Practicing Mindfulness At Home
Mindfulness, “an accepting and kind attitude toward yourself and your present moment experience,” is being embraced everywhere these days. Here are a few tips on how to integrate the practice of mindfulness into your home. • Mindfulness at Home Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Dec 17, 2012
Trendspotting: Animals on Kitchenware
Foxes may be the new trend, but there’s a whole animal kingdom out there — and they’re all trying to make their way into your kitchen. From dinnerware to linens, check out this selection of animals on kitchenware. • Animals on Kitchenware Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Dec 14, 2012
10 Beautiful Serving Pitchers
If you’re hosting a dinner party or having cocktails with friends, there’s nothing like a pitcher to save you from running back and forth from the kitchen. The following 10 vessels will do the job and look great on anyone’s table or bar cart. • 10 Beautiful Serving Pitchers Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Dec 14, 2012
A West Village Kitchen Makeover
When designer Carly Yates set out to redo this West Village kitchen, she had her work cut out for her. Carly presented her renovation at our last Apartment Therapy Design Evening in New York; if you weren’t able to make it, here are all the details. • NYC Kitchen Makeover Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Dec 13, 2012
Bottle Openers for Design Lovers
Don’t know what to get your friends this holiday? Well, if they drink at all, they may appreciate using one of these beautiful, design-y bottle openers which will make popping the top off their favorite beverage that much more satisfying. • Design-y Bottle Openers Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Dec 12, 2012
21st Century Microwaves
Microwaves from 20 years ago still basically look like the microwaves of today. However, there are new models equipped with updated technology to help you cook better than ever before in an instant.. • 21st Century Microwaves Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Dec 11, 2012
10 Containers For Your Baked Good Gifts
Giving baked goods as presents this year? Check out this roundup of containers from disposable options, like take out containers, as well as reusable picks, like Weck jars, that are gifts in themselves. • Baked Good Gift Containers Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Dec 7, 2012
Set the Mood with a Cocktail Party Playlist
Getting ready for a holiday cocktail party and thinking of putting the ole iPod on shuffle? The convenience is tempting, but take an hour and make a playlist instead to set the stage for a swinging night. • Cocktail Party Playlist Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Dec 6, 2012
Make a Festive Wreath With Split Peas
I’m a huge fan of DIY Christmas decorations. Especially ones that are inexpensive – they go right to the top of my list… • Split Pea Wreath Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Dec 5, 2012
Will Cotton’s Fantastic Gingerbread Houses & Paintings
Will Cotton is the creator of some of the most charming gingerbread houses. He actually builds the gingerbread houses and their alpine settings and then does his paintings of them. My kind of guy. • Fantastic Gingerbread Houses Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Dec 5, 2012
Thanksgiving Alternative: “Friendsgiving”
Our families have become far-flung so we find ourselves longing for a holiday shared with friends. This year a couple of our friends invited us to a “Friendsgiving” meal and we jumped at the opportunity. • Celebrating “Friendsgiving” Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Dec 3, 2012
An Elegant Organic Cocktail Table
If you prefer a Manhattan to a margarita, then this is the table for you: stylish but restrained, classic shapes and plenty of organic elements to create the sultry vibe every cocktail party needs. • Organic Cocktail Table Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 30, 2012
One Minute Video: Give a Jam Cocktail Kit for the Holidays
Today’s One Minute Tip comes from Maggie Battista, with her favorite idea for a holiday hostess gift: The Sparkling Jam Cocktail. • Jam Cocktail Kit Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 29, 2012
On Trend: Geometric Cloth Napkins
With the flurry of people going in and out of your home this holiday season, attractive cloth napkins keep mouths clean and the mood festive. This array of geometric patterned napkins will be useful all year long providing years of use and enjoyment. • Geometric Cloth Napkins Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 28, 2012
Elegantly Wrapped: 5 Ways to Wrap Wine
A bottle of wine is a good go-to gift for the holidays, but wrapping it can be a challenge. In hopes of upping my wrapping game this year I sought out some clever tutorials. • 5 Ways to Wrap Wine Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 28, 2012
Tips for Entertaining in a Small Home
One of the biggest challenges of small space living is entertaining. After a few years of failed attempts, this year I’ve discovered a happy style recipe for low-stress, large gathering entertaining. • Entertaining in a Small Home Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 27, 2012
Tips for Hiring a Bartender for Your Party
Having a big party at home? Here are some good reasons to hire a bartender to serve drinks as well as tips for hiring one. Then you can really relax and enjoy visiting with your guests. • Tips for Hiring a Bartender Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 27, 2012
Win A Holiday Cocktail Party from Patrón
This season, Patrón is finding out what makes us happiest with the Holiday Happiness Experiment. Answer a few questions and you could win a holiday cocktail party for you and your friends, sponsored by Patrón! • Win a Patrón Cocktail Party Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 26, 2012
Five DIY Tabletop Ideas Using Burlap
Burlap is a humble material that when treated right can add natural, textural detail to your tabletop. Here are five burlap-based projects that won’t take up much of your time or money. • DIY Burlap Tabletop Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 26, 2012
Before & After: A Revamped Guest Room
It was a hot pink curtain that started the ball rolling on Jae’s guest room makeover. She kept the furniture, painted the walls and tackled a DIY headboard to give this room a fresh, mature update.Jae tells us: I really wanted to add fuchsia curtains somewhere in our home. I decided on the guest room and that sparked a domino effect of other changes. I like the idea of letting the fabrics and accessories shine with color so I painted the walls white.
