Christmas Table Setting
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A Perfect Table Setting for a Christmas in the Islands

PMMAdmin3 December 16, 2019 Color, DIY, Kitchens, Niceties 0

Are you dreaming of a white sand Christmas? Beautiful, fluffy sand replaces traditional cold, wet snow when you celebrate Christmas in the Islands. Warming up in the sun omits the need for hot coco around the fire, and other traditions which keep you toasty during the holidays. Even without the feeling of winter, you can still feel the ‘Christmas Spirit’ when hosting get togethers this season.

After celebrating nearly two decades of traditions in the sunny Caribbean, Tiffany Cassidy of Lagnappe Custom Interiors shares her favorite finds for a beautiful Christmas table setting.

Our family LOVES Christmas in the islands!  All the colorful decorations, all the cookies, all the carols and classic Americana movies… ALL of the things that go into the holiday to give that special spirit.

Every family’s celebration is personal and meaningful for them.  I love visiting friends and hearing some of the stories they have to tell about the grandmother who made the best gingerbread every year. I love sharing special memories.  At our house, the process of getting out the Christmas decorations from storage is an annual walk down memory lane. So many touch stone from years gone by.  It’s been a couple years since I really set the table for the big day. We’ve been very casual about it for the past couple years, so it had me thinking about doing a really beautiful table this year.

I’ve put together a Pinterest board of Christmas table setting ideas to get my thoughts together and have had fun looking online for some unique items.  I love all things tropical and beach of course, but when it comes to Christmas, I’m all Americana.

The Perfect Dining Table Arrangement for a Christmas in the Islands

This tasteful table setting is simple and lovely. The greenery and pomegranates are easily found in local stores this time of year.

Tall and Colorful Candles

 I adore a candle-lit dinners, especially in the holidays. For my table, I would be tempted to add some tall and colorful candles like these.

Golden Drink-ware

Mix your colorful candles in with these eye-catching golden mercury glass votives for a pretty glow on Christmas Eve:

Personalize a Christmas in the Islands, with custom Party Favors

I love the idea of a personalized little party favor at each place too.  Cookies with the guest’s names on them are great; they’re easy and inexpensive. You can show off your baking skills, or simply decorate ones from your local bakery. These letter ornaments are a fun option, as your guests can keep a decoration for their tree for years to come.

This cute little ornament can be personalized and would make a great place card on your holiday dinner table.

Tis’ the Season Tableware for your Island Christmas

If you’re considering in investing in holiday flatware to go with china dinnerware, here are a couple classics. 

Celebrate Christmas in the Islands with Golden Flatware

Golden flatware in a modern shape is more versatile than you may think. This set will be perfectly at home for New Year’s celebrations, anniversaries, engagement parties, and many other celebrations in years to come. It doesn’t feel over done because the shape is so simple and sleek.  Mix this with any white China you already have and maybe some pretty holiday dessert plates and you’re all ready!

This dinnerware set might be the best value way I’ve seen to add a little sparkle to your table … and from Neiman Marcus of all places!

Christmas-Themed Dish-ware

When it comes to classic Americana, the Spode Christmas tree can’t be left out. This is the pattern I remember from holidays; it always make me think of my Aunt with a smile!  Start with the salad plates and a serving bowl to add just a little bit to your holiday table setting. Small holiday themed accents won’t overcrowd your cupboards and are budget-friendly.

Designer Christmas Tree Plates

Between pretty dishes and flatware, candle light, greens for the table, and cute little party favors for your guests, your table setting will be remembered well by all. That thoughtful party favor will come out of a box in years to come. It may also start a conversation about what a lovely night everyone had together down in the tropics in Christmas of 2019.

Lagnappe Custom Interiors is a full-service interior design firm, specializing in bringing the small niceties to a home or commercial space that make it memorable, functional and yours. Based out of St. Thomas, Lagnappe [LAN-YAP] is led by Tiffany Cassidy who enjoys working with property owners to create a home that reflects their style and needs. Tiffany marries her artistic and scientific sides together to bring the residents of the Virgin Islands and continental U.S. an interior decorating service that manages the complex and turns it into beauty. Her goal is to not only make a home prettier, but in doing so, make your life better. Visit www.Lagnappe.com for more information.

Outdoor pool area with ample shade will keep tile flooring cool
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Planning a Beautiful Outdoor Living Space

PMMAdmin3 September 27, 2019 Furnishings, Niceties, Outdoor Living, Tips & Tricks

Are you designing a vacation home, or dream of planning a beautiful outdoor living space to enjoy tropical weather year-round?

