Holiday Brunch With The Girls

holiday brunch with the girls

 

I love celebrating and entertaining all holiday season! The last few years I have hosted just a small brunch with a couple of my closest and dearest friends. Brunch normally turns into afternoon, we can spend hours just chatting away. It is always a day that I look forward to! I am very lucky to have a group of amazing girlfriends that I can share my life with!

This year I did a simple place setting using pieces from my Emma Bridgewater collection. Toast And Marmalade is my favorite pattern, but I mix and match them all. The glassware pieces are also favorites and this year I treated myself to the extra-large hurricane. It is beautiful! Each place setting also has a little gift too!

holiday brunch with the girls
New pieces to my collection
holiday brunch with the girls
Classic Emma Bridgewater table setting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, champagne and mimosas are always the perfect way to start off any brunch! I served a quiche, one of my favorite brunch items. A simple salad with a champagne vinaigrette accompanied the quiche. My Spode ornament canisters held a cranberry dip and fruit. Those pieces are always a fun way to serve treats. Another special treat was champagne truffles from Fortnum & Mason. They were delicious.

holiday brunch with the girls
A delicious quiche
holiday brunch with the girls
Mimosas are a must

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

holiday brunch with the girls
Drink station
holiday brunch with the girls
A pretty way to serve

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

holiday brunch with the girls
A delicious treat from Fortnum & Mason

The day was lovely celebrating another year of fun and friendship. I am already looking forward to our brunch next year!

Happy holidays!

Carrie

Grab the brunch recipes here:

The perfect mimosa

Quiche

Cranberry Dip

Salad with Champagne vinaigrette

Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and  Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

Quick and Easy Holiday Decorating Tips

 

Are unexpected holiday guests arriving? Are you throwing a last-minute holiday party? Have you waited until the very last minute to decorate for the holidays? Take the stress out of holiday decorating with these quick and easy holiday decorating tips from Carrie Kelly Designs And Boutique.

The front door of a home is the first thing a guest will notice. Welcome guests with a beautiful wreath hanging on the door. Many markets and home stores have selections of ready-to-go wreaths. Instant decor update.

quick and easy holiday decorating tipsWelcome guests with a wreath

Add candles to give every room a warm glow. My favorites are the flameless candles. They look so real and without the mess. Everything just looks better in candlelight. I sprinkle candles throughout each room.

 A quick garland on the mantle is all that is needed to make a room feel cozy and decorated. A pre-lit garland is what I always use. Adding extra bows, pinecones, ornaments, and other natural elements creates a beautiful showpiece in no time.

quick and easy holiday decorating tipsHang a garland over the mantle for instant drama

 

Holiday placemats quickly give a high-end look to a dining or kitchen table. I always use personalized placemats to add just that little extra touch. I added a monogrammed napkin and napkin ring as well.  A simple greenery sprig finished the look.

As an added touch, I place a wreath on the back of each dining chair. A simple gold cord looks elegant against the greenery. A noticed addition when entering the room.

These are just a few of my quick and easy tips to decorate a space in no time. By focusing on a few key areas the house comes alive with the feel of the holiday season. Let your unique personality shine with Carrie Kelly Designs And Boutique.

Visit the boutique here!

carrie kellyCarrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and  Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

Quick Tips To Decorate A Holiday Mantle

quick tips to decorate a holiday mantle

The holiday season is here. I enjoy making my home sparkle and shine for the holidays! There is nothing better than the glow of the lights on a cold winter night. I focus on key areas of the house to create an impact. The mantle and fireplace area is the focal point of our family room. Here are some of my favorite and quick tips to decorate a holiday mantle.

  • I always start with a beautiful lighted garland. This one came from Hobby Lobby years ago. I was looking for something a little non-traditional and magnolias are one of my favorite flowers. I added some black and white ribbon throughout the garland and just let it drape and fall into place. It was the perfect beginning to my design and I can leave it out all winter.
  • Add a little drama and height. With our tv now hanging above the mantle that can sometimes be difficult. These glitter trees are perfect to flank the tv. I also like that they add just a pop of color to my black, white, and burlap theme.
  •  Add a contrast of materials and textures. These burlap bows break up the black and white and add another layer of texture to the design.
  • I finished my design with a wreath that incorporates all of the elements from the mantle design and a lantern. A personalized floor mat from Carrie Kelly Boutique sits in front of the fireplace.  Coordinating stockings are hung from the mantle. And of course, my dogs, Ruby and Finn have their Santa sacks from the boutique out waiting for Santa.