Carrie McBride
Nov 22, 2012
Exceptional & Interesting Flatware
Setting the table for holiday get togethers is easier and more fun when you have flatware that catches the eye and is a pleasure to dine with. Here are some examples of styles that suit table decor both colorful and modern or classic and elegant. • Exceptional Flatware Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 21, 2012
5 Things To Do 30 Minutes Before A Party
Nothing throws the mojo of a party off faster than a crazy, stressed-out hostess. So wherever you find yourself at the 30 minute mark, drop everything else and do these five things. • 5 Things 30 Min. Before Party Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 21, 2012
Silver & Gold: Online Vintage Tabletop
One way to set a stunning holiday table is with accents of silver and gold. Look no further than these glittering picks from one of our favorite sources for all things vintage, Etsy. • Silver & Gold Vintage Tabletop Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 20, 2012
Inspirational Thanksgiving Table Settings
While the turkey is important, table setting is equally important in telling the story of Thanksgiving. I thought I’d troll around and collect some really awesome tabletop inspiration to share with you. • Table Setting Inspiration Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 20, 2012
20 Tabletop Shopping Guides
With Thanksgiving this week, the start of the holiday dinner party season is officially upon us. To help,’ve rounded up 20 of our best tabletop shopping guides – from budget dinnerware to modern table linens. • Tabletop Shopping Guides Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 19, 2012
Effortless Hostessing, the French Way
The French treat every meal as if it’s an occasion. So, how does one hostess the French way? Mimi Thorisson, mom, cook, blogger (and owner of 14 dogs!) shares her secrets. • Effortless Hostessing Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 19, 2012
Tips for Hosting Guests with Food Allergies
We’re all familiar with the rise of food allergies, so how do you go about keeping your guests safe? Here are some tips for hosting guests with food allergies. • Hosting Guests with Allergies Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 16, 2012
Readers’ Favorite Cocktails
One of the most important elements of a party is the cocktails. Whether it’s a themed drink, a seasonal beverage, or you like to mix it up, we’re asking readers about their favorite. • Readers’ Favorite Cocktails Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 16, 2012
Sources for Handcrafted Tabletop Items
Earlier I took a look at budget dishware sets but if you’re ready to upgrade to something more special, the shops on this list specialize in handcrafted tabletop. • Handcrafted Tabletop Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 15, 2012
Before & After: “Old & Ugly” High Chair
Would you click on this Craigslist ad: “very old & ugly high chair w/potty chair both for $15”? Yeah, me neither. But Jennifer did (and with enthusiasm I might add) and she set to work cleaning it up and giving it new look.The silver paint makes a huge difference and the vinyl cover will surely be easier to clean than the previous fabric. Jennifer shares the steps she took: I had been looking everywhere for a high chair and when I found it I jumped on it.
