Layla Grayce

February is the month of love, and as tradition holds full of reds, pinks, hearts, and flowers. But what is there for those of us who do not fit the norm? Those of us who are inspired by the modern and refreshingly eclectic? In these days of reinvention a valentine takes many different shapes, and the possibilities are endless. Inspire us Hostess.

Jennifer Sbranti is the co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of Hostess with the Mostess® (HWTM), a hip and modern party planning resource. HWTM brings creative entertaining ideas to light through an inspirational “how-to” website – HostessWithTheMostess.com and popular daily blog – HostessBlog.com.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all about pink & red! For a fresh take on the traditional holiday palette, try pairing a signature valentine color with an unexpected hue, such as bright red with warm shades of mango & orange. Bold colors and shapes + whimsical details – like ruffled flowers, eclectic patterns, butterflies, vintage glass, and bloom-topped stir sticks – create a pretty, “modern-meets-romantic” vibe that would work beautifully for everything from a Valentine’s Day table to a charming bridal shower or wedding.

1. Kiku Lacquer Dinner Plates ($5.95 / set of 8)
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3. Orange Floral Lunch Napkins ($5.95 / set of 20)
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5. Double Happiness Chopsticks
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7. Rice Bowls – Circle Orange and Flower Red ($5.95 ea)
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9. Brilliant Red Artificial Feather Butterfly ($6.49 / set of 12)
   Natural Monarch Artificial Feather Butterfly ($6.49 / set of 12) Brilliant Red, Natural Monarch
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11. Red “Genie” Decorative Glass Bottle ($2.75 ea)
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13. Orange “Bulb” Decorative Glass Bottle ($2.25 ea)
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15. Bloom-topped Cocktail Stirrers (via brides.com)
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17. Red Sparkle Runner ($30)
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19. Gold Border Place Cards ($5 / set of 10)
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21. Centerpiece #1 – Eclectic arrangement of “ruffled” blooms (via brides.com)
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23. Centerpiece #2 – Red Ranunculus in Red Pot (via brides.com)
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25. Sparkling Pomegranate Cocktail & Mocktail
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27. Orange Floral Cocktail Napkins ($4.95 / set of 20)
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29. Kiku Lacquer Cocktail Napkins ($4.95 / set of 8)
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31. Mango Orange Lotus Capiz Candle Lantern ($3.95)
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33. Rice Paper Wave Print Votive Holder ($3.50)
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35. Rice Paper Rosette Print Votive Holder ($3.50)

Stay tuned for more eye-catching inspirations with part 2 and 3 of our guest blog with the Hostess With The Mostess on this Tuesday and Wednesday.

Making a bold and welcomed entrance – Layla Grayce presents Thomas Paul. This dazzling collection of rugs and pillows brightens our day and we are eager to learn more about the master of this creation. Thomas Paul – please share! Readers, stay tuned for details below for another fabulous giveaway!

Tell us a bit about your company’s history. What was the inspiration for starting your business?

The Thomas Paul company started when I was working as a designer/colorist/account rep for a neckwear manufacturer. I was growing a bit frustrated with the limitations of the market I worked for – you can only do so much with a tie, and men are not that open to experimenting with new colors and designs, so my creativity was limited. I thought, what can I do utilizing the printing and manufacturing capabilities of the company I was working for – my first thought was silk scarves, but then I thought-what about silk pillows, so the first silk pillow collection was born out of this.

What influences your design and color selection?

It varies – it can be something I see on a trip, or in a magazine, or the feeling or mood from a song or film. Sometimes things just sort of pop into my head, but I may have seen something a year ago that influenced that idea.

Is there a favorite design or design concept this season for the Thomas Paul Collection?

I am really excited about the new outdoor pillows we are launching for Spring 2010. I feel like they are a bit of a return to my original flat, poppy style – I have been doing more hand drawn images these past few seasons. Plus it is fun that we can finally offer an outdoor product that people have been asking for – there are not that many interesting outdoor pillows around.

Do you have a favorite design related blog that you enjoy or are inspired by?