Not everyone shares the same needs and desires when designing their vacation home. Design teams need to begin with a discussion with their clients to learn how they envision using the space.

“We always start with asking lots of questions, and listening carefully so we can personalize every space for the homeowners. It’s the first step in bringing the daydream into life. Is the intention a private space for a family with a lot of commitments? Or will the plan be to maximize the ROI from vacation rentals, and hosting special events and weddings. Every space has different needs,” says Tiffany Cassidy, Lagnappe Custom Interiors.

Outdoor pool area with ample shade will keep tile flooring cool
An outdoor living area with ample shade will keep tile flooring cool

The process can be easy and enjoyable when the proper steps are taken to asses your wishes.

“Our team chats with clients to help them make selections that are appropriate for the space, the use, the climate and budget,” says Tiffany.

Before you can begin selecting the furniture and other accessories to design your dream outdoor living area, review the following considerations.

Here are some conversation starters from Lagnappe Custom Interiors’ typical client meetings:

1. How many people will your home sleep? This is the first question asked in the initial planning stages. Larger families need more outdoor space. Lounging areas and dining tables are selected based on how many seats you need at the table, or how many loungers around the pool.

2. Do you plan to host parties or entertain? Some clients like to host parties when down on vacation. Others wish to rent their homes on VRBO (link to https://www.vrbo.com/) as a party destination for weddings, reunions or gatherings.

“We like to design a good bit of flexibility into these spaces to accommodate groups of varying sizes. Adding bar ledges with stools is a clever way to provide additional multi-functional seating at parties. Modular furniture is a great choice, as it can be moved around the create little lounging vignettes here and there when it’s just the family at home. For large functions, they can be combined to form one, big seating area,” says Tiffany.

3. What is your optimal balance for sun verses shade? For visitors who are not from the islands and used to the strong sun, ample shade is crucial to the layout of the outdoor area. Of course, clients want to include areas for sun bathing, so your design team can determine the best spots for sun.

Covered Patio with dining area
A covered patio keeps loved ones and furnishings protected from harsh UV rays.

“The intense sun in the Caribbean is not only hard on your skin, but also hard on outdoor furniture. Fabrics and materials which are left outdoors need to be selected based on what lasts in the this climate. We default to a few select lines of outdoor furniture which will withstand the UV rays, salt, and chlorine,” says Tiffany.

For shade structures and umbrellas, Tuuci has products which can transform a sunny spot into a shady oasis. Umbrellas can be added into swimming pools to provide shade for kids who play in the water all day.

You can also consider a permanent structure to provide coverage from both the sun and showers. A covered bar area is perfect for additional seating in the shade, plus a convince to serve cold drinks.

4. Will you be cooking or catering outdoors? Outdoor bars and kitchenettes are popular in the islands, as clients like to maximize their time outside. Dining ‘al fresco’ with a traditional patio table and chairs is simply not enough. Asking the question, “how much does our family like to cook, and do we plan to serve outside” is essential.

Options are available to build custom full-service bars and kitchens, to prepare and serve drinks and meals. These spaces can include features such as grills, stone pizza ovens, refrigerators, cabinets and lots of counter space.

“We like to add beverage coolers and ice makers to outdoor spaces every chance we get. In our view, there can never be too many cold drinks in the Caribbean,” says Tiffany.

5. How much maintenance are you prepared to do? Will you love teak and oil it? Will you wash cushion covers? You need to consider the color and material choice of tiles. Non-slip flooring, especially around the pools, prevents liability issues with vacation rentals. Light colors are necessary in Caribbean homes, as they heat up quickly in the hot sun. However, you need to be prepared to clean them.

Glass table tops are easy to clean with Windex, but many clients like the look of classic teak. Choosing teak is great, if you’re prepared to power-wash, oil, and retouch the paint…or love the weathered grey color teak becomes as it ages.

Consider the fabrics you choose for your outdoor furniture and cushions. Lagnappe loves the Brown Jordan Elements Collection. It contains functional and stylish options, designed to withstand Caribbean climates, and are easier to keep clean.

Poolside wicker lounge with fabric hood awning at sunset
Outdoor furnishings covered with fabric need protection, we love all-in-one solutions for this.

“You’ll need to be mindful of seating options available when people come in from the beach. We have lots of choices for colorful fabrics which are resistant to salt-water- a spot to sit in your wet bathing suit!” says Tiffany.

Caribbean vacation homes need to be designed for both functionality and enjoyment, custom to the clients’ needs. Lagnappe Custom Interiors begins with a conversation with their clients, followed by an efficient process to make the design process simple and fun.

