Deck the Halls

{holiday decor via hgtv}

Advent calendars are so much fun. The anticipation of opening one hidden treat every day, made morning so much fun, especially if you could break the law and enjoy a piece of candy! I also found this really fun paper chain. I know what we will be doing next weekend!

DIY Halloween Decorations!

Looking to adorn your home with some fun Halloween decorations? Check out this adorable DIY project from Merrilee’s blog, mer mag. So easy and quick to do, these paper faces are perfect for any Halloween party, or even just to hang-up for fun. I might even hang a few around here at the office! Be sure to check out Merrilee’s instructions here.

Witches Brew and Crow Tail Stew...

{images: crow pumpkin carving via marthastewart.com, skeleton "bottoms up" invite from Checkerboard via eInvite, spooky bottle labels via marthastewart.com, glitter skulls via martha (she is just getting her spooky on all over town), lastly, this spooky harvest via, yes once again miss martha}

Creative people just love Halloween. It is the most opportune time to let your imagination run wild. Never before have I seen more sophisticated and fun decor than in the last two years. Halloween is going "haunted glam" and I have to say, I just love it! You can find elegant and spooky inspiration at every turn. Loose the kitch and sophisticate your witch-y self!

Also, I find that using this kind of imagery and coordinating literature bring conversation to a festive halloween party.

...But the Raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour. Nothing further then he uttered- not a feather then he fluttered- Till I scarcely more than muttered, "Other friends have flown before- On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before." Then the bird said, "Nevermore."

~ except from the raven / poe

How nice would this be on a plaque at the front door after just passing your lovely and welcoming raven? While your guests wait for you to answer and before the creek of the opening door, the wicked blustery wind howls by as the goose bumps form on their skin as the words of Poe strike chords of memory, erases whatever else was on their mind and sets the tone for your party! { the far off owl can be heard hooting in the distance}

Match Maker

Not only as a designer, but also as a collector of vintage tins, I truly appreciate old typography and graphic design. Anything that dons the aesthetic of days-gone-by has a cozy place in my heart. At the moment, I’m particularly enamored with vintage matchboxes or anything resembling them in the slightest. Their illustrative graphics, paired with interesting phrases and colorful typography, are captivating and otherworldly. The fact that older boxes are made of wood, make them ideal for reuse, either to store more matches in, or perhaps small valuables. At a vintage themed wedding, old matchboxes could make for great favors, or decorations at each table. However, if shopping on Ebay for days-on-end, or scouring antique shops is not necessarily in your schedule, there are fabulous alternatives that would give the same old-world vibe. I’ve featured a few options above, as well as, some photos of the real deal. Be sure to check out wackystuff’s photostream on flickr. The Russian matchbox labels circa 1965 are amazing!!

{images L to R}
Vintage Belgian Matches from P.O.S.H
Daily Fortune Matchbooks by Rosebud Design Studio
Luxe Covered Matchboxes by Cori Kindred
Vintage Matchbox Labels via Wackystuff's Photostream on Flickr