KEEP CALM AND DREAM ON

And so, along with the rest of the world, we take a royal break today and imagine just for a moment that fairy tales do come true.  A royal wedding:  can you imagine the logistics of planning that event? Let us hope it is filled with the magic dreaminess we're all hoping for.

Back next week with a continuation of our entertaining topics (one month was not enough!), plus oh so much more.


Image via Hannah Pempus and Claudia Strasser on Pinterest.  Original source unknown ... but I'd love to give credit if anyone knows.

CHARM & MAKE BELIEVE

“There seems to be within all of us an innate yearning 

to be lifted momentarily out of our own lives 
into the realm of charm and make believe." 

-- Dorothy Draper {interior decorator, fabulous hostess} 

Isn't that what the best parties do? 

Image via Erin Woolsey on Pinterest.  Original source This Is Glamorous.

I LONG FOR SALT AIR IN MY HAIR

Oh yes I do, yes I do.
How 'bout you?

Art & Words by Katie Daisy.  

For more of her charming work visit The Wheatfield on Etsy.

Discovered on Lovely As A Dream

THE SLOW SEDUCTION

"There is magic ... in the deep-jewel-colored room,
warm and mysterious, where you discover its many beauties
as you sit, seduced slowly."
-- Billy Baldwin

There are days when I want everything white, bright and simple.  Clearly this is not one of those days. Let me sink deep into garnet velvet sofas, caress gold silk tassels, bathe in amethyst light and turquoise glass, become bedazzled by bejewled headboards.  I'm in that kind of mood.

Photos 1 & 2 from Style Maniac's print archives. Credits lost at the moment, but I'm searching for them.  Bottom photo via Paris Hotel Petit-Moulin.

BEAUTIFUL BOOKS: What's On Your Coffee Table?

"The best decoration in the world is a roomful of books." 

-- Billy Baldwin

Sometimes, I admit, I do judge a book by a cover.  Whether art, photography, fashion, food, design, "coffee table" books can add spectacular color, life and interest to your home, for a smidgen of what real art would cost. In keeping with this month's theme, and continuing our seasonal series of reader's favorites, please share in the Comments section some of the beautiful books you display in your home. I'll then list your pretty picks, along with your blog link if you have one, in the Style Maniac Amazon Boutique (if offered direct by Amazon).  Looking forward to meeting some gorgeous new selections.

Currently on my table: Degas by Robert Gordon & Andrew Forge

A GLORIOUS MESS

"One of the most glorious messes in the world is the
mess created in the living room on Christmas day.
Don't clean it up too quickly."
- Andy Rooney 

After all the planning ... buying ... wrapping ... rushing ... it all comes down to spending time with those you love and enjoying every small moment.  I'm off to do just that and I hope you are as well.  First, just want to thank all the bloggers and photographers who have brightened my month--and year--with beautiful inspiration, images and words. And thanks to each of you, dear Style Maniac readers, for visiting, commenting and sharing here.  It's a wonderful gift you give me every day.  

See you just before New Year's Eve.  Merry Christmas.

Quote discovered on Belle Maison. Gold Glitter image by Shandi-Lee via Flickr.

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS {part 2}

The other thing I want for Christmas:

a House-Cleaning Robot

{a girl can dream, can't she?}

Hope you get at least some of what you want this Christmas.

image via Anne Taintor Inc.