I usually check in with design sponge, I think Grace has a very good eye and I often find new things on her blog that I have not seen before, which always surprises me because I like to think that I know everything that is going on in design, but there is so much information out there now, so it is nice to have a good filter or editor.

What’s new ahead in the way of trends or product features?

We are expanding out into new categories including bath and hopefully bedding.

Is your company “Green” or do you have some sort of community outreach program?

Most of the fabrics used in the line are linen or jute, which naturally are very eco friendly fibers, as they do not require pesticides or a lot of water to grow. We also try to limit packaging materials – I hate over done packaging and hang tags – they always seem like such a waste when you buy clothes as you clip them off and they go right into the trash.

Its giveaway time! One lucky winner will receive the rich, Chocolate Brown Cotton Zinnia Pillow. To enter: Become a fan Layla Grayce on Facebook. Leave a comment on the Layla Grayce Facebook page below this posting or right here on the blog telling us what your favorite Thomas Paul rug or pillow is. Winner selected at random, contest closes on Monday, February 8th at 6pm, est.

With beauty and artful grace the newest pieces by Currey and Company make a shining entrance. Resembling architecture more than lighting, these chandeliers and table and floor lamps have fine elegant lines that know how to make a statement. And the airy neutral colors in the metal and cloth, signature Currey and Company, are infused with perfectly placed hints of color. What a lovely way to light up a room.

Ahhh, you’ve gotta love this brand. Such well constructed bags that always have their eye on the eco-friendly scene. Fresh new spring patterns are here in the same dependable (and virtually indestructible) styling. Feminine and yet versatile – appealing to mom’s of both boys and girls. And, attention all fans: the Mothership has a new attractive price of only $109. Fleurville, your functional luxury simply rocks.

Has the sight of an object ever evoked a powerful memory, feeling or emotion? One glimpse of the pieces in the Somerset Bay collection and the light breeze coming through your window suddenly becomes laced with a hint of salt, you can almost feel the sand beneath your feet, and is that the distant sound of a seagull you hear? Never has furniture transported you like this. And while your senses are still indulging, your mind can rest assured knowing that the craftsmanship of Somerset Bay has raised the bar. With its relaxed style and unique lines the collection does not shy away from color, but rather features a 6 step patina finish that is just one of the many example of the quality Somerset bay exudes. Never has your home seemed more like a getaway destination before.

Welcome, welcome Trish Moreno of Little Giraffe! You represent one of our best selling and best known brands. We are dying to pick your brain on all exciting happenings in your company right now, and hear more about your poignant outreach efforts. Readers, stay tuned for details below for another fabulous giveaway!

I am honored to be a guest blogger on Layla Grayce! You’ve always carried such an extensive selection of Little Giraffe products, beautifully showcased and easy to search & purchase. We hear rave reviews of your customer service too, so we are proud to have our collections carried on your site!

Trish Moreno, CEO Little Giraffe

Tell us a bit about your company’s history. What was the inspiration for starting your business?

Little Giraffe was founded in 2000 by a busy new mom who wanted a soft cozy blanket for her baby that was also easy-care. In the beginning, she offered a few select blankets in the softest fabrics available. The blankets were a huge success and filled a void in the market. Little Giraffe grew to become known for creating the coziest, and most luxurious—yet practical—blankets, blankys and baby accessories on the market. I joined the Little Giraffe team in 2009, and bring 20 years of experience in merchandising and marketing to this well-loved brand. I am supported by an amazing team, including the company’s original founder who remains on board as Director of Design & Development. We’re committed to providing products that are true to the brand that our customers have fallen in love with over the last decade.

What influences your design and color selection?

We always want to provide the softest, most sumptuous fabrics for our products, and make everything machine washable so it’s easy to care for. We carry a range of essential, versatile colors like pink, blue, cream, mocha and celadon, and then we have fun experimenting with bold colors like aqua and raspberry. We’ve streamlined our entire collection, keeping our most popular color and fabric combinations, and will always introduce new trend collections to keep the line fresh.

