Top 12 Posts of 2013!

Clockwise, starting from top left:

1. Design Terms Pronunciation Guide

2. Spode 101

3.House Guests: The Haskins Home: Contemporary Classic Charmer

4. My Gallery Wall

5.Christmas Home Tour

6. Coffee Filter Wreath

7. Chocolate Carrot Cake

8. Chinoiserie 101

9. House Guests: All Things Bright and Beautiful

10. House Guests: Jennifer Goodwin's Arts and Crafts Vintage Bungalow

11. Prep School

12. VintageRock&Roll Design Board

and my favorite post, which was viewed 32,000 times:

Quatrefoil'd: Ideas, Printable Pattern Stencil

via Jones Design Co.

Thank you so much for coming over to Commona My House this year!
Design 101, House Guest Tours, Crafts and Recipes made up the most popular posts in 2013.
Look for more DIY Decorating ideas in 2014 as I try to bring more of my own style to our new home!
XXXOOO,

Out with the old? In with the new? Emerald and Radiant Orchid

It's time for Emerald Green to turn over it's Crown. I believe we will continue to see Emerald in all design areas, including clothing and decor. It is a classic. It will come and go but always be there. I don't think that it will be dated, say, if you've painted your hutch Emerald. I think it will stand the test of time.

That being said, I'm sure that you've heard (and I've mentioned it several times on my IG account, too) that Color Authority Pantone has selected "RADIANT ORCHID" to be the 2014 COLOR OF THE YEAR. Pantone drives trends in both fashion and decor. And they believe that this special hue of purple will be the 'it girl' of the year.

In the Pantone picture above, it is the BOTTOM color, the more bold color that is actually RADIANT ORCHID. It is more purple than magenta. More bold than lilac or lavender. It is a ROYAL purple.

Return of the DOWNTON ABBEY CLUB!

I was thrilled to turn on PBS last night and watch the Season 3 Finale again (although it was still painful to watch). I have access to all of the Seasons and Episodes, but there is just something about my 'me time' on Sunday Evenings, tuning into Masterpiece! I can't wait for next week's Season 4 Premiere which will air on PBS next Sunday...and like last year, I will be posting each Monday about my take on that week's episode.

Here is a little Throw-back to my last Downton Post from the Season 3 Finale to sort of  get you in the mood for next week!!! 

Well, "Life is strange, isn't it", says Robert in the final montage scene....

Give Me the Goods Monday Link Party: #41

Thanks to each and every one of you who link up with us!  

We are so excited to have you here with us this week! In case you are new here, this party is hosted by FIVE bloggers! That means when you enter your links on one of our blogs, they will show up on FIVE blogs total! FIVE times the publicity for YOU! We will each pick our favorites every week, so that's FIVE times the chance for YOU to be featured!

Read More after the break.....

Give Me the Goods Sunday Features: #40

It’s time for the features from last weeks GMTG party!

THANK YOU for linking up last Monday!!! 
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! Thanks you for linking up over the holidays!

Be sure to check out the other host’s features after leaving here:

Jamie @ Better with Age

Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof

Amber @ Averie Lane

Rachel @ Maison de Pax

I was blown away by all of the amazing Christmas Ideas that were shared.
I can't wait to pin so many of these projects!
And, I had a hard time picking only 4 features this week...

Christmas Play List

Sending you warm Christmas wishes and a little music {on Spotify} to listen to 

 for your last minute 

wrapping, 

baking, 

merry making,

XO,

Give Me the Goods Monday Link Party #40

Thanks to each and every one of you who link up with us!  
 I can't believe that this is week #40! I can't believe it!

We are so excited to have you here with us this week! In case you are new here, this party is hosted by FIVE bloggers! That means when you enter your links on one of our blogs, they will show up on FIVE blogs total! FIVE times the publicity for YOU! We will each pick our favorites every week, so that's FIVE times the chance for YOU to be featured!

Read More after the break.....

Easy Holiday Meal: The Barefoot Contessa's Lasagna Dinner

A few months ago we were invited to a fun dinner party.

Each guest was assigned a dish to bring.

 The recipes were provided and they were all Barefoot Contessa Recipes.

We had so much fun and the food was excellent...apps, meal, dessert, they were all unbelievably good.

I've since made the Turkey Lasagna thrice and the Pesto Pea Salad twice.

Serve with crusty garlic bread and it's a quick and easy Gourmet meal.

Perfect for entertaining a house full of guests without being too fancy.

