Closing in
December 15, 2025
With just 10 days until Christmas you might be feeling just a little panic setting in. I’ve presented here a handful of items that can fall into the gift idea list or treat for yourself list. Either way, all are available online, making late night shopping a breeze. And, a few items can be found at reduced holiday pricing which is an added bonus. So take a quick look. you might find some of my favorites this season are also some of yours.
If you found yourself mismatched over Thanksgiving it might be time to upgrade your flatware. Or, you might have someone setting up their first homestead and could use a little modernist treat. Heath Ceramic’s new flatware introduction, Reyes, is sure to stand the test of time with it’s simple midcentury appeal. Available in both a polished and matte stainless steel it will compliment any timeless dinnerware pattern from Russel Wright American Modern to Heath’s new collaboration with Herman Miller. Photo: Heath
Always a great gift for anyone on your list is the classic Heath Ceramics Bud Vase. shown here in the limited edition matte glaze Lemon Rind. Photo: Heath
While this release isn’t until mid February, a promise of The Weekend Gardener by Henry Agg stuffed into a new pair of gardening gloves or a project planning pad will be a most welcome gift to anyone on your list that loves to garden or is about to start their own gardening adventure. Planning, implementing and special projects are all covered here making easy work of a daunting task. If you follow Henry as I do on Instagram, he’ll have you jumpstarting your new garden plan well before Spring arrives. Photo: Amazon
This KD28 table lamp by Joe Columbo for Kartell falls directly into the “gift for me” category. It addreses the minimalist 70’s aesthetic that’s been taking up too much of my mind lately. Maybe there is someone on your list that would love this as well. I’m partial to the white, but black, orange, yellow, taupe, blue and maroon are also available options. photo: Kartell
Winter has been pretty brutal so far and we’re only midway through December. Surely you know someone who would love wrapping themselves in this Lambswool Plaid Throw from Schoolhouse. 100 % Merino wool? Yes, please. And it’s currently 50% off! Photo:Schoolhouse
Who doesn’t love a mug? Particularly this modern classic Studio Mug from Heath Ceramics in this limited edition glaze, Lemon Rind. Still making a statement today as it did when Edith Heath created it in the 1940’s. When it’s good…it’s good. Photo: Heath
With boxes arriving daily, the holidays or not, you might just need to up someone’s unboxing game. This HMM Utility Knife in black should up their game significantly. Also available in silver and bronze green from WMS&CO. Stylish. photo: WMS&CO
I’m a sucker for a lacquer tray. Any simple tray really. But, this set of four assorted stacking trays in their bright colored lacquered finishes are almost too good to pass up. They can be presented as the complete set or broken up into individual gifts. When you get them, you’ll decide. Photo: Schoolhouse
Who doesn’t love a little sweet treat at the holidays? One of my all time favorite classics is Panettone. Specifically to be made into a Bread Pudding on Christmas Eve or French Toast on Christmas morning. Available everywhere, and seemingly immune from increased pricing, I tend to pick mine up at Trader Joes. Sometimes one just for me or sometimes a cartful for everyone on my list. Trust me, no one will be disappointed. Photo: gp
Heath X Herman Miller
October 31, 2025
It’s a natural collaboration but I can’t help thinking what took so long. Pulling inspiration from decades of modern design, quality, color and design innovation, this limited offering is a match made in design heaven…Heath Ceramics and Herman Miller. Warm neutral glazes like Turmeric, Yuzu and Pesto get a little punctuation and punch from Lemon Rind, Calendula, Cranberry and the very new Blossom, all inspired by Herman Miller color applications of the 1950’s. Also new is the hybrid Coupe Dinner Bowl, which will be making itself at home in Heath’s permanent offerings. Makes sense, who doesn’t love a dinner bowl? Just in time for dressing that Thanksgiving table with mid-century panache. While quantities last.
photo: gp
photo:gp
Unless noted, photos: Heath Ceramics
Now That It’s Fall
September 24, 2025
Now that it’s Fall it’s time to indulge in a few of my Fall favorites, some classic and some to switch things up. Join me.
I’m always ready for a bowl of soup when things start to cool down, but this one, pulled together on the fly might be my new favorite. For one nice bowlful add 2 scallions sliced to two cups of chicken stock seasoned with a splash or two of Trader Joe’s Coconut Aminos or soy sauce and a few pork Gyoza. Heat until the dumplings are heated though and take off the heat. Add 2-3 romaine leaves sliced in wide ribbons and still in until just wilted. You’re welcome.
There is no better way to enjoy this or any hot soup this season than served up in Heath Ceramics Chez Panisse soup bowl. Photo: Heath Ceramics
Now is the time of year I think about restructuring my property and plantings. The Apple House in Great Britain has a garden that has just drawn me in. And, it looks like it could take care of itself. Photo via Remash Tumblr
While I’ve been enjoying them through August and September, this could be the last of the season’s locally grown Gladiolus. Get ’em while they’re hot.
My daily hikes on the trail have me checking in on my buddies in the pond. Won’t be long and they’ll be packing it in for the Winter. No trail? Just get out there, get some sun on your face, touch grass,
It wouldn’t be Fall without a trip to the cider mill. Lucky for me I’m close enough to be able to stop in every week for a jug.
