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18 Holiday Gift Ideas … aka Snowberry Essentials

December 7, 2020 By Juliet 37 Comments

Front Door Christmas WreathHoly moly … it’s December!

The Four Phases of Fall Décor are behind us and I’ve spent the week decorating for the holidays.

It’s Snowberry’s first Christmas!

Christmas Wreath Dutch Door

With gift guides flying around the inter-webs, I’m jumping into the fray and sharing some of my favorite things. Let’s call them Snowberry Essentials. Not only are they essential to my life … they also make great gifts.

Before we get into all that, I’m floating on cloud nine after being featured on The Vintage Contessa’s Ageless Style blog series. La Contessa, aka Elizabeth, of The Vintage Contessa is one of my favorite bloggers. She’s also my blogging champion. In fact, she announced my blog debut on The Vintage Contessa last summer.

Blue and White Stripe Blouse

Our favorite Contessa and her blogging pal, Cindy Hattersley, host Ageless Style, a monthly blog series featuring interviews with stylish woman over 50.  I’m not sure how I ended up in the mix, but let’s not question a good thing.

Anyhoo …. I’m shameless thrilled and can’t stop talking about it. I hope you’ll visit The Vintage Contessa to check it out. You’ll also enjoy her past Ageless Style posts and everyday musings, which I promise are unique and fabulous.

So, back to my Snowberry Essentials Gift Guide. The list is long, but I narrowed it down to 18 holiday gift ideas. Let me just say, I’m a very practical gift giver … so with that disclaimer, let’s go.

Christmas Gift Wrap

Milk Frother. I start my day with hot chocolate. In lieu of coffee. Caffeine makes me jittery. Over the years, I’ve searched in vain for an at-home milk frother. And then … along came the Breville Hot Cocoa & Milk Frother. It’s easy to operate and it works!

Breville Hot Cocoa & Milk Frother

Sound Machine. Insomnia be gone. After reading that sound machines help you fall asleep and stay asleep, I bought Snooz’ portable. I love it and bought another for our guest room. We’ve only had one overnight guest since Covid … our niece. She travels with her own sound device – but forgot it (as well as her toothbrush) and was thrilled to find it in her room. Wish I’d known about these miracle devices sooner.

Snooz Sound Machine

Mask Chains. What’s the fashion accessory of 2020? The mask, of course. I don’t know about you, but I frequently find myself halfway across a parking lot before realizing I left my mask in the car. Tani, from Beltini Santa Monica, identified this issue early on and introduced the mask chain. I was so excited to get mine. She also carries the best accessories including her signature belt bags. She’s a fun Instagram follow.

Mask Chains

Ugg Socks. I have cold feet … not the pre-wedding jitters kind. Just cold feet. Thick, fuzzy socks are essential to my existence. It can be the hottest day of the year and I still wear socks to bed. My nieces accuse me of obsessively trying to get them to put socks on. Apparently, they don’t suffer from cold feet. I have a feeling when they see these cute Ugg Fleece Lined slipper socks they’ll have a change of heart. I got a pair from Stitch Fix; Anthropology carries them too.

Ugg Fleece Lined Socks

Minnetonka Slipper. While we’re on the subject of cold feet, not only do I wear socks in the house, but slippers too. I consider them a house shoe. I love these Chesney Mule Slippers. For years I wore the Ugg version, but I think these are more comfortable and they’re less than half the price. I guess slippers are kind of a cliché gift, but everyone loves and needs them.Chesney Slipper Mule

Ocho Candies.  My sweet tooth craves a little chocolate something after lunch and dinner. Ocho minis are the perfect thing. They come in several flavor combinations, but the one I can’t live without is dark chocolate filled with coconut. They can be hard to find at grocery stores because they sell out. Ocho also sells direct. This is the perfect stocking stuffer for a chocolate lover.

OCHO Candy

Shop –

Watering Cans. House plants are the bane of my existence. I wasn’t thrilled when they hit the comeback trail. This year I succumbed and added a couple small plants and a tree to Snowberry. I either over or under water. A cute watering can that doubles as décor is an in-plain-sight reminder to water (but not too much). I adore a classic copper can, but this sage can is pretty darned cute. It comes in lots of other colors too.