Is there a favorite design or design concept this season?

We are so excited about our newest reversible blanket that features our popular Luxe faux fur on one side and reverses to a soft diamond quilted fabric with a coordinating satin border, available in pink or blue. It’s a modern take on a traditional style blanket, and it’s machine washable like everything in our collection. We’ve also just launched the Lollipop Collection, which is white chenille with a dot satin back and a sweet striped satin border. Both of these new collections have been extremely popular since we debuted them at market this month.

Do you have a favorite design related blog that you enjoy or are inspired by?

I wish I had more time to read and follow the blog circuit. When I have a chance, I like to check in with Design*Sponge, and I am always inspired by Brocade Home’s blog. I also subscribe to The Cool Hunter – they travel the world so I don’t have to! I am an artist in my “spare” time, so I view everything with a design eye and find inspiration in unlikely places, too.

What’s new ahead in the way of trends or product features?

We’ve listened to our customers who have fallen in love with our blankets for their kids and want the same ultra-soft products for themselves. We have recently launched a line of throws for home interiors so grown-ups like us can cuddle up with the softest, most luxurious blankets in the market! We also find that babies who are raised with Little Giraffe blankets won’t accept anything less as they grow out of their blankys, so we had to make throws for their “big kid” beds.

Is your company “Green” or do you have some sort of community outreach program?

Little Giraffe believes in supporting our community and is committed to philanthropic endeavors. We often provide our products and support to several organizations throughout the year. Most recently we participated in “Operation Jump for Joy” aboard the USS Midway to honor military families and to benefit Snowball Express, the charity for children of fallen military heroes since Sept. 11, 2001. We were thrilled to provide about $40,000 worth of our products to support this organization, and to help a child who has lost a parent find some comfort through Little Giraffe.

Its giveaway time! Little Giraffe wants you to experience their product first hand and is offering their best selling Chenille Baby Blanket, Chenille Security Blanket and Chenille Hooded Towel set to one lucky winner. To enter: Become a fan Layla Grayce and Little Giraffe on Facebook. Leave a comment on the Layla Grayce Facebook page below this posting or right here on the blog telling us what your favorite Little Giraffe item is. Winner selected at random, contest closes on 1/31 6pm, est.

Congrats to Kristin Howard Goldmacher, the lucky winner of Little Giraffe’s giveaway!

As mottos go – this one fits to a tee. Amy Butler’s new collection of fashion bags, diaper bags, travel bags and laptop bags are as exquisite on the outside as they are functional on the inside. Best known for her modern and charismatically colored rugs, Amy Butler’s fresh bag collection is a real treat. Made with organic cotton, leather accents, and her signature bohemian patterns – each bag makes a confident statement on the wearer’s arm.

With gleaming gold and rich gems, we doth present a royal line of dainty baubles fit for the highness in all of us. Rubinia embraces the elegance and majestic color of heirloom pieces, while charmingly infusing each of them with a modern touch. Think Monaco in the 60’s…Grace Kelly meets 2010. Six unique pairs of earrings and one delicate necklace. So much more than just a piece of jewelry – each one has something to say, a story to tell.

From graphic and modern, to vintage-inspired – Oopsy Daisy’s new line of canvas giclee wall art and accessories has it all. The beautiful color palette ranges from soft and subtle to bright and bold, but all pieces are none-the-less cheery and playful. And what piece of art doesn’t require the perfect lighting? Simply priceless coordinating lamps are a unique addition and sure to become an instant classic. The lamps features a canvas wrapped shade and decorative bauble adorning the pull chain – exceptional with every detail.

View all Oopsy Daisy, Fine Art For Kids collections

Ever wonder why little girls giggle so much? Because they have the most darling outfits to wear! How can a smile not creep across your face when you take a gander at these little beauties? Sweet swing sets, dresses, tank and skirt… every inch kissed with the magic of Tralala. Warm up your winter with these charismatic colors and princess-friendly detailing such as floral prints, rosettes and tulle. Girls just wanna have fun.