Bedding Archives - Page 2 of 5

How to Fold a Fitted Sheet

Everyone has fitted sheets at home and at the end of the day we all need to know how to fold our fitted sheets. We all use a fitted sheet for their elastic corners, which keep the sheet perfectly neat on the mattress. But, even though a fitted sheet is exceptionally convenient, it becomes a nuisance once we have to fold it. Whatever we do, the folding process always ends up messy, and the sheet is still crumpled, wrinkled, and all over the place.

However, we are here to tell you that folding your fitted sheets does not have to be a frustration anymore! We have figured out a way to do it neatly and quickly. Here are some tips and tricks on how to fold a fitted sheet and some advice on packing and maintaining it for later on.

The Rules of Folding a Fitted Sheet

Let us begin by saying that there are many types of fitted sheets – single, twin, queen, king, etc. There are also various materials fitted sheets can be made of -silk, cotton, Supima, etc. The good news is that whatever type of fitted sheet you have, our folding rules always remain the same. So, here are the steps that work every time:

Step #1

Make sure you have a clean (decluttered) surface to work on. It would be best to use a big table, for example. If you do not have a table big enough, feel free to use a mattress or even the floor. Once you have decided where this activity will take place, take your fitted sheet, put it on that clean surface, and be sure that the corners are folded up! If the sheet still looks messy at this point, do not worry; we will fix it in the next step.

Step #2

Now, it is time for folding. You should take one side of your sheet and fold it to the side, so the seams of the corner create an entirely new corner. Once you do this, your sheet is supposed to get an L-shaped fold that is running precisely along the two edges you created previously. Moreover, be sure that the elastic is on the inside of the fold.

Step #3

If you want your sheet to be nicely folded, you are probably doing that for two reasons – to make it look neat and to make more room for your belongings in your closet or wherever you plan on putting it. So, to do that, after finishing the two previously mentioned steps, make sure to smooth out any wrinkles. You can do that with your hands. Just run your hands over the entire sheet and smooth out all the surfaces, including the new creases you made when folding it.

beautiful and nicely folded bed sheets — Once you learn how to fold a fitted sheet, they will never look messy again.

Step #4

Once there are no wrinkles, you should fold the sheet into thirds vertically. First, take one (top) third of your sheet and fold it down, so the corners are tucked in. Smooth it out again with your hands. Then, take the other (bottom) part of your sheet and fold it up. You should end up with a long, thin rectangle sheet whose all corners and elastics are completely hidden inside the sheet.

Step #5

If you own a single or a twin fitted sheet, the previous four steps will do the folding trick. However, if you own a queen fitted sheet or even a king fitted sheet, you might need to do some more folding. Take that rectangle you made in the previous step, and fold it into a square once (if it is a queen sheet) or twice (if it is a king sheet) more.

A man trying to fold a fitted sheet. — When you learn how to fold a fitted sheet, it won’t be a nightmare any more

Traveling or Moving? Here is How to Pack Your Fitted Sheet

In case you are one of those people who, when traveling, like to bring their own sheets and pillow-cases, we got you covered. We guarantee that your fitted sheet will be folded nicely and in a way that it takes as little room as possible by following the previously mentioned steps.

However, if you are worried about how to move and pack the entire bedroom with ease, we got you covered too! When you pack your sheets (and other things like covers, duvets, blankets, pillow-cases, etc.), just make sure to fold them as neatly as possible. Then, once folded, wrap them in plastic wrap. The plastic wrap will keep them fresh and away from any potential stains. You can pack your sheets into boxes or just (once wrapped) place them over some other things in your moving truck.

Whether you are traveling or moving, never pack wrinkled sheets!

Taking Care of Your Fitted Sheet

Let us not forget one thing – if you want your fitted sheets to remain clean, fresh, and neat, you must take care of them. Luckily, that is a breeze. All you have to do is toss your sheet into a washing machine. However, as tempting as it sounds to collect all your sheets together with other items like towels, blankets, cotton nightgowns, etc., do not do it! The lint from other fabrics will stay on your sheets. Thus, wash them separately! Also, when washing, add some fabric softener. If you can find one that is plant-based, your fitted sheet will come out of the washing machine brand new.

