HOME GOODS

I just got back from a quick buying trip. I can't wait to share my new vintage finds starting tomorrow...

While on the road, I stopped by Home Goods. Have you been in one recently? I found a ton of really cool items at pretty reasonable prices. Here were a few of my favs...

How cool are these cheetah lowball glasses?

I first spied them here and have been looking for them ever since...

This loveseat with the nailhead trim is fantastic.

Loved these lamps. They'd be perfect on a pair of nightstands.

These plates had a great ikat-like pattern in slate gray.

They had Riedel glassware for a steal. I definitely stocked up...

Have you picked up anything recently at Home Goods or TJ Maxx (another fav)?

BRINGING IN THE OUTDOORS

Have you seen this? I literally shouted with delight when I saw it! It's scrapwood wallpaper made to the look like the great outdoors. Now you can get that log cabin feel you've always been looking for...

It comes in a few styles and is eco-friendly (of course)...

Trying to figure out where I could use this maybe a hallway or bathroom would be cool...

HALLOWEEN GOODNESS

Ever since the Halloween, my mom and I created a haunted house that spanned our entire basement, I've loved decorating for Halloween. This year, I scoured Etsy for some vintage Halloween-inspired finds...

Tickets and Fabric

Alphabet Cards

Frankenstein and Glass Head

Target

Doll Head and Flash Cards

1940s Skeleton

COCKTAILS, ANYONE?

I just finished my final project for the semester yesterday (yay!), so now I can get back to doing the things I love during the holidays like spending time with friends, baking (and eating!) cookies and drinking festive cocktails!

On Wednesday night, I invited some friends over for  a holiday cocktail party at my apartment.  I skipped the plastic plates and cups and served drinks in vintage glasses and food on vintage trays. To save on time, I picked up some fantastic cheeses, fresh bread, almonds, cookies and truffles. Here are a few items I'd use for a classic cocktail party.

 This vintage art deco chrome tray would be perfect for serving grapes or truffles.

These vintage punch cups would be great for a signature cocktail.

 This vintage chrome and glass cocktail set is perfect for guests to help themseleves. 

 I'd add some winterberry branches in these black glass vases for a pop of color.

This vintage chrome and bakelite tray would be perfect for a trio of olives, almonds and spicy walnuts.

These vintage gold rimmed glasses are just perfect for champagne. Enough said.

These vintage gold rimmed glasses are classic for a signature cocktail.

A DENMARK INSPIRED HOLIDAY...

Over dinner the other night my friend, Henriette and I were talking about decorating for the holidays. She graciously agreed to do a guest post with some design and gift giving ideas inspired by her home country of Denmark. There are a few traditions like hanging paper hearts around Christmas that I was fascinated by (hope you are too!), so without further adieu, Henriette...

Modern Christmas Tree

First of all, thank you Octavia & Brown for letting me visit your blog today! I’m heading back to my home country of Denmark next week to spend the holidays with my family. But before I go, I’ve culled together this list of scandi-inspired decorations and gift ideas that are sure to add a little Nordic flair to your home. “God Jul” as we say in Denmark!

Traditional Holiday “cone” to hang on tree 

Wooden Christmas decoration 

The heart paper cuttings at Christmas are a longstanding tradition, unique to Denmark originally inspired by fairytale author, Hans Christian Andersen. Growing up we used to make them every year to hang on our tree. They evoke memories of being a child and the love and excitement one would feel this time of year. 

Heart Clipping Mobile
 

Have a Scandinavian design loving person on your list to shop for this year? Getting your hands on many of these items doesn’t require jetting across the Atlantic, although any of the Scandinavian countries are well worth a visit, especially when it gets a little warmer. Here are a few gift ideas. Enjoy!

pasta bowls

 Brazil coffee press

Pitcher by Henning Koppel

 

Eames hang it all

 Love birds print by Lisa Congdon

  Organic Imperial Duvet Cover West Elm

INTRODUCING THE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE...

Happy Friday! I'm already excited for a big weekend. Among the holiday parties, I'm planning to break out the champagne with friends and dig into the holiday decorations.

In the meantime, I've already started a little holiday shopping. As promised, here's the first installment of the Octavia & Brown Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Her, Under $50. I've found many things I'm really excited about, so look for more gift guides coming next week...

Left to right: P.S. I Made This, $18.95 at Urban Outfitters; Black and White Denim Handbag, $39.99 on Etsy; Oh Darling, Let's Be Adventurers Print, $16 on Etsy; "Sal" Houndstooth Letterpress Notecards, $24 at Hickoree's Hard Goods; Essex Reader, $38 at Terrain; Alarm Clock, $35 on Etsy; Avoca Spool Scarf, $48 at Terrain

 Left to right: Pack of 4 Essie Nail Polish, $20 at J.Crew; Classic Leather Belt, $32 at J. Crew; 101 Things I learned in Business School, $15 at Urban Outfitters; Allegra Hicks, $40 at Barney's; White Gold Medium Paper Bowl, $20 on Etsy;  Jet Set Coasters, $48 at Jonathan Adler; Gold Wish Bone, $48 at Jayson Home & Garden; Cherry Noteset, $32 at Sugar Paper Los Angeles; 

If you want to see what I hope get under the tree this year, check out my Holiday Wishlist on iVillage.

Finally, my friend Tara of the ultra cool The Prippy Handbook, shared a fantastic song with me by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. This is definitely going to be my weekend anthem. Enjoy!

BOSTON BOUND...

I'm currently on the train to Boston. My friend just got a new apartment and asked me to come up and help her put it together. There's nothing I like more than a clean slate and a 24 hour decorating challenge. Can't wait to share some before and after pics tomorrow!

Breaking Tradition with Chairs...

One of the things that I love about decorating is finding an unique piece of furniture that instantly adds personality to a room. An easy way to do this is by adding an amazing chair.

I tend to be drawn to chairs that have an architectural quality to them, but mixing styles and eras is a great way too. I'm definitely not afraid to place my Grandmother's wing chair and my Eames rocker next to each other. While not necessarily built for comfort, these chairs definitely fit the bill for a striking statement.

This hooded chair would definitely be a cozy nook for reading...

This chair looks like it was made from old Jenga pieces, but I love the unfinished, sculptural feel.

 Doesn't this chair just look comfy?

Another take on the hooded chair... 

Wood Autoban Birdcage Chair found via Best Home Interior 

Love these! Wouldn't they be great under a round glass dining table? 

 Thin Black Line Chair from Nendo found via Black.White.Yellow

If you're going to use a flag, why not in a big way on a chaise?

 

Image via Living Etc

The clawfoot feet and x-shaped legs add a personality to these otherwise simple chairs...

This chair would be a striking piece in a stark, minimalist room...

 Marc Newson Chair found via Decor Fair

Like the Louis Ghost chair before it, this lucite wingback is a fantastic, modern take on a traditional chair.