Holiday Gift Guide - For the Host & Hostess

I know it's hard to think about gift guides before Thanksgiving has graced us but the truth is the holiday season is upon us. As we start receiving invitations to festive parties you will quickly realize how nice it is to have something on hand to gift the host or hostess. The best part is that everything is under $60! So instead of gifting the usual bottle of wine {ideas below on how to even jazz that up} why not give something a little extra to the person who so thoughtfully put together an evening to create special memories. 

oven mitt set // planner // pens // cake stand // candle // plaid throw // puzzle // monogrammed mug // candy stirrers // pancake molds // pancake mix // syrup & holder // celebrate everything book // cutting boards // coasters // wine bottle labels // wine tote

Kate Spade is undoubtedly the queen of quirkiness and her holiday line of goods for the kitchen is so adorable. I love this trio of oven mitts and this apron and recipe book also are great additions. 

Sugar Paper killed it again with their line with Target. I absolutely love this planner and pen set for helping keeping a busy host/hostess organized. 

Bringing a dessert to a party this year? Why not bring it on a beautiful cake stand for pretty displaying. Love this red Le Creuset but also love these other options too. 

A candle is a trusty gift for any occasion. I love giving them in a festive scent that matches the time of year we are in. There is also a great selection of seasonal scents here. 

Wrap a pretty ribbon around this plaid throw and your gift is ready to give. 

Who doesn't love a puzzle, a fun gift for the family to do together especially one that when completed turns into something pretty. 

Have a host/hostess who loves to cook. I adore gifts that are sets. Why not give them the gift of breakfast with the most adorable pancake molds, mix, and delicious syrup and petite pitcher. 

Something monogrammed had to make the list. Adore these gilded mugs and the candy stirrers are the perfect partner to gift a pretty duo. 

Some of my favorite housewarming gifts have been books to enjoy. I think this celebrate everything would be a big hit for anyone who likes to host. I personally enjoyed this one & this one too. 

Dying over these marble cutting boards & coasters. They are so gorgeous & feminine. Who wouldn't want them?!

Finally embellish you wine gift with a fun holiday label or wine tote to make your gift little extra special. 

shop the post & more with the links below 

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Dining Dilemmas

As we are halfway into our second year in our new home I still can't believe how I haven't made my mind up on so much of the decorating. One item that has been on my to do list was finding new dining chairs. Since we spend most of our time in the open concept main room where the kitchen, the living rom and dining room are all in, it seems sensible to have those pieces be first priority. Since we want to stay here as long as possible while we search for a forever home to purchase I still want the decor to reflect our personal style. So I am turning to you all for your insight and help in selecting a new chair for our main room dining. Our dilemma lies with all the varieties of wood in one room which has me leaning towards an upholstered chair to break up the off white kitchen, the dark mahogany built in's and coordinate it to the color of the table top. Which one of the six is your favorite??? 

   

one // two // three // four // five // six // table

 all kitchen items can be found here

Naturally Beautiful

When it comes to decorative objects for the home I keep finding myself drawn to natural elements that make the most beautiful accent pieces. Whether it be a geode, crystal, piece of agate, marble and so on, there are oh so many clever and stylish ways to incorporate items found in nature into your home. I have become particularly fond of the geode and it's many layers of raw edges and natural colors. I have the above piece on our fireplace mantle thanks to a holiday present from my mom and in our guest room I have stacked piles of books on nightstands with more petite geodes in different colors that match our accent pillow. I also love this gifted piece for entertaining and these coasters on our coffee table are also a favorite aesthetically and for functionality. I pinned a bunch of other ideas for decorating with natural objects here to help get your inspiration going.

antler // candle // pink quartz available in store {white here} // matches old {similar here} // box // books //  nightstand

jewelry box & tray {old west elm, similar here} // books // amethyst // nightstand

coffee table // coasters // candle // game // shagreen tray

shop all of the above & more with the links below

Holiday Gift Guide - For The Host/Hostess

I know it feels way to early to be thinking about your holiday shopping lists but I couldn't resist sharing my first holiday gift guide with you all to help get prepped for all the festivities that are surely filling up your calendar for next month. We have been so fortunate in our new home to have hosted a few dinner parties and our guests have seriously spoiled us with the most generous gifts. So I wanted to kick off the gift guides with some inspiration for giving to the host/hostess that show know how to throw a party. Some are items I have personally received and loved and some are on my list to give to friends and family this holiday season. 

