception—I’m all about hearts and gushy love letters this time of year. Above, a few sweet little things I’m lusting after this Valentine’s season…

Clockwise from the top left: Necklace by Anthropologie, Journal by Matta, I Love Your Style by Amanda Brooks, Pearl Earrings by Viv & Ingrid, Gold Heart Ring by Catbird, Check Scarf by J.Crew, Leather Luggage Tag by Tiffany & Co., Monogrammed Travel Bags by Leontine Linens, Eau de Parfum by Chloe, Floral Heart Card by Rifle Design, Coin Purse by Kate Spade, Monogrammed Lucite Tray by IoMoi, Pop Art Pink Nail Vanish by Essie.

On the top of the list, but not pictured: a quiet night at home cuddled up with John, my soon-to-be hubby.

What’s on your Valentine’s wish list???

Tags: Valentine's presents gifts
Posted in Holiday | 20 Comments »

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

(image found here)

Tags: new year's quotation, P.J. O'Rourke
Posted in Holiday, Quote of the Day | 1 Comment »

In his Christmas best…

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

I couldn’t resist sharing with you Alfie’s Christmas glamour shot. We just returned from D.C. and I’m so happy to be home again with my little pug. What about you my darling readers, do you have a pet? A kitten or pup or parakeet…?

Posted in Four Legged Friends, Holiday | 5 Comments »

And we’re off…

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

John and I just had a magical little mock-Christmas here at home with Alfie (argyle sweaters, present opening, the whole bit…) and are now off to Washington D.C.! I can’t wait to settle into the hotel and really, truly be on vacation. A special thank you to Natalie for all her darling D.C. tips (one of her recommendations was the restaurant where JFK proposed to Jackie—my kind of girl!) and Jaime at Doxa Home who posted this SPECTACULAR guide for me! I hope everyone has a wonderful, safe holiday full of merry making and cheer! Until Monday…

XX Kate “the Neo-Trad”

(polaroid of Chez Obama found here)

Tags: Washington D.C. vacation
Posted in Holiday, Travel | 3 Comments »

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

(image by heather pauline)

Posted in Holiday, Quote of the Day | 3 Comments »

Dear Santa…

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009

I’ve had an exhasting week (and yes, I’m well aware it’s only Wednesday morning) so today I thought I’d share something fun and simple, my wish list. Some are distant dreams and others may actually be under the tree. In no particular order, things I’m lusting after this season:

Domino Set — love the green velvet case…

Pendleton Plaid 5th Avenue Throw — a touch of English country for chilly winter nights…

Canon Rebel XS — my first digital SLR!!! It’s actually arriving Friday (I treated myself)…

18k Gold Grosgrain Earrings — one word: obsessed.

This Book —- because I’m fascinated by the Mitfords and someday hope to have six little darlings of my own…

Skinny Cheetah Print Belt — such a classic.

Baies Candle — almost time for a new one…a bubble bath essential…

Lucite Magazine Holders — because I’ve run out and my glossies are currently in jumble on the bedroom floor…

White Engraved Pencils — These say it all. I’d also like a set engraved with “KATIE ARMOUR” my soon-to-be-name : )

Twig Magnifiers — I collect magnifying glasses (geeky, I know…).

Crackled Gold Passport Cover — this is both literal and symbolic. I desperately need a vacation. I rang my grandmother this weekend and she’s headed off to Egypt to stay at friend’s home overlooking the Suez Canal. Can you even imagine? I wish John and I could slip away like that. Someday…

P.S. I almost forgot to ask—What’s on your Christmas list this year??? XX

(top image found here)

Posted in Holiday | 15 Comments »

My dog dines at Ladurée…

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

What if I told you that for a small fee you could have a custom portrait painted of your dog (or kitty!) in front of a famous Parisian locale such as Ladurée? My friend Nichole had her mother’s pup (photographed below—what a cutie!) sketched and painted by artist Carol Gillott of Paris Breakfast. First you send Carol a few photographs of your pet, then she sends you a set of sketches and you pick your favorite pose. A custom watercolor is then painted of your four-legged-friend in a scene of your choice. Didn’t Nichole’s present come out beautifully? I just know her mother will LOVE it. I’m adding a portrait of Alfie to my wish list! Visit Carol’s Paris Breakfast blog here >>>

Tags: custom pet portrait, Paris Breakfast
Posted in Arts & Crafts, Four Legged Friends, Holiday | 8 Comments »

