Even with the realities of your day to day, it’s possible to style your coffee table and maintain its functionality. If you live with young children, it is inevitable they will rearrange and play with every object within an arm’s reach. Since TV remotes typically live on the coffee table it’s crucial the table remains a multipurpose piece of furniture.

In finding the balance between stylish and safe, here are a few of my tried and true tips to decorate your coffee table.

Ground the table with greenery

Place fresh flowers or a plant to infuse life into your space. Consider the amount of light the room gets as well as the amount of maintenance they require. If you have fur babies, make sure whatever you pick won’t be a problem for them too.

Utilize a tray

Break up the surface of the table and contain the objects you have by using a tray. I suggest it be no larger than half the size of your tabletop. This makes it easy if you have to clear the table for cleaning or you decide to have a TV dinner one night.

Add Books

Oversized, beautiful books on architecture/interiors, flowers or photography are my go-to’s. Change them out seasonally and flip through them to feel inspired.

Layer decorative and unexpected objects

Display an antique collectible item or travel souvenir. For me, it’s a rule of thumb to include vintage or antique items in every room. These objects always have an interesting story behind them that is enjoyable to share. Whether it’s an heirloom that was passed down from a great grandparent or a piece that incites memories from a past trip, it’s fun to take a walk down memory lane through the object.

I also believe that by surrounding young children with precious or semi-precious items, you can teach them the value of items at a young age.

Style your coffee table by playing with scale and including a variety of height and texture. Make sure to have fun swapping out seasonal objects throughout the year as well.

The coffee table is the center of your living room, ensure it continues to serve the purpose of your everyday reality and use these tips to style it like a pro.

Post images by Julia D’Agostino

The post How to Style Your Coffee Table Like a Pro first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

This month I’m sharing the three books I read, All Fall Down by Jennifer Weiner, An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena and The Restaurant by Pamela Kelley.

All Fall Down, Jennifer Weiner – Bestselling author, Jennifer Weiner tells the story of Allison, a suburban mom who seemingly has it all; the perfect house, husband and child but she’s hiding an addiction to pills. The plot is a departure for Weiner’s typical beach reads and I found the story pretty heartbreaking, especially as a mother. 

An Unwanted Guest, Shari Lapina – I love love loved this book and at first, it reminded me of Clue. A stay at a cozy mountain lodge brings together a group of guests looking for a relaxing and romantic weekend away but when a winter blizzard hits cutting off power and contact with the outside world, guests start turning up dead. Check out this twisty thriller for yourself and see if you catch the killer.

The Restaurant, Pamela Kelley – This book was cute; an easy and quick summer read. Three sisters who live hundreds of miles apart inherit a restaurant on Nantucket, where they grew up together. The sisters were left the restaurant by their grandmother who was a silent owner of Mimi’s Place, one of Nantucket’s most popular year-round restaurants. Before they have the option to sell the restaurant, there is a catch, the sisters must work together at the restaurant for a full year or it will go to Paul, the chef. 

The post July 2020 Reads first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

I love the concept of Book Club. Exchanging recommendations with friends is always fun and gets me reading books I may not normally pick up. I typically read in cycles, one month I’ll finish half a dozen, the next, none at all, so, to remain consistent, I’m making a real effort to read at least four books a month which sounds manageable. 

To kick things off, here’s a selection of four books I’ve read and recommend.  

An American Marriage, Tayari Jones – An intimate glimpse into the relationship of newlyweds Celestial and Roy, whose lives are town apart when Roy is wrongfully convicted of a crime he did not commit. Check out the NYT Sunday Book Review here. Print version.

Nothing to See Here, Kevin Wilson – An enjoyable and unique page turner about friendship, loyalty and responsibility as depicted through wacky characters including twin children who spontaneously combust (literally). The NYT’s glowing review here. Print version.

The Devil in the White City, Erik Larson – A historical non-fiction book based on real characters an events. The story follows the Daniel Burnham, architect of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and H.H. Holmes, the serial killer who exploits the fair to find his victims. Print version.

The Intermission, Elyssa Friedland – After six years of marriage, Jonathan and Cass, a seemingly perfect couple, take a 6 month marital ‘intermission’ to determine if they’re better together or apart. Print version.

Check out my June recommendations here and and April here.

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The post Virtual Book Club – March 2020 Recommended Reading first appeared on Lindsey Boova.