Doux Nid [du ni]

There is nothing like the thrill of finding soulful treasures that add layers of patina to our homes and closets. Usually these treasures are handmade and exotic from all parts of the globe. French-market bags made of palm leaves trimmed in leather, handcrafted boots from Turkey that are individual pieces of folk art, belt buckles encrusted with seashells or precious minerals, and pear-wood fans from Spain to hold are some favorites that set my heart racing.

When adding soulful treasures to the mix, think about creating focal points. Whether dressing a room or designing an outfit, every angle, side, or wall should have a place that the eye runs to first. Unique treasures are perfect for capturing interest and drawing attention. They are natural focal points that add patina, personality, and style to living.

Creating tablescapes is a fun way to add beauty to everyday living , to explore new ideas, and to connect with nature. Instead of using artificial items manufactured in bulk, try using natural objects from the earth that are available at your fingertips in the grocery store. Here are a few of my favorite things:

Fruit

For the holidays, purchase a variety of fruits. Look for different shapes and sizes. Pomegranates, grapes, pears, lemons, and oranges have worked really well for me in the past. Coat the different fruits with egg white, roll them in granulated sugar, and then let them dry. Once the sugar has hardened, have fun arranging the fruit pieces on cake stands, trays, or in any favorite bowls. Tuck in sprigs of fresh evergreen to frame the fruit. Perfect for the holidays.

Grapevine

Grapevine wreaths are available at most craft stores in various sizes. Break apart the wreaths until you have long strands of grapevine to use. Feel free to cut the strands. Drape them around centerpieces, wind them around pillar candles in hurricane lamps, or fill a clear decorative bowl with grapevine and water and add a few fresh flowers. Grapevine also makes gorgeous garland on holiday trees.

Vegetables

Gather up artichokes and green beans at the market and use them to create beautiful tablescapes for entertaining. Try filling terracotta pots of different heights with artichokes. Simply beautiful and natural. I also like to use artichokes as candleholders. Hollow out some artichokes, place small candles in them and cluster them in your tablescape to add glow and texture. Green beans work well with candles too. Take a pillar candle and wrap a rubber band around it. Place green beans between the rubber band and the candle until you have a ring of green beans around the candle. Cover the rubber band with a decorative ribbon. Voilà!

The coming of a new year is a time of renewal. Thinking about our values and hopes to make changes in the new year takes center stage. For many of us, getting into shape and improving our fitness is an all-consuming resolution for the new year. To nurture your fitness resolution, make sure to think about design. Using real fruit in bowls is a beautiful design statement as well as a practical way to store healthy snacks and desserts for easy access. Fruit bowls are not just for the kitchen. Use them on a coctail table, dining table, or any kind of table.