Creating a warm glow for the holidays

There is nothing more impressive then the warm glow of the holidays along with the fresh scent of gingerbread or pine. I have found some beautiful items for the holiday season that are sure to add to the Christmas spirit.
Pottery Barn’s metallic bark candles pair natural materials with a glitter finish. Each is wrapped with real bark that was gathered from trees legally harvested for furniture making, then trimmed with a layer of holiday shine. All are unscented wax, and the largest size has three wicks.
PB’s mercury glass votives provide all the sparkle and shine you need for the holidays. Mercury glass was first produced in the 19th century. These double-walled mercury glass accessories are hand blown and silvered between the sealed layers, using an antiquing process that mimics the look of the originals. PB offers them in a set of 4, one of each color.

While traveling this year I came across some other beautiful mercury glass votive holders with matching tray and pretty tea light holders. Also, while traveling I came across these great silver candles holders with bright bold and colorful holiday images.
I love the dome shaped ones here – you place the tea light inside and it can sit tabletop of hang…the candles’ glow is outstanding when wrapped in the bold colorful red interior.

For something really different check out the Lumen Candles at red envelope.com. Illuminated by flickering flames, this oil lamp casts lively, festive shadows through its delicate cutouts. The shadows change with the lamp’s position—the closer to the wall, the more detail; the farther away, the more intriguingly abstract.

Evelyn and Crabtree always have wonderful holiday home fragrance sets…here are a few.

Noel Fragrance Keepsake Candle is a gift within a gift; this exclusive compact-style ceramic carrier holds a fragrant (spicy evergreen fragrance) NOEL candle. Couple this with their beautiful room diffuser (last year’s design shown here – I think its nicer then this year) or poured candle – and your space is guaranteed to be filled with soft candlelight and festive fragrance.Or how about these diffusers from Pier I. The green one has loose jingles bells within the bottle and the mosaic glass one is exceptional too! The large glass block with potpourri and craft snow is also a lovely addition to your home.

I hope these inspire you to add a little holiday scent and glow to your home – or maybe even all winter long!

All things India

I have to say I am captivated right now by India Hicks. She seems to be everywhere lately. For those who don't know who she is, she is the daughter of famed interior decorator David Hicks and Lady Pamela Hicks.

Born in London, England, she was named in honor of her grandfather, Lord Mountbatten of Burma the last Viceroy to India. She was also a bridesmaid at her godfather's wedding which would not be a big deal unless your godfather was Prince Charles. Yes, she was a 13 year old bridesmaid at the wedding of the century!

Recently, India Hicks became a creative partner at Crabtree and Evelyn. She has launched what I think is a beautiful home fragrance collection called Island Living (inspired by her island life in the Bahamas). She also published a book called "Island Life" which is a collection of beautiful interiors that will make you crave the sun and simpler life of the Caribbean.

India was also featured in Domino magazine. In the article she shares stories about growing up with her dad and experiences with her own family. The magazine did a great job photographing her own home in the Bahamas and from these pictures I am sure you will agree like her father, India also has an eye for interior decorating.

I am eagerly awaiting her next collection at Crabtree and Evelyn; I will let you know as soon as it's available!