Holiday Head Start
November 8, 2025
Amaryllis. Order them now, gift them at Thanksgiving and everyone will be enjoying them by Christmas or the New Year. What’s not to love about checking their progress each day until that morning arrives where the smooth green stems are topped with a cluster of large exotic blooms? As always my personal preference is white, grown in a simple glass cylinder vase with an natural accent of green moss or perhaps a few brown pinecones. But, I might just have to switch things up a bit given the varieties available as well as treatments like waxed dipped bulbs or bulbs wrapped in moss. The selection below are just a few of the offerings available through Terrain. Pay them a visit and explore the waxed bulbs in white, fuchsia or blue, bulbs in moss wrapped with wire or any of the breathtaking specimen varietals like Luna with it’s chartreuse blooms or Doublet with it’s festive red blooms steaked with white. It’s time. Let the holidays begin.
photo: gp
photo: gp
unless noted: photos via Terrain
Color. Give Me Some Color.
September 29, 2024
I’m thinking about the holidays already. Mainly because I’m thinking about switching things up. Known for keeping decorations simple, quiet and natural I’m feeling the need for some color. Lots of it. I used to have it in abundance with my collection of vintage mid-century Christmas ornaments piled everywhere, but as I’ve gifted them off I find I need to add a little something something to the remaining mix. The varied collection of assorted brights from Terrain could augment things beautifully. From mixed brightly colored enamel-like balls, mixed bright LED light strings, garlands and wreaths I’m sure I’ll find what I need to compliment my remaining collection. You might want take a look through their newest seasonal offerings as well. If Covid has taught us anything, it’s that the good stuff disappears quickly
photo: gp
photo:gp
photo: gp
photo gp
photos: Terrain except where noted
One tool…
May 29, 2020
for many tasks. I’m wondering how I did without one of these until now. Or, maybe I’m just tired of McGuyvering my way through the garden and decided I needed something new. From cutting through roots, digging up weeds or dividing mature plants, there isn’t a task that this Landscapers Hori Hori won’t be able to simplify. A cross between a knife, a trowel and a saw this indispensable tool is constructed of heat treated alloy steel for lightness, strength and durability… right here in the USA. With the entire Summer ahead of us it might just be a good idea to embrace it fully equipped.
Just Starting That List
December 13, 2017
or, tying things up? Either way a few gift suggestions couldn’t hurt. Smaller personal gifts seem to really hit the mark, even more so if that gift was made by you. So, I’ve included some DIY ideas as well.
A homemade hand cream would be welcome by anyone who works with their hands or is feeling the effects of Winter already. Simply blending a base of beeswax and olive oil with essential oils of peppermint, eucalyptus and wintergreen… your gifts will be ready to give in no time. Photo: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/?s=Salve
Perfect for getting into all of those nooks and crannies. What gardener wouldn’t love this hand rake? Photo:https://www.shopterrain.com/fall%2Dcleanup/sneeboer%2Dhand%2Dleaf%2Ddebris%2Drake/searchString/Hand%20rake
Pom Pom or not, everybody loves a cap. A quick knit project like this could have you completing several before the 25 th. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2016/10/17/basic-hats-for-everyone-in-new-colors/
A simple modern knit, this Elementary Wrap from Purl Soho might just be the project to take the edge off all of the holiday stress. And, the end result will find you not only relaxed, but with another gift checked off of that list. Photo: http://www.purlsoho.com/create/2017/10/20/elementary-wrap/
For the design obsessed, it doesn’t get any more simplequietmodern than the work of icon Eero Saarinen. photo: http://needsupply.com/saarinen.html
Easily broken down into three separate gifts or two gifts and one for you…this trio of bud vases from Heath Ceramics in their Winter Seasonal glazes of Arctic, Shell White and Sequoia Fair warning, when they’re gone they’re gone. photo: http://www.heathceramics.com/winter-seasonal/bud-vase-set-12
Irresistible, and so simple. Cayenne Maple Glazed Walnuts…a little sweet, a little heat.. Photo: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/2013/11/30/mmmm-maplely/
You can gild that lily by presenting those walnuts in this Heath Ceramic Deep Serving Bowl. There won’t be any re-gifting here. Photo: http://www.heathceramics.com/cook-dine/bowls/deep-serving-bowl-110
What girl wouldn’t love the simplicity of semi- precious gemstone beads lovingly strung into this assortment of necklaces? Each Gemstone & Knots kit from Purl Soho makes 4 necklaces in the designs shown, and is available in nine color ways. Photo: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2017/11/29/gemstones-knots-necklaces/
I received this mysterious blend of cypress wood and incense years ago and it’s been my signature fragrance ever since. Even Jaxon enjoys a spritz to start his day. L’Occitane Eau des Baux. Photo: gp https://usa.loccitane.com/eau-des-baux-eau-de-toilette,82,1,66807,262187.htm#descriptionSection
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
15-0343 TCX
December 13, 2016
AKA ” Greenery”, Pantone Color Institute color of the Year for 2017. You could almost see this one coming. A bright yellow-green offering us hope, promise, rebirth and rejuvenation*. That’s a tall order for a single color. You might think about taking it for a test drive now, and use it as a starting point when decking your halls. Simple winter ” greenery “, assorted cones , a hit of vintage inspired ornaments…
*According to Pantone. Top image via:http://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2017
middle photo:gp
Ornament photo:http://www.shopterrain.com/holiday-tree-ornaments/miniature-bulb-set
Along The Way
December 7, 2016
Throughout the year I may stumble upon an idea or an item or two that seem like the perfect gift come Christmastime. If you follow simplequietmodern you may have noticed some of them popping up over the last many months…others just jotted down and slipped into a file until they’re needed. Like now.