While Fall has us all pulling out the favorite sweaters, I’m thinking I might need to switch it up from my basic black and navy. Red is calling to me. And, yes, maybe the matching cap as well. photos : Naadam
While I’m at the farm stand picking up my glads, it’s probably a good idea to get the makings of new dill pickles. A crockful now could hold me to Thanksgiving.
And, as always, along the way I’m picking up bits of ephemera that I can put into use come Thanksgiving or when wrapping Christmas gifts. Those two holidays will be on us soon enough and I’m always glad I have a simple stash.
Perfect Summer Saturday
August 2, 2025
Picture it. In the city, up North or at the shore. A quiet Summer Saturday with the sun shining, a cool breeze blowing and the temperature a perfect 75 degrees. You could start the day taking in a little nature with a hike or hop on the bikes for a trip to the local farm stand. It’s August so one of my Summer favorites is ready for the cutting, local Gladiolus. At only a few dollars a bunch, Glads will make a statement that will last till next Saturday. As you might have guessed, I love the white, arranged in a 12″ x 6″ glass cylinder vase. What a lovely way to kick off the weekend.
Photos: gp
Dog Days
August 25, 2023
What can be better than the long hot days of August? Taking the time to soak them all in…long afternoon shadows, nature’s bounty, simple pleasures. Here are just a few simplequietmodern later Summer favorites.
A trip to any farmers market or farm stand bursting with local goodness. Fresh corn to use in a roasted corn salad, Kirby cucumbers for pickling and heirloom tomatoes for that simple tomato sandwich or BLT. Maybe some figs to serve up with blue cheese to start or fresh local melons sliced up to end a perfect summer supper.
A refreshing outdoor shower after a long walk on a secluded rocky beach followed by a smart fresh cherry old fashioned while relaxing in from of an early evening fire.
Fresh locally grown seasonal flowers from hydrangeas to hops, bright dahlias to my personal favorite’s, white Michigan gladiolus.
photo: Food52
photo: Remash
photo: Loll
Unless otherwise indicated, photos: gp
Let Freedom Ring
July 4, 2023
Happy Independence Day!
Photos: gp
In Season
June 5, 2023
Artichokes! Kicking off the festival season again is the Artichoke Festival in Castroville, CA this coming weekend, June 10th and 11th. I’ve mentioned Castroville before I’m sure, the Artichoke Capitol of the world. If you love artichokes like I do, you can celebrate with them this weekend with a simple light Spring lunch or dinner starter. What could be more simple? While your trimmed artichokes are boiling up, whip up a quick dip of melted butter, mayo and lemon juice. Done.
photos: gp
Clocks a tickin’
February 8, 2023
With Valentines Day less than a week away you might want to put a little thought into what to give your Valentine. No Valentine on the horizon? Well, treat yourself! Below are just a few tried and true treats that are sure to bring a smile and a big hug.
Top To Bottom:
Who wouldn’t love the holiday’s signature color realized in cashmere?
This little homemade indulgence is so simple and a sure fire hit. Chocolate Raspberry Champagne Truffles.
Who could resist cozying up with this fiery pillow from Knoll. A romcom and pizza in beats fighting a mid-week dinner crush.
Available nearly everywhere and at no great expense. Sweet and sweetly scented carnations in pink. Just a few tucked into a small vase or cup can hit just the right romantic note.
White Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold…all by itself, in combination, or with the addition of diamonds. Tiffany’s Lock Bangle. Simple, quiet and modern in any configuration.
This rosy red Bromeliad could brighten someone’s desk for months if they’re still working from home.
And for those ” clock watchers” , this Hemisphere wall clock with it’s hot pink face is sure to be a hit.
photos: Truffles and carnations gp All others via their respective sites.
Midwinter ’22
December 19, 2022
Midwinter. Odd name for the Winter solstice which is actually the first day of the season. Call it what you will, it is absolutely my most favorite of days. It marks the shortest day of the year in terms of daylight but signals the slow, steady increase in daylight hours as we move into spring. Sure, it might not seem like a big thing to you but trust me, if you live anywhere near the Midwest, you will immediately notice that the sky has not gone to pitch at 4:45 in the afternoon. There is a feeling of hope…yes, that spring is just one season away. So, celebrate with me if you care to, with anything ( hell, everything ) that reminds you of spring… and relish every extra minute of daylight. Tradition would have us festooning the place with evergreens, lighting candles indoors, building a roaring fire outdoors and gathering together to embrace hope within the darkness. To follow are just a few of my favorite ways to celebrate, from candlelight to a roaring fire to every and any white bulb flower mixed in with winter greens and other white seasonal selections. Something hearty and herby for dinner finished of with a lively Winter cocktail and the celebration is complete.
Brandy Stinger. The perfect Solstice cocktail. Equal parts Brandy and white Creme de Menthe on the rocks. Done.
photos: gp
On your mark, get set…
December 12, 2022
make! Now or later, it’s time to start thinking about those holiday sweet treats. While it’s easiest to just pick something up at the market, it’s just a little bit Grinchy. None of my favorites below are complicated or involved. If you make the decision to limit your selection to just one or two, the process is not only doable but will be greatly appreciated by all you share them with. As you work your way down the list you will find that there are simply no bad choices.
Candied Orange and Ginger Bark
photos: gp
simplequietmodern 