Heart Bowl Turned V-Day Planter

Since stores decided to put out Valentine's decor even before Christmas, I've had my eye on a few things I wanted to decorate with for a while now. One of them being a simple yet super cute heart bowl from west elm that I envisioned using as a planter. After I created my terrarium and had leftover pot soil I knew I could use it for this little project. Since I already had succulents in my terrarium, I chose to plant an orchid in the heart bowl and now it's a perfect little piece on my coffee table. Such an easy thing to do and it adds a little festiveness for Valentine's Day! Next on the blog is my DIY Valentine's Day garland so stay tuned :) 

And if you don't already follow me on instagram @laurenmaiorana

where I also post my DIY projects, inspiration + day to day picture worthy moments :) 

Xo,

Cheers to 2015!

Well hello January! It feels like a year since I've last posted :) I've had some time to reflect on this past year and although I have accomplished a lot -- moving to CA from NY and now living here over a year, working at a company that inspires me and encourages me to do what I love, and creating and selling more custom art pieces -- I still have SO much more yet to do for ME. Also, I was home visiting my family for the Holidays which is why I have not posted much in the last month. It was an amazing trip and I hope all of you had a wonderful time with family and friends this Holiday as well. One of my goals for this year is to do more home projects, photography and art which will give me a lot more to post about. Right now I am working on a DIY terrarium so stay tuned! In the meantime here are some pics of my new years with family!

Oh yea -- I'm going to be an Aunt again this May! 2015 is going to be a good one :) 

Xo,

My Grateful Candle

My store hosts events and trunk shows to help support local artists, makers and entrepreneurs -- especially during the holidays when we help to raise money for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital! This past Saturday we had Evolyn from In My Solitude which is a Los Angeles based boutique with handmade spa products. They have everything -- - room fragrance, pillows, eye shades, sugar scrubs, body creams and not to mention candles. Since I'm a sucker for an amazing scented candle, I went with their small "grateful" candle (which was only $13!). It now has a home on my coffee table but it smells soooo good so I plan on getting more to put in my bathroom. They are made of soy wax which helps keep the air cleaner and candle burn longer. If you are in search of a thoughtful holiday gift going local and handmade is the way to go. Check out In My Solitude and find your perfect gift or you can even treat yourself :) 

Xo,

10 Holiday Gift Ideas for 2014

Happy Thursday! Such a beautiful day here in SoCal but feeling sorry for all my fellow New Yorkers with the cold weather and the snow -- not here! While I was on a few websites I came across quite a few items that would be great gift ideas (that I would love myself). So if you're 25 like me or know someone who is or someone who would love any of these items than no need to look any further for their gift this holiday. These are definitely a win if you have no idea what to get -- they will surely love any one of these. There are SO many to choose from so it was a tough call picking 10 but here they are:

1. An item that's charming to look at.

These candle holders aren't only holding candles, they are 

their own mini sculpture and will spruce up any space -- office

desk, bathroom, display shelf, bedroom, the list is endless!

2-piece dahlia candle holders / cb2 / $19.95

2. A seasonal scented candle.

These animal candles are so adorable -- you can pick

your friend's favorite animal and inside is a candle with

a seasonal pine scent. I'll take the owl, please!

animal doll candles / west elm / $16 - $22

3. A gift that one can wear.

Stone jewelry is quite trendy right now but I don't

see it going out of style any time soon. I'm loving the 

jade/hemlock color of this stone. I can definitely

picture it in my wardrobe :) 

crystal pendant necklace / urban outfitters / $24

4. Everyone loves decorative and functional storage.

And especially this one. It comes in two sizes and you

don't only have to use this for jewelry. This can be a catch all, 

recipe box, note holder -- pretty much a lot of things. 

faux shagreen box - natural / west elm / $49 - $79

5. A functional kitchen item.

 This utensil holder is part of west elm's collaboration

with FEED. By purchasing any of their items you give back

by providing meals to people in need -- this one specifically 

will provide 42 meals! Their utensils, mason jars, dinnerware, 

and more are also all great gift ideas.

