Archive for November, 2009

The Amazing Amaryllis

Saturday, November 28th, 2009
White Flower Farm - Red Pearl Amaryllis

White Flower Farm - Red Pearl Amaryllis

Named after a shepherdess in Greek mythology, amaryllis (Hippeastrum) actually means “sparkling” and refers to the beautiful bloom which adorns this plant’s long, leafless stem.  A young physician from Leipzig, Eduard Frederich Poeppig, discovered this perennial holiday favorite on a plant hunting expedition in Chile in 1828.

New York Botanical Garden - Amaryllis Placemats

New York Botanical Garden - Amaryllis Placemats

Poeppig was so delighted with his discovery that he was, in the words of a biographer, “often compelled to relieve his full heart by uttering loud shouts of joy, to which his faithful dog and sole companion and witness of his delight responded with howls of equal delight.”

White Flower Farm - Amaryllis Exotica

White Flower Farm - Amaryllis Exotica

Every year, we look forward to filling our homes with amaryllis and delight in their flamboyant starry trumpets.  Our favorites this year include the Red Pearl, the Exotica and the Alfresco.  While growing amaryllis is always fun to do, we often sneak one or two of our faux plants into our holiday decorating.

Michel Designs - Amaryllis Collection

Michel Designs - Amaryllis Collection

So even if we wilt during the season, we know our amaryllis will keep our homes looking fresh and festive.  In the language of flowers, amaryllis also means “splendid beauty”… and there’s no wonder why!

Amaryllis.com - Alfresco Amaryllis

Amaryllis.com - Alfresco Amaryllis

Bloembox - Amaryllis Bulb Garden

Bloembox - Amaryllis Bulb Garden

Photos from White Flower Farm, The New York Botanical Garden, Michel Designs, Amaryllis.com and Bloembox

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

The year has turned its circle,
The seasons come and go.
The harvest all is gathered in
And chilly north winds blow.
Orchards have shared their treasures,
The fields, their yellow grain,
So open wide the doorway -
Thanksgiving comes again!

Charlotte Moss' Holiday Table

Charlotte Moss' Holiday Table

Wishing you a wonderful day!

Photo from House Beautiful

Hurray for Harry!

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

We alway knew Harry Heissman would make his mark in the interior design world and what better place to showcase his talent than his new office in Manhattan.  Featured in this week’s New York magazine, his quirky sense of style is a delight!  Diane had the pleasure of attending the opening of Harry Heissman Inc. last month and didn’t come empty-handed.  We caught a glimpse of our White Agapanthus Bouquet in one of the article’s pictures (see #6 for the mention.)  Hurray for Harry!

Harry Heissman Inc. in New York Magazine

Harry Heissman Inc. in New York Magazine

Agapanthus Blossoms by Diane James

Agapanthus Blossoms by Diane James

Photos by Russell Gera for New York

Let’s Get Cooking!

Friday, November 20th, 2009

This year, instead of buying gifts for those who help us every day (the mail carrier, the UPS driver, the Crystal Rock water guy and so many more), we’ve decided to bake a batch or two of Christmas cookies and wrap them in cellophane and tins topped off with pretty ribbon.  Before we get cooking, we plug in the iPod and don our favorite kitchen couture – there’s nothing like a pretty apron or cheerful oven mitt to turn us into Betty Crocker!

Two's Company - Floral Half Aprons

Two's Company - Floral Half Aprons

TAG - Azure Apron and Potholder

TAG - Azure Apron and Potholder

The Container Store - Cellophane Bags and Ribbon

The Container Store - Cellophane Bags and Ribbon

Anthropologie - Northern Flicker Oven Mitt

Anthropologie - Northern Flicker Oven Mitt

The Container Store - Cookie Tins

The Container Store - Cookie Tins

Sur La Table - Citrus Oven Mitt

Sur La Table - Citrus Oven Mitt

Photos from Two’s Company, TAG, The Container Store, Anthropologie and Sur La Table

Resort 2010 – Chic et Chaud

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

With leather, lame and lace dominating the Resort 2010 fashion shows, we were happy to see some beautiful floral prints as well.  These fabulous frocks have us dreaming of sandy beaches and sunset sails.  Whether you’re off to exotic lands or staying closer to home this winter, you can be chic even when it’s chaud in…

Bali

Gucci

Gucci

Crete

Emilio Pucci

Emilio Pucci

Acapulco

Collette Dinnigan

Collette Dinnigan

Scottsdale

Tibi

Tibi

and Palm Beach.

Carolina Herrera

Carolina Herrera

Photos from Style.com

Guilty Pleasure

Saturday, November 14th, 2009

Our latest guilty pleasure is watching fabulous floral designer Jeff Leatham create magical events on his show for TLC, Flowers Uncut (Wednesdays at 10 pm Eastern.)

Jeff Leatham in Flowers Uncut

Jeff Leatham in Flowers Uncut

Joined by his design assistant, the level-headed and calm Mat, Jeff is busy capturing the New York party scene after a very successful career as Artistic Director of the George V in Paris.  While the budgets are smaller (nothing compares to having $1 million a year for flowers!), the creations are no less amazing.  So far, Jeff has designed for a myriad of clients: a wedding at The Waldorf Astoria, a charity event at Chelsea Piers, the launch of Marc Jacob’s new perfume Lola, and an intimate dinner for a friend.

