Recently, I was asked about what items make the best unique and personal gifts to give; for me a lovely table top book can't be beat. Each is chosen especially for the person's tastes and interests, something lovely they can pick up for a few moments with a cup of tea or study for inspiration. Leading interior designer Suzanne Rheinstein's new book Rooms For Living is a perfect example. Having grown up in New Orleans, Ms. Rheinstein mixes her Southern charm and hospitality with the laid back ease of her adopted hometown of Los Angeles, creating a classic style that is always fresh, impossibly pretty, and timelessly elegant, while achieving a livable, welcoming home where no detail is overlooked.
"I feel so fortunate to be designing for clients who still care about
inviting people to their own houses.
What is more gracious and warm then feeding friends and family?
Whether in special celebration around a dining room table set with
treasured glassware and thoughtfully arranged flowers or as a
Sunday lunch around a scrubbed kitchen table
with a basket of fruit,
gathering together is one of the joys of life."
DECKING THE HALLS WITH SUZANNE RHEINSTEIN AND ONE KINGS LANE
Collaborating with One Kings Lane, Suzanne Rheinstein gave a personal Holiday Home Tour bringing the natural beauty of the California outdoors inside, with fresh garlands, oversize Pinecones, simple boxwood wreaths, citrus, casually draped ribbon, and candles. She also shared her tips for an Elegant Christmas, Decking the Halls, and The Art of Casually Elegant Entertaining. Of course since it's One Kings Lane, you can conveniently "Shop the Look" right from home. Here's a preview of her Holiday Home Tour...
"When we moved into this house nearly 36 years ago, when my
daughter was only about a month old,
I did gilded magnolia leaves, just like my mother did."
"I wanted a more bronzy gold this year - not a Versace gold.
I adore eucalyptus pods, and I sprayed
them gold."
"Being from the South, citrus and greenery have always been a part
of Christmas to me."
Ms. Rheinstein loves to host buffet-style celebrations, especially for Christmas brunch...
"Sometimes people will sit on our stairs, stadium-style. They will
take their plates up there and eat."
"I use candles all year, I adore them, and I think that when you
have friends over - or even by yourself - nothing sets the mood
more than candlelight."
"If your life is not conducive to getting out special
things and just living with them, then by all means
get them out for the holidays."
"Our tree really doesn't change from year to year. All of the
ornaments on it mean something to us."
Wishing you
Love ... Joy ... Peace
Housed in a charming cottage in the La Cienega Design quarter of Los Angeles, Suzanne Rheinstein opened Hollyhock to sell all the things she loved for the home but couldn't easily find, including 18th and 19th century antiques, home accessories, art, and books. The signature store also features Ms. Rheinstein's personal line of custom upholstery, furniture and lighting, "Hollyhock Home Collection."
Photo credit: Nicole LaMotte
Quotes: Suzanne Rheinstein