 

 

About Lagnappe Custom Interiors

Lagnappe Custom Interiors is a full-service interior design firm specializing in bringing the small niceties to a home or commercial space that make it memorable, functional and yours. Based out of St. Thomas, Lagnappe [LAN-YAP] is led by Tiffany Cassidy who enjoys working with clients to create a home that reflects their style and needs. Tiffany marries her artistic and scientific sides together to bring the residents of the Virgin Islands and continental U.S. an interior decorating service that manages the complex and turns it into beauty. Her goal is to not only make a home prettier, but in doing so, make your life better. Visit www.Lagnappe.com for more information.

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Favorite Finds in an Outdoor Living Area

PMMAdmin3 September 3, 2019 Furnishings, Niceties, Outdoor Living

Clients love planning outdoor living areas for their vacation homes, especially in the late summer. After a season relaxing in the warm air, you can appreciate features needed to enjoy the outdoors. Soak up the sun, lounge under the stars, and embrace dining ‘al fresco’.

Favorite finds’ in an outdoor living area.

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting is an essential to creating ambiance for evening gatherings. The outdoor string lights are weather-proof and durable, and able to withstand Caribbean climates. Now a popular lighting trend, the classic Edison Bulbs are included, making shopping simple. Above each bulb is a little loop built into the fixture for easy hanging with a small zip tie. They’re dimmer-compatible, if you install a dimmer switch, in order to create the right mood for the occasion.

Pizza Oven

Do you enjoy hosting parties when you travel south? The Kettle Pizza Oven adds a unique twist to the outdoor barbecue party scene.

‘Foodies’ who enjoy the gourmet taste of wood-fired pizza love preparing their own creations. For kids, a ‘pizza station’ with toppings keeps them occupied during a function. You can host a special ‘Build Your Own Pizza’ night with friends and neighbors on your return to the islands.

Dinnerware

Melamine dishes are practical and durable, perfect for indoor and outdoor table settings. They’re lightweight, dishwasher-safe, and BPA-free.. Add a little island flare to your BBQ parties with these tropical styles.

Lounge seating

Conversation sets are a staple in every backyard. These sofas are spacious and comfy, and mimic the indoor living room experience, outside. Made from materials including PVC wicker, powder-coated aluminium, and teak, they are intended for backyards in the tropics.

Outdoor Accessories

Outdoor accessories go along way to styling a basic sofa set. Playing with the island style patterns and adornments allows you to personalize your living area. To keep your tropical look sophisticated, use a narrow color selection with different sizes, textures and patterns. These pillows and rug are some favorites by Lagnappe Custom Interiors when making recommendations to clients.  

We love the Serena & Lily outdoor pillows to spice up these plain basic sets that are a back yard staple. They mix and match well, so it’s hard to go wrong. Creating an outdoor living room is a great way to welcome friends and family

Tiffany Cassidy, Lagnappe Custom Interiors

Planning an outdoor living area is an exciting time for every client, and also for Lagnappe Custom Interiors. Working with a team experienced in interior design of vacation homes makes the process easy and enjoyable. Be sure to read the full piece on our website, Designing Your Dream Outdoor Living Area.

About Lagnappe Custom Interiors

Lagnappe Custom Interiors is a full-service interior design firm specializing in bringing the small niceties to a home or commercial space that make it memorable, functional and yours. Based out of St. Thomas, Lagnappe [LAN-YAP] is led by Tiffany Cassidy who enjoys working with clients to create a home that reflects their style and needs. Tiffany marries her artistic and scientific sides together to bring the residents of the Virgin Islands and continental U.S. an interior decorating service that manages the complex and turns it into beauty. Her goal is to not only make a home prettier, but in doing so, make your life better. Visit www.Lagnappe.com for more information.

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Designing Your Dream Outdoor Living Area

PMMAdmin3 September 2, 2019 Furnishings, Niceties, Outdoor Living

Mid-late summer is the perfect time for clients enjoying the outdoors to start planning ideas for designing an outdoor living area in their seasonal vacation home.

While enjoying summer, you embrace the relaxation of the air, and soaking up the sun. Now, you appreciate what features you’d like to incorporate outside when you travel to your getaway home during the winter.

When designing an outdoor living room, you need to choose furnishings appropriate for the tropics. Your set-up needs to be able to withstand hot temperatures, salt water, and heavy rainfalls. 

“When we begin a design plan for outdoor space for a client, we first start with a discussion about how they feel they want to live in the space and how we can help them use it to their best advantage.”

