Nathalie Seaver-Taste and Style

25 ways to tie a scarf

I'm a scarf aficionado and never leave the house without one tied around my neck or around my shoulders... and always find new ones to play with

As a result, my shop is known for a great selection of shawls and scarves...

People always ask me for a quick lesson in how to tie a scarf for just the right twirl  of fabric around the neck...and now there's this adorable video  to demonstrate all the  possibilities:

http://jezebel.com/5859327/25-ways-to-tie-a-scarf

Send us a picture with your favorite way to wear a scarf and we'll post it on the website!

Instant Heirlooms: Damask napkins

 

I 'm partial to cloth napkins and one of my favorites is classic white cotton damask.  My grandmother  placed starched stacks of them in her huge linen closet.  As a child, I remember feeling very grown up and elegant when I smoothed mine across my lap at her formal Thanksgiving dinner table.  I have some of hers now and happily set them out for special dinners and something about their substantial heft is very pleasing and reassuring and makes even the simplest meal that much more meaningful.

I recently scooped up a cache of lovely vintage damask napkins (circa 1925) that are similar and very soft and drapey.  I was told they were stored for years and forgotten in a dowry chest.  Hard to know for sure but these nicely preserved 16" x 16" squares can be an "instant heirloom" for your own special occasions.  We have a few sets of 6 at the shop or on line:

http://www.nathalieseaver.biz/vilidana.html

 

Until I go to Paris...

...I can have a daily smile with this lovely Metro ticket glass tray 

At 6" x 12", it's a perfect size for desktop paper clips or for bedroom dispensing of loose change or jewelry. 

Green Is The New Black

Summer Essentials by FlirtwithFashion featuring platform wedge heels

Silk dress
£380 - harveynichols.com

Long top
$13 - modcloth.com

J Crew patent leather shoes
$98 - jcrew.com

Butter peep toe pumps
$330 - endless.com

Coclico platform wedge heels
$248 - shopcoclico.com

Diba flat thong sandals
$31 - endless.com

Crosley Usb Tech Turntable
$129 - fredflare.com

Hermes Un Jardin sur le Toit - Eau de toilette natural spray, 3.3 oz
$125 - neimanmarcus.com

Creme de la Mer, 1oz
$135 - bergdorfgoodman.com

art background home decor
$249 - homedecorators.com

French Distressed Bird Cage - Bird Cages - Home Accents - Home Decor |...
$69 - homedecorators.com

Limited Edition Print Bike Love - Light Green
$40 - designpublic.com

ikea IKEA PS BRUNN
$15 - ikea.com

ThinkGeek :: Merlotte's Bar and Grill Waitress Uniform
$19 - thinkgeek.com

Nike Tennis Classic Ac
€100 - colette.fr

J'adore: Paris Bistro Espresso Cups

 

These remind me of sitting at a Paris cafe in the late afternoon, reading and watching the passersby...

I like that the graceful porcelain cups and saucers have a nice, light weight but seem sturdy enough for everyday use

Also appreciate a smart idea with an elegant design:  The delightful cylinder box swivels to open and close which makes for a great gift package and storage.

Anticipating Roses

 
Isn't this bouquet dreamy? It's from one of my favorite spots in Los Angeles, Rita Flora. 

I love flowers and a lush array is such a welcome gift.  It can be as simple as handful of sweet scented Lilies from someone  arriving at my house or an unexpectedvase of roses as a  "thank you"  or "congratulations"  appearing  at the door.  

Then there's the uber-elegant gesture of finding a beautiful arrangement delivered in the afternoon before a guest arrives at a dinner party.  Flowers are fabulous.  You're welcome to use any excuse to give them to me!

If you've gotten out of the habit, Valentine's Day, is the perfect way to get back in practice...

Dreamy Eiffel Tower

 

An Eiffel tower box artfully constructed with  paper

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The top section opens 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet. 

 

Galiano couture macarons for LaDuree

John Galiano's exquisite sensibility has extended to a special edition of macarons from Laduree.

The flavor is an unexpected combo of Rose-Ginger in elegant, happy packaging.

These are definitely going on my wish list...or maybe I'll just have make a trip to Paris and sample a few!

Stylish Steak-Frites

 
 
This dinner reminds me of all my favorite meals in Paris.   So I re-create it as much at home:

Deluxe at-home dining with sauce maitre  d' hotel using fresh basil and parsley from the garden and Monsieur Bill's perfect frites.

 

I love using these delicious candy colored steak knives from Laguiole--made in France, bien sur!

Recycle Refashion Rewrap

Whenever I cut a new piece of clothing, I use  brown kraft paper and inevitably, there are always large  pieces leftover. I save  these scraps and keep them rolled up, standing in a basket and use them for gift wrap  I take the small pieces and cut pretty scalloped edges with a decorative edging scissor to make a gift tag.

I used leftover silk bias as a ribbon here for a sweet and simple presentation: