Here at MDK Design Associates, we love Thanksgiving in Boston. From turkey dinners (with plenty of stuffing) to the Fall decor that fills our homes as our families join us in celebration, there is something truly magical about giving “thanks” during this time of the year.

That’s why we always ensure our homes are ready, stylish and filled with accessories, centerpieces and more for this Holiday Season.
And that’s why we’re going to share our tips with you.

Here are our favorite ways to decorate your home for Thanksgiving in Boston.

1. Bring the outdoors inside.

From pears or mini pumpkins to accompany each place setting, to the sprinkling of tree leaves throughout your centrepiece, bring the outdoors inside. Using elements from the outdoors will not only make your home feel more cozy, it will also show guests that you’ve thought of eco-friendly ways to decorate your home.

2. Get creative with your place cards. 

If you have friends joining your dinner who perhaps do not know one another, place cards are a great item to have. We love the idea from Anderson and Grant – grab basic craft store pumpkins and purchase chalk paint in shades of green (or something naturl!) With an easy dry-brushing technique, you can turn a regular pumpkin into something that can be written on, providing a perfect opportunity to create place cards.

3. Create a door greeting for your front entrance.

Nothing is more personalized than creating a door greeting for your front entrance. You can do this in many forms, but our favourite is a chalk board or written design that is held within a vintage frame. Simply hang this on your front entrance, just as you would with a Holiday wreath, and your guests will be impressed.

4. Don’t forget your mantle!

Thanksgiving in Boston doesn’t happen without a well decorated mantle. Since this is the focal area of most living rooms, it’s important to make yours unique. Think antique clothespins that hold Fall leaves, vintage books, plenty of twine and mini pumpkins.

5. Get the kids involved, too.With the Thanksgiving Season comes additional guests in your home, which means that you’ll need more of everything – more cutlery, more wine glasses and certainly more napkins. That’s where the kids come in; enlist the children in your home to stamp colorful messages and designs onto napkins, so you’re well stocked for dinners and cocktail evenings around the Holiday Season.

6. Infuse your creative spirit in the table vase. 

The table vase is so much more than what the purpose of it actually entails. It’s time to get creative with your regular ol’ vase; that’s why we love the idea of using something vintage, like wooden spools, to hold dry leaves or branches. Plus, it looks so cute!

We love Thanksgiving in Boston here at MDK Design Associates, and we hope you have a splendid Holiday Season with your loved ones! With these tips on decorating your home, you’ll be ready for one of our most favorite times of the year.

With the first days of Summer behind us, we’re so excited about some great Boston interior design trends expected over the next few months. 2016 kicked off with a great Spring, and we’re sure that the Summer will be even better. After all, who doesn’t love to spend long evenings on a back patio that has just been completely transformed for warm weather and friends gathering together?

We’re working on some exciting Summer projects right now, and we’ve gathered our favorite trends along the way. These include the best of the best Boston interior design trends (shh – some of them are secrets!) that we know are sure to heat up the Summer.

Check out our best Boston Interior Design Trends below.

1. Use bold, playful colors.

This Summer, it’s all about bold and playful colors. We’re talking cobalt blue and bright yellow hues. Use these dynamic colors for home offices or spare bedrooms; ideally, small rooms that allow you to relax and play with the color. These colors are certainly not meant to be long-term, so they’re ideal to create a statement for a season or two before the Winter and Spring palettes are released.

2. Nautical mirrors.

Where would Summer be without a little sea inspiration? With large nautical mirrors, it’s the ideal way to bring in light and reflection to your home. We love the idea of having a traditional porthole shape or using nautical rope to hang a metal framed round mirror. This trend goes far beyond beach style, instead bringing a voyage look and feel to any room.

3. Include a citrus splash where you can.

Think throws and pillows, and then think citrus. Refreshing, right? Infuse some Summer delight with the brightness of citrus – from sunny yellows to lime greens, tangy oranges to sky blues, it’s important to find something that will energize your space. Select small items, as they can certainly go a long way with this color palette.

4. “Granny” patterns (aka: vintage florals). 

Remember the wall paper that was so proudly on display in your Grandma’s house? How about the knitted throws that would elegantly dress the sofa, or the patterns that were on her lamp shades? These “Granny” patterns might have been old school, but don’t fret – they’re actually making a comeback. They’re huge this Summer, and make for some easy design ideas this season.

5. Blush pink and copper = yes.

With the warm Summer evenings, patios quickly become an additional room in the summer – often a room that we spend a ton of time in as the weather turns. When you’re ready to spend more time outdoors, consider changing your furniture and color choices to pale pink and copper. These colors are so flattering for any backyard or patio, as it’s elegant and chic – especially in Boston.

Can you tell we’re excited about the Summer ahead? We can’t wait for those long evenings on the patio with “Granny” patterns, bright hues and blush pink furniture and accessories. Our clients and getting ready for the season with these Boston interior design trends – and we hope you will, too!

Images courtesy decorilla.com.

Can you believe it? The Holidays are nearly here, and – if you’re like the majority of shoppers – you’re scrambling to put together last-minute Holiday gift ideas.

If you’re lucky enough to be hosted by friends or family for your Holiday dinner, you might also be scrambling to find last-minute gift ideas for the Host in your life.

Why not show your Host just how appreciative you are of their efforts with a thoughtful, personalized gift? Even if you’re shopping last-minute, there are so many options to choose from. We’ve even pulled together our favorite last minute gift ideas below.

1. Personal Cutting Boards

It’s true – you can purchase cutting boards from nearly ever home and interior design storefront you walk into, but why not find something personal for your host? We love these cutting boards from AHeirloom, but you can find some simple additions at your local craft store, too.

(If you’re thinking ahead next time, you can get these AHeirloom cutting boards personalized with a monogram, date, or short phrase. How about a New Year gift?)

2. Guest Towels

Everyone loves new guest towels – and the best part is that you can always find colors and accents to match. Even if you’ve never stepped food into your Host’s home, select your towels from a neutral color palette. Guest towels can add glitz and glamour to even the smallest and darkest spots, like the bathroom.

3. Unique Candles

Everyone loves candles, right? Unique and quirky candles are popping up everywhere. Take Coal and Canary, for example. A small business out of Winnipeg, Canada, they were featured and included in the GRAMMY Award Gift Bags for 2015. If they’re good enough for celebrities, quirky candles will be just perfect for your Host. Grab a few unique candles from your local craft store, or order online before your Holiday dinner.

4. Creative Coasters

A sophisticated set of coasters will be the perfect accompaniment with your presence at your Holiday dinner. There are some fabulous options that you can purchase both online and at your local stores. This set from Etsy is to die for;  made from unique and sturdy materials, this option would look sleek, classy and modern on any table. You can find alternatives (and similar options) at a local Anthropologie or interior decor brick and mortar location for last-minute pick-up.

5. Wine Decanters

You can never have enough decanters, right? When it comes to wine decanters, the more unique – the better. We love wine decanters that can help tell a story, or even begin a conversation. Having an item that can sit on your table with a lively, off-kilter attitude is the perfect addition to any dinner party – and a Host gift that will always be remembered.

Happy Holidays!

From our family to yours, we wish you the happiest of Holidays this year! Whether you are celebrating with friends or enjoying quality time with family, we hope you enjoy the time ahead.