Chateau Mistletoe

Branching Out

2011-11-28T19:23:00.000-08:00

Look no further than your own backyard to create this affordable and totally dramatic holiday look!

There are many variations you can take on this centerpiece and it is really an easy way to make a big impact! Find an oversize pot or tall glass vase to house your branches. The star of the show can be as simple as a bare branch from your yard or you can "branch out" (I know, I know) and use magnolia branches, berry twigs, curly willow or even a winter-variety flowering branch if you are lucky enough to track one down. Add some great ornaments to the tips and possibly some greenery or moss at the base of the twigs and voila... your masterpiece is complete!

dwellings design | inspire bohemia | nj | inspire bohemia | digs digs

Countdown to Christmas

2011-11-12T22:58:00.000-08:00

The fall has been an eventful and busy time in the Clark house this year - having spent more time away from our house than in it. Now that things are slowing down and we are heading back home tomorrow, I am anxious to get our house cozy and festive for the holidays! With only weeks left until the Christmas season begins, here are my thoughts to kick off the season...

TRADITION

I've said it before and I'll say it again... this is one of the key ingredients to a great holiday season. If there is no heart behind the festivities, then you are missing the point and missing out! This is important whether you have young kids, grown kids or no kids at all. The magic of the holidays are the memories made together... so get creative, be flexible and have fun!

JESSE TREE

Since our son is only 2 years old we are still in the process of creating our family traditions. This year we are getting a "Jesse Tree" which is a really neat type of advent calendar that goes through all of the old testament stories that anticipate the coming of Jesus! Preston loves to hear stories and what a better way to teach him what Christmas is all about.

If you are crafty then you may really enjoy making the ornaments yourself, but if you are like me then you may not finish until your kids are in college. If that is the case, please visit Etsy for cute ornaments that you can simply order online!

"D" DAY

That is decorating day, not doomsday. I realize it may sound like a fantasy to get your family, spouse or even friends to help with this one, but it's all what you make of it - so make it FUN! Turn on some great Christmas tunes or holiday movie, light a crackling fire and serve hot cocoa and s'mores... oh ya, and then put those little elves to work (sneaky right?)!

One Charming Party

A few of our family music and film faves....

SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER

In honor of the generous Saint Nicholas, secretly "adopt" a family in need to lavish with gifts... make this really fun and meaningful by praying for this family, shopping and wrapping together, and ending with an exciting delivery of dropping the gifts, ringing the bell and dashing off like Rudolph and the gang! After all it feels even better to give than to receive!

Ho, Ho, Ho!

Happy Haute Halloween!

2011-10-30T20:37:00.000-07:00

Tonight I took my 2 year old son on a stroll through the neighborhood and stumbled on a disturbing scene... a house so over-the-top creepy (including a zombie baby) that I started to wonder where they hide their victims.

This got me to thinking "what is the formula for a festive and inviting front porch for this spooky holiday?".

Here are my thoughts...

DANCING LIGHTS - we all love the flickering lights of a jack-o-lantern, but there are many other creative ways to draw in trick-or-treaters or party guests in a way they will remember. Candle light is an easy way to create mood and set the tone for a fun night... it's hard to go overboard in this category. Create a pathway to your door with paper lanterns, carved pumpkins placed over a strand of Christmas bulbs or use a variety of pretty iron lanterns.

Martha Stewart | Martha Stewart | Martha Stewart | Pottery Barn

PERSONAL TOUCHES - what a fantastic way to have a classy and fun look for halloween. In lieu of a traditional jack-o-lantern, carve your families initials or a haunting message into your pumpkins. I especially love the way these oversize pumpkins make a statement right at the entrance. And the puddle of tiny pumpkins at the base are a great touch. I will probably be borrowing this idea next year. ;)

Better Homes & Garden | Martha Stewart

WHIMSICAL DETAILS - I am obviously not a fan of scary, gory or otherwise grotesque decor for Halloween, but that doesn't mean it has to be boring. Take a playful approach to your decorations! Make a totem pole out of your family's jack-o-lanterns. Instead of traditional spooky faces, create a dreamy swirly face or other unexpected shapes that you can easily create from cookie cutters. Or make imaginative monsters and ghouls out of varieties of autumn produce.

Better Homes and Gardens | Martha Stewart | Martha Stewart | Martha Stewart | Better Homes and Gardens

PLAY DRESS UP - And I'm not talking about your costume! Mixing materials is always a great way to create interest. Contrast rustic fall textures like twigs, raffia and burlap with pumpkins adorned in gold or silver spray paint. You can use stencils to make girly and playful designs on pumpkins and gourds. This is such an easy and inexpensive way to decorate and is so unique! Let the boys revel in all the goopy glory of their jack-o-lanterns, while mom and the girls have a sparkling good time with this project!

...and lastly a reminder that it is a holiday, so take a break from worrying about the decorating to enjoy a hot cup of cider and mounds of candy with your family!

Thanks!

2009-12-28T23:04:00.000-08:00

The gifts have all been opened and family has all gone home... now its time to put away the china, take down the garland and store the stockings until the magic begins again! Thanks to our clients and supporters for Mistletoe Chateau's great first Christmas season. Check back in the fall when we'll share more great entertaining and decorating tips for a holiday season to remember!

...and don't forget to get one last kiss under the mistletoe.

