Places in the Home

June 17, 2013

Tea It Up! Arnold Palmer Granita

The June/July 2013 issue of Garden & Gun features this recipe for a fantastic take on a traditional Arnold Palmer. Andrea Litvin, pastry chef at The Spence in Atlanta, GA, has mastered the iced tea and lemonade taste of the Arnold Palmer with her Arnold Palmer Granita recipe- an icy slush of sorts steeped in sweet tea and fresh lemon. Served either as a stand alone beverage or dessert with a twist, this Arnold Palmer Granita will impress.

What better weekend than Father’s Day and the US Open to tea it up with a round of Arnold Palmer Granitas.

Arnold Palmer Granita

Ingredients

2/3 cup sugar

2 ½ cups water

2 black tea bags, preferably English breakfast or other good-quality tea

2 lemons, zest ; then halve and juice

Directions

Bring sugar and water to a boil. Add tea bags and steep for five minutes.

After steeping the tea bags, add lemon juice and zest. Cool to room temperature.

Pour liquid into an 8-by-8-inch baking dish (any shallow, freezer-proof dish will do); cover with plastic wrap and freeze.

After an hour, run a fork through the mixture to break up any large pieces of ice; return to the freezer. Repeat every 15 to 20 minutes until the consistency is fluffy and no large ice crystals remain, about two or three more times.

Scoop into glasses and serve.

Granita may be made ahead and stored in a plastic-covered container in the freezer for up to three days. Fluff with a fork before serving.

~ Andrea Litvin ~ Pastry Chef, The Spence, Atlanta, GA via Garden & Gun

Enjoy!

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Filed under beverages, Recipes

Tagged as Andrea Litvin, Arnold Palmer Granita recipe, dessert ideas, Father's Day, fresh lemon, frozen beverages, Garden & Gun, granita, lemon zest, summer drinks, sweet iced tea, The Spence, US Open

June 13, 2013

Right At Home: Flour, Grain, And Vintage Potato Sacks

Over the last few years, flour, grain, and vintage potato sacks have made their way into the home decor, decorative accessories, and home furnishings mainstream. It’s a trend that continues to make itself right at home.

Iron Accents

Steeped in less than perfect perfection with vintage and vintage looking charm and appeal, this home decor furnishings and accessories trend shows no signs of waning popularity. Things have moved far past Etsy and the DIY community as the lone embracers, starting and ending point, and sole source of antique and vintage textiles. Commanding style and good taste is always on trend and recognized by industry leaders. Case in point…

Restoration Hardware

grain-sack-fabric Pottery Barn

The lovely flour sack kitchen towel is as versatile as it is affordable. Simple, chic, and uncomplicated- the hallmark of a great decorative accent.

1. Black Tat Soi with Red Accent Flour Sack Kitchen Towel from Rigel Stuhmiller on Etsy: $10

2. Kay Dee Designs Cook! Cooking Rules Flour Sack Towels, Set of 3 from Amazon: $12

3. Threshold Flour Sack Plate Towel Set of 6 from Target: $20

Second Shout Out

Our tuxedo clad friend is high stepping in high class vintage charm on this antique potato sack from Second Shout Out. The front logo reads “High Class, U.S. No. 1 Potatoes” and is stamped packed by Helms Potato Co., Alamosa, CO.

A Beautiful Mess Antiques

Hello, Gorgeous! Some things are so much better the second time around.

Online Fabric Store

Decorative possibilities range from the rustic to the elegantly embellished with grain sacks. These reproduction French grain sacks are right on trend with their design, size, and affordability.

Ginger Brewton via Tradhome

I love when the design and the execution beautifully line up with the decorative juxtaposition of pattern, texture, style, and periods. This Charleston, South Carolina dining room by interior designer Ginger Brewton as featured in Tradhome showcases authentic flour sack covered slipper chairs existing in elegant harmony with traditional decor touches. A strong testament to the stunning statement made when antiques and vintage accessories are paired in a union of comfortable formality.

Grain Sack Jute Pillow

Does it take you awhile to come to love certain trends or the decorative accents du jour? It does for me. I’m totally convinced this is the reason accent throw pillows and small accessories exist. It’s always advisable to introduce those not so sure items on a small scale with as few dollars invested at the beginning. Raise your hand if you’ve been known to jump into a project with decorative ideas and $$$ flowing to realize at projects end this isn’t working. Yep, it’s been known to happen here at Places In The Home.

