Feeling It
December 10, 2017
There’s still time to start feeling it…that holiday spirit. If you’re overwhelmed and you’d just like the holidays behind you, it might be time to adjust your thinking. Doing something nice for someone else everyday will have that smile you put on their face coming right back to ya…multiplied. The gesture needn’t be large. The greatest reward can come from something as simple as opening a door, paying for someone’s morning coffee, simply paying a compliment or offering a kind word. With only two weeks until Christmas, you might find the benefits reaped will have you wanting to continue this exercise right into the New Year. Start like I did, and pass out a pocketful of candy canes today.
photo: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/2013/12/10/candy-candy-canes/
Getting Started
December 7, 2017
Like it or not, it’s the holidays. Get out that pen and pad and start that list. Committing to paper will organize and simplify the tasks of shopping, decorating, cooking and entertaining, while every slash through an item accomplished will bring you that much closer to a Merry Christmas. Start with your personal traditions, add or subtract as you go, and keep your eyes and ears open for new inspiration and simple solutions. Three weeks to go…better get started.
From the top:
You can’t beat free. The last of my yard clean- up yielded perfect white pine cones to fill up a bowl or adorn a wrapped package. An added bonus…several birds nests to add to the mix.
Quince. A pot of Quince Paste simmering on the stove while decorating the house…a little holiday multi tasking. https://simplequietmodern.com/2012/12/14/small-plates/
An edited selection of vintage tree ornaments sets the color story. Have I mentioned I’m still into pink? The addition of more pink…flowers, wrapping or even the blush of a champagne cocktail can only help with an additional rosy glow.
If they were put away neatly you wouldn’t have a tangled mess. That said, a few lights are in order.
The addition of loose woven cotton metallic ribbon, also in pink, or maybe a simple spattered spritz of rose gold paint will elevate the simplequietmodern wrapping of newsprint or kraft paper. Ribbon photo: https://www.shopangelaliguori.com/products/metallic-loose-weave-wood-spool
A few more ideas can be found here: https://simplequietmodern.com/2014/12/09/low-cost-no-cost/
photos (except where noted): gp
Making the Cut
November 29, 2017
Well, it’s time to cull through the stack of Christmas cookie recipes, hold some auditions and see who makes the cut. Sounds brutal, but editing to one selection keeps things simple while still keeping the holiday festive. Espresso Hazelnut Cookies, classic Shortbread and Walnut Horns are being edged out by a twist on last year’s selection…the Chewy Molasses Cookie. By pressing a thumbprint into the center of the cookies while they’re still warm from the oven and filling them with 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry preserves…well, they were simply the hands down winner.
Chewy Molasses Thumbprint Cookies. Chewy, spicy with a little extra Christmas magic.
Photos: gp
Over the River
November 26, 2017
What better way to spend Thanksgiving weekend than to be cozied up in a simplequietmodern cabin in the woods? Picture it. You pull up to this simple shape clad in black corrugated, walk into the perfect interior combination of concrete and ply, toss a log on the fire and fall into the view. You’ve just gone from 60 to 0 in an instant, ready to sit back, relax and give some thought to Christmas and the month ahead.
Photos: Felix Michaud via http://remash.tumblr.com/post/167786260574/chalet-grand-pic-appareil-architecture-photos
Give Thanks
November 23, 2017
What a year so far. Terror, uncertainty…for some, unbelievable grief and sadness. Still, we set this day aside to give thanks and give thanks we will. With maybe an additional prayer that moving forward we lead by example, think before we speak and most importantly, simply do the right thing. Happy Thanksgiving.
Photo: gp
Setting the Table
November 18, 2017
And, what a table! In any configuration. As we are about to celebrate Thanksgiving let’s also continue to celebrate the design genius of Florence Knoll. Specifically the dining table group designed in 1961. Simple and elegant in proportion, these tables include shapes, sizes and finishes to perfectly anchor any space and satisfy every taste. Round, square, rectangular or oval…surfaces in laminate, wood or stone, sizing to seat four to ten…the options seem endless. What Thanksgiving feast wouldn’t look even better on any one of them?
Photos: https://www.knoll.com/shop/by-designer/florence-knoll
Chop Chop
November 12, 2017
Whether it’s prepping Thanksgiving dinner or simply assembling a turkey sandwich the next day there’ll be plenty of slicing and dicing going on. Why not pair your favorite chefs knife with this solid walnut Greenware cutting board by Jose’ Reguerio. Having the right tools makes any undertaking easier. Having beautiful tools simply elevates the experience to a new level.
Also available in solid Maple. Photos: http://joseregueiro.com/greenware/
No Time To Waste
November 9, 2017
With Christmas near upon us there is no time like now to get those Amaryllis potted up if you plan on incorporating them into your holiday decorating. If you enjoy giving them as gifts, presenting them now will ensure the receiver will be enjoying them during rather than after the holidays. The clock is ticking.
These selections from Terrain include classic white as well as more modern chartreuse and exotic varieties.
photos: https://www.shopterrain.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=search.enhancedResults&searchString=Amaryllis
Daily Grind
October 29, 2017
Danish architecture and design firm, Norm, has turned the process of grinding pepper upside down. By locating the ceramic grinding mechanism in the top of their Bottle Grinders they have eliminated the mess left behind on the dinner table and counter tops by traditional pepper mills where the grinding mechanism is at the bottom. Thank you. Available in sets of two, the small Bottle Grinder is available in a variety of colors and finishes, but my simplequietmodern favorites are the ash/carbon or stainless steel with light oak or walnut “lids”, which allow you to adjust the grind. And, you’re not limited to peppercorns, these grinders will tackle all types of salt, spices and even dried fruits. If you’re feeling generous you could keep one for yourself and pass one along. The upcoming holidays might be a good time to take these for a test drive.
Available through but not limited to Amazon, Menu, CB2.
https://menu.as/en/accessories/bottle-grinders/
https://www.cb2.com/2-piece-neutral-salt-and-pepper-grinder-set/s607895
It’s Back
October 2, 2017
And, it’s made in the USA. The re-issue of Harry Bertoia’s molded plastic side chair. Designed in 1954 with its debut in 196o, this iconic piece of modern seating is back. The shells are available in neutrals and brights with the bases finished in black or white powder coat or polished chrome. Now might be a good time to think about that additional seating you’ll be needing come Thanksgiving.
Photos: http://www.knoll-int.com/home/by-designer/classic-designers/harry-bertoia/bertoia-plastic-side-chair—outdoor
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