Cheers to a Bright New Year

Welcome to Design Chic, dear friends!

Your unwavering support means the absolute world to us, and we are truly humbled by your continued presence here. As we step into a brand new year, we wish you a 2018 brimming with boundless love, infectious laughter, and of course, exquisitely chic design in every corner of your life and home. Join us as we explore fresh inspirations, practical tips, and irresistible deals to make this year your most stylish yet!

Embrace a Fresh Start: Design Inspiration & New Year Delights

Crafting Your Dream Home for the New Year with One Kings Lane

As the calendar turns, there’s no better time to refresh your living spaces and infuse them with renewed energy and style. One Kings Lane stands as a beacon for timeless elegance and contemporary flair, offering an unparalleled selection of furniture, decor, and unique accents to help you curate the home of your dreams. Imagine starting the year with a vibrant new throw pillow, a sophisticated console table, or a statement piece that completely transforms a room. One Kings Lane expertly blends classic aesthetics with modern trends, ensuring that whether your taste leans towards a coastal retreat, an urban loft, or a grand traditional estate, you’ll find pieces that resonate with your personal style. Explore their curated collections to discover unique items that speak to your design sensibilities and elevate your home’s ambiance, setting a beautiful tone for the year ahead.

Beyond individual pieces, consider how One Kings Lane can inspire a complete room refresh. Perhaps a cozy reading nook is on your wish list, complete with a plush armchair and an elegant floor lamp. Or maybe your dining area is due for an upgrade with a stunning new chandelier and artful serveware that will make every meal feel like a special occasion. Their extensive catalog makes it easy to visualize and bring these aspirations to life, offering everything from luxurious bedding to statement-making rugs and exquisite wall art. Begin your journey to a more beautiful home this New Year by exploring the endless possibilities awaiting you at One Kings Lane, where style and sophistication meet everyday living.

A Glamorous New Year’s Eve Wedding: A Celebration to Remember

There’s an undeniable magic in ringing in the New Year, and for some, that magic is amplified by tying the knot amidst the festive glitter. A New Year’s Eve wedding offers a built-in atmosphere of celebration, elegance, and anticipation, promising an unforgettable start to a lifetime together. Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by twinkling lights, champagne toasts, and the joyous countdown to midnight. The decor for such an event often leans towards sophisticated glamour: think metallic accents, rich jewel tones, abundant florals, and perhaps a touch of sparkle. Guests are typically in a celebratory mood, dressed in their finest, ready to dance the night away and witness a beautiful union.

Planning a New Year’s Eve wedding requires meticulous attention to detail, from coordinating late-night transportation for guests to ensuring your chosen venue can accommodate the unique timing of the celebration. Consider a palette of gold, silver, deep navy, or emerald green to evoke a luxurious feel. Incorporate elements like personalized champagne flutes, a dazzling dessert bar, and perhaps even a fireworks display to truly capture the essence of the holiday. Such a wedding isn’t just a ceremony; it’s a grand event, a double celebration of love and new beginnings, leaving guests with cherished memories of a truly special night.

Smart Living: Organization & Hosting Expertise

10 Essential Tips to Get Your Refrigerator Organized for the New Year

A well-organized refrigerator is the secret weapon for efficient meal prep, reduced food waste, and a stress-free kitchen. As you embark on your New Year’s resolutions, dedicating time to declutter and optimize your fridge space can make a significant difference in your daily routine. Here are ten indispensable tips to help you achieve a perfectly organized refrigerator, ensuring freshness and accessibility:

  1. Declutter and Purge: Start by removing everything. Dispose of expired items, forgotten leftovers, and anything past its prime. Wipe down all surfaces thoroughly.
  2. Designate Zones: Assign specific shelves or drawers for different food categories – dairy, meat, produce, condiments, and leftovers. This minimizes cross-contamination and makes items easy to find.
  3. Use Clear Bins and Containers: Invest in clear, stackable containers and bins to group similar items. This not only looks neat but also prevents small items from getting lost and keeps spills contained.
  4. Label Everything: For items in opaque containers or homemade goods, use labels with dates to track freshness. This is especially helpful for leftovers and meal-prepped ingredients.
  5. Optimize Door Storage: The fridge door is the warmest part of your refrigerator. It’s ideal for condiments, sauces, and drinks, which are less susceptible to temperature fluctuations. Avoid storing milk or eggs here if possible.
  6. Proper Produce Storage: Use crisper drawers for fruits and vegetables, often with separate humidity controls. Some fruits release ethylene gas that can ripen other produce faster, so store them separately.
  7. Meat and Dairy on Lower Shelves: Raw meats and poultry should always be stored on the lowest shelf to prevent any potential drips from contaminating other foods below. Dairy products also do well on lower, colder shelves.
  8. FIFO Method (First In, First Out): When putting away groceries, move older items to the front and newer ones to the back. This ensures you use food before it expires, reducing waste.
  9. Leave Space for Airflow: Avoid overpacking your refrigerator. Proper airflow is crucial for maintaining consistent temperatures and efficient cooling throughout the unit.
  10. Regular Maintenance: Make it a habit to do a quick tidy-up once a week before grocery shopping, and a deeper clean monthly. This keeps things manageable and prevents buildup.

By implementing these strategies, you’ll transform your refrigerator from a chaotic storage unit into an organized hub that supports your healthy eating goals and streamlines your kitchen operations for the entire year.