Home Decorators

Okay, let’s hear it. Grain, flour, and vintage potato sack home decor and home furnishings- add it to the gotta have it list or is this particular trend one you’ll take a pass on?

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Filed under Accessories, home decor, Home Furnishings, Interior Decorating, Interior Design, Upholstery, Vintage

Tagged as decorating with antiques, flour sack kitchen towels, flour sacks, French grain sacks, Ginger Brewton, grain sack fabric, grain sack pouf, grain sack throw pillow, grain sack upholstered chair, grain sacks, home decor trends, Tradhome, vintage decor, vintage potato sacks

June 10, 2013

Herbes de Provence

Inspiration is everywhere. It’s funny how the packaging of certain items catches the attention and often sells the product. I’m a sucker for clear containers, unique shapes, and the recycle i.e. how am I going to reuse this. As I browsed the aisles at Marshalls last week looking for home decor this and that, my eyes zeroed in on a striking bottle of Herbes de Provence. Herbes de Provence have captured my culinary attention for awhile, but the actual investigation of these Mediterranean herbs coming together to create an aromatic and delicious addition to meat, fish, pasta, and vegetable dishes is a recent discovery.

The aroma is a combination of sweet and bold, and the combination of dried savory, oregano, thyme, marjoram, basil, rosemary, and the herb de résistance, lavender, is gorgeously delicious. Organic food grade lavender is a premium ingredient of higher quality used for cooking and baking purposes. Available from LL Farm on Etsy.

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Herbes de Provence

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons dried savory

2 Tablespoons dried oregano

2 Tablespoons dried thyme

2 Tablespoons dried marjoram

2 Tablespoons dried basil

2 Tablespoons dried rosemary, crushed

2 Tablespoons dried lavender, crushed

Directions

Mix all ingredients together. Place in airtight container for storage.

This recipe to test the taste proved to be the perfect choice to showcase the marriage of sweet and bold.

Herbes de Provence Pot Roast with Vegetables

Ingredients

3 lb. beef roast

8 red potatoes, gently washed and halved

1 package baby carrots

1 cup beef broth

½ cup dry white wine

1 stick butter, cut into tablespoon pieces

2 Tablespoons Herbes de Provence

1 teaspoon Kosher coarse salt

1 teaspoon fine black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place beef roast in roaster pan, layering potatoes and carrots on sides of roast. Sprinkle vegetables with Herbs de Provence. Season roast with coarse salt and fine black pepper. Pour beef broth and white wine into roaster. Top red potatoes and baby carrots with butter pieces. Cover with lid and place in oven. Bake for 3 hours or until tender.

Enjoy!

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Filed under Recipes

Tagged as baby carrots, dried herbs, herbs de provence, herbs de provence recipe, pot roast with herbs de provence, red potatoes

June 6, 2013

Top Off The Look: Pelmets, Cornice Boards, And Valances

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Draperies, curtains, pelmets, cornice boards, and valances can be looked upon as the finishing accessory that pulls the look of a space together- much the way a pair of earrings or a singular gold cuff bracelet sets a fashion ensemble into style. Draperies and curtains ( you say tomato, I say tomahto applies here) cover much more than windows- they make an open and shut case for adding pattern, texture, height, balance, and color to the space. Pelmets, cornice boards (tomato, tomahto also applies here) and valances complement draperies and curtains while providing a stylish alternative for covering and concealing the sins of install mistakes, measurement mishaps, and drapery hardware.

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Wood (i.e. plywood) is usually the material of choice for the construction of cornice boards. Cornice board shapes and styles range from box to scalloped which can be painted or covered with drapery fabric or upholstery. An architectural pediment has the decorative ability to be not only a focal point, but a cornice board of decorative distinction with minor modifications.

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Decorative times have changed. There is a breaking with the rule of perceived formality traditionally that is associated with the cornice board. As with most home decor and home furnishings, materials, design, form, construction, molding, upholstery, and embellishments can be dressed up or dressed down to reflect and the balance of the space and the desired look.

