The key to hosting the perfect dinner party is preparation. Regardless of the theme or the occasion, it’s important to prep. How many people are you hosting? Are there any dietary restrictions? What kind of food will you be serving? I love hosting dinner parties. It’s one of my favorite things to do to spend time with family and friends. I love planning the menu, brainstorming tablescapes, and then putting it all together. However, throwing together a last-minute dinner party can be stressful. If you have time to prep, then here are some of my go-to tips before your next hosting gig.

Introducing Apparatus Studio, a modern light company I have been admiring from afar. Known for their bespoke line of light fixtures, they also offer objects and furniture pieces. For the purpose of today’s post, we will just be focusing on their absolutely stunning assortment of lighting. The photo above shows off one of their breathtaking wall sconces. In this interior, they really tie the room together and add the perfect level of style. 

Lately, I’ve been seeing dark interiors with black walls or super dark grey walls everywhere so today is all about dark interior inspiration. You would think dark interiors would be overwhelming and make the space feel super small and harsh. I have found it to be the opposite. When black walls or dark interiors are done correctly the rooms feel cozy, warm, and chic. Get ready for a collection of images that are going to convince you to paint all of your walls black.

Holiday table decorating time! Woohooo! Today I am happy to share the simple tricks I use to set a chic yet easy holiday table. With this table decor, I partnered with @homedepot to create a lush and layered holiday table. Rustic simplicity is the theme.  For the first time in history, I am actually planning my holiday tablescape in advance!  I’ll show you the stress-free way to set a table that will make for cozy holiday entertaining with family and friends! Keep reading to see some super simple ideas! Or if you want to watch me walk through it watch the video here!

Today I’m covering an incredible Manhattan townhouse dining room. Created by legendary interior designer Sheila Bridges, this dining room is expertly designed! The home is extremely luxe and refined in style. The dining room stood out to me because of its unique design. The mix of colors, styles, and furniture creates a completely unique space. Instead of just showing you the dining room – I paired fall dresses to wear to a gathering at this home. Whether brunch, a long afternoon lunch, or a formal dinner these are the perfect dresses to wear! 

One thing I love posting about is celebrity home tours. When I ran across a tour of Liv Tyler’s West Village Townhouse I knew I had to cover it! A look inside Liv Tyler’s whimsical and beautifully designed townhouse! This stunning townhouse was entirely redone and was a historical renovation. They did an amazing job at adding custom molding, woods floors, pocket doors and more! This house tour is so good that it inspired two other post ideas that are now on my list! 

This gorgeous colorful Spanish colonial home is located in Franklin Hills. It was designed by Reath Design! When I ran across this home tour I was immediately intrigued by how well this home does color. This home is full of bold color choices and prints. I didn’t think it was possible to create a home with so much going on but this house makes it look easy. It’s not my go-to style but it’s incredibly beautiful and brilliantly designed. The darker feel to the home is perfect for the fall season! 

Today is a stunning West Coast House Tour. There is nothing quite like a beachy neutral designed home. While I may never own one I could look at images of them all day. The owner of this breathtaking home is the owner of the natural skincare line Lesse. It’s very clear that the owners of this home embrace the neutral color palette in all aspects of life. Let’s check out this amazing home! 

So excited to share a few photos of the completed COCOCOZY Design House! Today, was so excited that House Beautiful decided to do an exclusive house tour of this remodel project I have been working on for almost 10 months. Last year, I bought the house and started remodeling it in April. Now, here it is, a 1930 classic Spanish Colonial Revival nestled in the hills of Los Angeles in an enclave called View Park.

The dilemma remains–rug v no rug in the dining room. I am trying to decide what to do at my house. Currently, I do not have a rug under the dining table. I always thought it was weird to have food over any soft surface other than hardwood, stone or tile, but lately all these fabulous dining rooms with rugs under the table changing my mind. Dining tables rugs ground the space are, and they’re winning me over.

Let’s decide on rug or no rug. Here are a bunch of great dining rooms: some with a rug under the table, some without. Which do you think looks better of these fabulous dining rooms. I found a few great ones with rugs under the table and a few without.

If I had to describe my style, it’s a mix of traditional and modern, so I love a rustic modern home. This home from Kate Marker Interiors is the perfect combination of bright and neutral. Tall ceilings and larger than life chandeliers define this rustic home.

From the exteriors to the foyer, the continued color scheme throughout sets the tone for this beautiful house tour.

Take a look below!

Who says small spaces can’t do great things? This small apartment from Martin Brudnizki Design Studio proves big things can come from a well thought-out space.

Martin Brudnizki carefully designed this eclectic space, where almost every surface is covered with framed art including the kitchen cabinets. Such a cool use of a small space and making walls tell a story. Notice all the unique and perfectly blended artwork throughout the space working with and enhancing the open layout.

Summertime means outdoor dinners out on my patio!

I recently decided last minute (per usual) to cook Sunday night dinner for my family making my famous summer grilled chicken with a lime cilantro garlic marinade. I invited two people and then naturally that number grew to five after giving everyone a heads up only three hours beforehand.

As it goes… I didn’t have a lot of time to prepare, but my first step was to set up a simple summer table! I couldn’t wait to put my new AERIN Ardsley collection (by Aerin Lauder) from Williams Sonoma to use.

Work on the COCOCOZY Design House continues.  

Next step — lighting! This has been THE single most difficult design decision for this house by far. Lucky for me, Lamps Plus came on board to help me solve the dilemma. As one of our fabulous anchor partners in the COCOCOZY Design House project, Lamps Plus offered to give me lighting for all areas. Wait, what? All rooms and outdoor! Again, what?! All lighting! Yes.  

Lamps Plus does have some brands they make themselves like Possini, Franklin Ironworks, 360 Lighting, John Timberland, and a few more… but in addition to those, they carry tens and tens of thousands of lights from other brands. I whittled down my selection after several visits to two different Lamps Plus stores here in Los Angeles. This was a real exercise in decision making!

Happy May! I just made a pretty big update in my breakfast nook. Can you spot it?!

Ok, I’ll just tell you. I recently opted to switch out the chandelier in the nook and I couldn’t be happier with the decision. Sometimes it’s nerve wracking to take the leap on a design switch, but I’m all about following your gut.

Take a look at how my new light fixture changes the feel of the room (below)!

Introducing my cozy breakfast nook!

I love having a special space in my home that is bright and inviting — the perfect place to have a cup of coffee and start my day!

Whether you have a whole room or just a corner, these ideas will help you create a charming place to grab a quick bite before heading out or dine with the whole family. Have a look (below)!