Sweet Paul: A Blue Christmas

Blue rocks. Period. I've always been a fan of this versatile hue; I've used it in my clothing and decor choices for years - even my car is blue! However, it wasn't until a few years ago when I discovered just how fantastic the colour can be when used as the anchor point for a festive decorating scheme. Each year my main tree (yes, Mr.B loves Christmas decorating so much that he has more than one tree...!) is now decorated with a Nordic blue colour scheme. So, I was delighted that the Holiday issue of Sweet Paul included a Christmas story based around the very same palette. Styled and photographed by Germany-based Dietlind Wolf, the spread inspired me to add some new elements to my own decorating scheme this year. I especially love how Dietlind combined ice blue and winter teal hues with frost and rust accents, which work really well to break up the palette. As well as this beautiful story, you can also see my market pages, a travel piece on Munich and my recurring Will's Picks feature, which gives hints, tips and inspiration for creating a Nordic White Christmas scheme. I always love working on Holiday issues (even if it is during summer!) but it's even better to enjoy reading the issue cover to cover once all the hard work is done. Now I can start to think about starting this year's seasonal decorating! Tell me, do you use any blue in your festive decor?
// Craft, styling & photography by Dietlind Wolf | Sweet Paul | Paint splash

Sweet Paul Magazine: Dip Dye Ideas

Not only are we on the brink of welcoming a new weekend but we're also about to be treated to 143 pages of inspiration courtesy of Sweet Paul magazine's Fall issue as it launches later today. One feature that hit the top of my inspiration Richter scale is this dip dye story. Beautifully styled by Paul himself, the piece guides the reader through a range of different dip dye craft projects for both home and fashion. One of my favourite ideas was to dip dye ribbon as you could make big batches of it in one go and then keep coming back to use it for months ahead, perhaps to wrap a gift, update a vase or decorate votives for a dinner party. Talking of dinner parties, don't you think that the dip dye table runner holds such a beautiful simplicity? Which of these projects inspires you the most? P.S. Don't forget to look out for my market pages, a travel story on the Soho district of New York City and a rustic warehouse decorating feature - I'd love to hear your thoughts!
// Styling by Paul Lowe | Photography by Alexandra Grablewski

My Market Picks for Sweet Paul Magazine!

Happy weekend, friends! I'm so pleased that the weekend is finally here because life has been pretty crazy recently. Do you find that you beaver away at your projects and send them off into the ether, diving head first into your next task? I do, and I've realised that it's important to take stock of one's achievements and work. So, today I'm sharing some of my latest work for Sweet Paul magazine. I've been freelancing for the magazine for a number of years, since issue two in fact. However, this year's summer issue marks my first as the magazine's Market and Shopping Editor. We wrapped this issue a few months ago so it's rewarding to see my work and pages amongst all the other beautiful features. We've added 'page talkers' to the market pages so that you can see which products are mine and Paul's favourites. Kinda fun, right?! As well as product round ups for kids, design, handmade and pooches, I also wrote a guide to colourful shopping in Amsterdam and my usual Will's Picks feature, which this time all about classic blue and white decorating in the kitchen and bedroom. I felt so inspired by both the paletas story and picnic story, which had me hankering for an afternoon on my bike in the countryside. With so many great features, I can't fail to mention the seafood, neon and BBQ burgers stories - all of which include such inspirational photography and ideas. Dive on in, folks!

Happy Weekend: Decorating With Pastels

Kitchen by John Lewis of Hungerford | Magazine tear sheets from Sweet Paul

Oh yeah! What's that you spy? Only the freakin' weekend! After a busy week packed with meetings and events in the city, I'm dreaming of a weekend filled with the simple things life can offer. I'd be very happy to start my day in this colourful country kitchen, coffee brewing and a leisurely breakfast enjoyed to the sound of birds tweeting as a light spring breeze fills the space. That would be kinda alright, wouldn't it?! Anyway, back to reality...! As pastels are proving popular both on and off the catwalk, I decided to whip together some inspiration on how to decorate with delicate hues for my latest feature inside Sweet Paul magazine. You can head here to read it in full if you like. I hope you have fun plans for the next few days, friends? Make it a good one!