Clare V. is always a stop for me during my holiday shopping lists. Her clutches are seriously stylish so I naturally adored her market tote. 

Who doesn't love a sassy gift here or there. These naughty & nice glasses are adorable and hilarious. If you want to be a little more sophisticated there are a ton more to choose from. 

Giving gifts to men always seems to be a challenge for me. I always thinking picking up their favorite six pack with a nice bottle opener fits the bill for the male host. 

Who doesn't love to receive a good bottle of vino?! Make the gift a little extra special with a this wine tote, or these adorable wine brown bags. 

A throw may seem like an odd thing to gift for hostessing a party but I couldn't resist the adorable pom pom trim on this one. 

 A special memory can be gifted in a beautiful geometric shaped frame. 

A soft scented candle and coordinating matches are always a solid go to gift. 

We always see flasks for men that are super cute, but this one is perfect for ladies...I love how it looks like a bracelet and comes in fun colors. 

Game night in is always a welcome gift for a family. Love these colorful cards & this artistic puzzle. 

I was gifted this salt cellar & fresh sea salt last year & it's so functional and pretty on our countertops. 

A chic desk calendar to keep a stylish friend up to date. 

Monogrammed gifts always let the receiver know you thought ahead, these shield style boards are so perfect for the entertaining at the holidays. 

A chic paper weight let's your gift recipient know they are a good egg. 

A great gift for the gardener/cook who loves their own fresh herbs at an arms reach. Or flowers in this darling vase. 

This entire set of blue & gold ceramics is stunning but I am partial to the pedestal bowl filled with a holiday snack of course. 

What kitchen or bathroom doesn't need a pretty soap/lotion duo?

all of the above and a few added extras can all be shopped below!

Decorate Your Shelves

When we moved this past June we pretty much sold everything we had from the old apartment as our current home has more of a traditional New England style and our old place was all mid-century modern. Since we also expanded our square footage that meant we had a lot of decorating to do. Something that is new territory to me. The process has been a lot of fun but also a bit overwhelming. Apparently I am indecisive and I pretty much can't make my mind up about anything which has meant that filling the empty spaces in our home has been taking much longer then I thought it would. I always hear advice from designers to "fill things in over time", "buy what you love, not just something to fill a space". I however have to tell you, staring at empty shelves is getting old real fast. So with my bare built in's looking pretty sad I put together a little round up of some objects to decorate your shelves with. What do you have as decor in your living room? 

you can shop all the above with the links below

Let's Get Local - Interior Design

You guys, I know I said I was signing off for our vacation but I am SO flipping excited to share today's post with you all it just couldn't wait till when we are back. I started the "let's get local" series to feature women in business that are at the top of their game. It has been such an incredible journey for me to not only make many of the women I write about friends but to also see old friends from where I grew up also killing it in their designated field. So without further ado I would like to introduce my friend Maureen from Winter McDermott Design. Maureen's family and mine grew up around the corner from one another in a small seaside town of West Islip on Long Island. Thanks to the powers of social media we have been able to stay in touch here and there and almost twenty years later we discovered we weren't too far from one another yet again.  She has found herself in the historic whaling town of Sag Harbor which is not to far from where my folks retired on Shelter Island. So when I saw her home featured in a prestigious magazine I reached out to her right away to ask if I could feature her on the blog. I am over the moon she said yes and thrilled to share with you her stunning home as well as a fun q&a on this lovely ladies rise to success and local advice on all the fabulous things that surround her on the South Fork of Long Island. Get comfy, because today is a good one! 

all above images via HC&G

Tell us a little about Maureen, the gal behind the design i.e. what do you like to do in your free time, personal style, guilty pleasures, travel etc.

Any free time I have is spent with my husband and children.  I'm in the thick of it with my daughter Winter only being 1-1/2  and my 4 year old PJ heading off to kindergarten in the fall.  Working and having a family is a constant balance but it's all so worth it.  If I do get a second by myself I always love some pampering to regroup so I can be a more relaxed and a calmer mother and wife.  Bookstores and coffee shops are always my go to and I try to get in a workout most days before the kids get up. I work with a personal trainer Erik Fredrickson from PranaFit who comes to my house in the mornings and I also take an amazing Tribe team class at Sag Harbor gym the other mornings.  Working out clears my head and makes me feel more confident and strong. 