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Watering Cans

Trays. Can you ever have too many trays? No. This is an exception to my less-is-more décor philosophy. Not only are trays great for entertaining, but you can group three unrelated items on a tray and viola … a vignette! For those of us challenged in the area of styling, the tray is a godsend.

Coffee Table Tray

Here are some of my favorites.

Shop –

Candles. I like to have a good supply of pillar candles, in several sizes, on hand. Real, unscented, pillar candles. Usually in ivory. I use flameless candles for my outside lanterns or in any situation when the candle is out of my sight. Restoration Hardware makes the best flameless candles in my opinion, along with a remote. I love tea lights in votives, and I go through a lot of them. And, let’s not forget the classic taper. I’m not sure this makes for an exciting gift … but it’s practical and everybody needs them.

Scented Candles. Truth. I’m not a huge fan, but there are exceptions. Anything with a little citrus, eucalyptus or Christmas can be amazing. I love to burn a scented candle while soaking in the tub. These are a few recent favorites.

La Vela Candle on Tray

La Vela soy candle … the Fig Rhubarb scent is amazing.

Red Leaf Home in Citrus & Neroli.

We Took to The Coast in Coastal Christmas.

Not only is the packaging gift-worthy, but their scents are subtle and divine.

Shop –

Throw Blankets. Like trays, you can never have too many. Are you starting to doubt my dedication to less-is-more?

I have two kinds of throws … decorative and workhorse. My favorite decorative throws come from Serena & Lily. I drape them over chair and sofa arms as well as benches … as a finishing touch.

Foyer Bench with Throw

I just bought this cute plaid and faux fur throw for our front porch Christmas decor.

Front Porch Bench Decorated for Christmas

As for the workhouse variety, I use them to cover sofa and chair cushions as protection from dirty paws and shedding. When I notice Jim’s backside is covered in dog hair, I toss them in the washing machine. Earlier this year I bought multiple ivory throws from Target for this purpose.

Workhorse throws are also the ones we cozy up underneath. My all-time favorite cozy throw is Pottery Barn’s cable knit throw lined with fleece. So good.

Shop –

No Snowberry gift guide would be complete without wine accessories.

Wine Glasses. Those spritzers don’t contain themselves. A couple of years ago we got rid of our long-stemmed wine glasses. They’re beautiful, but a pain in the you-know-what to wash and store. For every day, we use stemless wine glasses … Riedle ‘O’ glasses … they’re easily tossed in the dishwasher. We have the red wine and white wine versions because I’m not completely immune to wine snobbery. Good wine glasses are a welcome gift for young couples and I have a few in mind.

Wine Bottle Coaster. Water rings are never a good thing. I like to use wine bottle coasters … they get the job done and make things look a little fancier.

Wine Bottle Coaster

Wine opener. Gadgets to open wine are getting more elaborate and crazier. Why? I love the classic Laguiole waiter corkscrew. Another great gift for those setting up housekeeping.

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Let’s not forget our four-legged family members.

Pippa
Maggie

Chinoiserie Pet Bowls. When we were building our Fidalgo Island house I ordered these adorable blue and white chinoiserie food and water bowls from Indigo Home Shop. They look just as good at Snowberry. I have one personalized for each dog and a plain water bowl. They come in other colors too.

Chinoiserie Dog Bowls

Outside Water Bowls. I keep additional water bowls for the dogs in the front and back yards. After completing our landscape renovation, I ordered these Yeti water bowls. Yes, Yeti. The bowls are the best quality and don’t have those weird rubber rings at the bottom that fall out get icky. Okay, they’re a bit of splurge, but they’re sturdy, keep water cool, look really good. Pippa and Maggie are worth it!

Yeti Dog Bowl

Last but not least … books!

Books. Books are my favorite thing to give or receive. Coffee table books, cookbooks …book books. Here are a few favorites from this year and a couple oldies but goodies.

Books on Shelf

“Modern Comfort Food” by Ina Garten – Ina’s known for her uncomplicated, foolproof recipes. I have every single one of her cookbooks. She has perfect timing, because comfort food is exactly what everyone’s craving right now.

