Modern & Festive Home ...

I find decorating for Christmas quite a challenge especially if you try and stick to the traditional colors. This home from Style at Home does it just right, it also helps that the home is mostly white so the colors don't clash ... the decorations act like accents and pops of color making the home elegant and festive   ... Images via Style at Home

Hostess Gift Ideas for the Holidays ...

Showing up with the perfect gift for your host can be quite daunting and needless to say the last minute bottle of wine, flowers or chocolates don't really convey your style. Here are some quick and easy picks that will fit all budgets and tastes ... Enjoy gifting:)

1. Elephant Placecard Holder $9.99

2. Crystal Votive $69.00

3. Geo Bowls $550.00

4. Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Diffuser $75.00

5. Cast Iron Jewelry Tree $29.00

6. Capiz Jewelry Box $39.00

7. Stag Horn Serving Set $24.00

8. Michael Aram Cocktail Napkin Holder $59.00

Off to Phulay Bay ...

Along the coast of the Andaman sea in the province of Krabi in Thailand, the Ritz Carlton group opened their first reserve property Phulay Bay. They enlisted architect Lek Bunnag who is also responsible for the design of the Four Season's in Chiang Mai and Langkawi to create this stunning resort. The concept is based on the four natural elements - earth, fire, water and air. The architect uses wood to translate the Earth element throughout the property, open spaces and tall ceilings represent Air, fountains and pools for Water and candles and fire pits for Fire. The result is a serene, romantic and cozy resort, take a look ... Images via

Rustic & Chic Boutique Hotel ...

Areias do Seixo is located on Portugal's Costa de Prata (Silver Coast) between Lisbon and Porto. It is the vision of  Marta Fonseca and Gonçalo Alves who envisioned a magical place where originality, comfort, and sophistication move in perfect harmony with its surroundings. This eclectic hotel is environmentally friendly and uses solar power and geothermal energy. The rooms incorporate natural elements like driftwood from the beach, pebbled accent walls, wooden decks and sunken stone tubs. Each room is decorated differently which makes this hotel feel more like a home ... elegant, sophisticated and rustic. Take a look. Image via Areias do Seixo

A Hillside Mansion in Zurich ...

This beautiful hillside mansion is designed by New York based designer Steven Gambrel. The condition of sales was to maintain the historic character of the home, as a result this house reflects the past with a fresh spin. The designer uses antique furniture and salvaged finishes combined with modern shiny black beamed ceiling and other playful elements to achieve this traditional chic look. Take a look ... Images via Architectural Digest.

The London Edition evokes La Belle Epoque ...

The London Edition is the latest venture for hotelier Ian Schrager known for coining the 'boutique hotel' category in hospitality. The London Edition has taken over one of the grandest landmarks in London, the old Berners street hotel, off of Oxford street. The design evokes La Belle Epoque with a mixture of  classic luxury and modern lifestyle. In the elegant lobby, furnishings range from formal to rustic, with Christian Liaigre black metal pieces and Salvador Dalí inspired floor lamps.The hotel is grand and inviting where the old world is brought back to life while paying tribute to the historic significance of the property. Take a look ...