A Winter Mantle of Hope

Please welcome (again) my guest blogger, Gloria de Lourdes Blalock.  She tells us a beautiful story of hope, desires and dreams in describing how this had influenced her striking mantle decorations she displayed this winter.   The story is very meaningful and will have you wanting for more, so please grab a big cup of joe or tea to enjoy as Gloria explains in detail her:

A Winter Mantle of Hope

Having been born in Cuba and leaving the island in 1970 at the age of 6, I remember all too well all of the things we had to ‘go with out’. When we arrived in this country, my parents, two brothers and I held hands as we were instructed by my father to kneel and kiss the ground. With this single act, he announced that we were now to pledge allegiance only to this country… for it was the United States that had taken us in and had offered us a chance at a new life. So for the last 40 years, that is what we have proudly done. However, in the last several years, many of my thoughts return to my birthplace and to the way of life that those left behind have led since our departure. Not a single day goes by when I don’t say ‘thank God that we live in America.’ 

This past Halloween, my mantle offered a sense of decay. As with most decorations made for this specific holiday, they were dark, brooding and ‘spooky’. I tried to correlate this feeling to what I imagine the mood to be throughout this Caribbean island. For many years, the architecture throughout the land appears to wear the vestiges of time. Rot, decay, and negligence has left what used to be a beautiful landscape… tainted with a sadness that has been well publicized since the onset of socialism.

So while during the fall season I tried to capture the mood there today, during this winter season I want to elevate the vignette under my map of Cuba into something that represents the potential and hope that I hold in my heart for Cuba’s future. 

Within the plateau of decorations, I have added coral and shells as representational items that can be found there. Beyond that I peppered the branches of both white orchids and Manzanita trees with red and green Christmas balls hanging from cream silk ribbon. A garland graces the top of the framed poster and also runs the length of the mantle, falling to the ground on either side. Small white lights remind me of the same ones used in the trees of the Intercontinental Hotel where my parents honeymooned in Havana.  And upon close observation, the starfish appear to be dancing salsa if you could hear the music playing while viewing the mantle. 

A single coral Christmas tree with a small starfish topper proudly holds center stage. This was a gift, to me, by none other than your blogger, Laura Jens. Knowing my love for all things inspired by and from the ocean, she knew this would make a wonderful Christmas gift for me. 
 

 

Below the mantle, hangs a single ornament depicting the ‘Real Reason for the Season’. It is a glass-enclosed painting of the Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus.

 

 

One of the things taken from the Cuban people, was their freedom of religion. Over the last several years, there has been some resurgence, but it is not to the extent that it was before. So again, it is my hope that Cuba’s future, encompass all of the magic that I tried to create. 

Epiphany is on January 6^th, and it is the date in most Latin American countries that Jesus’ birth is celebrated. As children, our gifts were brought to us by the ‘Three Wise Men’ and placed under our beds. From what I’ve been told, this tradition only takes place now in some homes, but not in all. It is not only financially impossible, but something that is government restricted. So here again, lies an example of why I carry only the best wishes in my heart for its future freedom. This wish, incidentally, is not only for Cuba, but for all places worldwide where oppression limits dreams and government restrictions hold back hope. 

 

  

May the shores that lie so close to the U.S. be blessed with not only the beauty of its white sands, coral reefs and amazing shells… but the magic that it deserves at the start of 2010 and always……

Holiday Decor at the Blair House

Across the street from the White House, the Blair House is treated with royalty with beautiful festive holiday decor.

Blair House has stood facing the White House for more than 180 years, witness to events of extraordinary importance for the nation and her people. For decades, the rooms of this stately home have played an even more active role, serving United States foreign policy as a gracious residence, meeting place and sanctuary for visiting heads of state.

The Blair house gets decked out for the holidays with the generosity of designers who were called in for help by Magazine Publishers of America to volunteer in designing holiday makeovers on 17 historic spaces. With only two short weeks notice from a half dozen lifestyle magazines, including Martha Stewart Living, This Old House, Traditional Home, Better Homes & Gardens, Mother Earth News and Natural Home. With such a huge task and so little time to create, let’s see how they pulled it off fabulously, shall we?

Martha Stewart Living designed a tiny replica of Blair House with lights in the windows.

With EXTREME care, they artfully decked the halls around the $100 million dollars worth of American antiques. No pressure or anything.

Lynni Megginson from L&M Designs used jeweled poinsettias, gold and crème silk ribbons, silver snowflakes and gold glitter "collars" on the reindeer adorned with pink glass ornaments on the fireplace mantel. Every single teeny tiny present under the reindeer on top of the sideboard has a miniature hand painted ornament tied to it.

The deadline was to finish for a special evening reception at the State Department that would be honoring families of government employees currently serving unaccompanied tours overseas that are in places to dangerous to have their families be with them.