“More Beautiful” by Mark D. Sikes – who doesn’t appreciate the timeless designs of Mark Sikes. Nirvana for blue and white lovers.

“The House on First Street” by Julia Reed – I was devastated to hear of Julia’s passing. She led a fascinating life much of which she chronicled in countless essays and brilliant books. Her love of food, entertaining, travel and the peculiarities (and hilarities) of life in the South are legendary. Of all her books “The House on First Street” documenting the trials and tribulations of renovating an older home in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina is my absolute favorite.

“Cocktails” from William Sonoma. Our son and his fiancé gave me this book for my birthday. It fell open to a perfect holiday cocktail which I’ll be sharing a little later this month.

“Style & Simplicity” by Ted Kennedy Watson – when we lived in Washington, I visited Watson Kennedy ‘s two home shops as often as I could get into Seattle. His book became my go-to gift, but I’ve run out of people to give it to. It’s a classic.

“The Home Edit Life” by Clea Shearer & Joanna Teplin – the follow up to their best seller “A Guide to Organizing and Realizing Your House Goals” does not disappoint. Neither do their Instagram stories or Netflix series. What did we ever do without these two organization gurus?

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Cocktail Recipe Book William Sonoma
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And, because the best gifts come from our kitchen …

Mystery Chocolate Toffee. Every year I make a several batches of Mystery Chocolate Toffee … by popular demand. It’s a simple, delicious and fun holiday treat and it’s easy to package as a gift. Believe me, it will be very welcome.

Mystery Chocolate Toffee
Mystery Chocolate Toffee
Mystery Chocolate Toffee

Mystery Chocolate Toffee

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert

Ingredients
  

  • 22 Soda Crackers with unsalted tops
  • 1/2 cup Butter
  • 2/3 cup Packed Brown Sugar
  • 12 oz Milk Chocolate Chips
  • 3/4 cup Sliced Almonds

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375
  • Line a 9x13 inch pan with foil, bring foil up sides
  • Cover bottom of foil lined pan with one layer of crackers
  • Melt butter, stir in brown sugar and bring to a boil. Let boil for one minute, stirring constantly
  • Pour syrup over crackers, spread evenly and bake for 7 minutes
  • Remove from oven and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Spread melting chocolate evenly
  • Sprinkle almonds over chocolate and press into chocolate gently
  • Refrigerate for 1-2 hours, until firm
  • Lift from pan and break into chunks

Gift Guide Collage

 

I’m having so much fun decorating for the holidays! After five years living in flux with most of my things in storage … I went all out! Well, as all out as my less-is-more-in-seasonal-décor philosophy will allow. I can’t wait to share it with you throughout the month …  Snowberry’s holiday-palooza!

First Ever Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Cocktail – Cranberry-Tequila Punch

First Ever Holiday Home Tour

Holiday Cocktail – Raspberry Kir Royale

And, last but not least, my Christmas Morning Breakfast Table Setting

Table Christmas Tree

As always, I appreciate your visit and would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Cheers from Snowberry!

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This post contains some affiliate links at no additional cost to you. Please read my full disclosure policy here.

Unless otherwise noted, all photos in the post are by Monica Vargas Photography.

 



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Filed Under: Gift Guide, Recipes & Cocktails, Snowberry Renovation, This & That, Uncategorized Tagged With: Christmas, Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Robbin says

    December 8, 2020 at 4:04 am

    What a great list !! Enjoy this FIRST CHRISTMAS in your new home !!!

    Reply
    • Juliet says

      December 8, 2020 at 11:45 am

      Thanks, Robbin … and now it’s time to get my shopping done! Quite a few things on this list will be popping up under our kids trees! xo

      Reply
    • Ginger says

      December 24, 2020 at 7:31 am

      Juliet you so informative and entertaining! I love your light hearted writing style and your favorite items gift list contains so many treasures that I would like to share with friends and have myself! As per La Contessa, she is amazing and that’s how I found you!

