Home Decor Archives - Modern Pineapple

December 18, 2015

Wild at Heart

Wild at Heart blooms for a winter white wedding

So it’s nearly Christmas and soon the house will be filled with guests. I love a home with fresh things in it — and I don’t just mean you and your spouse! I’m talking plants, flowers, herbs and small trees. Anything that lives. Did you know just how many health benefits fresh flowers and plants can bring? Not only do they increase your happiness by seeing beauty around your home, but indoor plants are linked to boosts in creativity, better memory, reduced stress and bettering air quality. Not to mention if you have herbs on the kitchen counter (rosemary and basil pots sit next to our sink) you always have the freshest ingredients to add to your weeknight recipes.

I usually pick up flowers each weekend at farmers markets or Whole Foods to make my own arrangements, but if I’m looking for something extra special for the table I turn to Wild at Heart. Their arrangements are stunning and highly coveted around these parts. Nikki Tibbles is truly gifted, making stunning displays for society weddings, fashion label parties, and brand launches at Harrods. Their flagship is in Pimlico, but they have a little outpost on Westbourne Grove right across from Daylesford that I visit. (She’s also stationed at Liberty on Regent Street if you’re finishing your shopping this weekend.) I also follow along on her blog — and there are some excellent tips for holiday decorating if you have spent too much time partying this season and not enough getting ready for Christmas!

Wild at Heart
222 Westbourne Grove
W11 2RH
020 7727 3095

April 24, 2015

How to Polish Silver

Next weekend is the Run for the Roses — the perfect excuse for an afternoon-turned-evening of partying in your best pastels, embroidered seersucker pants and of course, beautiful big hats. Though we won’t be heading to Derby ourselves, it has served as the perfect reminder for me to… do a little silver polishing (!). We have a pair of julep cups that need routine maintenance — used more often for flower arranging than consuming the refreshing namesake beverage. This time of year though, they need to be at the ready for containing a cool mix of bourbon, simple syrup, mint and crushed ice (ahhh, springtime).

Silver polishing should really be done at least every six weeks to preserve the shine of your silver or silver-plated wares. I’m guilty of letting this slide (there are always more pressing matters!) but I’m determined to keep ours glistening. It’s really such an easy task — I buffed our pieces back to shining health this morning in under 10 minutes. Using Cape Cod polishing cloths (available online and in practically every hardware store), wipe down the surface of your silver, making sure you get into the grooves or any etching. I had to work a touch harder inside the monogram ‘M’ for the champagne bucket (a favorite wedding present we received). Don’t scrub, especially for silver-plated items. Once your item is completely polished, use a soft cloth, some warm water and a tiny bit of dish soap to gently buff off the polish till it’s shining. Dry the item(s) with an old white cotton t-shirt, and you’re set for your next soiree.

And if you are hosting a preppy party next weekend, my hat is off to you! (We’re waiting for our horse race fill in June with the Royal Ascot.) Consider creating a Mint Julep bar for your guests to create their own concoctions to go along with delicious ham biscuits and chocolate bourbon pecan pie while you watch the greatest two minutes in sports.

Voile! And you can see the t-shirt I used to dry it reflected in the bucket. Now where’s the Rosé Perrier-Jouët..?

Post script. My mom found this incredible polishing method where you essentially turn your kitchen sink into a science lab. By using aluminum foil and baking soda, the tarnish melts off before your very eyes. Before my brother’s engagement party this summer, we cleaned my parents’ silver this way and it worked like a charm. If you have a lot to polish, then this might be the method for you! And let me know how wonderfully it livens up your favorite pieces x

April 11, 2015

Styling with Pineapples

Here at Modern Pineapple, I’m a big fan of anything to do with pineapples {clearly}. Though I believe they never go out of style, pineapples are back in vogue — and in a big way. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite citrus choices right now to pick up just in time for summer entertaining. I’m especially coveting that Julia Knight tray {how cute is it!}, and the pink Persifor dress to wear for all kinds of outdoor adventures. The pineapple cheese board would serve as a fabulous hostess gift for your summer soirees, too!

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April 2, 2015

Five Seasonal Changes from Curtains to Tables

Despite spring taking an official leave of absence, I started the seasonal shift over the past few days: that exciting time when you can finally swap out heavy sweaters and boots for cardigans and ballet flats. {Seriously one of the best times of the year!} Just as we get ourselves ready to dress in season, I like to do the same thing for my home to mirror the fresh feeling of the outdoors.

1. Go bare. Remove the tablecloths and extra rugs to expose the surface underneath. Working with the elements instead of against is what makes this season so special. It’s no longer time to fight off the cold weather – instead embrace the cool wood under your feet or glass on your tabletop.

2. Light! It’s not necessary to have heavy curtains to keep the chilly winter air at bay anymore. Instead, consider swapping your window dressing for linen curtains. The room will feel breezier, and it’s amazing what a difference it will make with the actual light it will let into your home. A great source I’ve found for new curtains is the amazingly inexpensive Yorkshire Linens, along with scoping out Amazon.

