November 4, 2016No Comments

On My Bookshelf: Kate Spade’s All In Good Taste

This book has been on pretty much every blogger’s must list for about a year now, and I have to say I am not the exception. All In Good Taste is gorgeous on display, and is full of amazing entertainment tips. I even included it in my Gift Guide last Christmas!

While I’ll admit the cover is initially what sold me on this book (yes, I judged it by its cover), it has some great information as well. It’s divided into several categories, all centered around entertaining. There’s a section on hostessing, style, and food. There’s also a section on manners, which even goes into modern day etiquette of texting and emailing, which I love (and think is hilarious). A lot of the content is centered around throwing parties and get togethers in larger cities, like New York. This makes sense, based on the history of the Kate Spade brand, but it’s also really easy to adapt everything to your own city or hometown.

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One of the strongest aspects of the book is its layout and design. There are some gorgeous full spreads of type, and the photography is stunning. It’s the perfect coffee table book. Leave it open to one of your favorite spreads, or just add it to the top of your stack-the cheeky wine stain on the front is slightly disheveled while remaining chic.

A contemporary etiquette guide for the modern host, this book is full of dos and don’ts, how-tos and recipes. I definitely recommend this book if you love Kate Spade, entertaining, and all things pink. And of course, like all things Kate Spade, it’s as beautiful as it is useful–put a vase of peonies next to this on your coffee table, and you’ve got the perfect Instagram post. Which is always a bonus!

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Have you checked out All in Good Taste or any of Kate Spade’s other books?

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September 20, 20162 Comments

New Apartment Inspiration

I’ve kept it pretty quiet on social media recently, but I moved this month! I got a cute new apartment near my work and I only just moved in. I'm living on my own for the first time ever, and I am so excited to make all of the interior design and decorating decisions–and you know that for me, that means lots of pink. 

My new apartment is a cross between a one bedroom and a loft, so I thought I’d share some of my inspiration for my new living space with y'all today. Let me know if you'd like to see a full apartment tour! Some of the things you'll see I already have some version of, and others I'm still sourcing. I'm always on Pinterest looking for new inspiration, so follow along over there as well!

STYLED BAR CART

New Apartment Inspiration

One of the items I already own is a gold bar cart. It's currently holding a ton of glassware and alcohol bottles, but I'd love to make it a little more stylized for its new home. Curating the bottles, glasses, and barware to be both beautiful and functional is one of the next to do items on my list.

LARGE MIRROR

New Apartment Inspiration

A large mirror has been on my list for so long now. It probably stems back to my dancer days, when an entire wall of the studio would be mirrored–I think I'm subconsciously trying to emulate that! Every mirror I find, I'm like "nope, not big enough." But the issue I've been running into most recently has been that big mirrors are expensive. Especially if you want any kind of frame on it! I'm keeping my eye on a few thrift shops for one, but no luck yet.

WORKSPACE

New Apartment Inspiration

In my last apartment, I was lucky enough to have room for an enormous desk–I actually used an old door as the surface! While I can't devote that much real estate in my apartment to a desk, I think a smaller one will work just as well. Not as much room for working on large scale projects, but since I've graduated from art school there have been less of those anyway. 🙂

LIVING ROOM

New Apartment Inspiration

I have been looking for the *perfect* pink couch for months now, and I finally found one...but by the time I went to purchase it, it was completely sold out! I was really disappointed, but then I found this gray couch from World Market, and I’m obsessed with it. It’s actually much nicer than the pink one I was going to buy originally, and it’s both adorable and comfortable, two key elements! I’ve added a couple hot pink pillows to it, and I’m on the hunt for a bubblegum pink throw blanket to snuggle up with.

You’ll probably be seeing more home decor and furnishing posts on the blog in the coming months. If you'd like a full apartment tour or have any suggestions for the kinds of posts you’d like to see, drop them in the comments below!

February 12, 20161 Comment

Valentine’s Day Bart Cart Decor

Since Valentine's Day is just two days away–and Galentine's Day is tomorrow–I thought I'd show you how I decorated my bar cart for the holiday. A bar cart provides a great focal point for the room, as well as serving a functional purpose. Just a few changes to the decorations and you're all set!

Valentine's Day Bar Cart Decor | Alexandra Adams

I got this pink shimmery backdrop paper at Michaels and hung up three long strips behind the cart. It was a great way to make the space festive without having to involve paint or anything drastic!

Valentine's Day Bar Cart Decor | Alexandra Adams

Valentine's Day Bar Cart Decor | Alexandra Adams

I framed a great holiday card to add some dimension to the cart. You could also frame a small piece of art, or even a fun drink recipe for your guests! I also punched hearts out of red glittery wrapping paper, and used double sided tape to stick them together with the string in between. Easiest garland ever.

Valentine's Day Bar Cart Decor | Alexandra Adams

Valentine's Day Bar Cart Decor | Alexandra Adams

These X and O dishes are from the new Alphabet Soup collection at Michaels–I can't tell you how excited I was that they even had an X! I initially bought it because my design studio is X Height Ment, and then when I got home and was planning my Valentine's Day posts, I kicked myself for not buying the O too. So I had to go back and get it the next day (of course).

Valentine's Day Bar Cart Decor | Alexandra Adams

Valentine's Day Bar Cart Decor | Alexandra Adams

I love how this cart turned out! It's so festive and fun, and makes for a great place for guests to gather while they're filling their glasses. Now for the real question of the holiday– Conversation hearts: love em or leave em? I love them, but I love pretty much anything that's pure sugar. I recently found out that so many people aren't even tempted by them! Which camp are you in?

Valentine's Day Bar Cart Decor | Alexandra Adams

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