      Reply
      • Juliet says

        December 24, 2020 at 12:04 pm

        Hello Ginger! And, thanks for stopping by the blog! It’s been a fun, new adventure and I look forward to where it takes me in 2021. Merry Christmas to you! Our Contessa is the best … she loves to bring people together. xo

        Reply
  2. onmoonlightlane says

    December 8, 2020 at 5:35 am

    I love this list! Seems like everyone and their brother is posting them and yours is definitely the best of all. LOVE the dog bowls! Toffee recipe looks great but I can’t read some of the quantities, i.e. brown sugar and chocolate….can you share?

    Reply
    • Juliet says

      December 8, 2020 at 11:44 am

      Hi Holly … thanks for letting me know! I just added a printable recipe so you it should all be clear. If not, let me know. It’s so delicious – and easy – hope you give it a try! xo

      Reply
      • onmoonlightlane says

        December 9, 2020 at 6:47 pm

        Oh thank you! Yes this is just right and I will include in my neighbor Christmas goodie bags! Happy Christmas to you and your family….

        Reply
        • Juliet says

          December 10, 2020 at 6:46 pm

          Your neighbors are going to be so happy! Merry Christmas! xo

          Reply
  3. Judee Biggles says

    December 8, 2020 at 6:21 am

    Great post, I’d love the Toffee recipe, can’t read the whole thing.

    Reply
    • Juliet says

      December 8, 2020 at 11:43 am

      Hi Judee … thanks for letting meet know. I added the recipe in a printable format so you should be able to find the entire thing now. It’s so easy and very very good! xo

      Reply
  4. LA CONTESSA says

    December 8, 2020 at 7:31 am

    OH MY GOODNESS……..what a TREAT to read this with my morning CAFE!
    I was mentioned FOUR TIMES IN ONE PARAGRAPH!YOU have ACCOMPLISHED THE LINK UP FOR CERTAIN!
    I was trying to explain how to do that to a woman YESTERDAY in TASMANIA!!!!!!
    Well, it took me LONG ENOUGH to ask YOU but as I said somewhere YOU DO NOT LOOK or REMIND me of a GAL OVER 50!!
    AGELESS STYLE got a BOOST with your presence!!
    Your LIST of HOLIDAY buys was VERY FUN TO READ…….( I usually skip those!)I AM IN NEED OF ZERO NOTHING!SO, quickly move on.AS far as GIFT GIVING I TOO LOVE TO GIVE BOOKS and recently gave the BAREFOOT CONTESSA to Mary Ann!As you know I borrowed all the JULIA REED BOOKS FROM YOU and DEVOURED THEM!I agree the book on FIRST STREET was a HUMDINGER to READ!!!I am SO SAD she is GONE and I only discovered her after her DEATH!SHE WAS THE LIFE OF THE PARTY and COULD WHIP UP ANYTHING!
    I AWAIT WITH WONDER THE VIEWING OF SNOWBERRY IN ALL HER CHRISTMAS GLORY!
    CONGRATULATIONS on putting down roots and STARTING THE BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR Makes it SO ENJOYABLE not to be forgotten TOO the BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS!!!
    I THINK WE ALL SHOULD CALL YOU THE PRINCIPESSA of BLUE & WHITE!
    THANK YOU and a BIG HUG traveling across the HIGHWAY!
    XOXO

    Reply
    • Juliet says

      December 8, 2020 at 11:42 am

      Good morning, Contessa … as you drink CAFE I sip cocoa … and scroll! The Principessa of blue and white?! I’ll take it! 🙂 Tutoring a woman in Tasmania … you never cease to amaze me. Hugs coming back from across the great 24 divide. The sun is out, the wind has died down … have a lovely day! xo

      Reply
  5. Heidi says

    December 8, 2020 at 10:23 am

    Hi Juliet,
    I’m enjoying you gift guide, so far I’ve seen four things I want to purchase, for ME! Not that I need a thing. You’ve got great taste and it shows in your carefully curated list.
    I’m looking forward to seeing your home all done up in its holiday finest! So fun to celebrate the first one in your new home!
    XO Heidi

    Reply
    • Juliet says

      December 8, 2020 at 11:39 am

      Good morning, Heidi … we can’t leave ourselves off our Christmas lists, right?! xo

      Reply
  6. Katie Clooney says

    December 8, 2020 at 11:49 am

    Fabulous finds, Juliet! I have never heard of mask chains but love the idea! I also did not know Yeti water bowls for pooches! I need to order some! Have a great week, sweet Juliet. I’m off to Yeti!

