A Modern Holiday Color Palette

Decor

I’m kicking off my first gift guide of the season with the design lover in mind. Self-serving perhaps? I call it strategic. I’m feeling a fresh, refined color palette for the holidays. Instead of decking your halls with the standard red and green, what if you tried a mix of white, gold and touches of warm gray instead?

The look is sophisticated, luxurious and refined. Using lots of white helps spaces feel open and airy – rather than overstuffed and cluttered. Touches of gold feel celebratory and festive. And warm gray tones add a bit of gravitas without being harsh.

I recently scoured Horchow and discovered a treasure trove of goodies at crazy good deals. The site features home decor, tableware, even gifts from some of my favorite lines, like Aerin, Palacek and of course Neiman Marcus (they’re part of the Neiman Marcus family of brands.) Starting tomorrow, you can save up to 40% off during their Finders Savers event.

I’d be thrilled if Santa put any of these pieces in his cart for me!

SHOP THE POST: 1 coasters / 2 vase / 3 pillow / 4 charger / 5 bowl / 6 tray / 7 candle / 8 vases

image 1 / image 2 / image 3

This post is in collaboration with Horchow. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. thanks for supporting partnerships I’m excited about and that have kept our doors open.

How to Say So Long to Summer In Style

Business of blogging

bay-area-beaches

This is it. The last chance to let the summer vibes wash over us. I’ve got a bucket list a mile long, but I’ve whittled things down to an even dozen ideas that I think you could actually accomplish this long weekend. I do hope they might inspire you to have a little extra fun this holiday weekend.

Whatever you’re up to, I hope you enjoy every single second!

> Wake up early and see a sunrise. This coffee will help.

> Go out to brunch. Or better yet, host one! This is proof that it doesn’t have to be stressful at all.

> Make this recipe, or this one or this one or this one or this one or any of these.

> Eat dessert. And then eat it again. And again. And again. Bathing suit season is over after all.

> Explore a new place.

> Or rediscover something familiar.

> Have a picnic. Beach not required but an added bonus.

> Whip up this sangria. Or this lemonade. Or this frosé. Or this margarita. Or this one.

> If you’re really feeling ambitious, exercise.

> If you’re feeling like I’m feeling, treat yo’self to a pedicure.

> If you over-indulged on the margaritas, drink a fresh juice.

xo,

Erin

photography by emily scott

A New Holiday Decorating Trend

Decor

There are 18 sleeps until Christmas. Have you decorated yet?? I’ve had a hard time figuring out how to deck our halls with a crawling 8-month old puttering around. Our oversized Christmas tree doesn’t really seem practical. It would eat up half of Carter’s crawling space. And since he’s discovered a love of cords I’m not really willing to add even more electrical hazards to the mix. So I’m considering an alternative this year – a modern update on the Christmas wreath with an easy wreath DIY.

Wall-mounted Christmas decor isn’t new. We actually shared an adorable Christmas Tree DIY last year, but I’m in the mood for something a little different. A little modern. I’ve been seeing a lot of different wreath options pop up all over Pinterest, but I’m loving this asymmetrical version. Its simplicity gives it a cool, chic feel, but the use of olive branches lend a rustic touch.

The steps to create something like this are actually pretty simple.

STEP ONE: Cut standard 18-inch wire wreath frame in half, creating a crescent shape

STEP TWO: Gather small bunches of olive branches and overlay them down the wreath frame, securing them with wire. Move along the wreath frame with the branches all going in the same direction.

STEP THREE: Reverse the direction of your olive branch bundles for the last third of the wreath frame that you have left

STEP FOUR: Take a piece of silky ribbon and tie a bow around the empty spot where your branch stems meet.

STEP FIVE: Tie a long piece of twine to each end of the wreath frame for hanging.

I think this is one project I can actually pull off before Christmas Eve rolls around! For more innovative decorating ideas CLICK HERE.

wreath by putnam & putnam for the line

Celebrate 4th of July Weekend in Style

Fashion

What will you be doing this 4th of July weekend? Right about now everything on the list sounds like a good time – day up in wine country, trip to the beach, getaway to Tahoe. While we’re planning to hang pretty low with le bebe this year, that certainly doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate. The 4th is one of our fave holidays because it really is all about good food, friends and wine. In SF the weather has finally turned a corner – hello, summer, is that you? – and we can’t think of a better way to spend the day than gathering a group of friends for a weekend of outdoor entertaining!