Follow this recipe for Turkey Lasagna on The Food Network, from Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa.

And follow this recipe for Pesto Pea Salad on the Food Network, from Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa.

Happy Entertaining!

XXXOOO,

Give Me Goods #39 Sunday Features

It’s time for the features from last weeks GMTG party!

THANK YOU for linking up last Monday!!! 
Be sure to check out the other host’s features after leaving here:

Jamie @ Better with Age

Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof

Amber @ Averie Lane

Rachel @ Maison de Pax

I was blown away by all of the amazing Christmas Ideas this week!
I can't wait to pin so many of these amazing ideas!
I am in full-on baking mode, with Christmas just a few days away.

 So this week I've selected my favorite recipe link ups to feature!

Letter to Santa Printable from Minted

Hop over here to download and fill out!

Perfect for a snowy day!

XXXOOO,

The Gift Box: Easy Cardboard Crafts

Let's face it.
1. It's last minute as of now.
2. Sometimes the best gifts are ones that you make.
3. Kids play with the box.
4. Reuse, Recycle, Responsible, right?
5. All of these would be fun to do after Christmas when they're bored with their presents and there is still a week left of break!

Here are a few ideas I found on Pinterest for making something cool out of cardboard.
{I've made one of these on the list below....I can't wait to give it to the recipient...because I know she'll flip for it}!!!

Freebie Friday: Deer Season

I've always loved deer.

And Rudolph and I go wayyyyy back.

But I'm sure you've noticed they are all the rage this Christmas Season!

I'm hoping that they won't be a fad...because I think it's a classic motif.

Today for Freebie Friday, I'm rounding up my favorite DEER freebies from all over the blogosphere and thank those designers and bloggers for sharing them with all of us!

Print them out.

Use them as gift tags, cards or frame them for last minute gifts!

Or keep them for yourself, put them up and pull them out again next year!

& Pin away for later! 

{Click on each image for the link to download!}

Throwback Thursday: SPODE 101

Spode, "Jasmine, Turquoise and Black"

Spode is a brand of ceramics and fine bone china based in Stoke on Trent, England, founded in 1767. That means, yes, Grandmas have been collecting Spode since the mid to late 1700s.  Josiah Spode was renowned for his technique of blue transferware, underglaze pottery.  My mother and grandmother both LOVED the Blue Willow Spode pattern, possibly the most well known and most popular of them all. They have countless patterns, popular for the past 250 years.

But I think there is a SPODE pattern for just about anyone.  There are countless colors, patterns and motifs of SPODE china. The originals are sought after, but they have new reproductions as well as new patterns. Interestingly, SPODE today is owned by the Portmerion Group (Portmerion being the manufacturer of another example of highly collected pottery).

Some collectible notes: Anything after 1833 is considered "Late SPODE".  The company changed hands at this time and for collectors that is a designation.  You can find old and new SPODE just about anywhere; it is typically at flea markets and antique shops, yard sales, ebay.  Its popularity has continued through the ages, so popular still that it is currently sold at Amazon, Macy's, Nieman Marcus, Horchow and don't be surprised if you see a SPODE Christmas pattern even at TJ Maxx.

If you love a pattern and see it at TJ Maxx, good for you, you have a special piece and you can call it an heirloom.  If you're thinking of collecting SPODE check out this little SPODE starter roundup. The new "Archive Collection" is a series of reproductions of popular antique patterns.  The back of the place will clearly state is an "Archive Collection" piece. Therefore, if you are buying ANYTHING on line, you should always ask to have a picture of the back of the plate for reference.  This could make a difference of paying $35 for an Archive Collection set as apposed to $200+ for an original set. (see below for examples).

Here are the markings on the back of the plates/dish that will tell you when your piece was produced.

The Look:

Like I said, there are COUNTLESS patterns, colors and motifs.  Here are just a few.

One of the earliest Spode patterns, this fluted tea cup,  in "Two Figures" pattern,  1785-1795

1815 Spode "Tower Pattern"

Early 19th Century English Regency Spode Platter, handpainted enamels in the Peacock Pattern,
valued at $1250.00

Spode "Blue Willow" Platter

 Spode "Indian Tree Orange"

Spode Victorian Aesthetic Movement ,"Butterflies and Daisies" Chocolate Brown, robins egg blue, yellow

Spode Tiffany 1910-1920

Spode Canadian Centenial "Alberta"

Gray and silver "Coral", 1964

One of the recently manufactered patterns, Spode "Nectar", now discontinued and sure to be a collector's item

Spode "Woodland Theme: Winter American Wildlife"

Spode Christmas Tree Pattern (I love the mistletoe and holly circling the inside of the cup and the saucer).