Dave the Builder and I saved our newlywed nickles and dimes up for custom drapes. When we listed our house for sale I reserved the drapes. Those lined little darlings were coming with us regardless of any measurement restrictions! The window measurements of the space in the new house didn’t overly concern me. Plan B was in the woodworks. Dave the Builder built scalloped cornice boards using ½” plywood, covered the forms with batting, measured and cut the fabric, and stretched and stapled it in place.

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While the glue gun heated up I measured and cut the finishing trim. Decorative upholstery trim is my go-to solution for beautifully embellishing and beautifully hiding a defective seam or less than perfect corner fold.

For the DIY project minded, DIY Network has an excellent step by step guide to making a basic wooden cornice board here. This is a smart option ~ the BCL Drapery Hardware Marion Custom Moulding Curtain Rod Cornice comes complete with decorative cornice and built-in curtain rod. Wayfair: $104.29

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Valances and cornices share the common trait of purpose and position. Intended as a decorative option for concealing drapery hardware, a valance is made of fabric that runs the top length of the curtain or drape. Popular styles range from the casual loose and free flowing treatment, traditionally tailored, the structured balloon, ruffled, or scalloped design, pinch pleated, tied and tasseled, or a simple straight finished piece shirred on the rod.

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Pelmets, cornice boards, and valances remain popular decorative choices to top off and complete the total look of window treatments.

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Filed under Curtains, DIY, Draperies, home decor, Interior Decorating, Interior Design, window treatments

Tagged as architectural pediment, cornice boards, curtains, custom cornice board, decorative trim, DIY cornice boards, draperies, home decor, pediments, pelmets, upholstery, upholstery trim, valances, window treatments

June 3, 2013

Ready, Prepped, Go! Outdoor Entertaining Tips

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It’s that time of year again to get the summer party started. Outdoor areas dressed out for backyard grilling and chilling take center stage this time of year. Are you ready for spending quality time in the backyard on the patio, porch, courtyard, or deck entertaining and enjoying the summer? I know I am! First things first~ here’s a few tips for getting the summer essentials prepped and ready to go.

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Butcher blocks and cutting boards ~ to deter bacteria from finding a home in the cracks and on the cutting surface, wash the block or board with mild dishwashing detergent and warm water. Allow the butcher block or cutting board to completely dry. Cover the butcher block or cutting board with a thin layer of coarse salt to draw residual moisture out of the cracks. Wipe of excess coarse salt and use a clean cloth to apply mineral oil, rubbing with the grain. Let dry overnight.

Grill Degreaser ~ baking soda and a steel wool pad. Apply elbow grease and voilà!

Keeping outdoor cushions neat and clean ~ keep the comfort and color, lose the mold, mildew, and dirt with a solution of 2 teaspoons borax, 2 teaspoons dishwashing liquid, and 2 quarts warm water. Mix and pour solution in spray bottle. Liberally spray each cushion down with solution and allow to sit for 15 – 20 minutes. Hose off cushions with water hose and hang from clothes line or stand up to dry.

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Flavored ice cubes ~ the heat and humidity will melt those ice cubes soon enough, but with flavored ice cubes watered down beverages retain their deliciousness. This is so simple- fill ice trays 3/4 full with the beverage of choice and freeze. Take the taste to the next level by adding fresh mint to iced tea or punch cubes, rosemary sprigs to lemonade, pearl onion or halved seasoned green bean to Clamato for bloody marys, or a blend of cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and strong coffee for iced coffees. Grab the blender (or food processor) and purée watermelon slices or fresh strawberries for a summer kick over watermelon or strawberry flavored ice cubes.

Weeds no more ~ Weeds between patio pavers, bricks, and deck boards are unsightly summer sights. Let the sun shine in and down on weeds that have been sprayed with a solution of 1 gallon white vinegar, ½ cup of dishwashing liquid, and 2 Tablespoons salt. Fill a spray bottle with the mixture, set to stream, and spray the mixture on the weeds. This works best on a warm and sunny day. The heat from the sun aids in the process.

Mosquitoes and the West Nile Virus they carry ~ talk about buzz kill! Keeping these pesky uninvited guests away is outdoor priority number one. Citronella candles, tiki and table top torches, and decorative lanterns come in a wide assortment of styles, sizes, and price points.

