Sounds of the Season

It's that time of the year where music becomes all encompassing. I love music and constantly listening to it...but for some reason during this season - my musical taste seems to be broadened. It's the only time that I listen to both traditional  and modern tunes, secular and non-secular music and I consider them all of it feel good!

Maybe it's the sense of renewal and hope. For peaceful solutions or the kid like magic I try to keep alive in myself. It's interesting how I find myself being teary eyed by listening to certain songs that I have grown up with and grown up to love. And each year I am finding new renditions of the holiday songs I love. 'Tis the Season for feel good music.

Here are a few of my favorite tunes and the versions that I love. Hopefully they get you in the mood for the season.

Baby It's Cold Outside by Idina Menzel and Michael Buble


O Holy Night by Tevin Campbell


My Favorite Things by Barbra Streisand


Angels We Have Heard On High by Home Free


Do They Know It's Christmas by Band Aid (The Original Version)


Joy to the World by Whitney Houston and Georgia Mass Choir


Auld Lang Syne by Mairi Campbell and Dave Francis


When You Wish Upon a Star by Mary J. Blige with Barbra Streisand and Chris Botti


Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by Sam Smith

And Finally Christmas would not be Christmas without...
The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole!

Enjoy the Holidays!

Let's Celebrate!
-Percy

2015 Pantone Color of the Year...Marsala!

I am so excited for the announcement of Pantone's Color of the Year...it's one of those announcements I look forward to every year. Call me a nerd but I think being a designer and planner these colors really set the tone for design elements for the year. The 2015 color of the year is Marsala!

I love Marsala's earthy tones with just enough hints of copper and red. It reminds me of the Southwest, especially cities of Santa Fe, Taos and Sedona. There's richness and depth to the color and it definitely does not go flat.  Looking forward to seeing how people will incorporate this luscious, earth tone color to design this coming year.

Here's some inspiration for the Color of the Year

 Let's Celebrate!
-Percy

My Favorite Things: Hostess/Hosts Gifts for Holiday 2014

The holiday season is upon us and it's that time of the year our social calendar is be amped up! Between office parties, family parties, and friends open houses...this season, unlike any other, seems to be the time we definitely get our "eat, drink and be merry" on.

But don't come empty handed to a party! I think it's always nice to bring a hostess gift to the homes that you are visiting as a way to say "thank you for remembering me this time of the year." I know some people say, "no gifts" but in all reality - who does not like getting gifts?

So to help you pick out the right hostess/host gift for the season...I have compiled a few of my favorites for the year. I think they are all useful and pretty universal for anyone. So here you go.

My Drap
I love these My Drap tear off cocktail napkins on a roll! They come 50 units to a roll with a price of $27-$30. They are all 100% cotton and totally re-useable! They come in 5 sizes and 25 different colors, collegiate motifs and also seasonable prints! Perfect for the "hostess with the mostess" a definite must give for the holiday season! Easy storage and just a fun conversation piece for their next cocktail party!

Pottery Barn
These Pottery Barn saddle leather coasters are totally useful and rich looking. These coasters come in a set of six, are 4" in diameter, made from natural leather with hand stitching for $29. Free shipping from online orders and monogramming is available if you want them a little more personal... but even without them they look fantastic! Perfect for those who have everything.

lovesome

So my childhood friend Nicole has started her company  lovesome, which specializes in making out of this world dark chocolate bark! I have so many favorites flavors but the spicy pecan with sweet fig is my go to chocolate!  She currently offers about 20 flavors of these heavenly creations. A 6oz box is $12.50 and worth every penny! In addition, she also offers amazing tea cookies, cakes, and cupcakes. Perfect for your host/hostess with a sweet tooth.

Ojai Olive Oil Company
My current food obsession are these olive oils and balsamic vinegars from Ojai Olive Oil Company. My particular favorite at the moment is the Blackberry Ginger Balsamic Vinegar which is great on salads or for dipping bread into. A 250ml bottle runs about $12. The blue bottle is also quite nice. Great gift for the foodie or the home cook in your life.

Pacific Pickle Works

I can't get enough of these pickled confections by Pacific Pickle Works. These amazing items are all natural and hand crafted in Santa Barbara. My personal favorite item is the Bloody Mary Kit, which comes with a bottle of Bloody Mary Elixir, made with their own all-natural Worcestershire sauce, and a jar of Jalabeaños and Asparagusto! Enough to make at least 15 delicious Bloody Marys. All you have to do is add your own tomato juice. The kit retails for $29.95 and is the perfect gift for the host who knows the importance of an open bar.

Tabletop Made on Etsy
I love a good letter press thank you card. Especially one that is made by a local designer like Tabletop Made. This particular set of 6 blank cards is called Dot and Dash and they are beautiful and at the right price of $15! These cards are printed in Santa Barbara using a Kelsey Excelsior Press and hand printed using soy-based ink. Includes 6 4Bar kraft envelopes.Perfect for friends who still value handwritten cards!

Hopefully these suggestions will help in your hostess/host gift giving this season!

 Let's Celebrate!
-Percy