3. White everyday. I like to switch up my china to more casual white plates for most any dining situation. It adds an effortless style to the table, and allows for other dynamic elements to take center stage: flowers, pastel-colored napkins, and of course the wonderful people around you.

4. Exchange pillows. I love our perfectly color-matched velvet and silk cushions on our living room sofa. But for now, they will be put away to make room for lighter cotton and linen ones. I buy pillows that are the same size to just swap off the covers {mostly at West Elm and John Lewis}, not the inserts themselves. It makes for easier storage and of course it’s easier on the wallet.

5. Decorate with nature. Utilize fresh branches {love cherry blossoms with their gorgeous height} and accent with bright colors from favorite flowers that are finally in bloom like tulips and peonies. I love the white pottery vases from Jonathan Adler that really make the blooms pop.

March 24, 2015

Top Mood Lighting Tips

There is something so special about candles. I love the way they instantly elevate any moment, whether it’s a single pillar candle on the coffee table, or dazzling candelabras in the dining room. I’m personally a huge tea light fan and advocate. They’re small with big impact, versatile to go in any room of your house for hosting and gorgeous used in a variety of ways. Here are my top tips for setting the mood with tea lights for your upcoming soiree:

1. Buy in bulk. Tea lights aren’t very expensive, and often can come in packs of 50-100 so you don’t need to replace a bag often. We go through them quickly in our house {we light them every night with dinner — really, every night} so it’s nice to have so many easily accessible. There are so many options and colors. Scope out Amazon to have them delivered right to your door. Be sure to buy tea light holders as well. Mine are glass picked up from our local everything store, Tyler’s at Notting Hill Gate, but you can buy them just about everywhere!

2. Start fresh. It’s important to use new candles for every event to ensure they will flame for several hours {you don’t want them burning out halfway through your party!}. If you are expecting an epic long night, just plan to have extra tea lights on hand to replace them. I usually keep a few strategically stacked in a drawer in each room where candles are lit {read: everywhere}.

3. Invest in proper candle tools. This means a long lighter, instead of striking matches which can fly out of your hand and onto your tablecloth {guilty}, and a snuffer to safely extinguish the flame so you don’t blow hot wax onto your dining room table {doubly guilty}. Our snuffer was a gift from my mother-in-law, who had heard the tales. {I also like this one.} As you can see, I’ve learned from experience. These tools are worth it — spend the money for your safety and sanity.

4. Light candles on a tray. This is my favorite trick! I’ve found it’s easier to light all the candles on a tray {mine is Mariposa, similar here} and spread them about just before guests arrive, instead of going from room to room hunting for candles. Just remember to be super careful walking, and don’t carry too many at once.

5. Set in groups. Tea lights can be used in any variety of ways, but I personally love having at least 3-5 lights in any given space to have a beautiful effect {and it can still be a dazzling table sans flowers — economical too!}. It’s best to stick with the old decorating trick of odd numbers, so keep that in mind during your set up.

6. Use unscented candles. The last thing you want is for an overpowering tea light to take over the delicious hors d’oeuvres or dinner you’re serving. The only place I’d suggest it’s okay {and appreciated} to have a scented candle is the guest bathroom.

March 23, 2015

Tickled with Tassels

One of my favorite little design details, the tassel, is having a moment {and not just in our necklaces and earrings}. They’re whimsical, charming and add a little flair to a wide range of furniture pieces. As the WSJ put it this weekend: “They can be tacked on to just about anything—though you might want to stop short of tasseling your forks or your cat.” So great.

I have just a couple around our flat to add that little something extra and fancy up the furniture {even one of the tassels has tassels on the tassel… say that several times fast!}. One I picked up at John Lewis in the fall, where they had a really wide range of options, and another I had received from The Second Yard in my hometown of Virginia Beach back in the States. It’s a fun accent to look for on trips too, in different decorating shops or open air markets.

When you’re looking for ones to fit into your own home, take in the color scheme you already have in place. Our dining room is teal and cream, so I liked the way the gold tassel would fit in and add a little pop to the room. Don’t be afraid to play with different sizes either — it can be fun on big curtains to go with an oversized tassel, while adorning furniture or doorknobs with slightly smaller ones.

They’re relatively low cost and commitment, so when the urge hits to change something up around a room, a new tassel or detail of the like is an easy, economical way to make the update. And if you’re really into tassels, you can make it a permanent fixture in your home with a table like this one (!).

March 22, 2015

Home Style Inspiration: Juliska’s Capucine & David Gooding

I’m so taken by the country-French-inspired home and style of Juliska founders Capucine and David Gooding just featured in Traditional Home. {Have you seen their new La Panier line? As if I didn’t love their gorgeous tableware enough — we have Country Estate in Delft Blue as a special nod to our English living.} They have a relaxed, comfortable use of color and beautiful, functional furniture designed to match their lifestyle with three kids.