Is that a bee in your bonnet? ~ No, it’s a dryer sheet! Strategically placed in an apron pocket, under table linens, or pinned to the corners of a tablecloth, dryer sheets help to keep bees at bay.

Freshen up with a twist ~ enjoying the summer good life can get messy, sticky, sweaty, and smelly. Hand sanitizer and wet wipes work well, but I also like to make individual “freshen up with a twist” packs. Place two damp paper towels in a Ziploc bag – one with a drop of liquid soap (I love the fresh scent of Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Lemon Verbena Liquid Soap) on it for cleansing, and the other for rinsing. Include a slice of lemon for an extra twist of fresh. Lemon softens your skin and is a natural odor eliminator. Place the packs in a gallon Ziploc bag, seal it tight, and place it in a lunch tote or outdoor fridge to keep them nice and cool.

Getting things ready for spending time outdoors entertaining and enjoying the best of summer goes with the backyard territory. My friends, summer is making its presence known. Ready, prepped, go!

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Filed under entertaining, home maintenance, summer

Tagged as backyard areas ready for summer, backyard summer entertaining, butcher block maintenance, cookouts, flavored ice cubes, grill cleaning, grilling, mosquitoes, natural weed killer, outdoor barbecue, outdoor cushion cleaning, outdoor living, outdoor parties, outdoor spaces, preparing backyard for summer, summer, summer party planning

May 29, 2013

Balsamic and Honey Baked Vidalia Onions

A summer entertaining series is on tap for the next few weeks here at Places In The Home. Speaking of places in the home, wouldn’t we all love to have an outdoor space like this New Orleans courtyard? Relaxing outdoor spaces, areas, decks, patios, and porches take the edge off the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The stylish outdoor space has become a natural extension of the life lived within the home. The outdoor home decor and accessories available in today’s market make it very easy to enjoy the summer in style.

Good times go well with good cuisine. Light fare, delicious salads and sides, and grilled anything make up the menu of summer.

Balsamic and Honey Baked Vidalia Onions have the culinary chops to be the main course or the star attraction side. Easy is the main ingredient along with balsamic vinegar, honey, butter, and garlic. Here’s the recipe~

Balsamic and Honey Baked Vidalia Onions

Ingredients~ per medium sized Vidalia onion

1 medium Vidalia Onion, peeled and cored

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

1 ½ teaspoon honey

1 tablespoon butter

pinch of Kosher salt

¼ teaspoon fine black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 350. Peel and core Vidalia onion, leaving root end of onion intact. If needed, cut root end to allow onion to sit upright. Score onion on sides to allow better balsamic vinegar and honey absorption. Chop onion top and set aside.

Cut foil square large enough to wrap and twist onion up in and place onion in center of foil square. Sprinkle onion center with garlic powder.

Next, drizzle onion with balsamic vinegar and honey. Top onion center with butter, Kosher salt, fine black pepper, and chopped onion top.

Wrap foil up around onion, twisting at top to seal.

Place onion in oven proof dish or iron skillet. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until until tender. Be careful of steam when opening the tops of the foil packets. Serve in foil packets in individual cast iron skillets or transfer onion(s) to serving dish.

If grilling better suits the occasion:

Preheat grill to medium heat. Double wrap onion with foil. Place onion on the grill over direct heat. Close grill top and cook for 30 minutes or until onions are soft. Allow onion to cool for approximately 5 minutes before opening the foil packet.

Enjoy!

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Filed under Recipes, summer

Tagged as baked vidalia onions, balsamic and honey baked Vidalia onions, Balsamic vinegar, cookouts, grilled onions, grilling, honey, New Orleans courtyard, outdoor spaces, side dishes for grilling, summer entertaining, Vidalia onions

May 27, 2013

Happy Memorial Day 2013

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On this Memorial Day 2013 may we always honor, respect, and remember the service of our brave and loyal military men and women who gave their lives in the line of duty in order to keep our great nation free and our homeland safe.

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Happy Memorial Day 2013!

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Filed under Holidays

Tagged as Happy Memorial Day 2013, Lee Greenwood, Memorial Day, patriotic home decor, vintage flag decorations

May 24, 2013

Seasonal Update:Turn Your Tablescape Into A Table Escape

Tablescape~ A tablescape can easily become a themed table escape. No frequent flyer miles required, no security checks, and no pain whatsoever at the pump for this escape. Tablescape tranquility awaits as “travelers” feast their eyes on the destination display. Let me show you a few stylish and affordable ideas for destination themed tablescapes.