San Francisco gets FANCY…

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

Today I am wishing I were in San Francisco so that I might visit Crown & Crumpet’s new pop-up retail shop, Fancy Goods. For months I’ve heard rave reviews of the whimsical Crown & Crumpet Tea Room (pictured below) and now everyone is all abuzz about their sister shop—it’s all too much! Crown & Crumpet Fancy Goods is located just downstairs in Ghirardelli Square and boasts an array of goodies from far off lands such as England, France, Germany and even Japan. If only I were there I would snatch up beauty products for my girlfriends, tea and jewels for my grandmothers, ornaments for mommy dearest and some sweets for John. Bravo to Crown & Crumpet for adding a little whimsy to our holiday season, even if in my case, it’s from afar! If you’re in the bay area be sure to stop by and report back. You know I love to live vicariously through my readers! Check out the lovely Fancy Goods website HERE >>>

(Fancy Goods images courtesy of Kristen Loken)

Tags: Crown & Crumpet Fancy Goods, San Francisco Ghirardelli Square
Posted in Holiday | 3 Comments »

Tis the Season…

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

I stumbled across this image in Eddie Ross’ very impressive portfolio and melted. The simple, clean color palette is right up my alley. Long live beautiful, understated Christmas decorations.

Tags: Christmas decorations, Eddie Ross
Posted in Holiday, Interior Design | 2 Comments »

Let the Good Times Roll

Monday, November 30th, 2009

I’ve been a bit tardy this year in getting out Christmas cards and am thinking I may opt to send “New Years” greetings instead (a procrastinator’s favorite). These witty Kate Spade cards read “HAPPY NEW YEAR!” on the outside and inside, “LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL.” Amen to that. Available for purchase HERE >>>

Tags: Happy New Year cards, Kate Spade Let The Good Times Roll
Posted in Holiday, Stationery | No Comments »

Puppy’s First Christmas

Monday, November 30th, 2009

This year will be our pug pup Alfred’s first Christmas and I have every intention of spoiling him rotten. John thinks it’s ridiculous (and it certainly is…), but I am all too excited to hang Alfie a stocking and sneak some presents from “Santa” under the tree. My favorites thus far are from Harry Barker, very possibly the chicest pet accessory company on earth. I have my eye on the silhouette dog beds (so regal), polka dot collars, ceramic dog bowls and of course, for his stocking, a rope bone or two…

Tags: Alfie the pug, dog beds dog collars dog bones, Harry Barker
Posted in Four Legged Friends, Holiday | 8 Comments »

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

(image courtesy of martha stewart)

Tags: shakespeare quotation
Posted in Holiday, Quote of the Day | 3 Comments »

Rifle Paper Co. Postcards

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

I am absolutely, positively in love with these illustrated “Happy Holidays” postcards by Anna Bond of Rifle Paper Co. They are perfectly styled right down to the red pencil and vintage stamps. In case you haven’t heard, Anna just launched her online shop and it’s brimming with finds all done in her trademark whimsical style. These postcards are only $10 for 10. Snatch them up and drop a line to those you love this holiday season! Visit Anna’s new shop HERE >>>

Tags: Anna Bond Rifle Paper Co.
Posted in Holiday, Stationery | 3 Comments »

Emersonmade Thanksgiving

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

This Thanksgiving tablescape created by the lovely Emersonmade has me drooling. Could it possibly be any sweeter? Just look at those gorgeous, colorful flowers. Don’t they make for the perfect, creative centerpiece? Not to mention the linen “EAT” dinner napkins and “SIP” cocktail napkins which are a total riot. My grandmother Rita has “EAT” mounted in big gold letters on her kitchen wall—clearly she and Emersonmade share the same dry wit. According to Emerson the napkins, “know how to dress a table, dab pie from the blouse and dry the classic SentimentalTearsOfThanksgivingToastAfterTooMuchWine.” Hysterical! Buy them HERE >>>

Tags: Emersonmade, Thanksgiving tablescape
Posted in Entertaining, Holiday, Interior Design | 7 Comments »

Fourth of July Decor – Country Living Magazine

Saturday, July 4th, 2009

I don’t know about you, but I’m so pleased with the makeover Country Living magazine has undergone in recent months. With the tragic foldings of House & Garden and then Domino magazine, Country Living seems to have taken it upon themselves to spruce their image up a bit. Here at the NEO-traditionalist we couldn’t be more pleased. We are seriously lacking in chic shelter magazines these days and we thank Country Living for having stepped up to plate. All the images in this post are taken from their website—just a little taste of all they have to offer. Happy Fourth of July everyone!