And, when it comes to drying your sheets, you have two options – take them outside or put them in a dryer. The first option will not work for everybody as we do not all have balconies and yards, nor do we all live in sunny areas. So, let us go for the second option – place your sheets in a dryer, but not at a high temperature. In the end, just ask yourself – to iron or not to iron? That depends on you! Iron your sheets if you like them to be crisp. If you do not care, do not bother ironing them at all. After you have learned to fold a fitted sheet, it may even not be necessary.

Sources:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-white-crew-neck-t-shirt-standing-5902879/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-bed-comforter-212269/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/happy-cute-girl-awaking-lying-in-bed-3887608/

The Benefits of Sleeping in Cotton

The benefits of sleeping in cotton are endless but one thing for sure is we pride ourselves of producing quality cotton gifts at Jacaranda Living.

The phrase “sleeping like a baby” exists for a reason. Dosing off and waking up after a good eight hours’ sleep is now considered a luxury, thanks to the busy lifestyle we all lead. A glass of warm milk, a boring movie, ambient music, the sounds of rain, or complete darkness is not always enough to have a good night’s rest. Even though people are always looking for crafty ways to get themselves to sleep, one thing often gets overlooked. The quality of your bed sheets plays a crucial role in the quality of your sleep. With that in mind, let’s see what the benefits of sleeping in cotton are and why you should choose it as the material for your bedding.

Cotton is a Breathable Fabric

The number one reason everyone likes to sleep in cotton bedding is that the fabric is light and breathable. It is pure, natural material. People often wake up at night covered in sweat, which happens if you are sleeping in the wrong type of material. Cotton solves this problem. Moreover, for the same reason, it’s a perfect choice for bedding during summer.

Cotton linen is the best choice for your family.

However, cotton should also be your choice during winter. Since people usually crank up the heating once the snow falls, the temperature in the apartment or a house goes up overnight.

Cotton is Easy to Clean and Maintain

I have a really cute tissue box cover made of white cotton. I have been using it for a long time now, and every time I get it out of the washing machine, it looks pure and white, just like the first day.

White cotton tissue box covers are easy to clean and maintain. Just stick them in the wash with other whites and they come out just as new!

This is an excellent example of how easy it is to clean cotton. We sleep in cotton sheets, but a tissue box often gets from one hand to another, and it is so easy to get it dirty. Knowing that I can throw it in a washing machine without worrying about anything makes me really happy about using cotton for bedsheets as well.

Despite Being Light, Cotton is Very Durable

You might think that cotton will easily rip since it is so light. However, that’s not the case, especially when you consider the price. Natural cotton linen usually costs more than any other material for bedsheets, but it’s a great investment in the long run. It can last twice as any other bedding, so it will actually save you a few bucks. Also, considering how versatile the fabric is, it is not strange that people often choose to buy 100% cotton products as gifts for their loved ones, even if it costs them a little more.

It’s Soft and Cuddly

Now that we have covered all the more “technical” benefits of sleeping in cotton, let’s focus on the most exciting advantage; cotton is soft and cuddly! If you are looking for something snuggly for your little ones, there is no better choice for bedsheets and pillows.

Furthermore, cotton is a fantastic material for decorative pillows. We all know how easy it is to fall asleep in front of the TV, especially if you have the inviting cotton pillows to lean on. And knowing that washing cotton pillowcases is a piece of cake, they can easily be both decorative and useful.

Cotton Fabric is a Solution for People with Allergies

Since it is naturally hypoallergenic, cotton linen is the go-to solution for people with allergies. If you have sensitive skin and you cannot sleep because you are itchy all over your body, buying cotton bedding will make your problems go away as if they never existed.

Since it’s a natural fabric, the use of cotton reduces the chances of skin irritation to minimum. And if you have allergies, our embroidered cotton tissue box covers are a pretty way to cover your tissues! 🙂

You Will Sleep Better

Considering all the benefits of cotton linen, you will sleep better. It keeps you warm during winter and cools your down in summer. It is light, durable, and soft, making it comfortable and, therefore, an ideal option for sleeping. This fabric is also a must for your sleeping garments – cotton pajamas, nightgowns, bathrobes, etc. And not just for sleeping, many people prefer clothes made of cotton because they are comfortable, pleasant to wear, and easy to maintain.

With cotton bedding and sleepwear, there is no need to worry whether you will have a good night’s rest or not.

