Just a Little Something
February 14, 2019
A grand gesture isn’t always necessary when it comes to Valentines Day. Simple quiet expressions of your affections are equally appreciated, especially when the holiday falls mid-week and you would prefer to spend the evening in. Here are just a few suggestions that are sure to be well received should you be drawing a blank.
Top to bottom:
A chilled bottle of Brut Rose or Prosecco waiting for you at the end of the day. What’s not to love?
Just a few perfect fragrant blooms makes the perfect simplequietmodern statement.
Get a quick Pesto Pizza going while you’re queuing up Netflix. https://simplequietmodern.com/2017/10/06/pizza-night/
It wouldn’t be Valentines Day without a little chocolate. How about these Chocolate Raspberry Champagne Truffles. https://simplequietmodern.com/2018/02/11/everyone-loves/
Photos: gp
What a Week
February 4, 2019
Last week was simply brutal with its wind, snow, ice and dangerously low temperatures. Then, surprise, a quick thaw and a bit of good news with the prediction of an early Spring. Something to celebrate to be sure. A simple Sunday breakfast was just the ticket here, with Panettone French Toast, bacon, a bowl of Cara Cara oranges and a glass of Prosecco. Oh yeah, that’s better.
Photos: gp
Lucky 7
January 4, 2019
Seven years shot by like a bullet. Yep, simplequietmodern is celebrating its seventh anniversary. And, as usual, I like to reflect on the last year by looking at what you, the readers, were drawn to most. Black fences, concrete walls, black steel windows and doors and the Winter gardens of Piet Oudolf topped the list. Now, let’s see what will inspire us in year eight.
Could it really be a celebration without cake?
Top to bottom: links to the original posts
Black Fences…https://simplequietmodern.com/2014/03/31/black-fences/
Steel windows and doors…https://simplequietmodern.com/2016/03/10/let-the-sun-shine-let-the-sun-shine-in/
Concrete Wallcovering…https://simplequietmodern.com/2013/06/14/while-everyones-outside/
Piet Oudolf Winter landscapes…https://simplequietmodern.com/2016/01/17/winter-garden/
Milkbar Birthday cake photo: BonAppetite…https://shop.milkbarstore.com/collections/cakes/products/birthday-cake-six-inch
A simplequietmodern favorite when white tulips aren’t around. photo: gp
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
Forecast: Chance of Coral
December 8, 2018
You have to love the optimism of the Pantone Color Institute. Every December brings us their prediction of a color that we will be seeing a lot of in the coming year. Each prediction has them waxing poetic on their selection…hoping to convince us of the relevance of their choice. I’m still waiting to see previous Color of the Year selections like Marsala, Serenity and Purple Passion flood the marketplace. While the 2019 color of the Year, Living Coral, is pretty enough I’m not convinced we’ll be seeing it everywhere. It makes one wonder if Pantone, when it comes to forecasting, might have better luck predicting the weather.
Images: https://www.pantone.com/color-intelligence/color-of-the-year/color-of-the-year-2019
Jackpot
November 25, 2018
I recently ran across an unused gift card in my desk drawer…then another. Then, an online credit memo. Yoo hoo! What I had tucked away for safe keeping I had completely forgotten about. I think I’ll use this “found cash” to jump start my holiday shopping…maybe pick up a little perk for myself in the process. Just in time for Cyber Monday. Check those drawers, people.
A few ideas to kick off the season, top to bottom:
A new glaze, Zinc, on Heath Ceramics Coupe Dessert Bowl courtesy of that unearthed online credit memo. Photo: https://www.heathceramics.com/collections/bowls/products/dessert-bowl-coupe
This Floating Gemstones Necklace Kit from Purl Soho provides enough material to create several great gifts in the month ahead. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/floating-gemstones-necklace-kit.html
Also from Purl Soho, Posy, a hand-dyed Superwash Cashmere, Merino and Nylon blend yarn. Gift the skeins to your favorite knitter or whip up a warm cap or scarf in this Winter-busting shade…Sour Gooseberry. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/posy-gift-list-gallery.html
If you’re itching to start decking the halls, Trader Joe’s has the best value in town with their mixed evergreen wreaths. Photo: gp
Start them now and you’ll have gorgeous amaryllis in bloom for Christmas. This moss covered bulb is available from Terrain. Photo: https://www.shopterrain.com
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
