A Gilded Leaf Inspired Table Setting

We're hosting Thanksgiving this year and I couldn't be more excited.  Firstly, because it happens to be my favorite holiday and, secondly, because of my love for a well dressed table.  This year, gold tipped leaves inspired a table setting that turned out both earthy and sophisticated.  Vintage Russel Wright dishes, a colorful runner, berry filled twigs, wood and brass create a look and a feel that complement our home's mid-century design well.  Take a look and find out below how to quickly gild leaves for the upcoming holidays.

Himalayan pink rock salt decorates each setting and is also a take home gift for our guests.

Clusters of berries tied to the gilded leaves serve as mini botanical arrangements that can become hanging ornaments for our guests.

Gold Tipped Leaves

Supplies:

Magnolia leaves (they're thick and won't crack as the paint dries), gold paint and twine.

Instructions:

Tie twine to the leaf stem. Dip the tip directly into the paint. Hang and let dry for 1 to 2 days.

Best Wishes for a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving.                                                                                                                                 

Gifts For The Coffee Enthusiasts

Yesterday, while enjoying a late afternoon cup of joe prepared by our new coffee maker (more on that later), I came up with a few gift ideas for the coffee lovers in your life.  Take a look:

1.  Bodum's Chambord gold press

2.  A classic:  the Chemex Glass Drip Coffee maker

3.  Delonghi's drip coffee comes in an array of colors

4. A Tonx coffee membership:  fresh beans delivered weekly or monthly to your loved ones' home

5.  A homemade dark chocolate coffee ice box cake!!

6. Tom Dixon's form milk jug

7.  Heath Ceramic's 1940s design Studio Mug. 

Holiday: Around The House

Yesterday I began placing cedar branches and pepper berries throughout the house to give even the  most unexpected places a seasonal touch.  Take a look:

Can't wait to blog about our homemade wreath and the family Christmas tree.  Stay tuned for that.

I would love to see how you've decorated your home for the holidays.  Send your pics to debra@cocoonhome.com, I may just decide to hold a contest for my crafty readers...

A Four Pawed Christmas Present

For some time now, our children have been asking for a dog, so Alex and I decided that this Christmas would be a great time to fulfill their wishes.  With the help of the incredible staff at Arf, a local animal rescue center, we found the perfect canine.  The newest family member is a ten month, ultra chilled, sweet mannered, amazingly soft to the touch canine called LOKI.  Meet him:

Childhood Memories: A Vintage Creche

The holidays provide time to create new family traditions and to revisit old ones.   As a child. I fondly remember playing with my family's own Nativity set.  I loved all the animals and the joyful expressions on Mary, Joseph and the wise men.  Not long ago, I found the same exact creche I grew up with on EBay and now our daughter Zoe is enjoying it as I once did.

It's hard to believe that Christmas is here already.  For so many families the holiday season will never be the same.  This year's natural disasters and human induced tragedies have impacted many lives forever.   Let's all remember that Christmas is meant to bring  "Peace on earth, good will to men" and pray that it is so...