After seeing these pics from the super-sweet Seattle-based photographer, Charles Redding, it’s clear that our ideal, low-key celebration needs to involve lots of rosé, small bites and laughter!

We plan to take advantage of the long weekend by spending lots of it in the kitchen checking off recipes from our never-ending Pinterest boards. A quick trip to the farmer’s market in the morning will yield everything we need for this Fig and Melon salad. It looks so yummy and is perfectly refreshing for the heat. We also really want to flex our muscle with this Strawberry and Blueberry Tiramisu – because who doesn’t love a fun 4th-themed dessert?!

While I stir, whip and chop, I’ll be doing it super casual in some easy 4th inspired style. I’m thinking boyfriend denim shorts, a cute racerback tank and some metallic slip-ons – the perfect lady-with-a-baby weekend wear if you ask me! We may head to the park or hang out on the rooftop deck because let’s be honest, our backyard is far from looking anything like this. Either way, I love that this breezy outfit doesn’t restrict any on-the-fly fun idea from happening. It’s summer after all!

> 1. Boyfriend Distressed Denim Shorts ON SALE
> 2. Eco-Jersey Tank Top
> 3. Knotted Rope Bracelet
> 4. Bingo Game
> 5. Stripe Sunglasses
> 6. Slip-Ons in Metallic
> 7. Petanque Set
> 8. Aesop Body Lotion SPF 50

CLICK PRODUCT TO SHOP

images c/o Charles Redding

Say I Love You with These Hilarious Valentine’s Day Cards

Shopping

We all know a picture’s worth a 1,000 words, but what about a greeting card? The perfect Valentine’s Day card can make or break your romantic moment. Finding the best card is serious business, people! That’s why we could easily spend an entire hour in the card aisle, searching for the sentences that convey the feelings we just can’t seem to string together on our own.

Sure, we love the sweet and gushy stuff, but ever notice how the best cards are always the ones with a bit more sass? It’s just how we like our love – with a side of well-timed sarcasm. Any of these options would be perfect for the more light-hearted love birds out there!

> More Than Wine
> With All My Butt
> You’re Hotter Than Brad Pitt
> Jay + Bey
> Tinder Lovers Card
> I Still Love You

We’re also smitten with these beautifully designed sentiments. They’re meaningful and sweet without being sacchrin. We’d gladly give or receive any of them – with a kiss of course.

> Faceted Heart
> I Love Your More Than
> J’Adore Card

Did we mention that a bunch of these cute cards are available as e-cards- printable right from your computer? With the big V-day coming up this Saturday, they’re perfect for all you procrastinators {yes, we’re procrastinators too!}. We’re dying to know which words made you laugh most!

PS: If you need to give your honey some last-second gift hints CLICK HERE

image via unknown

Because We Totally Buy Things for the Packaging

Decor

We have no problem admitting that we are suckers for good packaging. We’ve been known to buy a $10 chocolate bar and never open it, a beautiful bar of soap only to stare at it on the bathroom counter and an overpriced bottle of olive oil just for its looks. {what, you don’t??}. If you have someone in your life who has the same level of ~~obsessive~~ observant eye for design, these gorgeously packaged goodies are just what will make them squeal come Christmas morning!! Plus, they’re so pretty, you might not even have to wrap them! A simple dash of ribbon will surely do.

Get Your Gifting On:

> Bal D’Afrique Parfum
> Byredo French Hand Cream
> Sans Organics Bath Products from New Zealand
> Kate Spade ‘This Round Is On Me’ Wine Tote
> Sunday Suppers Olive Oil
> Tisane Candles
> Distellerie de Paris Vodka & Gin
> Aesop Mouthwash

We’ll be honest, if we received any of these beautiful bottles in our stocking or under the tree we may not ever open them! They’re just so gorgeous to look at, they’d immediately be placed right on a prime spot on the shelf, perfectly styled next to the cutting board we don’t dare dirty or that wooden toothbrush that just looks so cute in it’s cup! But just because we may never use it, doesn’t mean we don’t die over it every time we walk passed. With these gifts it’s totally the thought that counts, or shall we say, the packaging!