{If you don't know the story of the Spode Christmas tree, it is a pretty cute one. In the 1930s, one of the designers for the British ceramic company's dinnerware was asked to create a Christmas tree design. The man had never seen an American Christmas tree before and at first drew the tree with presents hanging off the branches! Upon learning that this was not how the presents were placed, he moved them to their traditional spot underneath the tree and drew the tree with decorations of ornaments.  He also didn't know what trees were topped with, hence the Santa Claus figurine drawn atop the tree where a star or angel would normally go.}

I've always wanted to travel to take a look at the Spode Museum's pattern book.  You can visit their factory and museum and take a peek into Spode's amazing living history. 

Here is my favorite! Maybe you recognize the one below from my last post about coconut cupcakes?!

Spode "Jasmine, Mint and Brown"

XXXOOO.

Commona My House for Christmas Winner!!

Thank you all so much for entering this fun Give Away!

The winner is: Rachael!

(and for clarification for all the Rachael's out there:

 for the winner Rachael, 

I will be emailing you at your  

rraegan email account!!!)

Thanks again to everyone for entering! It has been a super fun week sharing my favorites with all of you!

Here is what Rachael will be opening up!

Day 1: Leather Purse in DEEP TEAL

Day 2: An Ikat Scarf 

Day 3: Ethan Allen Pillar Candle Holders

 Day 4: Klustershop Amethyst Quartz Earrings

Day 5: Books

Day 6: a RUSTICO Leather Bracelet

Day 7: Gold Star Vinyl Decals

from Vinyl Wall Art!

And don't forget, Vinyl Wall Art is offering readers of Commona My House a 20% off code on you purchase, so click over to see their fun and fabulous designs!!! Use the code: myhousevinyl 

Thank you to all the sponsors who participated in making this happen and for all of you!!! I'll be having some more amazing give aways in 2014!
Just a little way to say 'thank you' for coming over!
XXOOO!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wordless Wednesday Inspiration: Benjamin Moore "Boothbay Gray"

XXXOOO,

Commona My House for Christmas Day 7

Do you want to open a present that I have under my tree?

It is for one of you, sweet readers!!!

This is going to be so much fun!

Each day in the next week, between Dec 11th and Dec. 18th,

I'll be revealing a prize that will be in the winner's package!

That's right: One winner will receive the lucky present...several presents wrapped up in a box for you this Christmas. Each item was chosen to represent not only a few of my favorite things..but things that will be on trend in home decor and design in 2014!

ONE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN on Dec 18th to win all of the gifts!

I can't wait to share some of my favorite things for YOU and YOUR HOME...and make sure you enter each day by commenting and selecting the following me on FB, PINTEREST and/or Instagram options!

Day 1: Leather Purse in DEEP TEAL

Day 2: An Ikat Scarf 

Day 3: Ethan Allen Pillar Candle Holders

 Day 4: Klustershop Amethyst Quartz Earrings

Day 5: Books

Day 6: a RUSTICO Leather Bracelet

Day 7: Gold Star Vinyl Decals

from Vinyl Wall Art!

I love touches of gold...and lately it's been the star of the show! 

So I was thrilled to be contacted by Vinyl Wall Art to take part in getting to see and now share their new designs, including these gold stars.

Have you seen gold wall decals popping up all over the place these days? I have!

And I love the look. 
It can be fun and trendy or classic and timeless: 
TAKING ON THE LOOK OF WALL PAPER, but so much easier 
to change in a few years if you're ready.

Here are a few inspirational images for what I was thinking about when I selected the gold stars:

via

via

via

via

Vinyl Wall Art allowed me to select these gold stars and I'm sharing them in our give away!!!

These would be fantastic on dresser fronts as well!

BUT THAT'S NOT ALL...I get to share a 
20% OFF DISCOUNT CODE with all of you!

So head over to their site and see if there is anything you've been dreaming of for Christmas and use the code: myhousevinyl at checkout

And look for a fun reveal of more of these Vinyl Wall Art decals in the next few weeks!!!
Thank you Vinyl Wall Art for this fun give away and discount for my readers!

Be sure to enter below...One Winner will be randomly selected by Rafflecopter tomorrow
 to win the whole shabang!

a Rafflecopter giveaway