easter inspiration - martha stewart

If ever there was a time when we could all use a little inspiration for pulling together a holiday, it's now, when we're confined to our homes and are limited to the resources we have on hand. And if there was ever one to inspire us, it's Martha Stewart. So when I found myself a little lost as to how I was going to make our Easter feel as normal as possible, I turned to my collection of old Living magazines. I pulled all of the April issues out and set them on the coffee table. When I found myself feeling a little down, or needing a little pick me up, I'd make a cup of tea and sit down and flip through an old issue (or three). They never fail to bring me joy. Thankfully I had gathered most of their Easter candy and things the week before we needed to isolate, so I had that covered. I was able to work with the food we had for the most part, save the ham, which I had purchased when I had done groceries the week before. And the table? I pulled together what I had and thankfully, had a little extra time on my hand to make it feel special.

I had prepared these photos days before Easter as so many of you responded to the photos of the old issues when I posted them, and this book, when I had shared it weeks ago. Even though Easter is now past, I'm posting it anyway. If anything, they'll still bring inspiration next year.

These photos are from her book Martha's Entertaining - A Year of Celebrations.

I love colours of these eggs. We died a few this year and I was happy with how they turned out, mainly because of the lack of colour! A few years ago I started hiding a large chocolate in golden foil for each boy. I make it extra challenging and they love hunting for it.

She has a beautiful collection of antique chocolate molds.

A leg of lamb - something I've never made before.

A pretty Easter tree (we made our first this year) and a gorgeous citrus tart.

One of my favourite of the Easter photos - I just love a beautiful buffet.

Her property with an abundance of Daffodil bulbs in bloom.

I'm definitely going to be planting bulbs this fall around of yard.

And this brought the inspiration for having tea on Sunday. 

book inspiration - california wine country

As promised, this will be the first post in a small series on what inspired me as I flipped through some old, "dated" decorating books at the cottage.

The first book is

California Wine Country

Interior Design, Architecture & Style
(see photo above for sources for all photos)

Now, before I get into this series of posts, I need to preface that while some of these books did inspire me in some ways, these are not books that I would go out and purchase to read and reread. Most of the rest of the content is not to my personal taste. But I love finding pieces and looks that, even years later after being styled, are still timeless and beautiful, and that's what I'd like to share.

I think this is the perfect slipped armchair. A nice high back with low arms, a relaxed white cover, comfortable but upright, perfect for at a desk.

Also, those wide plank floors are stunning.

I also loved this chair in a ticking fabric with matching ottoman. I like how it looks with the natural rug. This would be something I would put in one of the boys' rooms for reading.

I loved this little desk with it's books shelves and library lamp. And I loved the dramatic windows and dark, moodly floors. And that checked backing of  the chairs adds pretty contrast.

This bathroom was beautifully imperfect. The tub is more a lovely piece of art than a functional piece. And I just love that little bamboo table!

And this! Oh this was just perfect. The most inviting bed, the contrast of the rusty iron, the canvas tent in the most beautiful shades of soft green of course, the view.

Not to mention lovely artwork and antique rugs...

I also loved the warmth of this little kitchen sink, overflowing with a bucket of roses and peaches and fresh rhubarb. I'm always a fan of open shelving.

And from what I'm pretty sure is another part of this same kitchen, this perfect little display of fresh vegetables. So, so simple and yet so beautiful.

And these chairs! They are stunning, and so much more so grouped en mass like this. I love them in a row on the porch.

I also liked the simple stylings of this sunny kitchen. The cake plates out, the copper pots hanging, bright windows.

I can't think of a more perfect place for dining Al Fresco. That brick fireplace is beautiful, and I always love a round table with pretty glassware.

Finally, the texture these wood paneled walls adds to this space is so interesting. I love the dramatic table and the simple bistro-like chairs. And of course the gorgeous pine doors!