Gift Giving No. 8 - Tags, Tags, Tags the Gift Topper

Even if the gift is a bottle of wine for the hostess it is quite simple to make it special. Most importantly, remove that brown bag it came in! 

Willow Bee Inspired

Loving this creative wrapping paper!

Giving gifts of appreciate and celebration should happen all year long. The best gifts are the ones that are the most personal and thought out. It shouldn't be a guessing game or just grabbing something for the sake of feeling of responsibility to gift give. 

Adorable gift tag for the gardener.

Loving the simplicity of beautiful paper and an old key and ribbon.

Even if the gift is a bottle of wine for the hostess it is quite simple to make it special. Most importantly, remove that brown bag it came in! 

What a great idea from sweater sleeves! 

This one got me at the monogrammed spoon!

Don't want to feel rushed when it comes to gift wrapping? Treasures can be found all around. Be inspired to be on the lookout for these touches and set up a wrapping station so they are always at the ready.

Love the photograph tag. Can't get any more personal than that!

Great vintage package tags!

Some wire, pliers, and a word of celebration.

The more creative the tag, the simpler the wrapping paper. And the tag you put on the gift is almost as exciting as what's inside!

Fingerprint makes the cutest owl!

Button, buttons who has the buttons? This can be so fun for 

all ages. 

Grab the kids and grand kids - the tag ideas above are great activities for them! It is never to early to teach the importance of the true meaning of gift giving.

Your gardener friend will love this!

Image Sources: Bilancia Designs, Ted Kennedy Watson, Design Sponge, Celebrations, Zsa Zsa Bellagio, Pinterest

RSVP Collection No. 55 - Autumn Table Settings

If you are more comfortable sharing the meal in another room of the home, outdoors or heck even in the barn, my opinion is that setting the table for the occasion is just as important.

Willow Bee Inspired

Featuring Autumn table settings while the skies are still sunny and the weather still warm is in no way my wish to rush Summer along. I'm just a planner. Because if you are going to have a dining experience with the special friends and family in your live, you should plan every detail. Trust me I am all for impromptu time spent with the same people, some of my best times are from such happenings. But my fondest memories are that relaxed, unrushed, never ending meal shared around the dining table.

When I hear someone sharing that they hardly ever use their dining room I feel they are missing memory-gathering moments in their lives. Don't get me wrong, sharing a good meal doesn't mean it has to take place in the dining room. But it seems that is the only setting where some feel it necessary to set the table.

If you are more comfortable sharing the meal in another room of the home, outdoors or heck even in the barn, my opinion is that setting the table for the occasion is just as important.

And just as in any design, rules are meant to be broken. There are many interpretations of a centerpiece. Have fun with some of your favorite accessories and dishes. 

Be inspired! And remember Autumn is more than just orange, rust, and brown. Your table settings for Autumn can be full of color!

If you enjoy a more formal table setting here's a classic reference from Emily Post on setting the table.

Rethink a candle holder, rethink a centerpiece, rethink a tablecloth. But don't forget to cook your favorite specialities, your friends are waiting to savor them again!

Image Sources: Cupcakes and Cashmere, Decorating Files, Pinterest, Echo Design, Stone Gable Blog, House Beautiful

Color Palette No. 17 - Pink Grapefruit

As fresh and innocent-like citrus colors are, this color palette inspiration has me thinking a bit of bravery is necessary. Perhaps that's the sting of the spritz of juice from the grapefruit on our skin.

Who wouldn't want to create a space in their home inspired by the pink grapefruit color seen in this sunset at La Rochelle, France? 

Even words of wisdom seem more inspiring on a pink grapefruit color background. Don't you think?

I'm inspired by the companion colors that look so stunning with pink grapefruit. 

Want to use this color on your walls or perhaps your ceiling? Try Sherwin Williams SW1611 Pink Grapefruit. This paint color creates such a calming glow to any space. Go ahead be brave, use this fresh color palette in your dream room space! 

Need more Color Palette inspiration? Visit Willow Bee Inspired Color Palette Pinterest boards. 

Image Sources: Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Pinterest, Traditional Home

RSVP Collection No. 54 - Vineyard Dining, Or close to it!

I found myself in one of my favorite inspirational locations while running errands for dinner prep at weeks' end. I get lost in my local wine shoppe a bit, partly due to my obsession of wine labels and partly because of my "someday" desire to dine in a Napa Valley vineyard with good friends. 

When I plan in my mind this alfresco vineyard dining it always seems to be perfect for an early autumn evening (actually several evenings), when the summer heat is starting to give way to the much loved brisker fall.

So if I bumped into you by accident in my daydreaming state, apologies.

A mentor of mine always challenges me, when discussing my bucket list items, by asking me: what does it look like, what does it smell like, how do you feel while accomplishing this bucket list item, etc. Because anyone can make a list of "some days", those who actually cross the items off are those who plan them to every detail. And I add to that "practice makes perfect" is also a good motto to use during the planning stages towards accomplishment too! 

So this blog is sharing the "what does it look like?" and a bit of the "what does it taste like?" parts of the planning of a bucket list item. Enjoy!

Sort of liking a vineyard dining menu that goes something like this from William and Sonoma:

Fresh Fettuccine with Almond Pesto and Roasted Tomatoes

Braised Chicken with Olives and Capers

Green Beans with Toasted Hazelnuts and Lemon Zest

Herb-Roasted Potatoes

Fig Crostata

Oh, and here is a favorite label from that recent visit to the wine shoppe.

And check out this label art by Nick Sadek. Loving the 'stache!

Want to help me practice and "train" for this bucket list item? Oh and haven't found a red that I like yet, recommendations? Taste testing is an important part of the prep for the ultimate Napa Valley vineyard dining experience afterall. 

Image Sources: Tumbler, William Sonoma, Pinterest, Gallery Nucleus, Food.UK

Garden Design No. 21 - Succulents

Succulents are the perfect plant for those who enjoy the unusual even if they don't have a green thumb. Succulent care is easy.

Selecting your succulents will remind you of a child trying to decide on just the right candy at the candy store or cookie at a bakery. These plants are memorizing and they have cool names like, Burro's Tail, Hens and Chicks, Panda Plant, 

From a design perspective, I love that succulents look good in almost any pot the gardener fancies. And the color variation of succulent is almost endless. 

Before you go to your local garden center, first decide whether your succulents are going to be part of your outdoor landscape or potted for indoors. 

These plants are truly works of art, so can how they are planted. Let your creativity flow!

Succulents are for all landscape styles. So whether you enjoy a traditional garden style, modern style, zen landscape, tropical look, or even indoor terrariums or bonsai - succulent can add a structural vibe.

Image Sources: Houzz, Indulgy, Flicker, Pike Nursery, Pinterest, Sunset Magazine, Tumbler, Southern Living, Bradbourne Farm