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
Instantly an icon
May 31, 2023
after it’s introduction in 1948 the Womb Chair, like all of Eero Saarinen’s designs for Knoll, is still made by hand and still going strong. I can’t help but hope that I look as good when I’m 75. Happy Birthday my friend.
photos: Knoll
If it’s March,
March 1, 2023
then it’s time for Daffodils. Especially after the last two weeks of ice storms and the grayest of skies. Who couldn’t use a dose of that perfect yellow while they’re available in every grocery store and flower shop. At only a couple of bucks a bunch you could easily pick up a dozen bunches and spread the wealth. While Spring is a few weeks off and we certainly know that we are not out of the woods in terms of ugly weather, a simple handle full of Daffodils might be exactly what’s needed to pull us through. For a simple effective presentation, 2 bunches dropped in a Heath Ceramics Tall Modern Mug is the way to go. No muss, no fuss.
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.
It might be time…
February 1, 2023
to reconsider the 70’s. More specifically Ray Wilkes ” Chicklet ” sofa. Designed for Herman Miller in 1976, this sculptural group includes a 1, 2 or 3 seat units constructed of injection molded foam over a flexible steel frame. Simple.
photos: Herman Miller
Just Right
January 23, 2023
If you are as tired as I am being bombarded by everyone and anyone’s take on the ” color of the year”, I have the answer. THE perfect white. Yes, white. Maybe it’s time to get back to some basics. While I’ve been using this for years when white has been needed, I’ve been computer matching an old paint stirrer to get it just right. Now, a quick trip to Home Depot will have us hooked up. Blank Canvas is all that…no leaning yellow, pink, green or blue…just a perfect warm neutral white. It doesn’t get better than this.
photo:gp
Pick me, pick me, pick me.
January 11, 2023
And just like that, without hesitation, he did. He picked me. And, he picked some big shoes to fill. I’m sure this little bruiser is up to the task. Buster. He picked his name as well. Fitting.
photo: gp
Merry Christmas
December 25, 2022
If you were hoping for a white Christmas, well, wish granted. However you are planning on celebrating the holiday today, stay warm…be safe.
photo: gp
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 