The Goods - Wine Tags

Here's a collection of wine tags that are all the rage. We're considering carrying them. What do you think? Are they as funny and useful as we think they are?

Design Tip - A Simple Arrangement

Two ideas are illustrated in this picture. First, if you're going to spruce up the place with flowers, it's always better to stick to the "one flower rule" (or at the very least "one color rule") to create something dramatic. In short, unless you really have the touch, leave the cheap looking grocery bouquet where it is; most times, it's simply busy and, frankly, cheap looking. Second, don't be afraid to stray from the glass vase; we're not fans of busy-looking vases, but a solid item, like this antique silver vase, is a welcome departure from the status quo.

The Goods - Juliska Sale

It's no secret we love Juliska, and our customers do too. As a special gift, hurry in between now and May 30th for 20% off ALL JULISKA glassware and ceramics. It simply doesn't get any better than Juliska for gorgeous tableware and serveware; given our low margin, you may not see this deal again. Click the logo above to visit their website, then decide which pieces you can't live without.

Design Tip - Woodwork

Woodwork doesn't always have to be painted glossy white. In fact, there's a heck of a lot more drama when it isn't--great way to show off lots of detail without looking busy.

- images via Curtis & Windham

Lifestyle - Happy Mother's Day!

To be a mom...

HAPPY MOTHERS' Day to all!!!

The Goods - Our Furniture

The Cobbled Path's furniture line has the most amazing inverse cost to beauty/detail ratio we've ever seen. Sure, we're a little partial, but you'll agree when you see it.

The Goods - The Simple Glass Napkin Ring

Hosting a dinner party? These glass napkin rings should be on the menu. Clearly, this classic berry and thread pattern goes with anything, and the look by candle light is divine.

The Goods - Urchin Art

Speaking of a repeating patterns with a local vibe - here's a picture of one of our favorite pieces of art. Perfect for a beach house anywhere... or a traditional home with a love for the beach... or a modern home with clean lines... you get the point.

Design Tip - Repeat Your Style

When in Rome... A repeating pattern is a time-honored stylistic creed. If you're coastal, like we are in Tampa, use those amazing natural gifts that are right at your feet. The result is something no human hands could replicate.

Entertaining - Dinner Party Favours

At your next big event (and, yes, we know this is not practical advice for every dinner party you throw), consider offering something a bit more unusual as a gift for your guests. Imagine replacing either of the items shown below on this plate with a place card for your guest. What remains is the party favour. If any invitees declined the invitation, they'll wish they hadn't. Come see us for more unusual and elegant gifts.

The Goods - A New Old Chandelier

A couple of quick shots of a new chandelier we just hung. Gorgeous, huh?

Design Tip - A Little Blue

A beautiful French blue has always been able to add a delicate, light touch to a room. Used in a room of whites and creams, it's a feature color that's at once uplifting, dramatic, and somehow subdued. The trick is how to use it well. Our suggestions: use it in your linens. If you stick with light walls and light furnishings, the linens add a calm touch of color. For a recent customer, we offered these three options for the linens that would be featured in such a room:

You can see that each is subdued, classic, and yet markedly different.

A Special Post

Here's a picture of a mirrored folding end table that is a favorite in our store. This item is always special, but a little more so this weekend. The one pictured here is being donated as part of a basket for a silent auction to benefit the Jacob Randall Foundation for Morquio, the proceeds of which will benefit research into this syndrome. We encourage you to spend a couple of minutes learning about this worthy cause yourself, and to donate if possible. Feel free to email us for additional information.

Gardening - Tampa's Spring Flowers

Happy Friday! Here's what's blooming in Tampa:

Enjoy your weekend!