First Look & Giveaway: Sweet Paul Spring '12

Sweet Paul

Not only is it Thursday (the weekend is a comin', folks!) but we're also being treated to a peek inside the new spring 2012 issue of Sweet Paul magazine which is set to launch tomorrow. Plus, simply by leaving a comment on this post you will have the chance to win one of three printed copies of the magazine that Paul, the magazine's editor, is kindly giving away. There's also these fun desktop wallpapers you can download! So, what can you expect to find inside the latest issue? There's the usual mix of seasonal recipes, craft ideas and decor inspiration, including Paul's favourite spring dishes and top ways to cook with eggs, as well as paper straw craft and a tablescape idea full of fresh blooms. Plus, you'll see a lovely feature on ten meals in Paris across five days, along with my Will's Picks piece on decorating with pastel hues. What are you excited to read in the new issue? Leave a comment and you'll be in the chance to win a printed copy of the spring issue!

BHG: A Woodland-Inspired Blue Christmas

Better Homes & Gardens Dec 2011 | Kelly Ryan Kegans | Photography Dana Gallagher | Styling Paul Lowe

Do you ever happen upon an editorial that you literally wish you could step into the page and live in it? Well, this happened for me when I read Paul Lowe's recent feature in the December issue of Better Homes & Gardens. Beautifully shot by Dana Gallagher the story centred around a blue-hued woodland scheme created with crafty makes and natural, organic elements. Last year, my tree was decorated with ice blue and teal baubles, so I was really inspired to see how the colour scheme could translate to a tabletop. My favourite elements of Paul's Christmas decor are the pine cones hung from the back of each chair, the DIY votives and the potted branch sideboard tree. What inspires you about this holiday scheme?

Happy Weekend: Sweet Paul Feature

Hurrah! The weekend has arrived and after a manic week of work I am so pleased to have two relaxing days ahead. I'm going to be heading out of London for some countryside time, catching up with friends and maybe a little bit of baking, too. What are your plans, friends? I hope there's something fun on your weekend agenda! Here I've shared the tear sheets from my latest Will's Picks feature in Sweet Paul magazine, which is titled 'An Antique Christmas'. It's centred around tabletop and decorating ideas for an antique Christmas with a modern twist, with a few craft suggestions thrown into the mix. Plus, I rounded up product from across the decorating market to help readers replicate the look. How fun are those crown tea light holders? Which product do you like best? You can read the whole feature here. Have a top weekend, folks!

Exclusive Sneak Peek: Sweet Paul Winter 2011

OK, folks, this is such a treat for us to kick start the weekend with... a first look inside the forthcoming winter issue from Sweet Paul magazine. Many of you know that I am a self-confessed magazine addict but that addiction goes up a level at this time of year. I'll often buy magazines I wouldn't normally buy throughout the year just to see their take on festive entertaining, gifting, decorating and recipes. So, of course, I'm more than a little excited to be able to share these teasers from Sweet Paul's festive-themed issue today. Within its 172 pages you will find recipes for Holiday cookies, edible gifts, finger-food and party cocktails. There's a tartan-themed Holiday celebration with spiced turkey and sage stuffing (yum!) and a feature on all things chocolate. Plus, you'll also find Sweet Paul's best winter comfort food, including his favourite mushroom tart. As well as foodie treats there's craft ideas aplenty, from DIY wrapping paper and wreaths to driftwood and linen makes as part of the issue's Natural Christmas story. Also, there's my usual Will's Picks feature, which offers ideas and inspiration for vintage Holiday decorating with a modern twist, including market picks for your home and tabletop. I'm excited, are you? Mark your calendars and check back here to read the full issue of Sweet Paul at 8am EST on Tuesday 15 November.

My Latest Feature: A Seasonal Soiree

The fall issue of Sweet Paul magazine has gone live just this second and it includes my latest 'Will's Picks' feature, which provides ideas and inspirations for throwing a fabulous party this season. From laying the perfect fall table to creating a sanctuary for your guests to stay in, the piece is brimming with tempting market picks to help recreate the cosy autumnal looks. To read the feature in full, head over to Sweet Paul.

Exclusive First Look: Sweet Paul Fall Issue

Sweet Paul

Thank goodness we made it to the weekend, folks! I can't believe a whole year has passed since last year's fall issue from Sweet Paul (yep, I took time out to flip through it all over again, too!). On Tuesday next week the second fall issue from the title will be published online. Inside you will find comforting and warming autumnal dishes, alongside creative craft projects that are perfect for trying out on those wet Sunday afternoons when you're looking to hanker down indoors. There's also my Will's Picks feature, which I'm really looking forward to seeing finished on the page; if you're entertaining this season I hope you'll find it useful. Check back here on Tuesday to read the full issue. In the meantime, enjoy this first look - a lovely way to ease us all into the weekend!