Different Uses of Cotton Fabric

While we are on the subject of cotton’s usefulness, let’s talk about the different ways to use cotton and get the most out of it.

It can protect your belongings from dust and dirt

If you are placing some of your belongings in a self-storage unit, the number one issue is dust. The longer they stay inside, the more dust forms on the surface. Unless you plan to clean the storage every few days, getting cotton covers and placing them over your things is a smart idea. Simply speaking, you get all the benefits and avoid problems with self-storage units. Well, at least some of the problems you can easily solve with cotton covers.

Are you painting your house? No problem.

By following the same example as before, you can use cotton covers to protect beds and other furniture while painting the ceiling or walls in your home. Since they are so easy to clean, you don’t have to worry about paint spilling anywhere.

The Benefits of Sleeping in Cotton Explained!

You should try a lot of materials before you find the right choice for your bedding. However, consider the benefits of sleeping in cotton mentioned above before you purchase anything else. We have a lot of solutions for you at Jacaranda Living. We’re all about cotton! Have fun picking out gifts this year for your loved ones, and remember the benefits of sleeping in cotton. Once you go cotton, you never go back!

To Iron or Not to Iron, That is the Question

The dilemma of whether you should iron or not has probably sprung up in your mind every time you have had to iron two loads of laundry before work, sleep, lunch, etc. Should we really iron every single piece of clothing? What about bed linen, pillowcases, towels, and other things that nobody in the world outside of your home would know or care whether it is ironed or not? Is ironing absolutely necessary, or is it a remnant of housecleaning times that are long gone? Read on if you want to find out what you should iron and the benefits of doing so.

Why do people iron clothes?

If you were to ask your friends and family members if they iron their clothes, you would probably get different answers – it depends; yes, absolutely; no, never… This shows that the conundrum is almost as existential as Hamlet’s famous ‘to be or not to be’ – some people prefer the tidiness and order that ironed clothes project. In contrast, others do not care about their appearances that much or perhaps think that you cannot tell whether something is ironed or not in the first place.

Of course, for important professional or family events, wrinkled clothing can leave a terrible impression. You probably wouldn’t trust a financial advisor with your money if he showed up to work wearing a sloppy, creased shirt and hanging trousers. Whether your shirt is ironed or wrinkled can move the scales toward you nailing or messing up your job interview. Particular social norms have to be adhered to on certain occasions, and ironing is, in those cases, mandatory.

Should I iron my Jacaranda Living sleepwear?

Ok, so you might want your nightgowns and pajamas that you wear to be ironed. If you like your sleepwear to be crisp then yes iron it, it’s 100% cotton so will be wrinkled out the dryer. If you hang them when damp the wrinkling is minimized, and a quick smoothing with your hands when they come out of a warm dryer works wonders!

But what about T-shirts, jeans, shorts, dresses, and other casual clothing? And what about bed linen, table linen, towels, pillowcases, bathrobes, and other such items?

The ‘to iron or not to iron’ dilemma usually pops up in times when you urgently have to iron your shirt right in the middle of something else that you have to do in your home.

The ‘non-ironing’ school of thought

People who dislike ironing note that ironing everyday clothes is unnecessary because you do not have to look spick and span every time you leave your home. You may not even know who your neighbors are, not to mention that you may not care whether they iron regularly or not. This kind of thinking is completely justified in this day and age, and luckily we live in a world where your personal appearances are becoming less and less important.

Proponents of the non-ironing approach to living further argue their case by saying that what one does not see, one does not know about. So, clothes such as socks, underwear, and other such garments and household items such as bed linen, bath towels, and others definitely fit into this worldview.

Some people avoid ironing clothes such as jeans or underwear because they feel it does not make a difference.

In light of this, some ‘non-ironists’ swear by the following technique – leaving your clothes to dry on hangers. If you previously shake off the piece of clothing and put it properly on a hanger, it can flatten out the fabric and thus leave your shirts, pants, and dresses looking as if they were ironed.

Interestingly, there are products on the market that could eliminate even this ‘natural’ drying method. You might consider getting a wrinkle release spray or automatic ironer, a device that uses warm air to dry and iron your shirts and blouses. You just set the timer, and before you know it, you are ready for a new day at the office. The manufacturers of automatic ironers note that this appliance saves money, time (and sanity for some), and is also more gentle to the fabric.