They were certainly treated to some beautiful decorations that surely delighted them all. Along with a few delicious looking treats from the clan at Martha Stewart Living might have left them feeling a little hungry too.

Matching the colors of coral and pale green in the Blair House Dining room by making a candy theme, including a gingerbread Blair House along with lollipops and a pink feather tree hung with ribbon candies.

In the Truman Study, clocks were turned back to replicate a traditional old fashioned Christmas setting. Editors from This Old House contacted the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum in where they unearthed a list of Christmas gifts President Truman (who lived at the Blair House while it was being renovated) had received in 1951.

The staff at This Old House placed hand-knitted socks, vintage razor blades, a 1948 Life magazine, a soundtrack from "Paint Your Wagon, framed old photos of Truman, hand made ornaments and hung them on the tree. Three stockings, embroidered Harry, Bess and Margaret, were hung at the mantel.

Traditional Home magazine called in designer Barry Dixon to dress up the Lee Dining Room.

Barry set the table using monogrammed Blair House linen napkins mixed with colorful china and gift packages.

In the Lee Drawing Room, editors from Martha Stewart Living created ornaments based on the stylized birds on the 18th-century green Chinese wallpaper. Whimsical birds perch on the gold gilded branches that create an arch across the room. A peacock adorns the top the Christmas tree.

I am very grateful to all the designers and magazine publications that during these economic hard times were able to offer so much. As a result of their hard work brightening up the holiday for the deserving families. The men and woman that sacrifice so much to serve our country which we are very proud of, wishing all of them, their families and everyone a very happy holiday.

Most photos by Susan Biddle courtesy of Washington Post.

HOLIDAY DECORATING in a soft palette

When one usually thinks of festive decorating for the holidays, we might think of the contrast colors of red and green.   But, during the holiday season many might feel their stress levels rising, it can’t be just me……can it?   To see what seems to be the latest trend in holiday decorating of fresh crisp white and off-whites contrasted with green is a welcomed look that creates a soothing, calming feeling.

May you find some inspiration that might tempt/motivate you to create something to surround yourself in a soothing environment in this approaching too quickly holiday (again, is it just me that feels that way?)

                      
Merchandise display at Giannetti Home by Kate Burger of K8vision

Client’s residence in Virginia by interior view

  Image from Southern Living from Haven&Home 

   
Images courtesy of Tobi Farley , visit for fabulous tips on Holiday decorating

Coastal Living

 

 

 

The shells and starfish remind me of someone else that looks towards nature and it’s elements for decorating.  The next post, as promised will include the much anticipated beautiful holiday mantel created by Gloria Blalock.  

 

Stay tuned…..

Happy Holidays…..

Designer Holiday Decorations for the Georgetown Jingle 2009

Designed to Fight Childhood Cancer

Fourteen diverse and talented designers participated this year in the Georgetown Jingle, a notable cause that they are all honored to be a part of.  The Georgetown patients of Georgetown University Hospital’s Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program will benefit from their support and hard work ensures that families facing cancer will have brighter holidays to come.

The designer’s magnificent holiday trees are on display at the Four Seasons in Washington DC, are infused with warmth and spirit, and overflowing with creativity and imagination.  The trees will be auctioned off for this great charity.  I am very happy to report that at least two of the trees have already been sold prior to the big event that will take place at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC, Sunday December 13, 2009.

Each designer was touched even more so, for this year they were each paired with a young cancer patient. Its motivation is evident; every tree seems to capture the essence of each child’s individuality.

Below are just three of the designers and some of their thoughts on creating magnificent trees for this wonderful cause.

First up, the team  for David Iatesta:

 

Just as David Iatesta’s team put the finishing touches on their striking driftwood tree, a doctor who is regular VIP guest of the Four Seasons wanted to know which tree was the most expensive.  Dr. Alexander Karp of Palantier Technologies then purchased the tree for $15,000 in which he generously donated back to be given to the young patient or to display at the hospital to be enjoyed.

Matt Quinn the lead designer for the driftwood tree is Iatesta’s chief executive officer, said the tree took 500 man hours to construct.  The tree is assembled from driftwood collected throughout the summer on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay.  The perfect trunk for the tree came from a 9-foot-long salvaged cedar log that had been wonderfully weathered to a silvery gray.  It is strung like one of Iatesta’s exquisite chandeliers, using $3,000 worth of European crystal, and lit with the help of 20 battery packs hidden under the tree skirt.

Next,

   

Gloria de Lourdes Blalock of Blalock Interiors tree “Let There be Light”.

Gloria says,“This title provides the association I have always felt is inherent between the words ‘light’ and ‘hope.’  For if we shed light on the issues associated with finding a cure for cancer, then we have equally put hope in the hearts of many. The many individuals that make the Georgetown Jingle such a success are doing just this. They are all pillars of light carrying the hopes for a cure in their tireless efforts to fundraise for this amazing event”.   ‘Let There Be Light’ and in its wake leave a trail of hope for the smiling faces and the tender hearts of our young heroes it has chosen to enlighten!”