    Reply
    • Juliet says

      December 8, 2020 at 4:01 pm

      Chowdah & Chili will thank you … as well as be the envy of their new Texas friends! Thanks for stopping by Mrs. Clooney … it’s always a thrill to see you here on the blog! And, now I’m off to read your latest post … to get ideas for my mister (aka the techie in my life)! Cheers! xo

      Reply
  7. Carol Karl says

    December 8, 2020 at 12:27 pm

    Congratulations on being featured – you are very stylish so I can see why. Great gift ideas here. I think I need one of those mask chains for my glasses, not my mask! I’m always losing them. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Juliet says

      December 8, 2020 at 4:01 pm

      Thanks so much, Carol. Yes, they’re great for glasses too … I wonder if I can attach my mask AND glasses?! xo

      Reply
  8. Annemarie Byrnes says

    December 8, 2020 at 12:55 pm

    This is the best gift guide I’ve seen all season. Could it be because I’d like one of each, please? It shouldn’t surprise me as I absolutely love everything you’ve done at Snowberry. Your color selections make me stop and stare. I’m so happy I discovered your blog right from the very beginning and I really enjoy riding along. Excited to see Christmas at Snowberry!

    Reply
    • Juliet says

      December 8, 2020 at 4:04 pm

      Annemarie … you are the sweetest! Clearly we should be BFF’s! Thank you so much for following along. In January I’ll start digging into the renovation room by room. It’s what I intended when I started the blog … but then I got sidetracked by the holidays. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season! xo

      Reply
  9. northerncalstyle says

    December 8, 2020 at 4:20 pm

    Juliet, This is the best holiday gift list. I would love all of these things. They are practical, but also all beautiful.. essential in my book. You also made me laugh about three times reading this. Something I really could use now. Thank you for sharing these ideas!! Working on my book one.. Love your books too. That cocktail book I am ordering ! xoxo Kim

    Reply
    • Juliet says

      December 8, 2020 at 7:19 pm

      Hi Kim … you’re so sweet! I’ll be looking forward to your book gift guide. I live for your recommendations. You’ll love the WS cocktail book … in addition to humor, we need a cocktail (or two) to help us through these interesting times. 😉 xo

      Reply
  10. pineconesandacorns says

    December 8, 2020 at 4:31 pm

    Juliet, I knew that we were kindred spirits, hot chocolate is my beverage of choice, I’ve never had a cup of coffee. Books, candles, throws and gifts for the pups, I have the same thing on my gift list they are all my favorite things. Elizabeth is a wonderful blog friend and a champion of many.

    Reply
    • Juliet says

      December 8, 2020 at 7:16 pm

      You too! I’ve had one cup of coffee … in my early twenty’s at the beginning of a work day. My heart was still racing at 5pm. Oh my. Isn’t Elizabeth … La Contessa … wonderful?! She’s an encourager and a connector. I’m so lucky we live in the same town! xo

      Reply
  11. Faith and Farmhouse says

    December 9, 2020 at 7:17 am

    What a great gift guide! Congratulations on your feature, how exciting!!! And this cracker toffee is one of my favorite things! When I make it, I cannot stop eating it!!!

    Reply
    • Juliet says

      December 10, 2020 at 6:46 pm

      Isn’t that the truth?! I don’t think I’ll be making it this year … as we won’t be having any guests I’ll gobble up the entire thing myself! Thanks so much for your visit! xo

      Reply
  12. this dear casa says

    December 9, 2020 at 10:31 pm

    I read your feature in the Contessa’s blog- you’re my idol! Love your gift guide. I’ll take a copy of Style & Simplicity, please 😉

    Reply
    • Juliet says

      December 10, 2020 at 6:45 pm

      Oh, Marie … thank you so much. Thank you for reading the feature … the Contessa really is quite something and it was an honor to be included. Have you been to Watson Kennedy’s shops since you moved to Seattle? I heard he’s writing a second book! xo

      Reply
      • this dear casa says

        December 11, 2020 at 7:44 am

        Of course! It was a great read; fun to learn about your style journey. I’ve been to the location on Pine. Now I need to check out their other location!

