Out with the old, in with the new!

Friends, I started this blog more than three years ago, when I was a senior in college. I wrote my first post not at all sure what I wanted my blog to be about, but simply knowing that I had ideas to spare, and I wanted to share them. It has been more wonderful than I could have imagined to connect with so many wonderful readers as I found my groove over the last few years.

As P&P developed and I found my voice, however, it became more and more clear to me that Peach & Pearl was not the best name for my internet home. I chose it initially because I couldn't think of anything better and I was impatient to get started, and it's served me well.

But the time has come for something new, something that's more... me. I am so incredibly excited to share with you Em for Marvelous, which has picked up where Peach & Pearl left off. I would be so grateful if you'd come see what marvelous things I have in store for you! xo



P.S. Soon www.peachandpearl.com and www.peach-pearl.blogspot.com will redirect to www.emformarvelous.com, so please, change your bookmarks, feeds, subscriptions, and links if you'd like to stay up to date!

A very merry mix

Last night was the Duke Chorale Christmas Concert, an event which has quickly become one of my and John's favorite December traditions since moving to North Carolina. The Duke Chapel is just gorgeous, and the acoustics are unreal.


from Better Homes & Gardens

The concert definitely put me in the Christmas mood (despite the 70+ degree temps we've been having this week!), and so I thought I'd share my go-to Christmas playlist with you today. It has some old favorites ("Linus and Lucy," Ella Fitzgerald's "Sleigh Ride"), and some newer gems from Michael Buble and Dave Barnes. New or old, they're all festive and fun. The only favorite I couldn't add? "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" by Bruce Springsteen, which is possibly my favorite Christmas tune of all time (I don't think it's available on Spotify, sadly).

Listen here. And tell me: Do you have a jazzy Christmas favorite I should add to my list?

Christmas tartan

Our wedding florist posted this photo of her shop all dressed up for Christmas the other day, and I just had to share! I think it's so darling.

Much, much more about Elisabeth soon!!

Wreaths

Feeling inspired by pretty holiday wreaths today, on the first day of December! A few of my favorites:

The only thing better than one wreath is three, of course!


Martha Stewart

Love these pretty silver stars, and this would be such an easy accent for a store-bought wreath. I see chipboard stars like this all the time in Michael's, and you could easily paint or glitter them your favorite metallic color.


Creative Decorations

These petite wreaths hung in the windows are classic and chic.



This cushion moss wreath is perennially one of my favorites. This image alone is so inspiring to me, with the creamy whites and soft greens! A gorgeous Christmas palette.


Martha Stewart

And here's the wreath on our front door:



Still conflicted about the bow... thoughts?

Watercolor letterpress calendar

There are so many boutique calendar options for 2012, but I think this one might be the prettiest I've seen. The dip-dyed colors are so soft and beautiful, and of course I love the calligraphy!

If you love this one, too, quick -- everything is 15% off in the Parrott Design Studio shop until Friday! Use code CHEERS15 when you check out.

P.S. Looking for more calendars? Nole has tons of beautiful options right here!

Vintage state towels

Hi, friends! Are Christmas preparations in full swing at your houses? They are at mine. Our three Christmas trees are up (don't worry, they're all little!), as is our nativity, and we're excited to begin our Advent calendar on Thursday. I'm also turning a more serious eye to the remainder of my Christmas list. I'm about half done... how about y'all?

If your answer was "haven't started," I've got a suggestion: vintage state kitchen towels. I happened upon one the other day, and was reminded how fun they are. I think they'd make the best gift for a pal with a colorful home, a softness for vintage style, or some fierce state pride, and would look so cute framed or sewn into a pillow. A quick search yielded a few vintage and reproduction sources:



Antique Kitchen has 12 states represented, and each is $14.



Nanalulu's has several states, though their website is pretty hard to navigate. I like this Florida one ($9).



Here's a Minnesota kitchen towel for $6.30.



This pretty celebrating all of New England is $15.



I like this bold pattern for California ($7). This California one is pretty, too.



Finally, if you don't want to spend time searching, you can go straight to Cat Studio, though you'll pay more for the convenience. They stock just about every type of location, from states to cities, from regions and resorts to national parks and countries. Their kitchen towels are $20.

Happy hunting!

Peppermint drink stirrers in the shop!

I hope you all had the most wonderful weekends imaginable! Now that we're on to all things Christmas, I wanted to give you a quick heads up that I stocked the shop with some very festive drink stirrers! I think these guys would be so cute at a holiday party, or as a little Christmas gift for a friend who likes to entertain.