What I loved most reading through the piece is their source of inspiration. It’s family, and I felt it fitting to share their home and story today, when my husband and I usually make Facetime calls back home to stay connected on the lives of our parents, siblings and friends. The Goodings have family all over the world, especially in Europe and the States. They surround themselves with reminders of their family through their home, which is something we have done in ours too.

I wish Juliska was more widely available here. It can be ordered at Selfridges through the Wedding Shop, and Amara stocks their Berry & Thread line. Till then, I do pick up pieces when we are back in the States and emulate bits of their style from afar. {That kitchen just looks so inviting and perfect for family gathering and that entryway table is something I’m dying to do in our next home.}

March 19, 2015

Easter Decor Inspiration

Though we’ll be traveling over Easter weekend, I’m still looking into ways to add a little egg-citement {I couldn’t help myself!} around our home. These pretty pastel tablescapes are giving me some gorgeous inspiration. Plus, I’m thrilled that the Italian cherry blossoms I scooped up last month at New Covent Garden Market are still blooming beautifully. I’m hoping to use them as the centerpiece in a few weeks’ time.

1. Pottery Barn / 2. Ina Garten / 3. Design and DIY Magazine / 4. Love Grows Wild / 5. Pottery Barn

March 12, 2015

Spring Awakening Tablescape

Flowers, flowers, flowers! Nothing says spring quite like fresh blooms, and with Mothering Sunday this weekend and the itch to leave winter behind for good, I’ve pulled together a spring tablescape fit for any occasion. Starting with the table, I removed the pads to expose the table’s wood underneath for a more earthy, natural feel. Then I added a table runner {ours is from West Elm, though I’m also in love with this basket weave look from Chilewich} that’s actually peach-colored on one side and cream on the other. To give an airier look and stronger contrast against our wooden table, I opted for the cream look.

During my recent trip to New Covent Garden Market, I had picked up cherry blossoms, long-stemmed pink roses and green hypericum. My favorite part of the whole table is the height range from the cherry blossoms down to the tea lights, which keeps your eye moving. The tall cherry blossoms in the center added the drama while the roses anchored the table on either side. To do this, I cut the bottoms of the cherry blossoms on an angle and put them in a tall cylinder vase in the center of the table runner. Then, with these cute pastel pitchers {also picked up from the market — wholesale makes accessories a complete bargain}, I paired the roses with the green hypericum in a tighter bunch {which I held together with a rubber band to keep its shape}.

To round out the table, I added a few bud vases with one rose in each {bud vases from Whole Foods Floral for £1 each (!), similar here} and scattered tea lights around the vases along the runner. For the place settings, I used Caspari rattan chargers to keep with the natural theme and placed an elegant dinner plate on top to add a bit of sparkle and formality for a festive event {Vera Wang Wedgwood Lace}. For the napkins, I folded them in thirds, tied it together with raffia and tucked a bit of hypericum into the folded napkin, tying the place settings together with the arrangements. A champagne glass for festive drinking, a tumblers for water {on sale now at Selfridges!}, and silverware for your meal, and it’s set for a sweet spring soiree.

Keeping the arrangement together with a rubber band as mentioned above – simple trick I use all the time!

March 9, 2015

Fast Fashion at Home

Lately I’ve been loving the build up of home goods from J.Crew, the latest of the fast fashion brands to join the home decor scene. Slowly but surely they have been adding stylish smalls to their site and in stores, mostly collabs with other brands. It seems to be a natural progression, and would make sense to start competing in this space to continue selling the J.Crew lifestyle. Hidden in the Women’s and Men’s left sidebar on the website, it’s called Home & Gifts {with different trendy goods for the ladies and the guys, if you haven’t scoped it out lately}.

J.Crew is dipping its toe in the water where other fast fashion brands have already started to make their mark with brick and mortars and websites. Zara Home is arguably the most popular and established, especially in Europe. They offer virtually everything for outfitting a contemporary home {I’ve bought multiple mirrors, vases and even furniture handles for our flat here}. In December the brand announced it’s really pushing to have a home goods store with every clothing store — they have over 2,050 stores in 88 countries {hoping a store opens stateside soon for friends back home, though online shopping is available}.

Another popular fast fashion retailer, H&M, started H&M Home to compete and are part of the clothing stores, versus a separate store entirely like Zara Home. It features more of the basics in stores: towels, shower curtains, pillows and the like. Online there’s a much broader offering from candlesticks to rugs. To date, I’ve only seen it inside the clothing store itself — specifically on Kensington High Street — but am sure it’s only a matter of time before it grows.

As of now, here are my favorites from the J.Crew Home & Gifts to add new flair to your home {thinking that Ferm Living hexagon vase would be a perfect addition to the almost final redecorated guest room (!) and the Acme Party Box mason jars are needed for summer}.

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