        Reply
  13. Ashley says

    December 10, 2020 at 10:50 pm

    Now I know why we’re friends! Everything from the Snoo to the wine bottle coasters…amazing choices my friend!
    Xo

    Reply
  14. classiccasualhome says

    December 11, 2020 at 10:07 am

    I want EVERY SINGLE THING on your guides! So does Chief.

    Reply
    • Juliet says

      December 12, 2020 at 6:27 pm

      Thank you! I hope Chief finds something similar under the tree! xo

      Reply
  15. David says

    January 5, 2021 at 8:22 pm

    Thanks for the great gift ideas! They’re very useful. I believe they make perfect gifts!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Perfect Holiday Cocktail - Cranberry Tequila Punch Recipe - Make Mine a Spritzer says:
    December 11, 2020 at 8:52 pm

    […] Our son and his fiancé gave me ‘Cocktails’ from William Sonoma for my birthday. I love it so much I included it in my first ever holiday gift guide. […]

    Reply
  2. Advent Calendar DIY – This Dear Casa says:
    December 12, 2020 at 7:49 am

    […] of Make Mine A Spritzer, put together the best gift guide! She rounded up her home essentials and they are items that make great gifts year round! I […]

    Reply
  3. Another Perfect Holiday Cocktail ... Raspberry Kir Royale Recipe - Make Mine a Spritzer says:
    December 17, 2020 at 10:53 am

    […] I created my first gift guide … Snowberry Essentials – 18 Holiday Gift Ideas […]

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  4. Snowberry is Decorated for the Holidays - Make Mine a Spritzer says:
    December 18, 2020 at 4:27 pm

    […] Have you finished your Christmas shopping? I just started and I’ve ordered quite a few things from my own first-ever holiday gift guide! […]

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Hi, I’m Juliet – a lover of home renovation and classic, traditional style. Join me as I renovate Snowberry, my Cape Cod-style ranch house in Northern California.

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Look at these amazing candlesticks! They're crysta Look at these amazing candlesticks! They're crystal. And a little Art Deco-ish, don't you think? They're from @lampsplus and here's the story ... 

They're actually a gift from @lampsplus ... in collaboration with @thistlewood. I'm in love with them.

When I launched my blog last summer, I joined the @thistlewood mastermind group for bloggers. The group is an invaluable source of support, encouragement and guidance and I love being part of it.

What I love even more is receiving beautiful gifts in the mail. These are @lampplus Portia Crystal Candle Holders. They're nearly a foot high and work with a variety of candle sizes from tapers to 3" width. You know I'm all about candles ... always white or ivory and unscented. 

Thanks @thistlewood and @lampsplus for supporting our group and adding a little ooh la la to Snowberry’s spring decor!

Speaking of @lampsplus , in my last blog post - all about styling our kitchen -  I mentioned adding a countertop lamp on the kitchen buffet. I'm heading over to the @lampsplus website right now to check out options. I'll share what I find.

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Paneling our kitchen appliances was one of the bes Paneling our kitchen appliances was one of the best decisions I made during Snowberry's renovation. I love the look and I really love not having to clean big stainless steel doors.

The process is super easy. Order your appliances ‘panel ready’ and ask your cabinet maker / manufacturer to provide the door panels. The cost is a wash ... at least it was for me.

Warning ... when your panel-ready appliances arrive for installation they aren’t pretty ... and can be a shock to the system. Prepare yourself. Once the panels arrive and slip into place, order is restored and all is right with the world.

Finding appliance door hardware can either be fun or frustrating. For me, it was important that our appliance pulls match (exactly) to our cabinet hardware. Not all cabinet pulls are available in larger sizes. I was lucky to stumble upon @classicbrass hardware and they make pulls from 3” to 18”. 

