Down to the Wire
December 17, 2018
There’s still time for some small last minute gifts. Here are a few sqm ideas to help you tick those last few boxes on that list.
Top to bottom:
From Heath Ceramics Classic Red Collection: the Tall Modern Cup in Ruby Red and Suede Red. It would be particularly special if it was filled with fresh flowers once a month for a year. photo: https://www.heathceramics.com/products/tall-modern-cup-ruby-red-suede-red
Memo blocks by Ito Bindery. Photo: https://www.odetothings.com/products/ito-bindery-memo-block?variant=5444084498463
Some homemade sweet treats are always appreciated… especially by those who are cooking and baking challenged. Use the search bar right at the top to access simplequietmodern recipes for Shortbreads, Maple Glazed Walnuts or Bourbon Balls for starters. Photo: gp
These Italian woven paper bags by UASHMAMA feel like leather. They can be the gift or become a special gifts modern reusable wrapping. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/uashmama-paper-bag.html
Potted white Helebores bring an unexpected freshness that will charm now, on the Solstice, Christmas and through to the New Year. Being able to plant it in the garden once winter breaks is an added bonus. Photo: gp
The holiday fragrance of cinnamon and fir poured into a reusable Heath Red Suede Cup. Once the candle is gone this gift keeps on giving…as a teacup or small vase. Photo: https://www. a .com/products/candle-large-modern-cup-ruby-red-suede-red
Eucharisteo
November 22, 2018
From the Greek meaning thanksgiving…to be thankful. And, on this day let’s do just that, give thanks.
Then, pie.
Photo:gp
Finishing Touches
November 18, 2018
With Thanksgiving dinner under control it might be a good idea to give a little thought to setting the table. Whether you’re hosting a few or a crowd, that table will be full, so keep things simple. No elaborate centerpiece, just a simplequietmodern statement of a neutral palette and a scattering of a few fresh flowers, fruit and fall leaves scavenged from the yard. Maximum style impact…very little effort. Done.
Top to bottom:
While I generally favor Bosc pears for their warm sueded finish, this year I’ll be using Quince. Over the weekend they’ll be transformed into Quince Paste or Membrillo to enjoy later. Photo: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/2012/12/14/small-plates/
For everyday use or any special gathering there is nothing like the classic modern statement of Heath Ceramics Coupe Dinnerware and new Muir Flatware. Photo: https://www.heathceramics.com
I’m a sucker for a natural jute linen napkin. This one in Flax linen shot with silver brings it up a modern notch for the holiday. Photo: https://www.unisonhome.com/new/new-holiday-catalog/etoile-flax-and-silver-napkin.html
I’m still loving pink for Fall so why not the best of the MidCentury floral offerings than pale pink carnations? Just a few in each small container…cup, cocktail glass or vase…scattered about should do it. Photo: gp
Check your yard for just a handful of perfect fallen leaves.This year I’m liking the way the shape color and texture of these oak leaves works tucked in with everything else. Photo:gp
Make a Wish
November 16, 2018
If you were hoping Hans Wegner’s iconic C-24 ” Wishbone” chair was available in more than the 105 options already offered, you’ve gotten your wish. For a limited time Carl Hansen & Sons is offering the C-24 in a special edition in celebration of their 110th birthday. Available in eight colors with a natural paper cord seat, this specially priced limited edition will only be available until the end of this year. So many choices. That didn’t complicate the decision making did it?
Photo top: limited edition C 24 in Oyster Gray https://www.carlhansen.com/en/collection/chairs/ch24/wishbone-chair-oak-black-natur/variant/701
Photo bottom: http://remash.tumblr.com/post/179794332769/two-pavillions-tom-robertson-architects-photos
Crisis Averted
November 11, 2018
Before serving up a new recipe to your guests this Thanksgiving it might be a good idea to give it a test run or two. A fast or slow oven, even an ingredient omission or misprint, can spell disaster. Working out the kinks beforehand will guarantee success. Less than two weeks left…better get on it.
Top to bottom:
Follow the directions on any package of fresh cranberries and add a bit of fresh or candied ginger to the mix.