FEED utensil caddy / west elm / $89

6. A place to take notes.

This notebook by Sugar Paper LA is the perfect little

notebook for someone like me (eh em) who likes to stay

organized and likes to have a place to write things down. I 

keep in a little planner/notebook in my bag always because 

1) I design/draw and 2) I'm a list maker. It's a win.

gold star notebook / sugarpaperla / $18

7. A functional item that's pretty to look at.

I LOVE anthropologie's coasters. I currently have their white broken 

glass ones and I'm obsessed. You just can't go wrong -- they look pretty 

on your table while keeping glass marks off of it.

celestial coaster set / anthropologie / $32 set of 4

8. Something to remind them of home.

Have friends or family living out of state? Being from NY I know I would 

love this -- Hemlock and Heather is the maker based in Texas and

 they have other states or you can customize a piece. They have their own

 site or you can buy from west elm. Definitely worth checking out and

you may even want one for yourself. I love original, handmade pieces.

new york wood wall hanging / hemlock and heather for west elm / $130

9. A place to hold pictures.

Yes, that would be a frame. This one I just love the

patterns and colors. Give this to someone as is or place a 

memorable photo inside to make it more personal.

artfully cubed frame / lulu and georgia / $56

10. Something to snuggle up in.

Loving the new Nate Berkus line at Target -- as always-- and who doesn't

love a soft AND stylish throw? Check out this one that is stylish and affordable.

Woven Throw - Dark Gray  / nate berkus for target  / $29.99

There it is - 10 items, 10 perfect gifts. Of course some of these you won't

be giving to a guy friend or family member of yours but I hope this was still able

to give you ideas on what to get any one! I know I would love to get any of these items

this holiday. Feel free to check out each website for tons more great gift ideas.

Xo,

Falling for Metallics

Happy November! It's that time of year to take out your fall decorations  -- deep red and burnt orange hues -- or you can incorporate metallics into your existing decor that will last until after the new year. Metallics are always an eye-catcher and they can be especially appropriate when decorating and entertaining for the fall and winter holidays -- they create a warm, inviting and sophisticated look. Here are some of my favorite metallic items -- from decorative accents to dinnerware -- that will transform your home just in time for Thanksgiving!

1. 

You can't go wrong with some brass candle

holders. These would look great as part of your

dining room table centerpiece or on your mantle.

Denby Candleholders / Crate & Barrel

2.

These hurricanes have beautiful detailing and will

also look great as your table centerpiece or as decor 

on your mantle.

Frosted Deco Mercury Hurricanes / west elm

3.

Right now west elm has some gorgeous metallic beaded

pillows in cool and warm colors that will fit with other 

holiday decor you may have. You can purchase the cover

separate so you can switch up the look of your pillows 

whenever you want.

Metallic Sequin Pillows / west elm

4.

If you're looking for a simple yet festive table runner this fall then

this metallic stripe runner is it. It has a touch of silver -- picture 

this paired with those west elm hurricanes above as a centerpiece. 

Can't say I'm not into it, can you?

Metallic Striped Table Runner / Anthropologie

5.

This is one of many metallic frames Zara Home has that I'm

falling in love with. Obviously these are great year round if you 

like this sophisticated glam look. Otherwise, these are perfect

to replace your current frames with during the holidays to 

have a more festive look without having to get too many 

extra decorations.

Resin and Mirrored Frame / Zara Home

6.

I love these trays! They are so versatile and can be used 

on a coffee table, ottoman, dining table, entryway, or even a 

bar cart when put on a stand. This particular finish, antiqued silver, 

looks great with other metallic items and is great for holidays and 

entertaining. Currently tabletop and trays are 20% off at west elm.

Large Rectangle Lacquer Tray / west elm

7.

This dinnerware set looks amazing when paired with gold

flatware (like pictured). You could also switch up your dinnerware

and do this ikat metallic dinner plate with a white salad plate or

vise versa -- the options are endless. Incorporating even just

one item from this set will bring a touch of the

holidays to your tabletop.

Palette Dinnerware Set - Gold and Silver / west elm

8.

This cake stand is just so cute. You don't have to only serve 

cake on this either! 

 Polka Dot Cake Stand - Gold and Silver / C Wonder

9.

This glassware just makes sense for the holidays.  The 

gold rim on these glasses would look great with the Palette 

Dinnerware Set in Gold/Silver!

Metallic Rimmed Glassware - Gold / west elm

10.

Herringbone pattern + metallic = yes, please. This beautiful

combo happens to be sold on these placements at Target

and adds an instant holiday look to your dining table.

 Threshold Metallic Herringbone Placemat / Target

If you're looking for some new holiday decor and items for entertaining then these metallic finds will do the trick! Not only for the fall but will last through the holiday season. Who wouldn't like that?

Xo,

Top 12 Gift Ideas for Your Host

Are you going to a family or friend get together this holiday season? I know I am and I'm not the only one. Since Thanksgiving and the holidays are just around the corner, I've come up with my top 12 gift ideas for those who are hosting your get togethers (I couldn't stop at 10). You don't have to go crazy but if you want to give something more tangible than a bottle of wine or your highly talked-about casserole (although those can be great, too) then one of these gifts are a must!