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Photo @monicavargasphotos
Organization and finishing touches are the main th Organization and finishing touches are the main themes for the year at Snowberry. 

Art is a major focus. I'd like to create a gallery wall in our foyer and center hall. And we need something in our master bedroom.

This photo of the bedroom was taken a few months after we moved in and just after the Roman shades were installed. Our ceilings are low and there's no room for art above the curved headboard. The walls on either side of the bed are big ... and empty. They need something, but what? That is the question.

I suppose it's time to fire up Pinterest and gather ideas and inspiration. Hopefully, art and antique fairs will return this summer and I can get out to peruse.

Thoughts on how to handle big, empty walls?! I'd love to hear your ideas.

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#masterbedroomdesign
#masterbedroom
#masterbedroomdecor
 #bedroomideas
#smmakelifebeautiful
#makemineaspritzer
#howihaven
#blueandwhitedecor
#luxurybedding
#moderntraditional
#moderncottage
#bedroomstyle
#traditionalhome
#traditionalhomedecor
#mytradhome
#cottagesandbungalows
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Photo by @monicavargasphotos
What a weekend ... Valentine's Day and President's What a weekend ... Valentine's Day and President's Day!

Are you seeing photos from the incredible snow storm in Texas? I'm laughing at funny comments directed at California-to-Texas transplants. How do they like it now?! We moved to Washington for two years, but scurried back because ... weather!

Did you have a chance to read my blog post about Snowberry's kitchen styling? You can follow the link in my profile directly to the post. And then hop over to see the five bloggers I joined share their ideas and inspiration ... and amazing kitchens. Their links are in my blog post. Let me know which kitchen is your favorite. They're all fabulous.

It's raining here. So no dog walk. After I've had my cocoa and bagel I'll head to the garage and do 30 minutes on the treadmill. Thank goodness for that thing.

Happy President's Day!

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#kitchendecor 
#kitchenstyling 
#kitchenrenovation 
#snowberryreno 
#kitchendesignideas
#californiakitchen
#smmakelifebeautiful
#greenkitchen
#kitcheninspiration
#galleykitchen 
#mybhghome 
#moderncottage 
#cottagestyle
 #myhousebeautiful 
#makemineaspritzer 
#moderntraditional 
#cottagesandbungalows 
#cottagecharm
 #cozycreativehome 
#mytradhome 
#traditionalhome 
#traditionalhomedecor 
#thecottagejournal 
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Photo by @monicavargasphotos
Happy Friday and Valentine's Day weekend! Looks Happy Friday and Valentine's Day weekend! 

Looks like it will be a cool and rainy one here in Northern California ... but the sun is shining right now and a little humming bird is buzzing outside my window. Jim recently hung a humming bird feeder on the tree outside our front door. So far the little birdies don't seem interested.

When I was younger, a lot younger, I got really excited for Valentine's Day. I remember being at the office glancing nervously toward reception wondering if the next bouquet delivery would be for me. One year I scored three ... but that's a story for another day. 

Many years ago, Piers Morgan took over Larry King's time slot on CNN. He didn't last long, he was terrible and I'm not a fan. But, he did make a habit of asking an interesting question of his celebrity guests. 'How many times have you been properly in love?'

It is an interesting question, right? 'Properly.' It certainly got me thinking and my answer turned out to be quite surprising.

So, with Valentine's Day upon us I ask you ... how many times have you been properly in love?

You don't have to tell me ... unless you want to. I'm just throwing it out there as food (or chocolate) for thought. Your answer may surprise you too.

Happy Valentine's Day, friends! Thanks for following me. It means a lot.

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#valentines 
#valentinesdecor 
#targetfinds 
#valentinepillow 
#heartpillow 
#porchdecor 
#frontporch
#frontporchdecor
#cottagestyle 
#bhghowiholiday
#makemineaspritzer 
#valentineporchdecor 
#thecottagejournal
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Photo by @monicavargasphotos
Today on the blog I'm linking up with some amazing Today on the blog I'm linking up with some amazing design bloggers to share our kitchen styling tips.

Click the link in my profile to read the post and then follow the links to see how everyone else is styling their kitchens. 