My personal style is not unlike my interior design aesthetic.  I own mostly black white and gray clothing.  If I wear any pattern it's usually stripes or something simple.  I like to be comfortable at all times and hate anything too fussy.  My hair is always up in a bun and it's not uncommon to find me in sweatpants or yoga pants.  

What made you want to start your own business and do you have any advice for someone else about to venture down the same path? 

I left my career as a designer at Vicente Wolf Associates when I was pregnant with my son PJ.  I didn't feel comfortable going back to work full time and leaving him in Brooklyn where we lived at the time.  We also started thinking about moving out east for a an easier quality of life.  So I started researching the demand for design out east and realized there definitely is one!  I started working part time for some local firms out here and then decided to just take the plunge and start my own company.  There's an opportunity out east for some new modern interior design that is a departure from the traditional Hamptons look. Architects like Bates Masi + Architects and Nilay Oza are setting the trend for some amazing modern architecture.  The interiors should follow. Design is such a part of who I am - I get very restless and grumpy when I'm not creating something. I'm constantly thinking of new ideas and researching ways to do things different.  

above image via Vicente Wolf Associates

My advice is to go to design school and learn how to create and read architectural drawings.  Interior design isn't just about decoration.  You're creating the entire interior - kitchens, bathrooms, lighting, millwork, door types and styles, etc. It isn't just about picking a pretty sofa.  Also learn about construction and to how to work with architects, landscape designers, and builders.  The projects run more smoothly if everyone is on the same page and understands one another.  Project management skills are a must - there are so many variables to manage and keep track of.  Most of my time is spent in from of a computer on AutoCAD and project managing.  

How would you describe your design aesthetic when it comes to executing an overall look for a client?

Vicente is still a huge mentor and inspiration to me.  His influence has been the backbone to everything I do.  Although his style is my foundation, my work ends up looking unique. I try to keep my style simple, clean, and minimal with some surprise elements like an oversized light fixture or one single color that pops.  My interiors are always pretty muted and I love working with black, whites and grays.  It just never feels natural to do it any other way.  I always use modern classics like an Eames or a Saarinen and pair it with something different or unexpected.  Too much of one style becomes boring. It's about layering .  Anything exotic element like a tribal piece always adds some excitement.  

Where is your favorite place to get inspired for designing a homes interior? 

Architectural design books, driving around the Hamptons, magazines, and Pinterest.  I follow some amazing designers. 

Vicente Wolf Project managed by Maureen in NYC

Since you call Sag Harbor your home, what are some of your favorite places to shop, dine or visit in the area?

Shop: 

Sylvesters for gifts and their iced coffee

In Home for body washes and candles 

Gloria Jewel for clothing.  Megan, the owner curates a great collection of really beautiful simple clothing.  

Fishers Home Furnishings- I go here for great accessories and custom tables. It's a business run by the Fisher family who we have the pleasure to call our friends.  

Stella & Ruby for kids clothes which is owned & operated by a dear friend.  

Eat: 

Anywhere we can take the kids - Bay Burger for Liza and Joe's amazing food and ice cream, Estias, and Superica. 

Provisions for a quick lunch bite. They have the best turkey tacos and our good family friend Chris is the manager.  

Sen or Tutto IL Giorno for date nights.  We also travel up to the North Fork for what feels like a real getaway to North Fork Table and Inn or Jedediah Hawkins.  

As far as favorite things to do with the kids we like to hang out by out pool in the morning or walk into town for a Sag Harbor Baking Company run.  In the afternoon we go to Long Beach with the sun overhead and then head for a quick stop at Serene Green to grab fresh groceries for dinner.

Thank you Maureen for letting me feature you, your beautiful work & your beautiful family!

Color Crush - Hot Pink & Navy Blue

My niece recently asked me for some help putting together a look for her new bedroom. She sent me a few inspiration photos of things she liked and from there I put together a little round up of a girly room that this pre-teen can grow with and not feel like a little kid anymore. I love the bright pairing of navy blue and hot pink together. It makes for such a cheery ambience and fits this preppy kids overall look. I hope you like it Reeve, love you!



