Violets

In the no man's land of decorating between Halloween and December 1st, I like to buy and display violets.  I can put a grouping of five on a large tray in the family room or a just one in a pretty planter on the front table.  The hearty blooms add just enough color and warmth in the dim light of November.

Violet plants are inexpensive, come in beautiful shades of pink, wine and purple and have leaves that seem appropriate in the cold weather (a delicate plant just won't do).  I can easily move them upstairs when I start my Christmas decorating and best of all, they require very little care.

Have you given any thought to violets lately?  They just might warm up that table in the den. 

Winter White

In the snowy North where I live, "winter white" is a reality, more than a design style. A snowstorm this week brought 12 inches of snow and all the world is white.

My couches are off-white duck cloth which I reinvent every which way with pillows, blankets and such. They are the perfect choice for our "Swedish Beach house" inspired decor.

But right after a blizzard, it is white inside and out! That is what makes a burst of color so refreshing. Long live the violet! A happy (and inexpensive flower) that can "warm up" any room.

Do you grow violets?

April Showers

"April showers bring May flowers!" That is what I keep telling myself as the rain pours down.

Isn't this little vase of wild violets sweet? Little green "wellies" or rain boots are the perfect container for a tiny Spring bouquet.

Maybe you are looking for some cute rain boots? Look at the darling choices here.