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
Phew!
December 5, 2025
That was close. I managed to get the last of my planting done just days before the La Nina Winter blast was upon us. A few bags of Parrot Tulips as well as standard varieties, some purchased at end of season sale and some gifted, produce a reward like no other. Bright, exotic blooms popping up come Spring are just the perk we need after months of snow and bitter cold. While the snow and ice on the Winter garden can be pretty I tend to get over it by the third day. That leaves an awful lot of Winter left. I’m glad I’ve got these to look forward to.
photos: gp
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
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
Ya gotta start somewhere.
November 30, 2022
Today I’m starting with an armload of yellow twig dogwood and white pine boughs. This should fill out my large midcentury concrete bowls at my front door nicely. A few lights and done. Moving indoors I’ve selected pics from the last ten years that can take you from simplequietmodern and natural, to vintage shiny holiday combinations. Plus a few new floral ideas to compliment a modern mood and Christmas tree alternatives that offer a great bang for the buck. The holidays are upon us, so better get on this before the supplies run out. Maybe a smart cocktail and a visit to the simplequietmodern archives for the months of November and December will help kick start a fresh holiday tradition for you.
all photos except 3,6,7,10,13,15, 19 by gp.
Credits given in respective post accessed through the archives.
Just a touch,
November 7, 2022
and your Wick is lit, literally. Wick, a modern spin on nimble Jack’s classic candlestick, requires only a quick charge to provide you with just the right amount of warm, portable LED illumination. And, now that the clocks have turned back and sunset occurs before most of us have closed up shop for the day, we can all use that little extra bit of light. Available singly and in multiples, in black, brass, graphite or white finishes. Try a couple for yourself and I can see them migrating to the top of your Holiday Gift list.
Photos: Graypants
The Near Perfect October
October 26, 2022
Aside from the obvious sad notes, I can’t remember a Fall, an October, as beautiful as this. Just what we need to take our mind off of the madness that we have all been living through…shocks of intense color set against a bright blue sky or a dark and brooding one. Even if your don’t like Fall you can’t deny that the large swaths of reds, oranges and yellows, found around every turn, have lifted your spirit. And, the best part? The show is free. So my suggestion is slow down and take it all in while it lasts.
You can’t argue with free can you? So, fall color aside, imagine my surprise when I found this Bittersweet ” volunteer” winding it’s way through a crabapple in the yard. A few minutes of untangling and trimming and it was ready to be put to good use indoors.
Before the deer got to the last remaining Hostas, I managed to keep this going in a vase indoors until it dried to this sculptural perfection.
While I generally love a Hubbard Squash for a non-orange twist on a classic Pumpkin, a trip to the cider mill has shaken things up. Not only for the perfect midday break, but fresh cider, a few apples and some artisan heirloom Pumpkins that will eventually be recycled into a pie or Fall soup.
I’m constantly preaching about the necessity of a simple modern glass cylinder and here’s why. No fuss, no muss. Just a few cuttings from the yard dropped in. Boom! Done. This will most definitely take me through till Thanksgiving.
Photos: gp
Too Hot to Eat
August 2, 2022
Sometimes it’s even too hot to cook. But, you have to eat, right? When I ran across this recipe it ticked all the right boxes… simple, fresh and summery. While a hot August night calls for something refreshing, this New Potato Salad with Soft Green Herbs fit the bill. Add a bit of grilled protein and finish with some cool seasonal fruit and your done. All that’s left is to sit back, relax and count the Fireflies.
A pound and a half of boiled new potatoes and 2 cups of assorted soft green herbs ( I used mint, dill, chives and parsley ) is the start. Blitz up a dressing of green onion, the juice and zest of a lemon, a splash of olive oil and a little salt and pepper. Toss it all together gently. It’s that simple.
photos: gp
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