Bed - flamingo wall art // "be you" wall art // headboard // bedding // nightstand // monogram trinket dish // flowers // tassel pillow // throw pillows // pouf {not shown}

Desk - chair // desk // desk lamp // agenda // bulletin // trash bin // tissue box

The Vodka Cleanse

Morning friends! I am back & hope you will forgive me for my very long absence from the blogosphere. I plan on doing a full "life lately" post later this week but I wanted to pop in today and share a fun little product I came across this past weekend on Shelter Island when I was home celebrating father's day with my family. 

I have tried lots of cleanses and usually quit within the first twenty four hours. Life without actual solid food is nothing this gal wants to be a part of. Hangry is a severe understatement of how I am when I am starving myself. So when I popped in one of my favorite Shelter Island markets this weekend and they were giving out samples for a new juice cleanse, I was all like "ugh, another juice cleanse Ill want to try, spend a fortune on and fail miserably at" then I saw the words vodka, tequila and party...my curiosity was peaked and I was suddenly sitting front row like a star pupil to learn all about this "cleanse". The company Clean Drinking is only in NY for right now but I am hoping with time they will be expanding, otherwise I will be silly bothering my family & friends back home to be overnighting me coolers of this magic elixir. Each juice is cold pressed, under 40 calories and is all natural. Some of the drinks are meant for mixing with your favorite alcohol to create a cocktail that is tasty treat without the caloric guilt that so many mixed drinks have. While the others are to help you feel revitalized on their own as a refreshing and hydrating drink, there is even one for the kiddos! I went to pick up some yesterday to bring back to Boston and they were sold out {insert sad face}, I fully plan on stocking up next time I am home. Oh and just for fun I put together a little round up of some cheery summer entertaining accoutrement to help make your next get together a little extra festive. 

Float On

With Memorial Day quickly approaching I have nothing but summer on my mind. I can't wait for days by the beach, cookouts with friends and family, boat rides and long days of sunshine all make for the perfect warm weather days. Since we spend a lot of time out on Shelter Island where the beaches are quite rocky we often find ourselves lounging poolside. To amp up the fun in the water I put together a few of my favorite floats that will be most definitely be fun for any member of the family. I just can't decide which one to pack in my suitcase for the long weekend!

pool party pong // donut // flip flop // warheads // rubber ducky // beach ball // citrus slices // ice cream sandwich // tootsie roll & smarties // flamingo // pizza slice 

shop the above & more summer goodness below 

Move On Over - Part Two

Remember when I shared that we were moving into this apartment at the end of the summer. Well after lots of thought and consideration our plans changed and we desired some more space then that apartment could give us. So yet again we found ourselves looking in the brutal Boston real estate market for a new place to live. Then one night at dinner I quickly browsed some online listings and I  spotted the below beauty. I quickly called my broker who got us in the next day and the second we walked in, I completely lost my poker face and gushed over every corner of the home. We both instantly knew it would be a wonderful place to live and after about two minutes of seeing we moved quickly to secure the space to be ours. Once the lease was signed last week my sweet guy put the icing on the cake by photoshopping in a piece of art he purchased for us and a sweet pup that we hope to add to our family in the fall.  Since this home is a lot more traditional then the original apartment we picked, we are steering away from the mid-century modern aesthetic and sticking with classic pieces in soft colors of gray and ivory. We are keeping that dining set, but losing the counter stools and replacing the stools with these. Since the main living area doesn't need a lot of work, I will be focusing on the empty guest room down the hall. I am beyond excited to host family and friends!

I love the idea of a day bed in a small room. It will act as a couch during the day and easily turn into a comfy bed for guests visiting at night. Since the color palette we are choosing is muted I look forward to adding some color through the artwork thanks to my lovely friends assistance and keeping the decor simple and clean. I may even order this day bed with a trundle for sleepovers with my four beautiful nieces can visit! 

bedding // velvet day bed // pillows // carafe // flowers // end table // art over bed tbd via colourbloc // sheepskin throw {to be used on the floor for warm tootsies}

ps - if you are interested in a great one bedroom apartment in beacon hill  please feel free to email me: - heidi@dooleynotedstyle.com -