Tiffany, Lagnappe Custom Interiors.

Top five elements to consider when designing your perfect outdoor living area:

1. Lounge Seating

Vacation home owners love to bring the whole living room outside. Outdoor ling area sofa sets are made from PVC wicker, powder-coated aluminum, and of course, the classic teak. These materials withstand the weather conditions in the tropics, while providing a modern look.

“Outdoor fabric technology has come a long way in the past five years. We have many beautiful and comfortable fabrics to choose from that are outdoor rated,” says Tiffany.

Like an indoor living area, outdoor living area lounge sets include love seats, sectionals, and arm-chairs. Glass and wicker coffee tables are popular choices to match, along with decorative outdoor cushions.

“I love to use modular sectional seating in outdoor spaces. It creates the flexibility our clients need to host a small, cozy gathering, or a large wedding reception,” explains Tiffany.

2. Day Beds

A fashionable trend at beaches, day beds provide a form of escapism when we are on vacation. They add that ‘resort feeling’ to your home. Traditional sun loungers are furniture of the past in modern backyards. Many accommodate two or more people, allowing you space to share, stretch out, lounge, and sun tan.

Hanging swings are a popular choice to add to your wrap-around porch, or in a shaded outdoor living area. The gentle, swaying motion of a swing is peaceful, perfect to doze for a daytime nap. These swings are also available as shell-shaped chairs, for relaxing with a drink or reading a book.

Outdoor chaise lounges are far more comfortable for tanning than a plastic or metal lounger. Available in a variety of materials, you can chose a style which compliments the architecture of the home.

“We have comfortable styles without cushions for areas near the pool and exposed to the weather. You can add cushions for ultimate, all day lounging comfort,” says Tiffany.

Canopy daybeds are usually circular, offering enough space for a few people. The shell can be down, or used as a cover for shade or protection from a gentle, tropical sun shower.

Much like those you see at beach resorts, cabanas with curtains are perfect for privacy. They are spacious enough to rest a platter of snacks, or a bucket with champagne on ice. 

A perfect outdoor spot

3. Outdoor Bars and Kitchenettes

Whether on vacation, or enjoying the weekend, you want to maximize your time outdoors, including time preparing meals. Designing an outdoor kitchen is the perfect way to cook and serve food entirely ‘al fresco’.

Your design team can source simple kitchenettes and outdoor appliances, or create a custom kitchen from scratch. These spaces can include features such as grills, stone pizza ovens, refrigerators, cabinets and lots of counter space.

“Whenever possible, I like to include an ice maker in outdoor kitchens.  In the Caribbean you can never have too much ice for your drinks,” says Tiffany.

Outdoor Kitchen Example
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/399131585721345003/

A poolside luxury, outdoor bars are trendy, as hosting and entertaining is made simple when the beverages are served outside. Your bar can be a simple all-in-one piece, or custom-built to make your cocktail creations. Full-service bars can include sinks, running water, and special weather-resistant shelves designed to keep your bottles safe.

4. Choosing a Design Direction for your outdoor living area

It’s easy to end up with an eclectic mix of patio furniture.There are so many options, styles and colors too choose from. Clients often like to mix and match pieces from a variety of sources, to add to the Caribbean character. Alternatively, your design team can plan the décor around a specific theme.

Costal themes are popular in Caribbean vacation homes, to embrace the sand and sea. Driftwood and coral prints compliment the tropical lifestyle. If your family likes to sail, consider adorning the space with an anchor, ropes, and other knick knacks for a nautical lifestyle. 

“We look to the style of the home’s architecture and the natural surroundings to inspire our choices for outdoor décor. These spaces are very much focused on the view so we always want to maximize that asset,” says Tiffany.

CalypsoDelight-0861
Enjoy the view with my six must haves for your beach house.

5. Situation and Location

An outdoor living area can be tucked away in a private spot, or overlooking the sea with the best view. Discuss the intention of the area with your design team, so they can select the best spot on your property. 

Entertaining areas may be situated near the indoor kitchen for convenience. Sun bathing areas are best around the pool with the best vistas of the sea. Hanging swings or day beds could be in a peaceful spot, under a tree or in a far corner of the yard. 

“Don’t forget the need for shade to make the space more user-friendly. Large umbrellas or shade structures keep us cool and comfortable,” saysTiffany.

It’s always nice to have a shady spot to kick back.

By working with teams with experience specific to design Caribbean homes, you are guaranteed superior final results. Lagnappe Custom Interiors works with clients remotely, to provide efficient and easy planning when designing a tropical home. With access to the best selection of products, and a database of experts to work with, Lagnappe works to make your vacation dream come true.