This year’s design took me no time at all. A few well-thought-out pieces are all you need to create a beautiful mantle and fireplace area.

carrie kellyCarrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and  Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

Holiday Gift Guide, Personalized Gifts For The Home

holiday gift guide, personlalized gifts for the home

 

What to get that person that has everything? A personalized gift for the home is the perfect gift. Slate accessories for entertaining, personalized placemats, and coasters are a unique and appreciated gift. My go-to gift is always a personalized cutting board. This holiday gift guide full of personalized gifts for the home has everything you need for that hard to buy for person! Personalization is always complimentary! Let your unique personality shine with Carrie Kelly Boutique.

Here are a few of my favorites!

  • Slate accessories coordinate with any style of decor. Available in your choice of coasters, cheese board, and tray in a variety of styles!
    • My favorite gift for any occasion is a glass cutting board. Add a stand for display. I always have one displayed in my kitchen.

      • Add style and festive flair to your table settings with these personalized placemats. Whether you’re purchasing one as a housewarming gift or gifting yourself, we have designs to fit every style. Our placemats are designed in-house and handmade just for you. Made with a polyester front & neoprene non-slip backing, these placemats can be purchased individually or as a set of 4.
        •  You will love our new hand towels!   Made of 100% polyester and woven into a waffle pattern, they’re super absorbent and durable.  At 16×24″ they’re the perfect size to hang over the handle of the oven or refrigerator to add a pop of color or personal style to your kitchen!  Machine wash on cold with a light detergent.
  • With so many styles to choose from, a set of coasters will make a perfect gift. Gift a set in a holiday theme or an everyday theme!
    • A personal addition to your Christmas tree, a personalized tree skirt! Has 2 ties to secure together with in the back. 46″ diameter.
    • An ornament commemorating the year is always a special gift. Everyone in my family gets a personal ornament every year!

      holiday gift guide personalized gifts for the homePersonalized ornaments

      Great gifts for the home made easy with Carrie Kelly Personalized Boutique. I offer complimentary virtual personal shopping services to help you find the perfect gift and finish all of your shopping in no time. The holiday season is a time to enjoy all of the magic that the season has to offer! Let me make your shopping a little easier.

      Until next week,

      Carrie

       

      carrie kellyCarrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and  Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

      You can find her at:

      links.carriekellydesigns.com

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

Holiday Gift Guide, Personalized Gifts For Him

holiday gift guide personalized gifts for him

 

Guys, are they the hardest ones on your list to shop for? Mine certainly are. This holiday gift guide featuring personalized gifts for him has everything the guys will love!  A personalized gift from Carrie Kelly Personalized Initial Outfitters boutique is a gift that is from the heart and always remembered and cherished. Personalization is always complimentary! Let your unique personality shine with Initial Outfitters by Carrie.

Here are a few of my favorites!

  • Travel is back on and why not travel in style with a personalized leather Dopp Kit. With three separate zippered sections, your toothbrush won’t be brushing up to your deodorant anymore.  One side features an exterior zipper pouch, four elastic loops, and a water-resistant zippered pouch.  The center compartment has two sleeves on the side, with a big open center for larger items.  The other side has two netted sleeves and five elastic loops. The bag is made of leatherette, and measures 11″ x 6.5″ x 6″. Personalize it with a monogram in one of our twenty-six thread color options, three stamped foil colors, or simple embossing!
  • stainless steel pocket knife is something every guy on your list should have. Features a brushed finish. Shown in Times Block font, same size monogram
    3.5″ x 1″ with a  single blade.
  • Bracelets for the guys are the latest trend.  These stretch braceletsare made of 8mm semi-precious stones and are available in gray or tiger eye.