Puppy Love

If you have seen my instagram it's pretty evident that I am puppy obsessed. Always have been, yet haven't had the opportunity to add one into our family. I am hoping that is all going to change with our new apartment this fall. I grew up with three dogs, my parents have two, my sister has two, and my brother has one. I mention this as we will be bringing the sixth dog into our family and need a breed that is easy to travel with since we are often on the go, needs to play well with others because  we have a big mix of breeds in our family and most importantly good with kids because we have four beautiful nieces who will be around the pup. The King Charles Cavalier is a front runner for its size and temperament but I would love any advice/insight you all have with other breeds! I have only had English Springer Spaniels my entire life and while I love them SO much, I think we need a smaller size for our city living and travel lifestyle. Next up...the fun task of a name!



bowls // grooming brush // travel bed // water canteen // dog bed // shark toy // toy rope // bone chew toy // leather leash {also love this one} // collar // dog gift bag // biscuit jar // dog tag // bag holder // toy bin 

Entry

I so don't want to wish away summer, especially since it's still so cold here in Boston but to say I am excited to move into our new home would be a severe understatement. I am working on each little area of the apartment to find the perfect pieces to make it really feel like ours even if it's just a rental while we continue to search for our forever home. Since I already shared the kitchen, I thought I would share the little area that will be our entry. A place to store our shoes, keys, mail and so on. I know, I know...more white...I just want to keep the space clutter free and airy. I am totally obsessed with the faceted mirror for last minute make up checks while heading out the door. The decorative box will be perfect for storing keys and miscellaneous objects while the tray will hold the mail and fresh blooms are always a must in my home. Have a great day everyone!

mirror // console // flowers  {likely will do a trio of vases like this} // umbrella stand // decorative box {love this duo for a pop of color} // mail tray // key chain 

Moving On Over

Today my husband and I sign a lease for a new apartment and we couldn't be more excited. While we love our little Beacon Hill neighborhood, it is time for more space which meant searching other sections of our beloved Boston. Ultimately we decided to have something similar to our temporary apartment in NYC in a full service building located in the Back Bay area. While we lose the quaint charm of the hill we gain so many luxuries which include large floor to ceiling windows, our own closets and so much more square footage to just name a few. Since I have never ever decorated a home before, I am ready to flex my interior decorating skills and make our urban apartment a warm welcoming home. First up is the kitchen redecorating. After a little shopping yesterday afternoon, we have agreed on the changes and look below that fits the modern space but keeps it simple for our little dining nook.

Before

Everything will be painted white for a bright clean aesthetic as well as some new wood floors that have a wider plank and a gray oak finish. Art will be removed to keep the space open and uncluttered.

Fiddle leaf plant will be finding it's home in the right corner for a pop of color. 

Our desired look

chairs {similar style} // table {replica available here} // flowers // plant {similiar} // lighting {also love this}

Let's Get Local Gal on TV!

Remember my friend Kate from this "Let's Get Local Feature"? Welllllll this super talented gal will be featured on HGTV's House Hunters Renovation this weekend {all the details below} helping some lucky Bostonians create their dream home! I am so beyond thrilled for my friend and her amazing team that you can find here. Congratulations to my lovely friend, I am so happy for you and always knew you would be a huge success. Enjoy every second of this exciting moment in your career!

From Kate - I'm so thrilled to announce my television debut THIS Saturday February 7th @ 10:00PM ESTon HGTV's House Hunters Renovation! Tune in as I help a young couple {and expecting parents} renovate the kitchen space in their charming Boston Victorian. Will we be done before their first baby arrives?? 

p.s. if you know anyone who would like to be featured on a let's get local please email me at heidi@dooleynotedstyle.com, thanks!

#SpeakSoon

I am a major sucker for good packaging. You could pretty much wrap a muddy twig in something beautiful and I will likely buy it. So when I saw the gorgeous labels of Speak Wines, I was instantly lured in to discover more about the wine behind the artistic bottles. The company was started over what else? A glass of wine. Combine that with their genuine love of sweet sayings and style and you have a fabulous formula for a great product. What I am really loving is that while the packaging sure is easy on the eyes, they really do focus on the wine being stellar and at a friendly price point. I just ordered a case and will happily reporting back my findings. In the meantime I also put together a little round up of my favorite entertaining pieces that go coordinate brilliantly with the beauties above. 

cheese board // brass wine bucket // bottle stoppers // cheese knives // corkscrew {free monogramming} // wine markers // wine bottle coaster // table runner // wine bags // monogram cocktail napkins // wine aerator // wine glasses & carafe set // gilded bar stand