Carrie McBride
Nov 15, 2012
Use Chalkboard Cloth to Label Party Food
This DIY table runner makes it easy for guests to identify wine and cheese pairings, but it’s not limited solely to swigs. I think this would work equally well to label platters at a buffet table or list suggestions for fun little things like DIY sundae bars! • Chalkboard Cloth for Parties Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 15, 2012
Studded Suede Trivet Tutorial
Every year, as I’m putting a big Thanksgiving dinner on the table I realize I don’t own enough trivets. This year I’m heading that moment off at the pass, and adding some more to my paltry collection, including this one I made. Here’s the tutorial… • Studded Trivet Tutorial Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 14, 2012
Before & After: Unfinished Basement Into “Organized Chaos” Play Space
Julie’s basement needed some work to become a cozier spot for her kids to play and she also wanted it to be a relaxing, attractive spot for the whole family. The new room has big changes: new floor, new ceiling and painted walls as well as furniture and storage.Julie shares: When we moved into our new home, the basement was unfinished. I had dreams of making it into a world-class chaos wrangler, I mean playroom.
Carrie McBride
Nov 14, 2012
Seasonal Fruit Centerpieces
In the summer, using fresh fruit to create pretty centerpieces is common. As the temperatures drop, however, it’s easy to forget that seasonal fruit still makes for fantastic arrangements. • Seasonal Fruit Centerpieces Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 13, 2012
Dinnerware on a Budget
My first time hosting Thanksgiving, I found myself with a serious lack of dinnerware. Don’t let a lack of dinnerware keep you from entertaining. Take a look at this roundup of affordable dinnerware sets… • Dinnerware on a Budget Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 13, 2012
Easy Holiday Decor: Birch Branches
Birch branches are plentiful at many garden centers and floral departments this time of year, and their sparse beauty can be used a number of ways, from elegant centerpieces to chic alternatives to traditional evergreen trees. • Birch Branch Decor Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 12, 2012
Thanksgiving Kids’ Table Decor
A kids’ table for Thanksgiving is attractive for a lot of families. Here’s a selection of decorating ideas sure to help make your young guests happy to gather around their own little celebration. • Kids Table Decor Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 12, 2012
A Repurposed Kitchen Island
Once Liz started searching for an island with the proper measurements for her kitchen, she realized she might require a custom solution and a DIY plan. Here’s what she came up with… • A Repurposed Kitchen Island Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 9, 2012
A Hostess Vents About Failure To RSVP
It seems like people have become woefully rude and negligent at RSVPing to invitations. Is the shift to electronic invitations the problem here? Are people just plain ruder now? Busier? Both? • Failure to RSVP Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 9, 2012
How To Deal with a Downed Tree
Whether it’s a tornado, flood, high winds, or a hurricane that causes a tree to go down, there are lots of things to think about. How to clean it up, what to do with all of that wood, and ultimately how to replace it are questions that come to mind. • Dealing with a Downed
Carrie McBride
Nov 8, 2012
A Beautiful Reuse of Honey Bear Containers
Emma and Elsie of the blog A Beautiful Mess know how to transform ordinary objects into something special. They shared this simple and sweet idea for turning honey containers into a whimsical golden vase. • Reuse Your Honey Bears Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 7, 2012
Dark vs. Light Floors in the Kitchen
If you had to pick, which would it be – the rich elegance of a dark floor or the crisp, airy feeling of white floors? When deciding between these two extremes, there’s more to consider than what initially meets the eye… • Dark vs. Light Floors Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 6, 2012
Photographing Products: 4 Useful Tutorials
Today I’m sharing a few approachable tutorials written by a handful of great bloggers. With a few useful tips, as well as a little thought to your setup, you’ll be on your way to great photos in no time. • Photographing Products Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 6, 2012
Your Home as a Catalyst to Your Dreams
Home is a place to sleep, to eat, to hang out with your family and your friends. It can also be the place where you get started working on those big dreams of yours. • Home as a Catalyst to Dreams Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 5, 2012
Use the Color Wheel to Choose Complimentary Colors
Remember the color wheel? Colors that lie opposite to one another on the wheel are especially pleasing together. Here’s how to make it work for you. • Complimentary Colors Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 1, 2012
Round Dining Tables for Small Spaces
Round dining tables tend to work great in small spaces and traffic flows easily around the shape of circular table. Here are 5 modern round dining tables to consider. • Round Dining Tables Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Nov 1, 2012
Kitchens in Every Color of The Rainbow
Buying colored cabinets (or even painting the ones you have) is not a choice for the faint of heart. But you spend a lot of time in your kitchen — shouldn’t it be a color that makes you happy? • Colorful Kitchens Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Oct 31, 2012
Rounding Up the Best Small Compost Bins
All of the composters on this list will fit on the counter or under the kitchen sink. And just like that you’re a friend of the earth! • Best Compost Bins Apartment Therapy
Carrie McBride
Oct 31, 2012