 

gray mens stretch bracalet

Gray men’s stretch bracelet

  • This Dopp kit is a little smaller version and made of polyester measuring 10.5″W x 6.5″H x 5.5″D.This functional travel case features one large compartment and a zippered outer pocket, to hold all of your toiletries. Add a name or monogram to personalize.
  • A fun and practical gift, the All the Right Tools keychain features one phillips head and one flathead screwdriver. Engraved initials on one screwdriver only: Times Block, all same size font.
  • Accent your home with a personal touch with our Home Front Leatherette Tray.  Available in either black or brown.  The insert is etched to reveal a beautiful undertone that makes the personalization stand out.  The color of the monogram cannot be altered. Insert is affixed with velcro for removal and clean with a damp cloth.

Great gifts for the guys made easy with Carrie Kelly Personalized Boutique. I offer complimentary virtual personal shopping services to help you find the perfect gift and finish all of your shopping in no time. The holiday season is a time to enjoy all of the magic that the season has to offer! Let me make your shopping a little easier.

Until next week,

Carrie

 

 

 

carrie kellyCarrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and  Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

Holiday Gift Guide, Personalized Gifts For Girls

holiday gift guide for girls

 

 

Girls, are they are a hard group to buy for? Such a tricky group sometimes. A personalized gift from Carrie Kelly Personalized Boutique is unique and something that will be appreciated and remembered. Personalization is always complimentary! This holiday gift guide is full of gifts any girl is sure to love!

Visit the boutique HERE

Here are a few of my favorites!

  • Add a personal touch to any room with this personalized unicorn sublimated pillowcase!31″ x 20″ standard bed pillowcase ; 60% cotton, 40% polyester. 200 Thread Count. Machine wash warm, tumble dry. Pillow is not included.
  • The Mini-Me necklace is one of my favorite gifts for tweens and even adults too. I have given this gift often and it is always appreciated! 14″-20″ adjustable, pendant is 3/8″. Single, lowercase Times Block initial only.
  • The On-The-Go Seersucker duffel bag is so handy for travel, overnights, sports, and everything in between. The seersucker duffle offers plenty of room for clothes, toys, blankets, and snacks – perfect for a toddler on the go! Zipper closure with shoulder straps. 17″l x 9.5″w x 8.5″h
  • Keep it cozy and cute in this knitted oatmeal confetti beanie! Rockin’ a messy bun or high pony? Don’t worry – the hat features an opening on top for your ponytail.
    One size fits most.
  • Teens, kids, (and adults!) can carry all the things in this fun holographic tote! Made from 100% polyester, the bag features one large open compartment with 24″ woven handles. 14″h x 13″w

Great gifts for the girls in your life made easy with Carrie Kelly Personalized Boutique. I offer complimentary virtual personal shopping services to help you find the perfect gift and finish all of your shopping in no time. The holiday season is a time to enjoy all of the magic that the season has to offer! Let me make your shopping a little easier.

carrie kellyCarrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and  Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Personal Stylist with Initial Outfitters, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

Holiday Gift Guide, Personalized Gifts For Her

holiday gift guide, personalized gifts for her

 

What to get that person that has everything? A personalized gift is a perfect gift. For the trendy girl, a fabulous poncho. For the traveler, a personalized weekender bag. A charm bracelet is always a special gift too. The options are endless! My go-to gift is always a personalized backpack. This holiday gift guide full of personalized gifts for her has everything you need for that hard to buy for person! Personalization is always complimentary! Let your unique personality shine with Carrie Kelly Boutique.

Visit the boutique HERE

  • A place for everything and everything in its place. Our Mothers taught us that! The leatherette catch-all trays are the place for your keys, rings, pocket change, receipts, ticket stubs, you name it. They are a snap to grab for yourself or a gift. Choose from a 6″x6″ or 9″x9″ tray. Laser-etched in your choice of 4 designs! The Design will etch through as a gold undertone
  • A necklace that will definitely make your day brighter.  Glass pearls, Black Crystals, Mint Crystals, Clay disc beads…you name it, this necklace has it.  But the best part about this necklace is that it is reversible.  The gold disc can be monogrammed on one side while featuring a crystal stone on the other. 15.75″ – 19.25″ 0.5″ disc
  • A grown-up version of the backpack. I love to travel with a backpack and this is so on-trend. Add a twilly for a custom look!
  • Monogram earrings are always a classic gift. These are some of my favorites. Perfect for any style!
  • Talk about stepping up your date-night outfit. Oh my darling…you look wonderful tonight!  This poncho is soft and stunning! It flows and follows your every movement. 100% Acrylic, Ample room in both sizes.
  • A special keepsake for that special someone, a charm bracelet. Fill with meaningful charms and put a smile on someone’s face!