Jeff at The Waldorf Astoria

Jeff at The Waldorf Astoria

Jeff at The Waldorf Astoria

Jeff at The Waldorf Astoria

We have been fans of Jeff’s long before he became a TV celebrity.  In March 2002, Diane read an article in The New York Times about his blossoming talent and was soon on a plane to Paris just to see his flowers at the George V.  After hanging around the lobby for several days, the concierge asked her if she would like to meet the designer behind these gorgeous works of art.  Needless to say, Diane was thrilled and speaks of Jeff’s charming nature and passion for flowers to this day.  We continue to be blown away by Jeff’s originality and use of color as he transforms every room he touches into a haven for the senses, and can’t wait for more of Flowers Uncut!

Jeff's Creations at the George V

Jeff's Creations at the George V

In the meantime, here are some of Jeff’s trade secrets…  Enjoy!

1.  Add a splash of Perrier in each vase – the bubbles cling to the stems.

2.  Just when you think you have enough flowers, add one more.

3.  Stay monochromatic, or at least in the same color scheme.

4.  Change the water and recut the stems every day.

5.  At night, surround your flowers with flickering votive candles.

Flowers by Jeff Leatham

Flowers by Jeff Leatham

Photos from TLC, Blum, blisstree and Jeff Leatham

Setting the Fall Table

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

With almost two weeks to go before Thanksgiving, we’re polishing the silver, ironing the napkins and thinking of how to set our holiday table.  We always start with the centerpiece (after all, who wants to fuss with flowers when there is so much cooking to do?), and use the colors as inspiration for the rest of the table.  This year, we love the Cinnamon Bouquet from our Fall/Winter 2009 collection – the tawny autumn colors work beautifully with acorn jacquard linens and Haviland plates.  And our family never leaves empty-handed as each place setting will have a beautifully wrapped Potting Shed Creation to grow during the winter months!

Diane James Home - Cinnamon Hydrangea Bouquet

Diane James Home - Cinnamon Hydrangea Bouquet

Robert Haviland & C. Parlon Matignon

Robert Haviland & C. Parlon Matignon

Williams Sonoma - Acorn Jacquard Napkin

Williams Sonoma - Acorn Jacquard Napkin

Grant Dawson Collections - Mangrove Gravy Boat

Grant Dawson Collections - Mangrove Gravy Boat

Crate and Barrel - Pumpkin and Gourd Candles

Crate and Barrel - Pumpkin and Gourd Candles

Potting Shed Creations - Chocolate Viola in Rice Hull

Potting Shed Creations - Chocolate Viola in Rice Hull

Photos from Diane James Home, Williams Sonoma, Dinnerware Depot, Grant Dawson Collections, Crate and Barrel, and Potting Shed Creations

Giveaway: Fabulous Stationery

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

This is the time of year when you wonder whether you’ll be organized enough to take the family portrait and send it out as a personalized holiday card…  or not!  For those of you who want a fresh and modern take on “Seasons Greetings”, look no further.  FabulousStationery.com offers the best of both worlds – fun, colorful cards, each available in three palettes and designed to be as versatile and unique as you are.

Customized Paloma Card

Customized Paloma Card

We like the fact that our return address is printed directly on the back of the card so when it is slipped into the signature envelope, it is revealed.  So when the envelope is thrown away by mistake, the recipient still has the sender’s address on the card.

Berrylicious

Berrylicious

Retro Wreath

Retro Wreath

Fab Kumquats

Fab Kumquats

FabulousStationery.com is the inspiration of advertising veterans Jay Arnold (the inventor of the signature return address envelope), Trish DeMasi (the design talent who reinterprets nostalgic designs and makes them clean and modern) and Bruce Campbell (the technology wiz who makes the printing of the personalized cards a reality.)  Since its launch five years ago, this online store has caught the attention of many national publications like Time Magazine, Marie Claire and Cottage Living, and with a new line available at retail stores, it’s fan base is sure to grow.

Tweet

Tweet

With the holidays mere weeks away, we’re so excited that FabulousStationery.com is giving away a $50 gift card to two lucky readers!  All you need to do is visit their online store and leave a comment back here letting us know which card design is your favorite and why.  You have until November 12th to enter.

You can receive an extra entry by:
-  Subscribing to The Buzz by email or to our mailing list and sending us a note via our Contact Us page
-  Subscribing to FabulousStationery’s mailing list (on the bottom of their home page) and sending them a note via their Contact Us page

Happy (early) Holidays!

Thank You, Traditional Home!

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

Having our product featured in a national publication is always a thrill and we’re so excited to be able to add Traditional Home to the list.  In a piece titled “Marketplace Pallette: Tangerine & Clove”,  you will find our Mixed Fall Bouquet in Espresso Glass Cylinder front and center on page 40 of the November 2009 issue.  With this gorgeous bouquet, you will never have to shop last minute for a perfect fall centerpiece!

Traditional Home - November 2009

Traditional Home - November 2009

 This and many fall and winter designs are available at www.dianejameshome.com.