That Was Fast
January 12, 2025
Just how many photos can one take in the course of twelve years? Plenty! Almost too many. And, how many simplequietmodern topics can one cover? Well, let’s just say alot. In celebration of the 13th anniversary of simplequietmodern I thought I would simply present here of few of your favorite posts and pics and a few of mine. Starting with the obligatory champagne toast and ending with a celebratory slice of cake, what follows are just a few highlights of the last 12 years. Here’s to another year of living simple, quiet and modern. I thank you for your interest and your friendship.
photo: Portello Iron Doors
Photo: Gardenista
Photo: Leonardo Finotti via Remash Tumblr
Top to bottom
Well you know me well enough by now to know that if there is a celebration there has got to be something sparking.
Any opportunity for fresh tulips and I’m on it. Like any day of the week really. And, Parrot tulips are a particular favorite.
I love a landscape that ties perfectly with the architecture. Might take a little more thought outside the box but it’s worth the exercise.
Seems most of you can’t get enough of Portello iron door and window frames. Hard not to love, right?
My newest partner in crime is all of your favorite, Buster Porkchop. Looking exactly like his brother Jaxon.
A perfect specimen from a quiet walk just spoke to me.
In Winter, this Blonde Ambition grass still has plenty of interest.
We definitely agree, the gardens of Piet Oudolf look as good in Winter as any other time of year.
I can’t help it. I love me some carnations. White is tied with this pale pink as my go-to.
I have never has a post as popular as the one featuring this gift wrap of recycled newsprint, jute twine and a birch stick foraged in the yard.
I have been collecting vintage Christmas ornaments forever it seems. This assortment in pink from the 40’s to the 60’s have come to be everyone’s favorite.
The Basalt glaze on this Heath Ceramics Tall Modern Cup is the perfect neutral. Seems that it’s in service more often as a vase than a coffee mug. Fine with me.
This 40″ inch diameter slice of fallen tree has been the centerpiece in my living space for over 20 years. It thinks it’s a coffee table. I agree.
The simplest Summertime pleasure, a batch of new dills in an heirloom crock.
Funny how many of you have holiday recollections of this cookie favorite baked up by your Mom, Grandma or a neighbor. Perfection.
Crazy right? An abundance of recycled newsprint and too much time being snowed in resulted in this homespun yarn knit up into a rather interesting swatch. Maybe this is the year it becomes something important.
Sometimes Easter needs a rest from all the cliche’ pastel shades and treatments. Sometimes a simple egg displayed simply is in order.
I’m clearly not the only one who spends time daydreaming about a small lovely modern black cabin in the woods.
Yards and yards of doubled black linen yarn salvaged from a project gone wrong and turned into the most luxurious textured blanket. Nap anyone?
No one needs an excuse for cake and this Crazy Chocolate Cake is perfect for this celebration. White frosting on that? Yes, please.
all photos except where noted: gp
Bundle Up
January 7, 2025
With an Artic Blast bearing down on most of the country, it’s a good idea to stay bundled up. I’m no stranger to wearing my signature black knit cap indoors all day as well as out. But, considering it’s over ten years old and was an impulse purchase at the hardware store for a whopping fifty cents it might just be time for an upgrade. Naadam’s Signature Ribbed Cashmere Beanie for the win. While I’d prefer one in black it is end of season and what is left is on sale. So, I might just have to go with one of each of the colors remaining, Oatmeal for something neutral and Firecracker for a bit of less quiet luxury. Ya gotta love a sale.
photos: Naadam
A New Year, A New Introduction
January 3, 2025
And, a New Year Sale! Knoll knows just how to kick 2025 off. While this New Year sale applies to everything, it’s worth checking out some of the newer introductions. This Panoramic Sofa designed by Piero Lissoni for example. The curved tight seat with reconfigurable and removable backrests transform from sofa to daybed to chaise or even an island if that works for you. I would start with your textile selection, like this Knoll classic texture Cato, which has been in production since 1961. Then you’re off to decide on large or small back cushions, no cushions and right or left orientation. There simply can’t be any wrong decisions here. Have fun.
photos: Knoll
Ring It In
December 30, 2024
No matter how you plan on ringing in the New Year, there is always a place for a little something bubbly. Added to a simple menu of ” befores and afters”* and you have the makings of a great celebration, large group or small. Cheers to all of you that have checked in here this year. I am very grateful. Happy New Year!
Ya need glasses and these modern cylinder flutes are perfect.
Photo: CB2
You can’t go wrong with a classic Champagne Cocktail.
Someone is always asking if there will be Greek Meatballs, so yes, there will be.
Same goes for these Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates.
Someone might be in the mood for a French 75. Photo: Epicurious
My personal Champagne accompaniment for as long as I can remember, classic Gougere.
As pretty as this is, as long as there’s Champagne it’s hard not to include a Bitter French. Photo: Epicurious
Made in advance and so easy to plate up, a Peppermint Semifreddo caps things off with the perfect sweet note.