BTW, we’re not the only ones who haven’t finished our Christmas shopping yet, right??

10 Days Left! Your Last Second Gift Guide HERE

Decor

Did you realize there are only 10 days {and counting!} ’til Christmas? Holy, Santa Claus! If you don’t want to get caught rushing to the store on Christmas eve – we’ve been there, it’s not so fun – now’s your chance to get that last second holiday shopping in while online retailers are guaranteeing shipping before Christmas Day. There’s really nothing more fun that finding the perfect gift – in your PJs, glass of wine in hand!

If you’re having trouble figuring out what to get that someone special on your list?? We’ve got you covered! We’ve found the perfect little something for your dapper dude, your fashion savvy bestie, for your mom, your dad and the new mama in your life! We can say with confidence that if any of these pieces landed under our trees we’d be thrilled!

Get Your Gifting On:

> For The Mixologist: Brass Cocktail Stirrers
> For Her: Cashmere Beanie
> For Him: Stripe Cashmere Scarf
> For Dad: Concrete Shaving Set
> For The Host: Cookies ‘n Cream Bark
> For Baby: Organic Christmas Tree One-Piece
> For Mom: Plaid Shearling Slippers
> For The Gardener: Copper Gardening Tools

Still need more ideas? We’re banking all our best giftables on Pinterest right here. I particullary love

> A perfect find for the home decor obsessed
> A super cute scarf for your sister
> A chic mug for the coffee lover
> Beautiful bookends for the big reader in your family
> Lovely bakeware for the home cook
> A cool backpack for the world traveler
> The must-have cookbook of the season

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”453579″]

And just in case you’ve somehow finished all of your holiday shopping {what is your secret??} , we’re loving these holiday ideas:

> this Wreath DIY,
> this Cranberry Cider Punch and
> this Olive Oil and Orange Cake recipe! Yum.

A Christmas DIY That’s Perfect for Small Spaces!

Decor

We don’t know about you, but for a couple of years now it seems like we’re pulling fewer and fewer of our Christmas decorations out of storage. I don’t know if it’s just the modern decor trend sinking in deeper or if it’s that the minimal lifestyle is feeling ever more appealing. Whatever the reason, the Scandinavian approach to Christmas is so attractive this year. They somehow get it just right. So with only a couple of boxes of ornaments out of storage and streamlined trimmings on our mind, we DIY’d the cutest birch branch Christmas tree you ever did see- a great alternative to the 9-footer and the perfect festive element for tight quarters! It’s so simple and super cute, even if you are decking the halls with 50 pounds of holly, you’ll want to add it to your home this season!

We love, love, LOVE, simple moments like a sweetly sparse potted tree on the stairs or simple white paper bags wrapped in twine and hung with clothespins for an advent calendar – even live trimmings ’round a homemade candle chandelier. So cozy chic!

Our holiday inspiration is coming straight from Copenhagen right now; craftiness meets chic simplicity. Their secret is a neutral palette: blacks, whites and soft greys, mixed in with natural elements like branches, tree trimmings and small potted evergreens, and lots of texture: think burlap, rope and twine. Mix them all togehther and your Scandi-inspired Christmas is complete!

With these inspirations as our guide, and some help from the DIY queen herself, Martha Stewart, we took to DIYing our version of a modern Scandinavian inspired Christmas tree- no water or vacuuming of pine needles required! We put a slightly more glam spin on Scandi with a mix of metallic ornaments as well as some matte white baubles {which were also a DIY!}.

Here’s how you do it yourself:

Tools:

You can find many of these items at The Home Depot here!

Two 6-foot birch tree branches
Hand-Saw
Measuring Tape
Strong Baker’s Twine or Thin Rope
Martha Stewart Living Snowberry Ornaments
1 Can White Spray Paint
Gift Tags {love these and these watercolor tags!}
Pretty Baker’s Twine
Scissors {love these brass ones!}
2 ft fishing line

Method:

> Measure, mark and cut birch tree branches with saw. Bottom branch is 30 inches, then go in increments of 6 inches: 24, 18, 12, your top branch will be 6 inches.

