The Neighborhood that Captured my Heart

On a recent trip to Florida, my family and I spent time in Jacksonville. While there, we explored a neighborhood a dear friend grew up in. I had heard my friend’s beloved stories of growing up in Jacksonville. An idyllic childhood lived under the Spanish moss, running from neighbor to neighbors home and swimming in a pool that overlooked one of the many waterways that runs through and around Jacksonville.

It’s a laidback yet refined life — living by the water in an established neighborhood marked by tradition and charm. Ortega neighborhood was like a dream.

I hope you enjoy a small glimpse into the types of homes you may expect to see. What’s missing is the soft breeze from the waterway and friendly faces out for a morning stroll. Even on a cloudy day like the day these photos were taken, it’s still picturesque and what I think is one of Florida’s best kept secrets.

If you're heading to Florida or somewhere warm for Spring Break, here are some finds that I love -- only from brands I own and purchase from regularly. 

Refresh Your Dining Room and Tabletop for Christmas With These Finds

One of the best things about this time of year is the opportunity to gather around the table with friends and family, from intimate dinner parties to larger fetes. I've been getting my dining room ready for all things holiday hosting — along with our other living spaces — and it's bringing me so much joy.

Next on my list is mapping out our holiday tablescape so for today's post I wanted to share a few ideas for refreshing your dining room. 

wallpaper panels

In lieu of wallpapering an entire dining room, I opted for a pair of House of Harris panels from Society Social - currently 20% off with code EVERYTHING20. The scale makes a dramatic impact on the space for a fraction of the cost! Plus, I love how I can move these around the room or into a different space entirely if I ever want to. 

This room also features some of my favorite decor items from Fig & Dove and my Visual Comfort chandelier and buffet lamps. 

Be sure to check the shipping information if you'd like these panels by Christmas! I got mine framed at Frame Warehouse in Charlotte. 

Florals and candles

Kate Morrison's Concord home is the definition of timeless beauty. I find myself going back to that home tour for inspiration over and over. I love how she decorated her table with classic candles and a stunning floral arrangement. 

If you want something that will last longer than the holiday season, I'm a big fan of preserved florals and Botanica in Charlotte has a wide variety. They also sell at Scott's Antiques in Atlanta. The orchids on my buffet table in the first image are from there.

Taper candles never go out of style and can make a great gift with a set of acrylic or crystal holders. I love the lacquered twist or Lily of the Valley options for a slight twist on a classic. 

lovely layers

I'm stilling pinching myself that I had the opportunity to team up with Tuckernuck for a home tour earlier this year. The tablescape, pulled together with homeowner and Nashville-based interior designer Kate Figler, was a more autumnal theme, but the formula can be applied to any dining room setup! You'll notice fun tassel napkin rings, a floral tablecloth and beautiful China plates. 

I don't often replace my holiday hero pieces, like like China or silverware, but I love the idea of surprising guests with fresh, festive name card holders or napkin rings. These would make a great host gift, too. 

And we can't forget about Megan Daisy Milner's dining room table. Her abstract artwork and traditional interiors had us all saving images for inspiration. My full home tour with Megan can be found on YouTube and so many great sources from her home are on the blog. 

Photo by Anna Routh

More Inspiration

It's hard to beat this new build in Raleigh, NC. The blog post with paint colors and more can be found here. The chandelier is from Visual Comfort and so pretty in person.

Timeless in Charlotte! This traditional home exudes southern elegance. I love the grasscloth wallcovering and robin egg blue cornices and panels. 

I don't know what's more stunning. The Gracie wallpaper or the Visual Comfort chandelier. The tortoise glasses with the rose Estelle wine glasses are a pretty addition to this Eastover home's mahogany dining room table and place setting.  

The holidays really are the best time of year. And the Black Friday sales, that have now become a constant, add a sense of thrill for the best deals. Here are the ones I think are worth shopping. For more holiday inspiration head over to my recent post on quick holiday home tips!

My Picks for the Best Lighting On Sale This Black Friday

The lamp in my conversation room is from my other favorite lighting brand Pooky. They're offering 15% off for Black Friday.

I've spoken with dozens of designers and have spent many years pouring over inspiring interiors. I've learned lighting is the one of those things that can have a big impact on a room, without making any structural changes. I experienced this in my own home, too!

For that reason, Visual Comfort and Pooky's Black Friday sale are ones I wanted to make sure to share with the Garden & Grace community. I know there are so many sales this time of year that it can be overwhelming, but if fresh lighting is on your wishlist, Visual Comfort will be 20% off and Pooky is 15% - 20% depending on how much you spend. 

I've curated a roundup of some really pretty pieces below, some of which I have in my personal home. Happy shopping!

Buffet Lamps

Chandeliers

Floor Lamps

Sconces

Table/bedside lamps

In case you missed it... We dedicated a post to lighting earlier this year that also has tons of photos for inspiration and some additional Visual Comfort finds!