The ironing school of thought

There are, of course, people for whom even unironed socks are anathema. Tidy people and people who have to keep up their appearances have integrated ironing into their daily lives, just like brushing your teeth or showering. However, there is more to ironed clothing than projecting you are self-disciplined and well ordered.

Organizing your personal space is not simply a matter of being meticulous with your personal belongings. It has a convenient purpose, as well. For instance, if you have to move out from your apartment, washing and ironing your clothing beforehand will make packing much easier since you will be able to stack your clothing without taking up too much space. You may even considerably shorten the process of packing if you decide to give away clothing that no longer fits or is too old and rugged.

Some people enjoy ironing because it gives them a feeling of control over their things.

On the other hand, ironing is crucial if you want to make sure that your clothes and sleepwear do not carry any germs, mold, or skin parasites such as dust mites. As an example, steam irons kill bacteria and germs efficiently since they reach extremely high temperatures. Especially if you have little kids, it is necessary to iron bed linen, pillowcases, and any other thing they might reach, such as baby door hangers or tissue boxes. These things tend to soak up dust and other potentially dangerous substances fairly quickly, so ironing them provides extra protection against germs and bacteria.

Naturally, there are other benefits to ironing your clothing. Firstly, steam ironing softens the fabric and returns stretched clothes to its original state. This makes your clothing look as if it has just been bought. Not to mention how much money you would save on dry cleaning, especially if you have a white-collar job where crisp white shirts are mandatory. Additionally, dry cleaning services use chemicals to clean your clothes. That is why dry cleaning should be used only sparingly as it is meant for those items of clothing that cannot be washed and ironed at home.

Finally, we are not being ironic when we say that, no matter if you are an ironist or a non-ironist, it is crucial to know whether and under which circumstances to iron or not to iron.

Photos used

https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-coveralls-standing-by-ironing-board-3951358/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-green-coat-holding-white-and-black-nike-sneakers-4107231/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-in-white-long-sleeve-shirt-and-white-pants-holding-black-and-silver-clothes-iron-5202911/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/green-white-philips-iron-53422/

Nautical Items You’ll Love for Hot Summer Days

Let’s face it, the weather is scorching, so, turn the AC all the way up, and dress your home up with our favorite beach themed items. Also, wear nothing but flowy cotton dresses around your house. Our nightgowns are where it’s at because they are comfortable, loose, and breezy. Other than these gorgeous nightgowns, we also have other ideas to keep you busy this summer like gifting friends and neighbors gorgeous nautical embroidered towels, pillows, and tissue box covers. Check out our roundup below and let us know what’s your favorite!

Beach Life

Let’s get nautical! We’re into the end of July – have you dressed up your home with some fun beachy designs? Start with our Siesta lady….

Soak in the rays like our Siesta Lady… nothing like beach days and taking dips in between naps.

and our gorgeous coral embroidery….

Can’t get enough of our coral embroidery! Who is looking for new gift ideas this summer?

Coral Embroidered Items

Host in style with our beautiful coral embroidered cocktail napkins and tissue box cover for the bathroom.

Sand Dollar embroidery or Coral? What’s your favorite?!

School of Fishies are divine in summertime or for your beach house. Gift it to a friend who loves to fish, snorkel or scuba dive!

For Children

I’m sure your little girls and boys are complaining about this heatwave too so put them in cool cotton pant sets and English girl’s dresses. Some of our favorites (including pillow designs) for summer below:

sweet cheeks wearing our sweet pea little girl’s dress 💗💗💗. Order one today for your little girl! #JacarandaLiving

childrens pillow — Meet Freddie the Fish 🐠 children’s boudoir pillows available to shop online 💗

Beach days in our Ava cotton dress with rosebud embroidery is a great choice for your little one.

Snack time! Little Caroline wearing our Wendy Whale dress and looking adorable in her pink bow.

For Ladies

The smocked Lisa nightgown will keep you cool during this #heatwave. Order one for you and a friend today.

Cool Cotton Nightgowns are the BEST for hot summer days.

Smocked detail of the Lisa Cotton Nightgown for ladies…. keep cool out there!

Heading to the beach? There’s nothing quite like our new one-size fits all floral embroidered caftans for carefree caftan days. A great cover up and 100% cotton, easy to wash and dry and most convenient to pull over a bikini or wear while pottering around the house trying to keep cool.