14 Expert Ways to Throw a Flawless Holiday Fête

Hosting a truly flawless holiday fête is an art form, blending impeccable planning with genuine warmth to create an unforgettable experience for your guests. While the holidays may be wrapping up, these tips are timeless for any festive gathering throughout the year. Beyond mere decoration, it’s about crafting an atmosphere where everyone feels cherished and delighted. Here are expert strategies to ensure your next celebration is nothing short of spectacular:

  1. Plan Your Menu Early: Decide on your dishes well in advance, considering dietary restrictions and guest preferences.
  2. Delegate Tasks: Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Potlucks or assigning specific roles to family members can ease the burden.
  3. Create a Signature Cocktail: A unique drink adds a festive touch and simplifies bar service.
  4. Set the Ambiance with Lighting: Dim lights, candles, and string lights create a warm, inviting glow.
  5. Curate a Playlist: Music sets the mood. Choose a mix that’s festive but not overpowering.
  6. Thoughtful Table Settings: Beyond plates and cutlery, add decorative elements like fresh flowers, unique placemats, or personalized name cards.
  7. Comfortable Seating: Ensure there are enough comfortable spots for guests to relax and socialize.
  8. Bathroom Refresh: A clean, well-stocked bathroom with fresh towels and nice hand soap is a must.
  9. Designate a Coat Area: Provide a clear, easy-to-access spot for coats and bags to avoid clutter.
  10. Prepare for Kids (If Applicable): Have a separate activity or snack station for younger guests to keep them entertained.
  11. Offer Small Party Favors: A little token of appreciation, like a gourmet treat or a small ornament, leaves a lasting impression.
  12. Don’t Forget the Ice: Always underestimate the amount of ice you’ll need; buy extra!
  13. Food Stations vs. Sit-Down: Consider whether a buffet-style spread or a formal sit-down meal best suits your guest list and space.
  14. Be Present: After all the planning, remember to relax and enjoy the company of your guests. Your joyful presence is the best gift.

A flawless fête is less about perfection and more about thoughtful execution and genuine hospitality. By focusing on these expert tips, you can create a memorable and joyous occasion that reflects your unique style and makes everyone feel welcome.

Unlocking Post-Holiday Savings: After Christmas Sales Event!

The holiday season may culminate in joyful celebrations, but savvy shoppers know that the true gift often arrives post-Christmas: the highly anticipated sales event! This is the perfect window to snag those items you’ve been eyeing, refresh your wardrobe, or stock up on essentials at significantly reduced prices. From high-end fashion to home decor, retailers are eager to clear inventory to make way for new collections, offering incredible discounts that are hard to resist. Dive into these outstanding deals and elevate your style and home for less.

  • Sale of the Season at Shopbop: Discover designer fashion, accessories, and footwear with markdowns that are simply irresistible. This is your chance to invest in timeless pieces or experiment with new trends from your favorite brands.

  • Extra 30% Off Sale Items at Anthropologie: Indulge in bohemian-chic apparel, unique home goods, and whimsical accessories. Anthropologie’s sale section is always a treasure trove for those who love distinctive, art-inspired finds.

  • EXTRA 30% Off Sale Styles at J.Crew: Stock up on classic American style, from cozy sweaters and tailored outerwear to versatile wardrobe staples. J.Crew sales are perfect for refreshing your everyday look with quality pieces.

  • Just Added Savings Sale at One Kings Lane: Transform your home with luxurious furniture, elegant decor, and unique accents. This sale is an excellent opportunity to bring sophisticated design into your living space at a fraction of the cost.

  • Extra 33% Off Sale Items at Neiman Marcus: Experience luxury for less with significant discounts on designer apparel, beauty products, and high-end accessories. A perfect moment to treat yourself or find exquisite gifts.

  • Winter Tent Sale at Serena and Lily: Bring coastal-inspired elegance and relaxed luxury into your home. Their tent sale is renowned for stunning furniture, sophisticated bedding, and charming decorative items that evoke a serene, stylish aesthetic.

  • New Items Added to Sale at Nordstrom: A massive selection of fashion, beauty, and home goods from leading brands. Nordstrom’s post-holiday additions mean even more choices across all departments, from everyday wear to special occasion outfits.

  • Up to 60% Off at Saks Fifth Avenue: Explore unparalleled luxury with steep discounts on designer clothing, accessories, and shoes. Elevate your wardrobe with iconic pieces at exceptional values.

  • Up to 60% Off at Net-A-Porter: Access the world’s leading luxury fashion destination with incredible savings on high-fashion apparel, cult beauty products, and exclusive designer collaborations. A must-visit for the fashion-forward.

  • Favorites for the Home at Design Chic: Don’t forget to browse our own curated selection of design favorites for your home! We’ve handpicked items that embody style, comfort, and timeless appeal to help you create spaces you adore.

Your Next Great Read: “Slightly South of Simple”

If your holiday weekend adventures include some travel, we highly recommend grabbing a copy of the delightful novel, Slightly South of Simple! This captivating read is the perfect companion for any journey, offering a heartwarming and engaging story that will transport you. Dive into the lives of the characters and enjoy a compelling narrative that blends Southern charm with universal themes of family, love, and self-discovery.

Now available in Audiobook format – truly perfect for those long holiday weekend travels! Let the story unfold as you journey, making your travel time fly by.

Happy 2018!

Wishing you a year filled with joy, prosperity, and beautiful design. Thank you for being a part of our Design Chic community!