Gloria’s source of inspiration for her tree, Eliza.  “She is a beautiful and brave little girl who battled with Lymphoma when she was only weeks old. Today, thanks to the care of doctors, such as Dr. Aziza Shad at Georgetown University Hospital, Eliza is a healthy little girl whose cancer has been confirmed to be in full remission”. 

Gloria’s tree has been sold to a generous gentleman who purchased the tree she designed last year.  He is so impressed with Gloria, her talent, her spirit and enthusiasm that he purchased the tree sight unseen.

Gloria’s tree showcases some of the holiday décor available from Pottery Barn on a beautiful ten foot Sugar Pine tree.

Last but not least, 

  

Lynni Megginson of L&M Designs “Aspen Holiday” stunning tree is all about her adorable patient  she was paired with, Nicholas.  “Nicholas loves Christmas, he loves everything about Christmas and has the magic of Christmas in his heart. I wanted to evoke the dream of what Christmas would be – all the winter elements, combined with the fact that the tree is done in his honor”.  “Nicholas is one of the bravest little boys I have ever met. He was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 1 ½.  I took the spark in Nicholas’ eyes and translated it into a tree design that truly evokes the magic of a Traditional Christmas”.

Snow covered branches and bird nests, oversized sugar pine cones and puffy snowflake ornaments with yards and yards of plaid ribbon garland, iced twig clusters and festive holly stems all in a traditional red and green palette.

About Georgetown Jingle:

In 2006, the Georgetown Jingle was created by the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, JDS Designs, Inc., The Washington Design Center, and the Georgetown BID to raise money for pediatric oncology programs in the Washington DC Metro area. Thanks to the generosity of area businesses, restaurants, and design professionals, the Georgetown Jingle has raised $970,000 for the Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Blood & Marrow Transplantation Program at Georgetown University Hospital.
The purpose of this family-friendly event is to celebrate the fashions of the holiday season and to support families battling cancer.  Support will be extended in 2009 to include Georgetown Hospital’s pediatric bone marrow transplantation program & their Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program, both led by Dr. Aziza Shad.

The Event:

Please come out for a fabulous cause,  purchase tickets  for the great event to the Georgetown Jingle Sunday December 13th 2009 from 4:00- 8:00 pm at the Four Seasons in Georgetown.

To read  about all the  designers and the wonderful trees they have created for such a great cause, please visit Washington Spaces Blog and Home and Design for more. 

Thank you to all your work and generosity in making the holiday season special.

Fall Inspiration & Ghoulish Halloween Magic

Tis the season…………….OK, maybe not just yet, although it is approaching a little too quickly for many of us. So, prior to cutting down the tree and setting out the stockings, let’s focus on burgundy and golden hued tree lined streets,  The wonderful time of fall, the inspirations conjured by nature’s bounty, and how a little imagination can go a long way.

      
For true design inspiration on how to decorate in style for this spooky holiday, we turn to my dear friend Gloria de Lourdes Blalock’s Halloween Mantel. The following paragraphs are in her own words: (pic: Gloria loving fall)

“With each and every season comes a fresh start, especially in the fall. On September 1st, no matter the year, the wind blows differently and slightly cooler. My thoughts turn to Autumn’s candy-corn colors, pumpkin patches, and the smell of wood burning  fireplaces wafting under an early evening sky. As the leaves begin to turn and cascade from the tall oak and maple trees, the once densely leafed branches begin to show their skeletal forms. And in these, and because of these, I find inspiration in the shadows they create.

For my 2009 Halloween Mantel, Manzanita branches anchor the vignette and help ground the grouping of ghoulishly inspired accessories. Two black crows perch  on the branches and watch the skeleton heads as candles flicker in their midst. An antique glass decanter filled with colored water, sits next to a fabulous bottle of Bubble Bath, and two crystal glasses sit to their left. The idea for this came from the phrase” ‘Pick Your Poison’. By positioning them side by side, it offers a subtle temptation for the not so feign at heart. An arrangement of dried white roses in an old Wedgewood black vase, serve as a backdrop for a small picture of a single eye. The eye watches you as you approach, and it sets an eerie mood around the display.

Finally, the old map of Cuba was the perfect background for a season of change. A feeling of decay looms below it on my mantel. It is my personal hope that the poison that surrounds my birthplace,  will find the joy it deserves in my next mantel and Laura’s future post: The hope, love, and light of the final Christmas in the first decade of the new millennium. And for Cuba… and for this Cuban born interior designer… a 2010 filled with the winds of change and a new beginning and branching out …on many different levels and in each and every season it will celebrate!”         

                    

 

Photos above were taken in the Aurora Hills neighborhood or Arlington, Virginia, located just 5 minutes away from our nation’s capital.

Thank you to Gloria for sharing your beautiful words and awesome inspiration.