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Pretty beaded napkin rings dress up simple glass candlesticks. This trick would work on chandeliers, too.
Last weekend we had our annual workshop to give customers some great ideas for stylish and easy holiday decorating.  I pulled a few looks together for the workshop focusing on ideas that would be simple to shop for and put together.  I bought everything I needed at the local garden center, craft store and grocery store.  I paired them with items we had here at the store--similar to items you may have around the house.  I found a ton of inspiration on Eddie Ross's site.  If you're looking for some new ideas for tabletop decoration and working in some thrifty finds, definitely check it out.
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One of the design magazines, I think it's House Beautiful, has a feature that's titled "Why Don't You...." that offers some fun suggestions of things to try in your home.  These aren't major investment items but instead small things that add a little flavor to what you've already got going on.  Well, in the interest of avoiding a possible intellectual property conflict, I've tweaked it a bit.  For instance, you know what you should try?  Something purple.
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Flag tray from Target for $15
There's just something about this time of year that practically forces us to embrace decorating with Old Glory.  Perhaps it's because you've got Memorial Day, Flag Day and July 4th, all within a 6 week span.  Or maybe it's because some people think summer and think crisp beachy Nantucket style.  Whatever the reason, the kick off to summer always coincides with a bit of red, white and blue.
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Image courtesy Traditional Home
If you've got a room with lots of empty walls, it can be difficult to figure out a way to add interest without a lot of repetition.  I'm all for a series of artwork hung evenly spaced as a group.  But there comes a time when the question becomes: how many little rectangles does one room need?  One possible solution--decorative plates.
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It's not always easy being a guy, especially when it comes to home decor.  There's a fine line between your home looking cool and "dude, what are you?  A girl?"  This may explain why most men I know have the following on their coffee table: remote control(s), dirty dish(es), and maybe a magazine (not always the family friendly sort).  It's just easier to avoid the ridicule.  But this picture here gives one great idea of how to put something interesting on your table without forsaking your manliness.  No, I'm not a fan of the basket (I'd rather see a low bowl in black), but overall, pretty cool.  And if you're not into billiards, what about baseballs?  Hey, maybe that's one to try in my apartment.
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Guess the source 05/12/2010
 
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A perfect housewarming gift
Fisherman will tell you that to get a good haul you need to know where to go and cast a wide net.  In that sense, it's not too different from interior design.  Always on the lookout for affordable and stylish items, I like to check out a variety of places.  Hey, you never know where you'll find an unexpected and cool treasure--though those people who have parents and grandparents with attics ridiculously full of great pieces irritate me to no end.
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I'm always on the lookout for inexpensive, stylish home accessories--especially things that you won't necessarily see in everyone else's home.  I'm looking at you, foo dogs.  One site I like to check out from time to time is Zgallerie, which is based on the west coast.  Sure, they're pretty popular and some of their items look familiar, but I bet you've seen them for a lot more money.  Everything here is well under $100.  
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Adorable tray table for under $70
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Now if you've learned nothing else about me while reading regularly, you've probably figured out that I love a bargain.  By that I don't mean something cheap just for the sake of having something; but instead a great deal on something wanted/needed.  But lately I've been thinking more about investing in fewer and higher quality items.  My wardrobe doesn't know it yet, but half of it is about to leave my closet for this very reason.  In that vein, I wanted to feature some truly stunning textiles from Aviva Stanoff.
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I'm a big believer in investing in quality pieces for your home and very often one of those pieces is an area rug.  The rug in my living area was one of the more expensive things I purchased but it completely set the tone for the room.  Sometimes, though, you just want a little fun.  This rug may be a little trendy color and pattern-wise, but it is still 100% wool and nicely made.  I found it on the World Market site for $449 (on sale with no shipping charges) for a 5'x8'.  The deal of the century?  No.  But a good balance between fun and smart.
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Ikea has a reputation that varies wildly from chief producers of home furnishings crap to saviors from sitting/sleeping/eating on the floor.  It all depends on who you ask.  I do own a few pieces, upgrading to other items over the years as time and budget have allowed, the way most people do.  One department from Ikea I will never outgrow, however, are their textiles.  For simple drapery panels or duvet covers, they are a fantastic source.
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