Collections – How I Do It – Dinner Party Guru

I often notice the first time a guest enters my home they seem, at least I like to think so 😏, transported to a slightly DIFFERENT era.

Where am I? What year is this? How old is this house? These are SOME of the questions I imagine they are thinking. Plus of course – WHERE DID THEY GET ALL THIS STUFF?

The answer – HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE .

You must remember I did live and decorate throughout the 90’s. It was, to me anyways, a wonderful time for decor. Martha Stewart was just really coming on the scene along with so many tremendously talented decorators including Charles Faudree, Bunny Williams, Ralph Lauren and Charlotte Moss.

All the home decor stores were so opulent it was liking walking straight into a treasure chest of wonderful objects – gorgeous gilt framed art work, glass orbs of all kinds, Black Forest carvings, quirky but beautiful lamps, resin castings of deer heads/rabbits/clocks, lots of monkey and dog statues, leather books galore and of course delicious potpourri and candles. I absolutely loved Gump’s and The Market back in those days.

WELL that was THEN and this is NOW. If you want this look today how do you get it? Is it possible? YOU BETCHA!!

Quality Estate Sales

This is a tough nut to crack – but when you find one they are a treasure trove of beautiful unique things ~ from gorgeous furniture to crystal, art work, one of a kind collectibles and on and on.

The trick is to find a company that does these in very high end areas – for us here in Houston think River Oaks, Memorial and inside the inner loop. My favorite in our area is English & Associates Estate Services.

We have collected so many special things from these sales plus they are so fascinating to attend. Everything is displayed beautifully within the estate residence including very old and gorgeous stone and statuary outdoor items. Here are just a few of the collections we have latched onto at their sales.

Curated Web Sites

Yes they do exist! Shopping online for collections can be very daunting. Not the same experience as wondering into a magical store front. But … with a little sleuthing help from Inspector DPG you can find wonderful stuff.

Table Ware

For whimsical table ware I love the imaginative and exquisite site The Punctilious Mr. P’s Place Card Co:

Their place cards add such magic to a dinner party as well as other decorative objects for as they say “the landscape of your table”. If you hanker for the elegance of your grandmother’s table with a beautiful modern aesthetic they can’t be beat!

Lamp Shades, Dishes, Cushions

If you have ever visited the Cotswolds you know they are the boss of the elegant, comfortable and classic style of decorating. Layering your home with beautiful lamps with special lampshades, gorgeous dishes that tell a story by themselves, and comfy but unique cushions ~ To me these are the items that make your house a home.

A great source is Cutter Brooks, an actual storefront in the Cotswolds but also an on-line shop too.

Unique and beautiful lamp shades add a real magical quality – all lit up when your guests arrive it lets them know it is going to be a special evening. Or if you are just home alone they can wrap you in their warming glow. For a feel of Amanda Brooks, the owner of this exquisite shop, visit her here for a tour of her shop and home House & Garden Tour of Amanda’s Shop and Home

Another favorite click for gorgeous lampshades is The Shade Shop

They carry lampshades from Penny Morrison one of my favorite designers. If you are not familiar with Penny checkout this YouTube glimpse into her home

Quintessence tour of Penny’s home

Dumpsters Diving

Well not exactly “dumpster diving” but rather “curb cruising”. The old saying “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” is an old saying for a reason!

Don’t be shy about cruising your neighborhood or your favorite luxury neighborhood on trash day, especially the large item day. Here are just a couple of items I have dived for:

***This cow head above the door to our sitting room***

***Scored These Rattan Chairs – spray painted and lasted two seasons!***

Family Stuff

Every family has some treasures that can make your home reflect not only your life but the lives of your parents, in-laws, grand parents and beyond.

I have been fortunate to inherit pieces from my grandparents and in-laws during and after their lifetimes. My dear mother who is still in my life decided to “pass it forward early” which is wonderful as she gets to enjoy what we did with all her stuff!