  • Need a perfect way to disguise your mom juice? We’ve got just the thing for you! It’s cute and personalized, the perfect way to sip in secret. 6″ tall, holds most 12oz slim can coozie. Made of sturdy stainless steel that’s double-walled and vacuum-insulated to keep your beverages cold for the right amount of time. They feature a gloss white outer surface for photo-quality, vibrant sublimation designs.

holiday gift guide personalized gift guide for herFor the girls

Great gifts for her easy with Carrie Kelly Personalized Boutique. I offer complimentary virtual personal shopping services to help you find the perfect gift and finish all of your shopping in no time. The holiday season is a time to enjoy all of the magic that the season has to offer! Let me make your shopping a little easier.

carrie kellyCarrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and  Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Personal Stylist with Initial Outfitters, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

Personalized Thanksgiving Decor

personalized thanksgiving decor

Thanksgiving will soon be here and this year I am looking forward to spending the day with family and friends. This year I really want to make the day special for everyone and a well-dressed table will really set the stage for the celebration. Dressing the table is easy with personalized Thanksgiving decor from Initial Outfitters by Carrie. A few pieces will give any table that decorator’s look. This is how I do it!

  • Personalized placemats are always my first step. The quickest way to change the look of any table design is to simply change out the placemats. I do it for every holiday and occasion. This design would be perfect all season long. Add napkin rings and napkins and you have an instant place setting.
  • Coasters sit on all of my tables. I have many different styles for a custom look. It is also nice to mix and match to create a custom set. Coasters will also remind guests to be careful with their beverages.
  • A personalized coffee mug at each place setting would make a fun take-home gift. A personal cup also cuts down on waste. We all forget which cup is ours when we set it down. Instead of place cards use a cup for a unique design.
  • Add a floor mat to the entrance of the room. To be honest I have used mine on the table as part of my display. A mat looks pretty at a beverage station and cuts down on the mess. Set out cups, drinks, and an ice bucket on it.
  • Flour sack towels are another easy piece. They make fantastic napkins. Place one under each plate to create a beautiful place setting. Also make sure to have one handy at a beverage station, dessert table, or appetizer station.
  • Welcome guests to your home with a personalized flag. Your front porch and entry are the first impressions guests will have when arriving at your home, make it a good one!

Initial Outfitters by Carrie can help you create a Thanksgiving to remember with personalized pieces to fit any decor. Personalization is always complimentary. Let your unique personality shine with Initial Outfitters by Carrie.

Shop the Thanksgiving Collection HERE.

carrie kellyCarrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and  Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Personal Stylist with Initial Outfitters, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

It’s All About Halloween

 

October is here and that means it’s time to get the house decked out for Halloween. I have always loved Halloween. I remember growing up we had so much fun that night. All of the neighborhood kids would get together and Trick-Or-Treat. So much fun! When our son was younger the kids would have a great time hitting every house in our little town. Then they would spend the rest of the night trading candy. Here in the Midwest, we had many cold Halloween nights but that did not stop them!

My fall decor is done so I just needed to add a few things to spook up the place. As with all of my decor I focused on a few key areas of our home. The staircase is always a focal point because it is the first thing you see when you enter our home. I also have my front door open most of the time so the staircase is also seen when it is open. This spooky garland came from Target many years ago. It’s black netting full of lights. I added some bats and pumpkins hanging from it too. A quick way to add drama to the home. I love decorating the staircase each season. My fireplace and built-in shelves in our family room. A little garland, witch’s broom, little skulls, and a hurricane finished off the fireplace. On the shelving, I added witches, trays, and pumpkins. The dining room table look was finished off with skulls, scary words, and garlands. I sprinkled pumpkins that light up, skeletons, and garlands throughout the rest of the house. With the basic fall decor done, adding a few things in for Halloween is easy and I was finished in no time. Enjoy your fright night!