> Lay branches out in shape of Christmas tree, longest branch on bottom, shortest on top with about 8 inches in between each branch. Wrap strong twine around bottom branch three-four times, knot it, then wrap it around next branch, knot it and cut. Repeat for all branches.

> Coat desired ornaments with matte white spray paint. Repeat process until fully covered.

> Cut 6 inch pieces of Butcher’s Twine and string through ornaments and tie on branches.

> Hang tree using fishing line and a 3M hook to your wall! Perfectly thin for a hallway, impactful enough for a corner in the living room and so cute for the kitchen!

> Keep a small bowl and sharpie by the tree and whenever you think of a Christmas wish, write it down on a gift tag and hang it on the tree! They could be something special to read on Christmas morning as a family. And ta-da!

The muted champagne, mocha and silver color palette of the ornaments {there are so many options to choose from here!} blends in so naturally against the textured white bark of the birch tree branches. And we’re rather smitten with our Gold Reindeer Tree Topper! This type of tree is calm and serene, yet festive and inviting – exactly what we want our holiday to be this year. This modern DIY will certainly make you rethink bringing a live tree into your tiny city apartment! It’s absolutely perfect for big and small spaces alike!

Happy Holidays!

PS: If you still just really need to go glam for Christmas don’t miss our over the top holiday decor of bold golds, rich greens & garlands for days right here.

images 1-2, 9-12 original photography for apartment 34 by Emily Scott // image 3 via Petra Bindel for Elle Decoration // 4 via // 5 via An-Magritt // 6 via // 7 via House Doctor // 8 via Frichic

This post was in partnership with Martha Stewart Living. All thoughts and opinions are our own. Thank you for supporting partnerships we’re excited about and that help keep Apartment 34’s doors open.

Gifting with a Mission This Holiday Season

Decor

You all are probably well aware of The Citizenry by now! We’ve been obsessed with this line of artisanal pieces {and their mission} from day one {which we talked about here!}. So they were an obvious pick for us when it came to dreaming up a truly, truly special gift for our exclusive Holiday Pop-up Shop this year.

We worked with The Citizenry to design a limited edition gray and cream ombre Alpaca throw {with some serious fringe for drama!} that is so soft and beautiful you’ll never want to leave your sofa! Not to mention you’ll be one of only fifteen people lucky enough to cozy up with one!

This design process was particularly unique because we were not only working with The Citizenry’s founders, but also with their artisan partners in Peru, a small group of twelve weavers in San Pedro. It all started with an idea to design a classic, modern and uber cozy throw, which sparked a luxurious-inspired moodboard and as they say, the rest is history…

Keeping with a cool gray color palette – we wanted something that could seamlessly snuggle into anybody’s home- we chose a creamy white base color and a gradient of blue-grays for an ombre effect on the stripes. The hint of whimsy and drama came in with 7 inch fringe detail and from there, the weavers of San Pedro got to sourcing only the highest quality materials for this beaut!

We waited in anticipation to hear back from the group in Peru- hoping they had found the perfect material to develop the throw. Turns out they did! Super soft baby Alpaca was spun and woven by hand into 15 exclusive throws and on their way to the U.S.! We even have some behind the scenes pics of it being hand woven!

When we got the throw in the mail, it was like Christmas came early. Its handmade quality was even more breathtaking in person. Running our fingers through the fringe is a truly special experience- touching something so expertly crafted with skill and precision – that we helped design! This throw is really something we are proud to have been a part of.

The Citizenry has based their mission on supporting small artisans and makers from around the world to bring a luxuriously crafted and unique piece to people’s homes. Gift this ombre throw to the person who loves to travel, revels in the story behind design and deserves something special this holiday season! We can 100% guarantee they’ll cherish this Limited Edition Throw forever!

images 1 and 6 photography by Aubrie Pick // images 3-5 c/o The Citizenry // moodboard images via 1, 2, 3, 4

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