Thank You!

(via I Need a Cupcake)

The guests are gone, the dishwasher is humming, I'm sipping my fourth cup of tea to ward off the turkey/wine coma, and I'm finally getting a chance to think about the past year and all of the things I'm thankful have been part of it.

Of course I'm thankful for family and health, for being with someone who supports me and makes me better, for long-time friends who remind me of how amazing it was to be 18, for a place of my own, a job that actually makes me think and coworkers whose cube-side conversations have made me laugh till I cried.

This year has been a little different though, because for the first time I took on a project of my own (this blog), and have been able to share my thoughts with an amazing and talented group of people who (much to my surprise) actually want to read what I have to say and often share and add to the conversation themselves.

So 2009 marks the first year I've been thankful for YOU, and I'm sure it won't be the last. Your insightful comments, sweet e-mails and invitations to meet in person have meant the world to me. In particular, I'm thankful for all of the people that have constantly supported me throughout the year -- to Maris at In Good Taste who helped advise me when I was just thinking about blogging, to Abbie at Semigloss Chic who wrote a super-sweet post about my blog when I wasn't sure if it would ever take off, to Beth at Chinoiserie Chic and Style Redux who invited me to my first DC design bloggers meetup, to Tommy from Specs Appeal and Averill at Odi et Amo for always leaving smart and funny comments. There are so many more of you and I'm so grateful for your kindness and words of encouragement.

In 2009, I also became eternally grateful to all of the creatives out there -- whether you make something, bake something, paint something, cook something, grow something or design something -- you are the biggest inspiration to me. The self-reliant spirit in shaping something with your creativity, wit and two hands is something that has really captured my imagination this year and changed the way I think about what I consume and where it comes from.

Bottom line -- Thank you, thank you and thank YOU. Keep doing what you do best and I'm wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

30 Days of Christmas

Hello Lovelies,

Today is Nov. 25. Do you know what that means? (No, not the day before Thanksgiving!) It means we are T-minus 30 from my absolute, most favorite holiday of them all and I fully intend to get into the spirit here on the Department. So what can you expect?

Several times a week I will post photos of inspired holiday decor, lots of wintry "last looks," holiday sweet treats (from someone who can actually bake, promise), Etsy spotlights and I'll be updating the holiday gift guide below with all of my favorite picks for gifts and stocking stuffers.

In the meantime enjoy your Thanksgiving feasts and happy shopping!

Department of the Interior Holiday Gift Guide by dcjennl

Last Look: Goodnight Moon

Goodnight Stars. Goodnight Air.
Goodnight Noises Everywhere.

I hope you never forget how beautiful this is. Night, Y'all :)

Love: Bensimon Elastique Tennis Flats

Via The Singular

I'm suffering from seasonal schizophrenia, I know, I know, but say hello to my new summer kicks! After I decided the lovely ladies in the picture above were going to be my warm weather weekend style inspiration, I had to get my hands on their awesome shoes.

Bensimon tennis flats and trainers are sort of the Converse sneakers of France, and just over a year ago they became available stateside (no more excuses for wearing your favorite pair of Nike's overseas, folks) Super comfy and super chic -- Je les aime! (Now, I think I just need to work on my french..)

Available at ShopBop, Moxsie and Habitat.

Writing on the Wall: Banner Love

Judging by the still-reasonable numbers on my scale, I may be jumping on the holiday decorating bandwagon a bit early, but I hope you'll indulge me! This year I'm thinking fragrant live wreaths over every door, vintage mercury glass ornaments displayed en masse, honeycomb candles in hurricanes and blooming paperwhites. To shake up this fairly traditional look, I'd love to hang paper banners like these over my windows. So youthful, fun and celebratory. Here are a few I have my eye on.

(Be Merry Holiday Banners, Perch Papier)

Brrr Burlap Banner, FunkyShique

Mini Banners, Perch Papier

(Frenchie and Flea)

(Wooden Peace Banner, ReneeAnne)

Not holiday themed, but so cute for a nursery or young child's room. (I Love You So Linen Banner, Giggle Room)

Again, not holiday-focused, but super adorable. (Perch Papier)

Last Look: Weight of the World

Via Belezza Nelle Immagini

Anti-Depressive Decor from Amanda Nisbet

A dreary day like today practically calls for the fun, exuberant and feminine work of designer Amanda Nisbet. Honestly, no matter what the forecast is outside, Nisbet's work must make you feel like its permanently May. While it might be too much for me in large doses, her use of Palm Beach brights, metallics and patterns just makes me happy. Hope it cheers you all up today, too!