I'm prepared to learn a lot from these talented woman ... by the end of the day I'll be rearranging everything at Snowberry.

A big thanks to -

@cindyhattersley 
 @classiccasualhome 
@most_lovely_things 
@carlaaston 
@northerncalstyle 

for including me in the group. It's been so much fun. As a newbie, I'm nervous ... and hope I don't screw up!

How do you style your kitchen? 
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Cabinets: F&B Vert de Terre
Millwork & Trim: BM White Opulence

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#kitchenstyling 
#kitchendesign 
#kitchendesignideas
#moderntraditional
#moderncottage 
#kitchenreenovation 
#renovationproject 
#makemineaspritzer 
#mytradhome
#californiakitchen 
#galleykitchen 
#smmakelifebeautiful
#greencabinets 
#greenkitchen 
#kitcheninspiration
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Photo by @monicavargasphotos
My weekend closet organization project never got o My weekend closet organization project never got off the ground. Or, more accurately, out of the bathtub. What? 

Our tub is filled with bags from @thecontainerstore and @kendrascott with  organizational pieces to help me get my jewelry corralled. It's all useless sitting in bags ... in the tub. 

Jim wondered - out loud - if the bags might find their way out of the tub over the weekend. Looks like the answer is no.

I bought these acrylic dividers for the closet in our Fidalgo Island house ... thank goodness they work at Snowberry too. I love organization helpers and I love being organized. I'm just not as excited about the process of getting there.

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#closetorganization #closetorganizaing #handbagorganizer #bagstorage #spacesavingideas #getorganized #beorganized #organizedcloset #makemineaspritzer
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Photo @monicavargasphotos
My Valentine's Day Tea Party (that wasn't) ... on My Valentine's Day Tea Party (that wasn't) ... on the blog!

And before you go getting all excited ... I did not make this cake. I repeat, I did not make this cake.

But @le_gateau_elegant did!

Follow the link in my profile to read the post ... and Happy Friday! It feels like a glorious spring morning here in Northern California!

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#valentinecakes
#valentinecake
#valentinesday
#valentineparty
#galentinesparty
#valentineteaparty
#bemyvalentine
#teapartyideas
#teapartytime
#pinkandgreen
#midlifeblogger
#makemineaspritzer 
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📸: @monicavargasphotos
I've been reading a lot about the grandmillenial s I've been reading a lot about the grandmillenial style trend which is really just a return to the tried and true, the traditional and classic. I'm happy to see it ... I'm partial to brown furniture and well made stuff.

My aunt, who volunteers at her Assistants' League shop, shares that they receive tons of silver, china, and crystal donations as well as gorgeous, traditional furniture pieces (armoire anyone?) that were meant to be passed down through family but are no longer desired. What a shame. 

I often wonder if my nieces will want my mom's #royaldoulton china and grandmother's #luntsilver. Before the pandemic we intended to host a large family holiday gathering. I planned to set the table with these family heirlooms to introduce the girls to it and start a conversation. The girls love to talk about their Granny. They were young when she passed away and perhaps those distant memories will spark an interest in her family treasures.

Hopefully, we'll be able to plan that get together later this year. In the meantime, I set a Valentine Tea Party table using the china and silver. I even bought a floral table cloth. The center piece flowers are placed in a Tiffany crystal bowl.

This is my interpretation of #grandmillenialstyle. Traditional elements mixed with what I like to call Snowberry's #moderntraditional or #moderncottage style.

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#grandmillenial 
#grandmillenialdecor 
#valentinetablescape 
#galentines 
#galentinesparty
#tablecloth 
#valentineteaparty 
#teapartyideas 
#teapartytime 
#flowersmakeeverythingbetter 
#mytradhome 
#cottagehome 
#mybhghome 
#cottagestyle 
#pinkandgreen 
#grannychic 
#myhousebeautiful 
#housetohome 
#makemineaspritzer 
#cottagesandbungalows 
#cottagecharm 
#styleathome 
#traditionalhome 
#traditionalhomedecor
#thecottagejournal 
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Photo @monicavargasphotos
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