Beautiful floral embroidered cotton caftan for carefree summer days! The perfect beach cover-up with drawstring ties at the waist and butterfly sleeves, shop it now online🦋

Sealife Cosmetic Bags

To keep all your small possessions organized like sun screen, make up, car keys, sunglasses and more.

Gift ideas (cosmetic bag and terry towel) that will bring good beach vibes this summer 😎

Have a wonderful time choosing from our roundup. We can’t get enough of some of these gift ideas for friends. Also if you’re looking for a comfortable night’s sleep during summer, we recommend not only wearing one of our breezy nighties but sleeping on a CBD infused pillow from pilozzz – every pillow is made of hypoallergenic down alternative fibre and a superior double knit cover. It is the most luxurious cooling pillow you will ever own! A new company that seems to please a lot of our customers.

Have a great rest of your week! We’ll leave you with these happy new mermaid designs because…. we all want to be a mermaid in summer, don’t we?

We’ve been so excited about these new mermaid embroideries, custom ordered for a sweet shop in Bermuda! Now available online for you and your girlfriends. 🧜🏻‍♀️🧜🏼‍♀️🧜🏽‍♀️🧜🏾‍♀️🧜🏿‍♀️

Treat Mom to Something She’ll Love this Mother’s Day

Hope everyone has been hanging in there over the past few weeks! We’re excited to offer you 20% off all regular priced items on our site for Mother’s Day!

Show mom how much you love her with any of these darling gifts from our Mother’s Day Gift Guide.

Enter code MOTHERSDAY20 at checkout to get 20% off your orders. Sale goes from today through Sunday, May 10th.

Shop Mother’s Day Gift Guide now

Elegant Cotton Nightgowns your Mom will Love

Gift Mom a Luxurious White Cotton Bathrobe

Waterproof Cosmetic Cases to Hold Mom’s Little Possessions

Tissue Box Covers to Brighten any Room in Mom’s Home

Whether mom would prefer a natural linen Tissue Box Cover or a simple white linen/cotton Tissue Box Cover, we carry it all.

Have a wonderful weekend. Sending you lots of virtual hugs and a little reminder message below 💞

Tips To Stay Sane and Comfortable While Working From Home

It is important to stay comfortable and sane during this pandemic crisis especially while you work from home and spend the majority of time at home. Here are tips to help you have a routine that works for you so you don’t feel flustered. Scroll through to find what might work for you and bookmark this page to come back to it.

Journaling and Writing a Daily Schedule

Have you been writing down everything you want to accomplish in the day? Working from home has taken a toll on a lot of people because it’s different, and people don’t like to adjust to a completely new way of life. There are ways to cope, however, and you can make it a lot easier on yourself if you take some pressure away and you make lists. By writing down a schedule you will be sure to accomplish at least 80% of the things you planned on getting to that morning.

Make Your Home Pretty

Get a few things for your home that make you smile. Either tissue box covers or pretty embroidered pillows that will keep you from going insane. It’s important to take the trash out and scrub the floors because no one likes journaling or living in a house that gets dirty. One little idea to add to every room in the house is this:

Decorate your home with pretty things. Our embroidered tissue box covers are the perfect addition to jazz up any room in the house.

Picking Out Your Child’s Outfits

Kids don’t like to be forced into uncomfortable outfits that will be a mission to get them in and they just want to be comfortable at home. If you want them to be dressed in something that is decent and makes them at least look nice but isn’t a pain to wash, then pick something from the children’s section on our website. There are white cotton pants and shirt sets for little boys with embroidered sailboats and then there are a dozen of cute English cotton dresses for your little girls. These outfits are very easy to be washed and will have the kids smiling as they can play around the house freely without any discomfort, and they’ll look pretty and elegant. Nothing is nicer than seeing your kids happy and smiling in something that you can toss into the wash after without worrying about wrinkles or shrinkage.

Some favorite outfits for the children are below:

Boy’s Ship Shape Shorts Set

Einor Elephant and Wendy Whale dress

💘 stay home with your cute little ones. Enjoy cooking, doing puzzles, playing games and sharing laughs.

