WARM, WARM WISHES AND JOY FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Greetings from Virginia

Many thanks to my clients, contributors, readers and friends for being a part of my 2011. You are so very appreciated. While economic forecasts remain conservative I wish you all good health, love and prosperity in 2012. And, a big welcome to my new subscribers.

For Starters

For those who are just now beginning to un-decorate and who wish to recycle those ubiquitous red, wreath bows...stuff the ribbon loops with scrunched up plastic bags before storage so that the loops remain fat and round rather than flattening out. They will retain their shapes and be ready to re-use next year. From Pinky Rice, Aldie Horticultural Society.

Greens and Garlands

This was a very busy holiday season beginning with the "hanging of the greens" in Aldie, always during the last week of November, when members of the Aldie Horticultural Society decorate the village so beautifully. And in Middleburg, during the first weekend in December, the Middleburg Garden Club hosts its traditional Greens Show for Christmas in Middleburg.

As a first time participant in both clubs I drew the "garland jackpot," first with the task of creating a garland of Hemlock and Ilex berries, festooned with a big red bow, for the wall at the Aldie Mill for AHS. And second, my Greens Show "project" was a garland of back yard materials of Skip Laurel, Nandina, dried Water Lily Pods, Boxwood, dried Sedums and Pheasant feathers, re-purposed on Saturday evening as a centerpiece for a Middleburg Hunt "breakfast". (The hostess said she kept it alive right through Christmas!)

Truth be told, you really do learn by doing. The garlands winning the first, second and third prizes for the Garland Class were exquisite creations of Boxwood accented with kumquats or glass balls! (I managed to garner an honorable mention. Next year after following all these superb examples, hopefully, will be better.) The entire show was fabulous, professional and deemed the best ever. Kudos to Show Chairperson, Meredith Whiting and MCG President, Linda Taylor. The members of both AHS and MGC, who take their horticulture and design very, very seriously, provide a constant source of inspiration, education, warmth and generosity .

Adding to the chaos and fun, friends from New Jersey who are our annual house guests arrived, joining us to ride in the Christmas in Middleburg Hunt Parade Review and then hunt on that first Saturday in December. And, on December 19th my wonderful sister-in-law arrived from Florida to spend Christmas and New Year's with us. While everyone else was in high gear with lofty decorating aspirations by the end of November, I must admit that I didn't really have time to "fire" until just before Christmas Eve! And then I had to kick on. Fortunately, I have never been an "over-the-top, in-your-face, Christmas tinsel and bling" kind of gal, much prefering subtle, quiet elegance. Definitely a "less is more" approach. And, for a week or ten days everything looked sublime.

Alas, Christmas and New Year's have quickly passed, the tree is down and out, all the decorations are safely tucked back in their beds... and now the house feels jarringly naked.

Keeping with the spirit of quieter times, our entertainment this year was confined to several lovely parties and to Christmas and New Year's Eve with very close friends. What could be nicer?

With that in mind...

White roses, spider mums and lilies paired with Lenox "Snow Lily" china created a simple but elegant setting for our New Year's Eve festivities.

"...the setting for a meal should be as joyous as the sharing of it." Terence Conran

And, while ringing in the New Year, if you are contemplating a renovation or a redecorating project, the following questionnaire from the ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) website may be helpful. In addition, Autumn Conrad, Public Relations Director of ASID was interviewed by Just Luxe for an article titled Should You Hire a Designer?. Go to: (http://www.justluxe.com/lifestyle/home-decor/feature-1662270.php)

For additional information on working with a designer go to ASID and click on Consumer Information.

As always, I welcome your referrals and work.

Consumer Checklist Before Meeting with a Designer

Before you ever speak to a designer, take some time to think about what you want, what you need, what you can afford, and what is most important to you.The designer you hire will be able to advise you on specifics, but to get the result you want, it is important to do your homework first.The time you spend will be well worth it.

Start by answering the following questions as completely and specifically as you can:

What Do You Want to Create or Change?
Who is going to use the space?
What activities will take place there?
How long do you plan to occupy the space?
What kind of look or feel do you want the space to have?
If you are modifying an existing space, what do you currently like about the space?What do you most want to change?Why?

How Much Time and Money Do You Want to Devote to Your Project?
What is your timeframe for completing your design project? Is there a date or impending event by which your project must be finished?
Will you or someone you delegate be on hand while the work is being done?
What is your budget?What changes do you need to have and which would be nice to have?
How will you finance the project?

What Do You Want the Interior Designer to Do?
Improve the use and efficiency of space, including storage and organization?
Create or reproduce a "look" or style?
Recommend and/or select fixtures, furnishings, accessories, appliances, etc.?
Improve or enhance the lighting?
Improve the acoustics and/or minimize sound transmission?
Increase the accessibility and safety of the surroundings?
Address health and environmental issues?
Address special needs?
Suggest "green" solutions and products?
Integrate audiovisual, security and/or other technology into the design?
Recommend contractors and manage the project?

Once you have determined the scope of your project, spend some time considering the "look" and options you want.

Putting together an idea folder or scrapbook of your likes and dislikes, wishes and dreams is a great way to begin the design process.Look for pictures of rooms or styles that appeal to you, swatches of fabric, paint color cards, furniture catalogs or brochures, etc. These will stir your imagination and help the designer better understand your preferences and tastes.Include information and pictures of appliances, plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, cabinet and door hardware, and flooring materials as well, if these will be elements in your project.

Finally, consider how much you want to be involved in your project? Do you want a designer who will work with you, or do you want the designer to take charge and provide you with options? Clarifying your expectations will help you and the designer to communicate well and ensure the result you want.

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