Top to bottom:
Set of three natural broom cake testers for you, and two of your favorite bakers. photo via http://lostine.com/collections/kitchen/products/cake-tester
Worse than running out of Champagne is running out of glasses. Everyone could use a specially price set of 8 cylinder flutes at the holidays. The rest if the year they can be put into service as a simple cluster of vases. photo via http://www.cb2.com/set-of-8-cylinder-champagne-flutes/s422283
It reminds me of those great Sputnik inspired Christmas ornaments of the 50’s, but on a much grander scale at 24″. Who wouldn’t love to receive this simple statement? photo via http://www.shopterrain.com/holiday-home-decor/winters-night-star
Based on Woodcut by artist Brian Nash Gill is this simplequietmodern set of 12 notecards. We all know someone who would rather put pen to paper than text. Photo via https://www.purlsoho.com/woodcut-notecards.html#
A perennial favorite… the Heath Ceramics Holiday Candle. Their large modern cup, in Linen, is filled with a soy wax candle by Scents of San Francisco in a warm spicy blend of cinnamon and fir. Photo via http://www.heathceramics.com/decorate-items/candles-and-lighting/holiday-candle
A little retro holiday sweet treat might be in order for someone, like these Bourbon Balls. A simple no-bake DIY that is always appreciated. photo: gp https://simplequietmodern.com/?s=bourbon+balls
Boing!
March 21, 2016
It’s official…it’s Spring! While the threat of a Nor’easter is still possible and a chill remains in the air there is no looking back. It’s time to grab hold of some Spring and not let go until June. I’m not sure where I’m going to start but I’ve squirreled away some inspiration to help get me started . How ’bout you?
Top to bottom:
A fresh bottle of Simple Green and stack of clean cloths…on your mark, get set…clean.
A handful of parrot tulips will not only freshen things up, they might trigger reading The Tulip by Anna Pavord.
Now is the perfect time to add a new tool to your gardening arsenal. Maybe this hand rake to get into those tight spots. http://www.shopterrain.com/new-arrivals-garden-plants/sneeboer-hand-leaf-debris-rake
Asparagus…grilled as a side or maybe in a risotto.
Simple bowls of forced rye grass and undyed eggs…the simplequietmodern way to decorate for this weekends Easter brunch.
photos: gp
Small Gifts
December 15, 2015
Small gifts always seem to make the best gifts. You are thought of fondly by the recipient with every use. Better yet, small gifts don’t need to break the bank to make a lasting impression. Here are a few simplequietmodern suggestions should your shopping list have a few entries that need to be checked off. There’s still time…get crackin.
Conifer chart tea towels ensure one won’t run out of evergreens during the holidays. And, if you help cleaning up as well the cook will love them even more. Photo: http://www.shopterrain.com/best-bets/conifer-chart-tea-towel
This natural birch muddler will make short work of prepping the next Mojito, Cuba Libre or Mint Julep.photo: http://www.cb2.com/wood-muddler/s552025
A pinch of salt is always at hand in this small ramekin in linen from Heath Ceramics.photo: http://www.heathceramics.com/small-ramekin
A pair of fingerless mitts will be a welcome gift that you made yourself. There’s still plenty of time to crank out a few pair with the pattern found here. This photo: gp http://www.afriendtoknitwith.com/2008/09/toasttoasty.html
If you don’t know a baker who needs one, you might gift yourself this modern take on the classic bundt pan from Nordic Ware. The bundt might just be the new cupcake. photo:http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/heritage-bundt-cake-pan/?cm_src=AutoRel
It’s not a sweater, but it’s a start. 100% cashmere that looks like it was spun right off the goat. photo:http://www.purlsoho.com/newoooh.html
Setting the Tone
December 1, 2015
Your entry should set the tone of the holiday the moment guests arrive. A lush wreath of Magnolia can hint at the simple treatments ahead of natural evergreen boughs and cones. A vintage inspired wreath of shiny glass balls can play nicely with a collection of ornaments in shades of 60’s pink. If a little matte gold is what you’re craving, this wired garland of pressed metal leaves will take on a Calder-like playfulness when coiled loosely into a circle. I can see any of these options working for me, each taking on a quite different character against the Chartreuse paint color of my front door. I’m leaning toward…
Wreath photos: Terrain http://www.shopterrain.com/holiday-wreaths/?cm_sp=Top-Nav-_-Holiday-_-Holiday-Decor-Wreaths other photos:gp
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