Lucy Dress

Amelia Dress

Yoga Pants and Meditate

Ladies, I’m sure you want nothing more than to just lounge and relax after all your chores and hustle around the house. If you’re a mom, you probably have resorted to keeping on your pajama pants for most of the morning unless you go straight into yoga pants which you’ll be wearing all day. We suggest a morning routine of working out or doing yoga to get you in the zone for the day. There’s a lot to be done especially if you’re a working mom and it’s hard enough being the teacher to your kids on top of your full time job. The world is crazy right now but remind yourself this is only temporary, and you are a boss woman.

Kick on those yoga pants and do an at home workout video to calm your mind. We suggest checking out @whitsich from Instagram or any Yoga and Pilates class from HYP Yoga (based in Needham, Massachusetts). Such a favorite and all the instructors are passionate about their practice. Don’t be shy to donate to the tip jar via Venmo after you take a class. Their classes are free but tip jars are highly encouraged to keep small businesses like these from sinking.

After you do your little morning workout and have a meditation session, your mind will be feeling at ease. You are ready to take on the day and your next list of things that are listed on your schedule. Pick out something comfortable to wear and get to it.

Lounge in Cotton Pants or Breezy Nightshirts

Once you’ve checked off a few more work or house related tasks from your list, take a shower, and get into something cozy and comfortable.

If you’re not a nightgown lady, we suggest a cotton nightshirt or comfortable cotton PJ pants and classy top. These options might seem like Pajamas but they’re really just chic loungewear. You can dress them with flip flops and a lightweight cardigan and no one will know! These days pajamas are hardly looked down upon and if you wear any of the below around the house before 5pm, no one will call you out for it. Get comfortable!

Pru PJ set

Cute Nightshirts

Do Some Puzzles and Set the Table

It’s puzzle time. Set out a plate of carrots, homemade hummus, with custom monogrammed dinner table napkins by yours truly for an elegant table setting.

It’s important to differentiate work time and relaxing time. After most of your list is checked off and you are in your cozy little Jacaranda Living outfit and the house looks somewhat tidy, then you can unwind from your day. It’s APERITIVO TIME!

Play some music (we’ve personally been loving Rita Wilson’s Quarantine Playlist on Spotify) and put the news on in the background so you can keep up with the news on the pandemic. It’s important to be in the know so you and your family are aware but it is also important to keep to your old schedule and have a little fun and time to relax.

Set the table with elegant table napkins and proper glassware to add some sanity back into your work from home life.

After an hour or two of relaxed chilling, you and the family can get to cooking together and setting the table.

Back to Journal and Lights Out

The next few hours are time to relax, laugh, unwind to a movie or TV show (we’ve already binged Tiger King) and before bed journal a few things down. What did you love about the day? What scares you about the pandemic? What do you want to tell your future self after all of this dies down? Has this new routine given you hope or made you tap into a new creative side you didn’t realize you had? This is a crazy time for everyone but it will help you stay sane by keeping to a schedule and jotting down your thoughts along the way. I hope it helps.

xoxo,

The Jacaranda Team

Cute Bridal Ideas for Your Best Friend’s Wedding

One of my dear friends is getting married in April and I have been coming up with creative ways to splurge on her with fun knick knacks and sweet gifts. Her wedding is going to be in Florida at Jupiter Beach Club and we decided that we would have all her bridesmaids wear Jacaranda Living while getting make up and hair done. I’m so excited to help make it happen.

FOR THE BRIDE

I had the bride go through the Jacaranda Living website and pick a few of her favorite things. It was interesting to see how much she really loved all the nighties as not just to wear to bed but to wear as a beach cover up on the beach and by the pool. The Lisa dress in particular works well for her wedding because it has her wedding logo colors with the blue stitching detail on the bodice. It immediately jumped out to her.

Lisa Nightgown

This will be a lovely cover up for her beach days before the wedding.

She fell in love with our new Caftan dress with embroidery and also ordered that as well as the short Kristen nightie.

The Caftan

jacaranda living caftan — Effortlessly chic caftan with drawstring waist and embroidered cascading flowers in blue & green. The perfect outfit for a bride to wear at her honeymoon in Bahamas and during her wedding weekend on the beach!

Nothing gets more comfortable than a caftan especially one that has a flattering adjustment with drawstring at the waist. The embroidered flowers along the body add some elegance and character while long sleeves keep you protected from the sun. It’s a perfect item for the beach and especially for the bride-to-be.