it's all about halloween

Until next week,

Carrie

carrie kellyCarrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and  Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Personal Stylist with Initial Outfitters, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

5 Things I’m Loving For October 2021

5 things i'm loving october 2021

 

I honestly can’t believe October is here. This year has flown by. I look forward to October every year because I love Halloween. It was always such a fun night when Bobby was younger. The kids ran around our little town all night and had a great time. Finn and Ruby have new Halloween bandanas to wear and I always wear my witches hat (yes, even in public on Halloween). The holidays are going to creep up on us so fast, I am starting my shopping so that I can stay on top of everything. Bob is scheduled for surgery in early December, so I want to be prepared. Hopefully, this surgery will correct the double vision he has had since his accident. But until then we just keep moving forward. This month on my radar is some great new finds, a new perfume, backpack, home decor, and more. Enjoy!

  • Tiffany Love Tiffany perfume. WOW. This is a fabulous and unique scent. I first tried this at Nordstrom a few months ago and when I was in Chicago last time I picked up a bottle. This is how it is described by Tiffany: A tribute to modern love, Tiffany & Love fragrances share a common hero, blue sequoia. This vibrant woody note unifies the two scents, honoring the many ways love brings two people together. Created by renowned perfumers Honorine Blanc and Marie Salamagne, Tiffany & Love Eau de Parfum for Her is a floral, woody scent. The fragrance opens with a burst of bright and sparkling top notes, beginning with blue basil–a botanical ingredient developed exclusively for Tiffany–paired with grapefruit for an aromatic crispness. The sweet floral bouquet of neroli is at the heart of the fragrance, with a woody blend of blue sequoia. Vetiver and cedarwood are at the base, creating a faceted and feminine scent. I am loving this scent!

 

5 things i'm loving october 2021
A Beautiful Fragrance
  • Herb prints. I had been looking everywhere for some herb prints for my hallway and was having no luck anywhere. Enter Amazon, I found these and they were just what I was looking for. Simple with a rustic frame. The size was perfect to fill a space in my hallway and they look great with my new sconces for that modern farmhouse feel. I have really been gravitating towards more natural and rustic decor lately. My herb pots on my dining room table are going to be a staple each season.

 

5 things i'm loving october 2021
Herb Prints
  • Black vegan leather backpack. I love a backpack especially when traveling. So handy to carry around an airport. I also just like having one for everyday use. I have a couple of backpacks but not a grown-up backpack. This vegan leather backpack from Initial Outfitters was exactly what I was looking for. A very grown-up version of the kid’s backpack. I decided on a gold embossed monogram to match the gold hardware. Definitely, a piece I will be carrying all season!

 

5 things i'm loving october2021
The Grown-Up Backpack
  • Halloween shirts. October means Halloween shirts, and I always add a few to my collection each season. I ordered a few from my friend’s Etsy shop, The Caffeinated Hair Fairy, and customized them in pink. They turned out perfect. What is Halloween without a Hocus Pocus shirt? I found this one on Amazon and picked up a few others too.

 

5 things i'm loving october 2021
It’s All A Bunch Of Hocus Pocus

 

  • Burberry twilly. As soon as I ordered my new black backpack I knew that I wanted a new twilly for it. A twilly is such a versatile accessory to have in your accessory wardrobe. Wear one as a scarf, in your hair, attached to a bag, or a million other uses. You can’t go wrong with a classic print from Burberry. I am a huge fan of Burberry, a classic and elegant brand. In Chicago, I stopped at the Michigan Avenue store to pick one up and the staff could not have been sweeter. I knew exactly the twilly that I was looking for, the classic Burberry plaid. It looks fantastic on my backpack.

 

5 things i'm loving october 2021
A Designer Twilly Is A Staple

Quite a variety this month. I hope you found something that piqued your interest. Let me know if you try any of my October favorites.

Until next week,

Carrie

carrie kellyCarrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and  Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Personal Stylist with Initial Outfitters, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com