As the last Christmas decor inspiration board I decided to challenge myself with the manly decor. I can totally see all those bachelors out there struggling to bring in the spirit home while keeping it cool. The ultimate key to keeping Christmas decor modern and manly is stepping away from the traditional stereotypes.
Starting with the unconventional Christmas tree – keep the shape but in charcoal gray and sparkle, while bringing the greens in accessories. I love the Embossed Pine Candle from Restoration Hardware, it will also brings a smell of the holidays. Enriching the white/gray/black pallet with metallic sparkle will entail the festive mood and faux fur adds a tad of wintery comfort. And to top it of I added the intellectual games accents, which always make a bachelor look like a good catch :)
I’ve been in a crafty mood lately and I totally see a DIY project coming. What would it be? a yarn wreath, of course. I got so tired of the traditional tree branches look, and the yarn wreaths are so versatile – you can make them sleek and contemporary or go way out with ornaments, feathers and what not. And they are SO easy to do yourself too. Here are a few of my favorites from Etsy.
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And how cute are these yarn balls, such a great contrast with shiny ornaments. 
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I’ve been an awful good girl lately. Seriously, finished the thesis project 3 days before the final day…wow, talking about some holiday magic here. As a reward I decided “to shop around” for a wish list for me which would also fit any other interior design/fashion/beauty obsessed person in your life.
A girl can never have too many accessories. There are so many cutesies this season, so hard to cut down the choices :) And, in case you were interested, I can never resist a good design/arts book or two.
wish list 2010-2011
So my Christmas tree is up but not decorated yet. While taking a breather, I went browsing for more Christmas inspirations. Tiffany blue decor is one of my absolute favorites and it makes me want to store two sets of xmas decor so I could switch them around every year. It’s crisp, chic and is calling for a girls night out.
I kept it simple with toys, just 2 tones but played with textures: the combination of matte vs. gloss as well as pearl beaded ornaments. The easiest transformation bring ribbons, you can also layer silk and velvet ones. As for the tabletop, classics are in. I love how golden rims of the porcelain plates play off the sparkle of champagne. So Holly Golightly!
Sometimes there’s no need to search for the dream dress, it comes to you itself. Like this one came in a form of December Harper’s Bazaar editorial of Iman (God, she looks amazing). The Valentino gown is truly to die for but I have a feeling that Santa is not that generous so I’ll have to scratch this one off my list. Ah, a girl can dream…
The backdrop of the shoot is an even competitor with the dress. The Abandoned Beekman Palace, built in 1882, is a landmark in lower Manhattan and, rumor has it, will be restored to a glamorous hotel. It’ about time, right?! Can’t believe that such a gem has been in disrepair for over a decade since 1940s. Hope to stay there one day as the interiors are just breathtaking!
Beekman Palace has become a true internet sensation and has got nicknamed as “the most stunning atrium in NY”, it opens up to 9 stories above. 
Click HERE for the full photo-coverage of the building by Scouting NY. Trust me, you DON’T want to miss that!
