I tried, I really did....

To put up a garland around the interior arch in my entrance hall. We hung the exterior garland early in December and it was not easy. Next year I will hang a thicker garland on the exterior arch, even though this was the deluxe garland. Perhaps a different source will help.



If you will remember, I was inspired by this beautiful photograph of an interior front door arch hung with thick amazing garland . I bought all the piece parts of the garland and got ready to hang it - with the help of my mechanical engineer - my husband. He took one look at what we were attempting to hang and said there would be too many nail holes in the woodwork, and I had to agree - so no hanging the garland inside the front door. Sigh...

Instead I took all of the parts and reworked my mantel, which had dried up anyway. I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year! See you in 2011.

Some Christmas 2010 memories from my humble abode....

Buy this magazine before it's gone!

The December 2010 issue of World of Interiors (which has been on news stands since November) has Nancy Lancaster's yellow room on the front - or does it? I saw the issue over the weekend and thought "I don't need to buy that - I have it in several books." But then I did a double take - it looks like the original yellow room but is actually a recreation of that room. The article accompanying the photographs is very informational and if you are a Nancy Lancaster/John Fowler fan then you will want to own this issue of World of Interiors. It is still on most bookstore shelves right now. What are you waiting for - go get it!

The original Yellow Room below -


image via live like you blog

House of the Week

This House of the Week is located in an idyllic setting facing a duck pond and is surrounded by other beautiful houses of diverse styles. I have admired it for many years. The free standing garage located on the left (hard to see below - it's behind a tree) was added a few years ago.

Merry Christmas from Atlanta!

Delicious and Easy Party Appetizer

It's the time of year for Holiday parties galore. Here's a fantastic recipe that never fails to get devoured - and it's easy and quick to make. (Men especially love this.) I have already taken it to 3 parties this season.


Sausage Cream Cheese Dip

1 lb. bulk pork sausage
2 bricks of cream cheese
1 can Rotel diced tomatoes
Tabasco sauce - as many shakes as you like

Brown sausage and drain. Add cream cheese and tomatoes. Stir until cheese is melted. Serve warm with tortilla chips (Scoops work the best). Enjoy!

My family calls this "man dip" because men love it so much.

image via tasteofhome.com

Christmastime in Atlanta

More houses later this week!

House of the Week

A traditional new build in Buckhead, architecture by Stan Dixon, construction by RLS Construction. Almost finished - I will take more photos when the front door is complete. This house is located on one of Atlanta's most beautiful streets and is surrounded by equally beautiful houses on large lots.