Now something for the bride that’s a bit more romantic…

The Kristen Nightie

kristen nightgown_jacarandaliving — What fun to twirl around in a mini nightie post wedding activities. This is a great dress for the bride’s wedding night! And just perfect for her honeymoon and romantic getaway post wedding. If you got it, flaunt it!

The last item she wants is the plain white nightshirt to monogram so she can match all her beautiful bridesmaids. The bridesmaids will be wearing nightshirts with blue piping and luxurious waffle weave slippers to keep their feet from getting dirty while getting ready on wedding day!

The Marjorie Nightshirt with White Piping

jacaranda living nightshirt for bride — Choose any monogramming and this blue is great for this particular wedding because it’s the same Tiffany blue she wants to match her wedding colors!

FOR THE BRIDESMAIDS

What the bridesmaids wear is very important on the wedding day for photos and to set the mood. It’s even better when bridesmaids are in the same outfit. My friend wants the bridesmaids to be in matching cotton nightshirts with the blue piping that matches her wedding colors. It’s the cutest idea and will look so nice to have all the bridesmaids in the same outfits while they get ready.

The Ginny Nightshirt with Blue Piping

All our sleepwear is made from pure, soft, lightweight, natural cotton fabric that is breathable, durable and extremely comfortable to wear. No need for dry cleaning. Our 100% cotton fabrics only need to be gently washed and cared for in your home. Keep washer and dryer options gentle and cool, not hot, to enable your fine fabric to become softer and cozier with every wash.

And lastly, the slippers and cosmetic bags. The cosmetic bags with blue embroidered holly hocks is a new design by Jacaranda Living and my friend chose it for her wedding because it’s such a beautiful flower that will go nicely with the floral arrangements at her wedding.

Bridesmaids Slippers and Cosmetic Bags

I hope these helped you when you start thinking about your wedding or a good friend’s. Jacaranda Living has so many items that work well for weddings, bridal parties, baby showers, bachelorettes, and more. What fun to choose items and then to also personally monogram them with your best friend’s initials? Have fun shopping our new arrivals today and let us know if you want to customize anything.

xx,

Gracie & the Jacaranda team

How to Use Throw Pillows to Spruce Up Your Home for Fall

Throw pillows are great decor items for fall that can help spruce up any room that has a couch, chair or bed. They are easy to store, are affordable and don’t take up too much room. When you are decorating your bedroom, living room, family den or guest room, you have to take into account all the different colors and patterns you’re working with so they complement each other. The wallpaper, rug color and texture, and lampshades need to work with the size, embroidery pattern and color of your throw pillow.

The great thing about throw pillows is that you can switch them out at any point in time. Jacaranda Living offer an array of embroidered pillow covers that work with any season. If you love using throw pillows to bring out the festivities of the month, you must choose your embroidery carefully. For instance, in the fall season, you might be choosing between an orange pumpkin embroidered pillow or burgundy leaf design. Before deciding, look for something that’s similar in color to a piece of furniture in the room or for something that might be different but adds stylistic contrast. Be careful of too many patterns, however, because that can be too busy and look messy.

perfect bedroom for fall — You can do a lot with white and beige bedding because there is room for accent pillows!

Throw pillows are an easy way to add a bit of festive flair to your bedroom but if you don’t want to change up your bedroom look too much, stick with a classic beige and white bed set and then add other festive decor around the room. See our other options here. Try adding seasonal embroidered tissue box covers, cozy slippers, waffle weave guest towels, and table napkins.

Layer in warm wood tones, well-placed chic ceramic pumpkins, and cozy blankets. Fall foliage also creates a cozy fall vibe that works with any room, especially when adding decor items such as pillows to bring out the harvest season.

Have fun sprucing up your home with these designs. Come back for more ideas in the holiday season.

How To Clean Your Nicest White Linens

Back when the original Victorian pajamas were in use, fancy detergent and electric-powered washers weren’t around. How did they keep their clothes clean? In fact, many pieces of clothing for children and nighttime or undergarment clothes were purely white. This was considered the easiest color to clean, as you could boil it and be rough without bleeding precious dyes. How about today when we have the technology and know-how to gently clean our nicest, whitest clothing? When you decide to purchase a pretty white lace nightgown, how do you keep it looking fresh as the day you bought it?

