You’ve got a week…
February 5, 2025
to pull it together, so this should be pretty simple. Valentine’s dinner at home, a fresh floral note, a little jewel could be fun and of course something sparkling. Easy enough. Happy Valentines Day!
Champagne, Prosecco, a Champagne Cocktail, Kir Royale, or an Aperol Spritz. Any way you go, you’ve got to love the bubbles.
Cacio e Pepe. With this Bon Appetite recipe dinner couldn’t be easier.
You’ll be wondering why you don’t make this 3 ingredient dessert all the time. Bruleed Raspberries.
Shell pink carnations just have an old school romance about them, but any sweet small bunch will do the trick.
Elsa Peretti knew a little something about quiet luxury. This bezel set ruby bracelet just says simplequietmodern in the most lovely way.
photo: Tiffany & Co.
all other photos : gp
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
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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
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
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
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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
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.
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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
Congratulations
January 1, 2019
We’ve made it through another year. It was exhausting, wasn’t it? So much literal crazy coming from every which way at an unbelievable pace. So, as we start the New Year with a crisp clean page I’ve jotted down a few thoughts and observations to keep in mind as we go forward. Ideas that aren’t particularly new, but if put into practice might be able to affect a more positive productive change. And, if we start with ourselves and our surroundings it might just work its way up to the top. Here’s hoping.
No one likes a sore loser.
Cheaters never win.
Think before you speak.
It’s OK to say no.
Do the right thing.
Send someone some love.
Be good to yourself.
Keep it simple.
A glass of something sparkling and a plate of Chilaquiles would also be a comforting and festive start. Happy New Year!
photos: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/2016/12/30/chilaquiles/
To Whet, Not to Sate
November 10, 2014
Appetizers. A savory little something to the whet the appetite…a prelude of what’s to come. On Thanksgiving there is always plenty, so the idea of keeping these little bites simple makes sense. With a cocktail or a glass of sparkling wine there could be no better paring than Frico…a baked Parmesan crisp. If these were any easier in fact, they’d make themselves. And, only one ingredient…parmesan cheese. Pre-heat your oven to 375 and drop tablespoons of shaved Parmesan cheese onto a parchment lined baking tray. Spread the mounds to a uniform thickness approx 3″ in diameter. Bake the trays one at a time for about 8-10 minutes, watching closely, until golden. Remove trays from the oven and cool slightly before moving the Frico to a rack to cool completely. These can be made a few days ahead and stored in an airtight container getting one task out-of-the-way earlier in that busy week. Why not check the fridge, turn on the oven and knock out a batch now? Think of it as a little taste test for the holidays ahead.
Another year over…
January 1, 2014
and a new one just begun.* The perfect time to be grateful for the good of the last year and set forth on a new and creative path for the next twelve months. Not one prone to the making and breaking of resolutions, I have always found that committing things to paper…notes, bits of inspiration, plans for upcoming projects, events or personal goals…can not only organize your thoughts, but gives you a resource to refer back to and evaluate your progress. A hardbound sketchbook or journal is always my simplequietmodern must have, although a designated project pad can do the trick. Keep it handy to jot down a thought, tuck in a bit of inspiration or flip back to enjoy each progressive step. The clock for 2014 has started ticking. On your mark….get set….
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The classic Braun travel alarm clock ,now in gray, will help keep track of those fleeting minutes at home or away. http://needsupply.com/mens/new/classic-bnc002-clock-in-grey.html
What could have been a disaster rose from the ashes of a failed project to become Koishi one… one big, thick and richly textured linen blanket.
This sculpture greets and inspires me daily. Created completely of recycled LA Times newsprint, it brings home the idea that the great beauty can be found in the most humble material.
The found nests in my yard pale in comparison to this Australian example captured by my friend Kirsten Johnstone. It’s easy to see how it’s texture, form and structure caught her architects eye. http://www.kirstenjohnstone.com/blog/
The best part of my everyday…the “Hambone” Jaxon. The full-out belly laughs he induces daily are the best gift one could hope to receive.
Staring me down from a basket on the corner of my desk, these two yarns in gray and olive seemed to want to work together. Looking good so far.
The beginnings of a great Winter salad of Farro, roasted red grapes and red onions. I’ll post the simplified Martha recipe soon to help you get back on track after the holidays.
Classic. Black Minnetonka moccasins. They help me keep my focus on the warmer months to come.
Raw wood. You can almost smell it can’t you? The simplicity of the design and use of a single material in this space says it all. http://remash.tumblr.com/
A glass of your favorite sparkler for toasting to your perfect health, success and happiness in this New Year 2014
*So This Is Christmas, John Lennon
White Prosecco Sangria
June 21, 2013
Perfect for any hot summer day and readily adaptable to what the fruit stand has to offer, this simplequietmodern White Prosecco Sangria might just be your “go to” beverage this summer. Easily made by the glass or by the pitcher full the key ingredients here are all white light and sunny. White peaches, nectarines and golden raspberries…a splash of peach schnapps…all topped off with bubbly Prosecco….done and done.
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