Ben and I recently got a brand new fancy camera. I’m really excited about it, but it's a little overwhelming to learn, so I picked up a few books on photography. My favorite so far is Plate to Pixel by Helene Dujardin of Tartelette. I’m definitely no chef, but the photos in this book were just too pretty to resist! Honestly, I’m not inspired to cook as much as I am to build up my collection of pretty plates, flatware, cutting boards, and table linens. I guess that’s just what my eye is drawn to! Even if you’re not an aspiring food photographer, many of Helene’s tips are really helpful for photography and styling in general.

One of her tips that I thought was really good was to collect a variety of different backgrounds to style on top of. You don’t have to buy a bunch of expensive furniture--just get some wood boards from the hardware store and paint them differently on either side...or keep an eye out on trash day. Helene picked up one of her favorite backgrounds (a broken tabletop) on the side of the road! She also uses vintage ceiling tiles and wooden crates turned upside down. The surface doesn’t have to be really big, especially when shooting overhead.

Sandwiches wrapped with newspaper and baker’s twine...the prettiest picnic ever.

I love all her pretty plates, linens, and serving dishes. I want to start collecting some from thrift stores...not matching sets or anything--just one or two of all different colors, textures, patterns, and shapes. For “linens” I would just buy pretty fabric on sale from the fabric store. I wouldn’t even bother hemming them--I think the unfinished edges are lovely!

All photos via Tartelette

I’ve added a new blog to my blogroll--and I have a feeling it’s going to be one of my favorites! Holly posted about Yvestown last week and I absolutely fell in love. Yvonne’s house is cheery, bright, and just my style. In fact, I realized I've already posted two photos of it--here and here--without even realizing! Once I saw more photos, I of course had to share them here too. Isn’t this house just the prettiest? I especially love the festive paper chains and the fireplace stacked with logs.

That floral wallpaper is amazing!! I love the mantel/bookcase too.

I like the idea of a bar above the stove for utensils and such, and that red clock is darling.

All photos via Yvestown.

Obviously, the most important things in life are not the ones you can buy. But I do love getting something new and pretty every once in awhile! I bought a few things I’d had my eye on over the Black Friday weekend (including one big purchase that I’m especially excited to start using!) but of course, a girl’s wishlist is never exhausted. Here are some of the things I’m currently admiring. Evidently I expect us to come into a large sum of money soon...ha!

1. Hobnail glasses from Anthropologie / 2. J.Crew bracelet to help me start accessorizing more / 3. A ruffled pie plate...in pink!! / 4. A bright pink wristlet for when I don’t want to carry my entire purse  / 5. A fairly affordable gold watch / 6. A pair of boyfriend jeans in a light wash 7. A colorful pendant to hang over the dining table

What’s on your wishlist?

Do you guys read the blog Dreamy Whites? It’s one of my favorites. Maria’s farmhouse is just gorgeous, and whenever I read her blog I always feel inspired to live out in the country, grow my own veggies, and fill my house with perfectly chippy furniture, fresh cut flowers, and the smell of homemade pies baking. Her photos exemplify a simpler, slower pace of life and a casual approach to decorating that I just adore. It’s country, but not in a cheesy, roosters and gingham everywhere kind of way.

Old doors as a headboard--genius!

All images via Dreamy Whites