It turns out the internet has plenty of helpful suggestions, so a few relevant bits of washing wisdom are collected right here for you.

Material plays a big part in how you wash whites. Percale weaves, for example, are sturdy, pill-resistant and tend to get softer with each wash. That being said, you want to use cold water, not warm or hot, to minimize any shrinkage. Cotton percale especially is susceptible to shrinkage when washed in hot water. The Victorians must have made their clothes a bit on the large side to account for shrink while boiling their linens!

Obviously, a piece of cloth like linen guest towels don’t have to be coddled as much. Even if they shrink a smidge, they’re not going on anyone’s body.

So how do we wash whites without hot water? Here are a few tried-and-true tips:

Keep all white clothing separated from colors and darks for wash cycles. No red socks turning your white nighties pink!

Add a half cup of borax or a cup of baking soda to the load along with your usual detergent.

One cup of distilled white vinegar during the rinse cycle instead of fabric softener helps strip any detergent residues from white fabrics.

Use laundry bluing or optical brighteners to trick your eyes into believing your clothes are bright and white.

Dry clothes outside in the sun. The sun’s natural UV rays help gently bleach the fabric and keep it bright-looking.

Drying clothes in the sun is also a good fail-safe for leftover stains you miss after the wash process; drying stained clothing on high heat in a dryer can lock in the stain. If you notice a stubborn stain, hold off on drying the fabric. Re-treat it and wash it again.

How Men’s Nightshirts Became A Staple Femme Style

You may have seen them in the Jacaranda Living women’s Victorian pajamas collection: coy, classy, white nightshirts. They’re like cute nighties, but with an interesting masculine twist. How did this age-old men’s style of nightshirt become such an intimate nightgown choice for modern day women? There’s actually an interesting history behind it.

Up until the sixteenth century, pajamas weren’t really a “thing” in most of the world. Western men, in particular, would either sleep nude or in one of their day shirts. Eventually, this would morph into them wearing dedicated nightshirts, usually their old, worn-in day shirts. Among nobility of the day, it became the fashion for men to wear fancily embroidered nightshirts, sometimes called “wrought” night-shirts.

By the Victorian era, the nightshirt had become the standard sleepwear of choice for men, women, and children. They resembled typically men’s day shirts of the time with their collars and buttons, only longer. Often they were monogrammed, as was the practice with much of households’ important linens since as far back as 1200 AD. Some had small feminine details around the bib and cuffs, such as frills, a precursor to the women’s and children’s nightgowns we see still occasionally today. For quite some time the shirt was often paired with a nightcap, but this went out of fashion in the 1860s.

So what changed the tide of nightwear? The idea of “pyjamas” brought from India and other Eastern cultures that were then British colonies. The long-sleeved shirt and pants combo (often made of fine striped fabric like silk) captured the heart of British fashion, putting dress-like nightwear out of vogue for a bit, especially for men who enjoyed wearing pants at night as they did in their daywear. In fact, the modern word pajamas and its variations reportedly comes from the Persian words “pay” and “jama”, meaning “leg garment”.

Victorian pajamas may have shifted, but that didn’t spell the end for nightgowns, mind you. Women and children continued to wear the nightgown and nightshirt styles until modern day but usually kept them very feminine — even for young male children. So how do we reach the modern allure of a men’s button-down shirt as women’s sensual sleep and loungewear from conservative Victorian pajamas? Cultural change and popular media, of course.

Since the emergence of the trope in the 1950s, women have often debated the true appeal of a button-down men’s shirt. Does the appropriated shirt represent the strength and intelligence of women as they strived to be seen socially as equals to men? Or does the borrowing of a man’s nightshirt imply a sense of ownership and sexuality? An iconic advertisement from menswear brand Van Heusen in the 1980s has embodies this debate. In the ad, Van Heusen claims to make button-downs “for a man to wear, and a woman to borrow,” featuring an attractive woman going about her lazy day while wearing a presumably ‘borrowed’ shirt from her partner.

Women wearing a man’s shirt (especially post, ahem, intimacy) has become a popular TV trope all its own. Movies all the way from Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) to Iron Man(2008) have featured it. Based on cultural and fashionable context, a contemporary nightshirt-style nightgown created specifically for women’s wants and style in mind can be a comfortable power statement.

How do you feel when you wear a nightshirt?