About Lagnappe Custom Interiors

Lagnappe Custom Interiors is a full-service interior design firm specializing in bringing the small niceties to a home or commercial space that make it memorable, functional and yours. Based out of St. Thomas, Lagnappe [LAN-YAP] is led by Tiffany Cassidy who enjoys working with clients to create a home that reflects their style and needs. Tiffany marries her artistic and scientific sides together to bring the residents of the Virgin Islands and continental U.S. an interior decorating service that manages the complex and turns it into beauty. Her goal is to not only make a home prettier, but in doing so, make your life better. Visit www.Lagnappe.com for more information.

Welcome to the Jungle: Bold Tropical Prints for Every Room

lagnappe May 30, 2018 Color, Furnishings, Niceties 0

Nothing says “tropical” quite like a lush green landscape full of palms and banana leaves. And bringing the outdoors in is one of my favorite things to do as a designer! Bold wallpaper and fabrics printed with green leaves is popular right now, and these rooms may get your creative juices flowing about jazzing up a space in your home with a bold tropical print!

The kitchen is a great place to incorporate some tropical flair, even if it’s just with some spiffy linens. Especially if the kitchen is mostly a neutral color palette, green is a great energizing accent color.
Moving into the dining room, a tropical wallpaper makes this gathering space feel lush and exotic. Who wouldn’t want to attend a dinner party in this room? Statement pieces like the tulip table and dramatic chandelier add to the uniqueness of the room.
The bath is a perfect place for some green palm prints. Don’t worry that a smaller room will be overwhelmed by a punchy wallpaper, it can make a normally pretty boring space vibrant and alive.
Bring some zen into the bedroom with a fabric headboard and coordinating curtains.
Another corner of a bedroom or sitting area gets some color in a calm, neutral space.
Prints don’t have to be sunny, either. Darker tones make any room feel elegant and can allow for other pieces to take center stage.
Aren’t the outdoors green enough? Not when you have fabulous banana leaf printed patio furniture. This set is classically chic, with fun accents of bright orange and pink.
A sun room gets an upgrade with great furniture against a leafy background.
Wallpaper isn’t your only option to go bold. Artwork can anchor a space and provide great inspiration for other accents in a room.

About Lagnappe Custom Interiors

Lagnappe Custom Interiors is a full-service interior design firm specializing in bringing the small niceties to a home or commercial space that make it memorable, functional and yours. Based out of St. Thomas, Lagnappe [LAN-YAP] is led by Tiffany Cassidy who enjoys working with clients to create a home that reflects their style and needs. Tiffany marries her artistic and scientific sides together to bring the residents of the Virgin Islands and continental U.S. an interior decorating service that manages the complex and turns it into beauty. Her goal is to not only make a home prettier, but in doing so, make your life better. Visit www.Lagnappe.com for more information.

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Powder Room Sinks, Perfectly Coastal

lagnappe July 12, 2017 Furnishings, Lighting, Niceties 0

If there’s anywhere in your home you can be a little more adventurous with your design choices, it’s in the powder room, with the powder room sink. This half bath is typically on the main floor and serves as a guest restroom and can be a really fun place to show off a bold style.

The sink is an often-overlooked element of design that can easily serve as a centerpiece of a powder room. While you may not want to see these throughout other baths in the home, they offer a lighthearted sense of whimsy and bring the ocean indoors.

via Overstock.com
  A literal interpretation, this clamshell pedestal sink is dainty and feminine.
Another great image of the sea creates a dramatic place to wash up with this bronze nautilus shell powder room sink.

via Overstock.com
A frosty “seaglass” powder room sink offers a more subtle, modern look.
The bathroom becomes a whale of a good time with this beautiful ocean-inspired powder room sink (with a tail!).
This beautiful mosaic sink is elegant, and the starfish drain stop adds a luxurious touch of the sea.

We can help you design the perfect powder room! Drop us a line and let’s create something great together.

Lagnappe Custom Interiors is a full-service interior design firm, specializing in bringing the small niceties to a home or commercial space that make it memorable, functional and yours. Based out of St. Thomas, Lagnappe [LAN-YAP] is led by Tiffany Cassidy who enjoys working with clients to create a home that reflects their style and needs. Tiffany marries her artistic and scientific sides together to bring the residents of the Virgin Islands and continental U.S. an interior decorating service that manages the complex and turns it into beauty. Her goal is to not only make a home prettier, but in doing so, make your life better. Visit www.Lagnappe.com for more information.

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