*any combination of appetizers and desserts served instead of a traditional meal when entertaining. Unless noted, photos: gp
Fa La La La La ,
December 24, 2024
La La La La *. Merry Christmas.
photo: gp * Deck The Halls, lyrics by Thomas Oliphant 1862
I Was Thinking
December 23, 2024
Santa has been making his annual rounds for centuries with each stop providing a few carrots for the reindeer and a plate of festive cookies for the big guy. That’s a lot of sugar and a lot of carbs. Would Santa appreciate a treat that was a bit healthier? I think he would. Enter the Three Ingredient Shortbread , gluten free with no refined sugar. Tossed together quickly with butter, almond flour and maple syrup they will be done by the time that last favorite ornament is hung and your first Christmas Eve Manhattan is poured. Santa’s going to push you to the top of the Nice List for sure.
G’s Three Ingredient Shortbread
Preheat oven to 350.
Mix together 1 1/2 cups of fine almond flour and 1/2 stick of softened unsalted butter. Add 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, a couple good pinches of kosher salt and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Cream all together with a wooden spoon until a dough comes together. If the dough seems dry, add an additional bit of maple syrup and if too moist, add a bit of almond flour. Roll a tablespoon of dough into a ball and place on a parchment lined sheet pan. Sprinkle the tops with a pinch of turbinado sugar if desired and flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass. Bake on center rack of oven for 12-15 minutes. Check the bottom of a cookie at 12 minutes. If it’s browning, take them out. The cookies will be pale even if the bottoms have color. Cool on the tray for a few minutes before moving to a cooling rack to avoid breaking. Makes 10 cookies.
photos: gp
Here’s your punchlist
December 19, 2024
for celebrating the Winter Solstice which arrives this coming Saturday. And, what’s not to celebrate? Additional minutes of daylight each day until Spring? Yes, please.
Photo: Gardenista
Photo: Graypants
photo: Epicurious
Top to bottom:
As with any celebration a little something sparkling is a must, be it Champagne, Prosecco or sparkling water.
Then you need to deck the halls in true ancient form with a lovely collection of evergreens. My choice this year is white pine and yellow twig Dogwood.
Next, carry on tradition by building a roaring fire; outdoors, indoors or both!
White flowers to remind us of Spring is a must. I generally go for something of the bulb variety like white tulips but cut white Poinsettias or Helebores will do nicely and carry through to Christmas.
A simple supper of Spaghetti with Mixed Herbs reminds us of the season to come.
Additional ambient lighting is always appealing, from flickering candlelight to this modern LED candlestick, Wick.
This Brown Sugar Pavlova with its mixed berries brings the celebration to a sweet end.
Unless noted, photos by gp
What Are The Holidays Without Chocolate?
December 16, 2024
And, if your going for chocolate, why not go for the best? I first discovered Vermont’s Lake Champlain Chocolates year ago, picking up an occasional piece or small bar as a little personal indulgence. I quickly came to be a regular and headed to Lake Champlain chocolates whenever the holidays rolled around. Assorted holiday boxes, truffles or chocolate covered fruit and nuts, it was always hard to choose as everyone had their hands down favorite. The dark chocolate Evergreen Mint and Maple Crunch are my personal choice, but you can’t go wrong with a box of assorted truffles or almond butter crunch. The clocks ticking but there is still time to satisfy every sweet tooth on your list.
photos: Lake Champlain Chocolates
Still Lovin’ It
December 15, 2024
I loved this cast iron menorah when I first saw it over 10 years ago. And, I still love it today. This award winning design by artist Josh Owen will have you celebrating Hanukkah in simplequietmodern style for decades. I think we’re talking modern heirloom here.
photos: areaware
Low Cost, No Cost
December 11, 2024
While you’re waiting for your online purchases to show up you might start organizing your thoughts regarding your wrapping strategy. I am all for recycled and natural gift wrap, most notably with a modern edge. Softly rumpled Kraft paper or recycled newsprint tied up with natural sisal twine is my ” go to” any time of year. The addition of a foraged leaf or pine cone hit with a bit of gold metallic spray gives a decidedly festive shot of ” holiday”. Occasionally I’ll have saved up a bit of ribbon to add to the collection. There is nothing better than the contrast of an elegant double faced satin ribbon or grosgrain tying up a box wrapped in softly reused newsprint. And, in every case the cost for these wrappings is minimal if not free. This year I’ll be adding a little something new to the mix, matte wrapping paper in black and red and double faced satin ribbon to match, both currently on sale at CB2. I’m adding a package of gold metallic pine needles from Terrain as well, just to switch up my assortment of cones and leaves. These new additions will combine beautifully with my existing stash and make short work of a perfectly coordinated pile of presents.
Matte Black gift wrap photo: CB2
Matte Red Gift Wrap photo: CB2
Red Satin Ribbon photo: CB2
Gold Metallic Pine Needles photo: Terrain
Black Satin Ribbon photo: CB2
A little Winterberry couldn’t hurt either. Who wouldn’t love an intense red on red on red combo?
Unless noted, photos: gp
simplequietmodern 