1. 

Not gonna lie - this candle smells amazing and if you

don't have time to bake an angel food cake this is the next

best thing - other scents are available.

Boulangerie Jar, Tall // $26 // Anthropologie

2. 

This throw is so soft you may end up walking out of 

Pier 1 with two of them.

Fuzzy Throw - Sand // $44.95 // Pier 1

3. 

Who wouldn't love these gold-rimmed animal plates?

Gilded Dapper Animal Dinnerware Set // $12 // west elm

4. 

This carved box is a catch-all for almost anything - jewelry, 

recipes, keys, etc and is quite a steal at less than $20.

Hexagon Carved Soapstone Box // $14.99 // World Market

5. 

Just as functional as decorative, these measuring cups are cute 

as a button. I can't picture your host not loving them.

Matryoshka Measuring Cup - Set of 6 // $12 // Urban Outfitters

6. 

Everyone can use coasters and these make the perfect gift

especially because they're herringbone pattered mosaic tile.

Midas Coaster - Set of 4 // $19.95 // Z Gallerie

7. 

A cute gift for the couple hosting a meal or party. I think any 

one mug is a great gift for any occasion.

Mr. & Mrs. Muse Reversible Mug // $24 // Jonathan Adler

8. 

This bowl can serve more than one purpose - not only great for 

future events your host has but is some great eye candy as well

with its gold leaf design.

Nate Berkus Laurel Leaf Bowl // $29.99 // Target

9. 

I'm in love with this cheese board - of course, it's a map

of NYC. Could look great hung on a kitchen wall as decor when

it's not being used.

NYC Cheese Board & Spreader // $38 // CWonder

10. 

Not just your typical frame. This one serves as 

a decorative geometric object as well. 

Prisma 4"x6" Frame // $14.95 // CB2

11. 

Copper is stylish and classy. This tray can store items

anywhere and be a serving tray when company is over. 

Vanna Round Tray, Copper // $44 // Lulu & Georgia

12. 

Last but not least, I had to include my favorite smelling

candle. Each one of these candles are handmade from recycled

wine bottles to create a signature wine bottle candle. There are so 

many great scents but my favorite is the Rose which is pictured here.

You can find them at your local west elm or visit their very own site.

Rewined Candles // $28 // west elm, rewind candles

You really can't go wrong with any of these items to give as a special gift to your host 

or hostess. All of these sites have many other gifts as well - it was super hard picking just one from each site! Which one is your favorite? 

Xo,

Fall In Love With Your Table Setting

Happy October everyone! I haven't posted in so long mainly because I've been home in New York visiting family. We even had our own early Thanksgiving dinner because some of us live so far away and it will be a while until we are all together again. It made me think of how I am going to set up my own table for Thanksgiving. There are so many options when it comes to decorating your dining table for the fall - where do you even start? Centerpieces, dinnerware, &  tablecloths, oh my! Here's some inspiration to help you decide this autumn season just in time for Thanksgiving!

I love how simple yet festive this setting is. I especially love

the clean, fresh look of the white dinnerware and napkins but you

could also use other colors - rich reds, blues or greens. Mini pumpkins for 

a centerpiece just works and tying up the napkin with hemp string 

and adding wheat completes this fall look.

{town-n-country-living.com}

This table has a rustic look with the stump candle holders

and wood chargers (can be a great DIY, too!). Mini pumpkins

 in different sizes and rich colors is the cherry on top

for this fall inspired table setting.

{tableskirtsandmore.com}

This setting has a touch of fall with the feather and lavender 

tied in hemp with the word "gather". This is something that

you can do to instantly create a fall table setting without

having to buy all new dinnerware and centerpieces. 

{findinghomeonline.com}

These settings and centerpieces look gorgeous on this rustic

table but would look stunning on a more formal table

as well. No pumpkins are needed to make you think of fall - 

the wheat in a vase, hemp table runner, fresh flowers and elegant

candles definitely has your mind thinking of fall family gatherings.

{pureandnoble.blogspot.com}

I love the vibrant, autumn-colored flowers against the

teal table runner (and the fact that it's ikat print). This table 

setting can be used year round - just switch out the 

flowers to go with any holiday or special occasion.

{bridesmagazine.com}

I really love all of these photos - they are all such beautiful settings.

It definitely makes me excited to decorate my table for Thanksgiving coming up

where it will be my boyfriends and I's first Thanksgiving dinner together in our own

home! I wish you all happy fall table setting :)  

Xo,