Santa Claus is coming to town...

2009-12-08T20:20:00.000-08:00

Can you believe there are only 2 weeks left until Christmas?!? If you are not quite ready for your upcoming party or family gathering, fear not! We can still make your home festively beautiful just in time for the holidays. Contact us soon to discuss design package options.

gretchen@gretchenleighclark.com | design.hilary.elizabeth@gmail.com

Holiday Tips from Gretchen + Hilary

2009-11-23T13:54:00.000-08:00

If you listen to Gene & Julie on 103.7 in the morning, you might have heard Kimberly Schlegel Whitman talking about Chateau Mistletoe last week on her radio segment. Here are some tips we shared with Kim for memorable holiday entertaining and decorating!

* Layers for your home - Just like winter fashion... layer your home with blankets and pillows. This is a quick and affordable way to change the look of your home. Make sure to mix different textures (mohair, silk, jute, cashmere, linen, wool) for a luxurious and livable look!

* Experiment with Style - Afraid to commit? Now is the perfect time to try out a style you secretly love. Mix mirrored accessories and glass ornaments for sparkling Christmas glamour! Or skirt a table in burlap and top with winter flowers in white pottery for antique swedish charm!

* Make a Family Tradition - Christmas is all about memories, so create a new family tradition! Try decorating the Christmas tree as a family... play a mix of favorite holiday music, start a cozy fire and lay out a spread for "indoor smores"!

* Fresh is Best - Whenever you can afford it, use fresh garland, wreaths and trees. The smell is incredible and they will look great for weeks! Be sure to lightly mist often with cool water to keep them fresh and green.

* Gifts as Decoration - Coordinate your wrapping papers to create a collected (not matching) look around your christmas tree. If you're a last minute shopper like me, wrap empty boxes which you can use again next year!

* Inside Out - Don't overlook patios and loggias, which should be decorated as an extension of the home. Be sure to have a fire source, a basket of blankets and hot spiced wine for family and friends. They will love to cuddle up outside and talk for hours!

* Set the Table - Host a whimsical and memorable holiday tea by setting the table with assorted plates and tea cups. If you don't have enough sets to make an eclectic mix, borrow a few from family or friends. If you're intimidated to mix patterns, stick with all white dishes in different styles! Keep the look polished with paper white flowers potted in footed silver serving bowls. For a personal touch purchase individual glass teapots for your guests to keep!

Classic Christmas

2009-11-17T07:20:00.001-08:00

Sometimes all you really want for Christmas is a touch of tradition! Beautiful trees, wreaths and swags of garland, accentuated with ornaments, bows and berries set the tone for a classic Christmas home. This look can work well in both casual and formal rooms by using a few easy tricks! Keep the color scheme understated in formal rooms, sticking with neutral accents of gold, silver and ivory and add sparkle with glass and mirror. For a more casual and festive look, introduce brighter colors and always remember to add personal touches that are special just to your family.

via Traditional Home

design by Mary McDonald

Rustic Beauty

2009-11-11T10:47:00.000-08:00

Sorry its been awhile, but I have been out of town styling a photoshoot in Colorado. All of the beautiful scenery has gotten me in the mood for Christmas decor inspired by nature! If not done well the rustic look can be a little too masculine and uninviting... Pair soft elements like floral, ribbon, berries, and decorative ornaments to rustic branches, nests and grapevine wreaths for a sparkling rustic Christmas that is pretty, organic and totally gorgeous!

ornaments from Pottery Barn

via marthastewart.com

ornaments from Pottery Barn

via Material Girls blog

via Country Living via Cottage Living

via Southern Accents

First Impressions

2009-10-29T16:28:00.001-07:00

With most festivities happening indoors, don't neglect the outside of your home! Greet your guests with a warm and inviting entrance that begs them to come in. Set the tone for your holiday decor with garland, wreaths and pots full of wintry plants. Be sure to think creatively and use unexpected materials like moss, magnolia and bay leaves, boxwood, and mixes of traditional evergreens. Texas winters are mild and great for outdoor entertaining - make your backyard a cozy retreat for family and friends by decorating your patio or loggia.

images via martha stewart

images via twolia.com

via cottage living

via southern living

Home for the Holidays

2009-10-29T16:24:00.001-07:00

Don't you just love the holiday season? Hot cocoa by the fire, sparkling window displays at your favorite stores, and giddy children trying to be on their best behavior... It just never seems to lose its magic to me, and this year is even better because it's my first Christmas with a baby!

If you love the holidays, but don't love getting ready for them - we can help! After an initial consultation at your home, our design team will create a custom plan within your budget to complement the style of your home. We'll quickly have your home ready for the season so that you can enjoy it. We also offer our services for private and company holiday events to take the "work" out of your party.

Book a free consultation now, because it will be here before you know it!

Gretchen Clark

gretchen@gretchenleighclark.com

Hilary Campbell

design.hilary.elizabeth@gmail.com

Chateau Mistletoe on the radio

2009-10-29T12:32:00.000-07:00

Kimberly Schlegel Whitman will be talking about "Chateau Mistletoe" by Gretchen and Hilary on her radio segment next week. Kim will be sharing great holiday decorating and entertaining tips that you won't want to miss! Be sure to listen to her segment on Gene and Julie's morning radio show on 103.7 light fm and let us know what you think.