Here’s your punchlist
December 19, 2024
for celebrating the Winter Solstice which arrives this coming Saturday. And, what’s not to celebrate? Additional minutes of daylight each day until Spring? Yes, please.
Photo: Gardenista
Photo: Graypants
photo: Epicurious
Top to bottom:
As with any celebration a little something sparkling is a must, be it Champagne, Prosecco or sparkling water.
Then you need to deck the halls in true ancient form with a lovely collection of evergreens. My choice this year is white pine and yellow twig Dogwood.
Next, carry on tradition by building a roaring fire; outdoors, indoors or both!
White flowers to remind us of Spring is a must. I generally go for something of the bulb variety like white tulips but cut white Poinsettias or Helebores will do nicely and carry through to Christmas.
A simple supper of Spaghetti with Mixed Herbs reminds us of the season to come.
Additional ambient lighting is always appealing, from flickering candlelight to this modern LED candlestick, Wick.
This Brown Sugar Pavlova with its mixed berries brings the celebration to a sweet end.
Unless noted, photos by gp
What Are The Holidays Without Chocolate?
December 16, 2024
And, if your going for chocolate, why not go for the best? I first discovered Vermont’s Lake Champlain Chocolates year ago, picking up an occasional piece or small bar as a little personal indulgence. I quickly came to be a regular and headed to Lake Champlain chocolates whenever the holidays rolled around. Assorted holiday boxes, truffles or chocolate covered fruit and nuts, it was always hard to choose as everyone had their hands down favorite. The dark chocolate Evergreen Mint and Maple Crunch are my personal choice, but you can’t go wrong with a box of assorted truffles or almond butter crunch. The clocks ticking but there is still time to satisfy every sweet tooth on your list.
photos: Lake Champlain Chocolates
Still Lovin’ It
December 15, 2024
I loved this cast iron menorah when I first saw it over 10 years ago. And, I still love it today. This award winning design by artist Josh Owen will have you celebrating Hanukkah in simplequietmodern style for decades. I think we’re talking modern heirloom here.
photos: areaware
Low Cost, No Cost
December 11, 2024
While you’re waiting for your online purchases to show up you might start organizing your thoughts regarding your wrapping strategy. I am all for recycled and natural gift wrap, most notably with a modern edge. Softly rumpled Kraft paper or recycled newsprint tied up with natural sisal twine is my ” go to” any time of year. The addition of a foraged leaf or pine cone hit with a bit of gold metallic spray gives a decidedly festive shot of ” holiday”. Occasionally I’ll have saved up a bit of ribbon to add to the collection. There is nothing better than the contrast of an elegant double faced satin ribbon or grosgrain tying up a box wrapped in softly reused newsprint. And, in every case the cost for these wrappings is minimal if not free. This year I’ll be adding a little something new to the mix, matte wrapping paper in black and red and double faced satin ribbon to match, both currently on sale at CB2. I’m adding a package of gold metallic pine needles from Terrain as well, just to switch up my assortment of cones and leaves. These new additions will combine beautifully with my existing stash and make short work of a perfectly coordinated pile of presents.
Matte Black gift wrap photo: CB2
Matte Red Gift Wrap photo: CB2
Red Satin Ribbon photo: CB2
Gold Metallic Pine Needles photo: Terrain
Black Satin Ribbon photo: CB2
A little Winterberry couldn’t hurt either. Who wouldn’t love an intense red on red on red combo?
Unless noted, photos: gp
Thoughts?
December 6, 2024
Yeah, I’ve got nothing. After the year the world has just experienced, an international panel of color experts has come up with Mocha Mousse as the Pantone 2025 Color of the Year.
Ok. Yeah, still, I have nothing.
Image: Pantone
Looks Like Christmas
December 4, 2024
While I might just be the only one left who prefers whipping things up with a whisk, stirring things up with a wooden spoon or kneading dough by hand, this KitchenAid Artisan Design Series Stand Mixer might have me rethinking my position. I don’t like a cluttered kitchen countertop which is where this machine will surely make it’s home. And the clean-up discussion we’ll save for another day. But, look at it. It just looks like Christmas with it’s matte Evergreen finish and gorgeous walnut bowl. I’m getting a vision of cranking out a big batch of gingerbread in some upstate farmhouse. How bout you?
KitchenAid Artisan Series Evergreen Stand Mixer photo: Crate and Barrel
photo: Crate and Barrel
Photo: Crate and Barrel
Unless otherwise noted photos by gp
Get Your Bake On
November 30, 2024
I would rather toss something in the over than stand watching a pot on the stove any day. When the oven is on I reach for one of my favorites, either a classic Pyrex baking dish, a white glazed stoneware baker or a vintage Dansk Kobenstyle baker. I’ll decide on which based on what’s being prepared or how it’s being presented. If it’s a batch of Brown Butter Blondies or a sheet cake I might go with the Pyrex. If I’m entertaining for the holidays and I’m making a Panettone Bread Pudding or Sicilian Potato Gratin I will go with a white stoneware or the enameled Kobenstyle. The Pyrex is put to use all year long roasting vegetables while the other two are perfect for a seasonal fruit crisp or presenting a chopped salad to a group. And, it goes without saying any and all will handle the task perfectly when you are asked to whip up a batch of Funeral Potatoes or a Baked Mac and Cheese. Easy clean up for each makes it hard to pick a favorite.
