In all things…
November 23, 2022
give thanks.*
As I look through the last 10 years of simplequietmodern I think of some of my favorite holiday posts.
Top to bottom:
Free for the taking, perfect dried oak leaves to gather and scatter across your Thanksgiving table or attach later to adorn a holiday gift.
Locally grown and pressed apple cider. There is nothing like it. And, I like it even better with a shot of bourbon.
The best gathering table ever as seen on Gardenista.
My favorite Thanksgiving table … rusty Bosch pears, gathered oak leaves and assorted nuts in their shells.
So much better than pumpkin pie, this roasted Hubbard squash pie. Trust me, it’s worth the added effort.
Cooking up a storm for the holidays needs the right equipment. The perfect start is this linen apron from Fog Linen.
Pink in the Fall? Yes, yes and yes. The perfect compliment to all of your assorted naturals and browns.
A step up from an apple cider and bourbon cocktail…the classic old fashioned.
Besides holding a warming Chai Latte, the Heath Ceramics Tall modern cup makes the perfect receptacle for a cluster of fragrant garden roses, like these Polo.
Pilgrim Modern anyone? Yes.
Leftovers almost better the second time around. Assorted roasted vegetables topped with poached eggs hit the spot on the long holiday weekend.
What a simple weekend getaway for any of the winter holidays.
Elf has got to be playing or streaming somewhere. Wrap yourself up and settle in for the night. The guests have gone.
*Thessalonians 5:18
Pumpkin Spice Overkill
November 24, 2014
Too much of a good thing when gaining popularity and then randomly applied everywhere…well, that’s just too much already. “Pumpkin spice” is the perfect current example. Starting in September it flavors everything from a latte’ to caramels to anything that doesn’t move and back again. Nothing has missed being hit. By the time Thanksgiving arrives, just a hint of the aroma could trigger a bit of nausea. Let’s keep the warm Autumn spice thing going and yet reel it in simplequietmodern style, editing the spices down to one….say Ginger. Fresh, dried or candied…Ginger can add its distinctive spicy warmth and sweetness to cocktails, desserts or savory dishes alike without being cliché.
Top to bottom:
Whole hands of fresh ginger root might add additional interest to your bountiful tablescape this Thanksgiving. I think I’ll pick up some extra myself to compliment my arrangements of Bosc pears, mixed shelled nuts and oak leaves.
During the weekend a bit of ginger will elevate the pears poached for another dessert from everyday to holiday.
Ginger syrup made from fresh or crystallized ginger can be added to a glass of Prosecco, Cava or Champagne for a gingery pre-dinner cocktail or added to a glass of soda for a delicious home-made ginger ale.
Home made fresh cranberry sauce could not be easier. Adding a little grated fresh or minced crystallized ginger to the mix brings a fresh unexpected note.
Crystallized ginger presented alongside dessert allows even those who are too stuffed to indulge a little something sweet that also acts as a perfect digestivo. A couple of pieces with coffee is just enough sweet for me after a Thanksgiving feast. You might even try dipping candied ginger into dark chocolate if you’re in the mood to gild the lily.
photos:gp
Now that it’s Fall…
October 5, 2014
what’s inspiring you?
top to bottom:
The scale of this burlap weave gives some indication of how tiny this found nest actually is. What might you discover on a walk around your yard or neighborhood? And, if you have an idea as to what small bird called this home, let me know.
The local farm stands are loaded with the seasons bounty. Skip the crowds at the cider mill and pick up an armload of beets, take ’em home and roast ’em up or turn them into a soup for the week ahead.
A chill in the air calls for wool…maybe a cap…maybe in hand dyed Autumn reds.
Starting to collect and recycle packaging materials now will save you from picking up a few tacky rolls of gift wrap closer to the holidays. I’m thinking this expanded kraft paper is going to be the perfect addition to my classic crisp white tissue. It’s looking pretty modern to me.
This Lingham stone always seems to move to a more visible location in the Fall so that I can better enjoy it’s unique natural colorations. A quick spin and edit of your interior accessories will have everything looking new as you start to spend more time inside.
A Coffee Break rose, left to dry to a new kind of beautiful, will continue to add interest throughout the Fall, into Thanksgiving…possibly even Christmas. Start by enjoying then drying them now and they’ll be ready to put into service again when the time comes.
all photos: gp
simplequietmodern 