Soon, brightly colored blooms will grace flower stands across the country. Most people cannot resist taking a fragrant bouquet home from their local florist or farmer’s market. Once home, they scramble through their cupboards trying to find the perfect vase to display their flowers. My perfect container solution: Sap Buckets! These inexpensive, shabby-chic containers are so versatile their application is limitless, from flower vessels to crayon storage and even to outdoor wedding or event decor!  Read More »

On the heels of Valentine’s Day proposals, being asked to plan an engagement party for a family member or close friend is inevitable. What better city to look to for inspiration when planning an engagement party than Paris? With Parisians’ sense of joie de vivre, the French celebrate beauty and passion in everything-especially in springtime.  Read More »

Single gals dread February 14th more than any other day of the year. At work, there is a never ending sea of deliveries of red roses plaguing the workplace. Gushing co-workers can make the eight hour work day seem like an eternity. You cannot wait to leave, but an empty home awaiting you can be far worse. I am here to help with my Valentine’s Day Survival Kit!  Read More »

Most brides initially cringe at the mere mention of the word theme. The word conjures up memories of high school prom steering committee meetings. However, when it comes to big events, especially weddings, a theme can provide continuity and it does not have to be over-the-top. Speaking from experience as an event planner, even a loose theme helps filter ideas.  Read More »

Okay ladies, now that I have your attention…! Each February 14th, men frantically call upon their favorite florists to arrange the flower deliveries sent to their valentines. For the past 17 years, I have both loved and loathed this holiday. Of course I love Valentine’s Day for the wealth of business it brings to Prudence Designs, but the stress level is at a fever pitch with high expectations. There was a time when the mere thought of sending a man flowers was absurd. It compromised their machismo. Things have changed and here are some guidelines for sending men flowers…  Read More »

Viva La Mexico! Mexico is such a joyous place. Incredible cuisine, tequila infused margaritas, bold use of color everywhere-all to the soundtrack of Mariachi music. It seems the entire country can be summed up in one word: fiesta. Mexico is also known for its folk art. Ponchos, blankets, jewelry, piñatas, and papel picado instantly come to mind, but my favorite is their paper flowers. They can be used for a multitude of decorations.  Read More »

Okay, I know in the past I have not been shy about sharing my disdain for silk flowers. Perhaps I should have been clearer. I detest silk flowers trying to appear realistic. However, there is nothing wrong with using them in a heightened, artificial manner. It is similar to how I feel about drag queens. I am never interested in the ones trying to pass as “day 1” girls. I prefer the over-the-top, Wigstock worthy gal that is not afraid to take it to the campiest level. Silk flowers should look fake, never arranged to trick the beholder.  Read More »

Color blocking has long been a fashion trend. Fashion houses from Gucci to Lacroix parade models down the runway in vibrant colorful assembles. Jewel- toned separates break the body into flattering “blocks” of color resembling a Mark Rothko painting. As it often does, the home furnishings market looks to the pages of Vogue and the designer runways for trends. This spring, be prepared to embrace color blocking ideas at home. From curtain panels to wall treatments, bold colors are making a comeback.  Read More »

Chances are you still don’t know the words to Auld Lang Syne, but this time every year we fake our way through the verses after the ball has dropped in Times Square. Everyone is looking for the perfect destination to ring in the New Year, but throwing a fabulous fete can be daunting. How to decorate? What to wear? I think this festive night is the perfect chance to indulge and shine.  Read More »

It is that time to channel your inner Martha and wrap your presents. Being a visual person, I am a firm believer that the presentation of your gift is as important as the gift itself. Though not a tree hugger in the purist sense, I am also mindful of waste. Conventional wrapping paper is wasteful, generic, expensive and usually not recyclable. You spend a lot of time (and money) scouring shops for the perfect gifts. Now go the extra step to properly present them to the special people in your life.  Read More »

If you are like me, this time each year you tire of the overuse of the color red. From campy holiday decorations to that jolly old soul garbed in red and white fur, red is everywhere. Don’t get me wrong, I love going into a candlelight service where the church is bedecked with red poinsettias (but I cannot live with that for an entire month at home). How do you embrace the season tastefully? Two words: lipstick shades!  Read More »

Tis the season for holiday decorations! It’s time to deck the halls and hang the Christmas Wreath. Some people buy their wreaths “right of the rack” using the most basic pine adorned with a generic red bow (or perhaps plaid). But your Christmas Wreath says a lot about you and your personality. This season, don’t settle for the expected…  Read More »

While I am a firm believer that there are no bad blooms, just bad designers, some stars have such a disdain for certain innocent flowers their riders specify they must be kept out of their dressing rooms. Of course we all know about Madonna’s hatred of the hydrangea, but what are some of the favorite flowers of stars?   Read More »

Thank You…two little words that are said not nearly enough. With Thanksgiving just days away, I thought what better time to address this issue. Perhaps it’s my Southern upbringing, but I am constantly surprised when kind gestures go unacknowledged.  Read More »

Claude Chabrol, the late French New Wave filmmaker, once said “I love mirrors. They let one pass through the surface of things.” I agree. When light is reflected in mirrored surfaces, something magical happens. With major holidays before us (Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas), what better season to illuminate your table settings? Mirrored accessories in mercury glass are the perfect solution to achieve this effect.  Read More »