Classic Pyrex photo: crate and barrel
White Potluck Baking Dishes photo: crate and barrel
White Enamel Dansk Kobenstyle Baker photo: Food 52
photos except where noted: gp
And, As Always
November 27, 2024
In all things, give thanks.* I’m reposting from Thanksgiving 2022. This post hit all of the right notes then and I think it hits all of the right notes now. After this intense year I hope you find a lovely spot to gather and be grateful. Happy Thanksgiving.
Top to bottom:
Free for the taking, perfect dried oak leaves to gather and scatter across your Thanksgiving table or attach later to adorn a holiday gift.
Locally grown and pressed apple cider. There is nothing like it. And, I like it even better with a shot of bourbon.
The best gathering table ever as seen on Gardenista.
My favorite Thanksgiving table … rusty Bosch pears, gathered oak leaves and assorted nuts in their shells.
So much better than pumpkin pie, this roasted Hubbard squash pie. Trust me, it’s worth the added effort.
Cooking up a storm for the holidays needs the right equipment. The perfect start is this linen apron from Fog Linen.
Pink in the Fall? Yes, yes and yes. The perfect compliment to all of your assorted naturals and browns.
A step up from an apple cider and bourbon cocktail…the classic old fashioned.
Besides holding a warming Chai Latte, the Heath Ceramics Tall modern cup makes the perfect receptacle for a cluster of fragrant garden roses, like these Polo.
Pilgrim Modern anyone? Yes.
Leftovers almost better the second time around. Assorted roasted vegetables topped with poached eggs hit the spot on the long holiday weekend.
What a simple weekend getaway for any of the winter holidays.
Elf has got to be playing or streaming somewhere. Wrap yourself up and settle in for the night. The guests have gone.
*Thessalonians 5:18
Start Now
November 19, 2024
if you haven’t already and you might just get all of your Christmas and Holiday shopping done by the time Thanksgiving weekend is over. And, thanks to Covid and us now used to having all things delivered, you can accomplish this feat without even getting dressed and stepping outdoors. I’ve put together a small list of things high, low and in between. Things that I put into the category of quiet luxury, thoughtful DIY or a simple something consumable that I would love to receive myself. Hopefully you’ll find it inspiring. Now fix a smart cocktail, grab your device, put your feet up and shop.
There is no better scent through Winter than that of a cracking fire, captured here in Feu de Bois by Dyptique Paris. Available in 5 sizes you are sure to find the perfect one for anyone on you list.
The best in sweet treats. Bequet Caramels handmade by Bequet Confections in Boseman, MT. Over a dozen flavors to choose from in a staggering array of gift boxes and bags, all beautifully presented. While it’s hard to pick a favorite, I always gravitate to the Chipotle. That said, you might want to go for one of their assortments.
Watch it grow right through the season. A classic white Amaryllis bulb has dethroned the grocery store Poinsettia. A person favorite for holiday decorating or giving. photos: Terrain
Any sex. all ages. A classic. 100% cashmere . Under $100. Nothing else to say. photo: naadam
No better way to start the new year than with a fresh hardbound sketchbook or journal. I know mine is at the ready for a quick thought, inspired sketch, detailed plan or must cook recipe. photo: gp
Absolutely no disappointed parties here. This Candied Orange and Ginger Bark will shoot to the top of everyone’s favorite list. photo: gp
This bold modern take on a classic signet ring could put a big smile on the face of someone special. Hey Santa…hint hint!! photo: Tiffany and Co.
If your favorite chef and baker is tired of being dusted with flour or spattered with sauce they might need this classic linen apron. photo: Fog Linen
We can’t forget about the good boys/bad boys can we? For Buster, the Kong Wubba is his absolute favorite. The small works well for him and the fact that it’s virtually indestructible works for me. Naughty list, nice list? To be determined. kong photo: kong company
And still,
November 16, 2024
more color. This time in beautiful modern hand knits in bright and sassy yarns exclusively from Purl Soho. There is still time to take some relaxing evenings and knit up a special gift or maybe pick up one of these projects as a kit for the recipient to create for themselves.
First up, Purl’s Big Beautiful Hug Wrap designed by Hiromi Glover knit in Fiddlehead 100% Alpaca yarn with a boucle’ feel.
Or, with the current trend of blanket sized scarfs seen all over Paris, Purl’s Featherdown Wrap, designed by Gianna Mueller, might be appealing. Knit this up in your choice of Purl’s new Pouf, 50/50 blend of Alpaca and Andean Highland Wool. But, which two colors?
If it’s stripes you like, this simple and snappy Keyhole Scarf designed for Purl by Gianna Mueller might be just the ticket. Knit it up in your choice of Purl’s Cashmere Merino Bloom in two color mini stripe or a quieter solid. This project is available as a kit which would make a great gift for any modernist knitter on your list.
Photos: purl soho
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