Halloween Special: 13 Scary-Cool Home Decorations

It's that time of year again... Kids become costumed candy panhandlers and homes morph into graveyards and haunted mansions. I'm burying my inner-Halloween Scrooge this week to bring you 13 (natch!) scary-cool decorative items that you can bring out every year to frighten and delight guests. A few of them are nice enough to keep out all year, maximizing your investment.

Get your holiday started on the right foot

with CB2's Black Crow Doormat


Illuminate your trick-or-treaters with these nifty candle-holders and candles

This Glass and Metal Tabletop Lantern comes from Target



This Hanging Glass Pillar Holder comes from the Sundance Catalogue



This beautiful 20-Taper Tabletop Candelabrum is also from Sundance,
and stylish enough to use all-year-round!

I spotted these Crow Candles yesterday when I was indulging in some retail therapy at Pottery Barn. Aren't they neat-looking?


Creepy but cute

This Paper Mache Pumpkin Basket from Wisteria will hold all your Halloween trick-or-treat loot


Here's a unique party decoration that will have guests shaking their heads

It's Urban Outfitters' Doll Parts Faux Chandelier...
Have guests come in black and they'll wonder who died for your decor.


Here's another unique decorative or gift item, inspired by Dia de los Muertos
It's a Day of the Dead Shadowbox with Married Couple from the usually-light and bright Wisteria


My latest crush

Pottery Barn's Glitter Skull. Don't know why I'm drawn to this dude, but it was all I could do not to take him home!


Here's an all-year-rounder that can hold candy at your Halloween bash and bath supplies the rest of the year


They're Jonathan Adler's divinely-dramatic Druggist Jars


These can hold Halloween cider or treats for tricksters
You can use these Pumpkin Servers from Williams-Sonoma throughout the season.


Here's another year-rounder that can hold dramatic orange Halloween flowers at your party



And look great the rest of the year in your home. These are also from CB2


Wish you had a crystal ball? Play the wizard at your Halloween fest with these!

Williams-Sonoma Home brings you style throughout the year with their Spheres on Pedestals

Valentine's Day Round-up

Valentine's Day Cake for Two. Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse, layered with Tahitian Vanilla Bean Bavarian Cream, Flourless Chocolate Mousse Meringue Cake, and Raspberry Chambord Caramel. Must be ordered 48 hours in advance. $28

What are the necessities for Valentine's day? Well....the list has grown over the years. But everyone has to agree that CHOCOLATE is high on the list. We are very lucky in Sacramento to have cultivated a premier chocolatier by the name of Ginger Elizabeth. She is a hugely talented young woman especially in the ways of chocolate. This Valentine's Day, Ginger Elizabeth is offering two very special treats if you live in the Sacramento area.

Handmade edible Bittersweet Chocolate Box with edible White Chocolate Rasberry Bow, filled with Chocolate Pearls and 8 Artisan Chocolates. Limited....order in advance. $50

To read more about Ginger Elizabeth and place orders for shipment online click here.

Chocolate is a must....and so is a card, don't you agree? These flocked vintage Victorian style cards from Carmel Bay Company are so pretty and romantic:

Over two dozen assorted vintage style flocked Valentines and envelopes punch out, assemble, And send to the ones you love. $4.99

Hearts for Valentine's Day? Of Course!:

African soapstone hand painted and polished to a smooth touch. The perfect gift for someone you love. Use as a paperweight or create a colorful collection. Background colors: black, red, pink, yellows etc. Small $6.75, Large $15.50. Carmel Bay Company.

Let's see......Flowers are always important, but never more so than when sending to a Valentine. Some of my favorite bouquets can be ordered from Jayson Home and Garden. I thought this Anemone bouquet was particularly wonderful, and the onyx box is a keeper!:

Fuschia Anemone's in an Onyx Box. $135. Jayson Home and Garden.

Hmmmm, what's next......JEWELRY! How could I forget. I can always count on Sundance for having jewelry I will love. Here a re a couple of rings I particularly LOVE. And that is what Valentine's Day is all about, right? LOVE:

Red Jade Ring. $48. Sundance.

Rose Petal Ring. $220. Sundance.

Well....those are the essentials. But it never hurts to show your love by showering your Valentine with gifts. I heart all of these sweet gifts:

Proust Questionnaire - Pink. $34.95. Read more about it here. Jayson Home and Garden.

Surprise Ball. $10. Unwind to discover keepsakes, fortunes, and prizes. Sea and Jae

I loved these when I was little and have only been able to find them again through Sea and Jae. Sea and Jae also have a wonderful blog all about giving gifts that are unique and creative. Check it out here.

I was recently introduced to a fabulous pillow company called Fabricadabra, and this pillow says it all:

Felted Wool Appliqued Pillow. 20"x20". $65. from Fabricadabra

The most important thing to give for Valentine's Day is, of course, LOVE. So be generous and spread it around. The world needs it right about now.

DESIGN-INSPIRED VALENTINE'S DAY POSTING

Ah, whimsy, Cupid's favorite flavor. It lifts our hearts, our minds, our rooms.

In the spirit of lighthearted love, I've penned this whimsical, hyperlinked pictorial Valentine's Day rhyme. Enjoy the poem and pics. Click on any image to learn more about the item. Hug your honey every day this week of love. I know I will.


Ranges are red

Wall tiles are blue


















Chocolate's SOOOO sweet...











But design gifts are, too!
























Roses are red, violets are blue, Valentine's great... And my readers are, too! Thank you for dropping in.


XOXO,
Jamie