Once you’ve mastered Gougere you’ll be making them any time there’s a gathering and some Champagne. https://simplequietmodern.com/?s=gougere
Once we started roasting them, Brussels Sprouts became everyone’s favorite side. A little Bacon, a drizzle of walnut oil couldn’t hurt either. https://simplequietmodern.com/?s=Roasted+Brussels
Jackfruit “crab-less” crab cakes…another new ” go to” appetizer. https://simplequietmodern.com/?s=JackFruit
Roasting off a Hubbard squash provides a superior result over canned pumpkin if you’re in the mood for pie. https://simplequietmodern.com/?s=Hubbard+squash+pie
photos: gp
Summer Holdover
October 28, 2018
We might be closing in on November, but I can’t help thinking that this Red Cabbage Salad with Lemon and Parmesan will add a little Summer brightness to your menu rotation this Fall and Winter. As easy as it was to whip up for those Summer picnics sand barbecues, you’ll find yourself serving this alongside your heartier favorites. And, in true simplequietmodern fashion it couldn’t be easier…three ingredients and a minimal amount of prep.
Adapted from the original from Molly Wizenberg of Orangette, this salad is this simple. One small Red Cabbage washed, cored, quartered and finely shredded tossed with a dressing of one clove of garlic run through your Microplane, the juice of one lemon, 3 Tablespoons olive and a good pinch of Kosher salt whisked together. Top with 1/4 cup grated parmesan and a generous grind of black pepper and toss again. That’s it.
photos: gp
Just Right
October 23, 2018
Heath Ceramics new Muir flatware. Designed by Heath in San Francisco and hand crafted by Sherrill Manufacturing in New York, the result is the perfect complement to any of your Heath dinnerware. Whether you’re setting a simplequietmodern place for one on any given weeknight, or entertaining a crowd during the holidays you can’t go wrong with the elegant MidCentury minimalism Muir brings to the table.
Photos: https://www.heathceramics.com/collections/flatware
Simple Enough
October 18, 2018
Feta…I love it. Yet every time I bought a new block it seemed I ended up tossing some out before I had time to use it on yet another Greek salad. Ugh…I hate waste. Simple solution… drizzle with olive oil and hit with a healthy dose of red pepper flakes, a grind or two of black pepper and a sprinkle of oregano. Bake at 400 Degrees until soft, about 10 minutes. As a prelude to dinner served with torn pits it’s delicious…..and, anything left over can be turned into a simple lunch with the addition of some pepperoncini, tomato and a few olives. Baked feta…..who knew?
Photos: gp
Shifting Gears
October 11, 2018
Fall. Time to turn up the heat, spice things up, enjoy the seasons bounty and get ready to adjust our mindset before Winter and the holidays are upon us.
Some simple inspiration to make the seque, top to bottom.
Terra cotta petals with a cream backside… the Leonidas rose. Picture perfect as Mother Nature changes everything around us.
Exotic spice blends like Zaatar and Ras el Hanout bring a little something special and exotic to everyday eats.
The perfect fiber blend to bridge all of the seasons, Purl Soho’s Flax Down… Baby Alpaca, superfine Merino and Linen, worked together with their Linen Quill in True Turquoise. https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2018/09/05/swath-wrap/
Flor samples for consideration for a pending Winter project. Neutrals are great but a plaid underfoot might just be fun. https://www.flor.com
On a weekend night of binge watching, a Texican dinner of Chili Verde will transport you to the southwest and warm you up. https://simplequietmodern.com/2015/10/27/a-little-needed-comfort/
Locally.grown and processed apples and apple cider…the Fall possibilities are endless and not to be missed. What’s your pleasure? A cocktail of Bourbon and cider or apple pie for breakfast?
Photos: gp
Changing Colors
October 1, 2018
Heath Ceramics started producing its first dinnerware line, Coupe, in their factory in Sausalito in 1948. Seventy years later, this iconic collection of plates, bowls, cups and accessory pieces, designed by Edith Heath, is still being produced in the original factory. To mark this milestone, Heath is refreshing the Coupe line with new colors and glazes while archiving and retiring others. It’s a great time to pick up on those before they are gone or to experiment by mixing some of the new palette into your existing collection. Some of the fresh modern neutrals include rosemary, salt/shadow and zinc… with brighter shades like moonstone, yuzu/fawn and persimmon/ pumpkin adding a little simplequietmodern punctuation if your feeling so inclined.
Photos: https://www.heathceramics.com
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