By the Sea~

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Did I hear someone say sea escape? From sea to shining sea, seaside dining is one of my favorite choices for a casual, serene afternoon or evening meal. Allow me to suggest the Thomas Paul Sea Life Collection. Vivid colors and classic deep-sea graphics make this Melamine dinnerware tablescape beautiful and wallet friendly.

Thomas Paul Sea Life Collection

UTILITIES Set of 4: $37.99

Williams-Sonoma ~ Poisson Pasta Serve Bowl: $69.95

West Elm ~ Woven Glassware Set of 4: $11.99

Driftwood Large Platter (Thailand)

Overstock ~ Driftwood Serving Platter: $38.70

Pier 1 Imports ~ Faux Croc Aqua Tray: $19.96

I could spend an entire afternoon on a dollar store run searching for accessories that affordably add fun to the tablescape. Kitchen towels tied with plastic pearl strands make great napkin and napkin ring options. Other table ideas range from various sized glass cylinders filled with shells, votive candles, and decorative coral used as a centerpiece or menu holder.

Pier 1 Imports ~ Turquoise Stripe Napkin: $4.95

sea life napkins

World Market ~ Oversized Sea Life Napkins, Set of 3: $11.97

Target~ Banana Leaf Charger Set of 4: $31.99

Pier 1 Imports~ Scalloped Capiz Placemat: $12.95

Amazon~ Mud Pie Ruffle Conch Salt And Pepper Set: $15

Pottery Barn ~Seashell Set $16.50

Amazon ~ Coastal Home Shell Shaped Salad Bowl: $25.89

Amazon~ Red Alabaster Scallop Bowl: $10.63

An Evening In Paris~

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House Beautiful features this European tablescape from Bottega Veneta’s creative director, Tomas Maier. The beauty of this European is the simplistic elegance. ”The service and mood should be informal, and the food, wine, and presentation extraordinary,” states Mr. Maier.

Photo~ House Beautiful

Kirkland’s~ Richfield Table Lamp: $49.99

Soft lighting, informal china and crystal, and a benign neglect to formality describes the European sentiment.

Wood Grain Baroque charger plates

Amazon~ Charge it by Jay Wood Grain Baroque Charger Plates Set of 4: $22.99

When I think of European decor elements crisp whites, rich browns, soft grays, and deep wine reds immediately come to mind. Below are a few items to illustrate the European point.

Target~Maison 16pc. Dinnerware Set: $39.99

Pier 1 Imports~ Delicious Salad Plates: $7

Pier 1 Imports~ City Sandstone Coasters – set of 4: $12.95

Crate & Barrel ~ French Kitchen Square Board: $24.95

Amazon ~ Wood Rectangle French Recipe Book Cutting Board: $20

World Market~Bark Hemstitich Buffet Napkin Set of 4: $15.96

Dollar Tree~ Mocha Goblet $1

World Market~ Champagne Madeline Flatware Collection: $1.92

Far East and Away~

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Do you have a flair for the Far East? The lines and color palette of Asian influenced dinnerware and decorative accessories create beautiful tablescapes. The retail selections available make it easy to set your table as casual or Far East formal as you wish.

Photo~ Country Living

World Market~Square-Rimmed Gold Charger Set of 4: $11.96

World Market~ Red Khadi Placemat, Set of 4: $15.96

World Market~10-Pack Wooden Chopsticks Set of 2: $5.98

Target~ Harold Import Co. Porcelain Lotus Bowl Set of 6 $17.99

World Market~Black Sake Collection: $5.99 & 7.96

World Market~ Hand Painted Teapot $16.99

Century Novelty~ Cocktail Parasols 24ct. pkg.: $2.50

The WEBstaurant Store~ Chinese Take-Out Containers 100/pk.: $9.49

Home Decorators~ Taibei Ceramic Budda Head: $19

There are many possibilities and combinations for destination tablescapes. In what corner of the world will you set your table escape?

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Filed under home decor, Interior Decorating, Interior Design, tablescapes

Tagged as beverage napkins, destination events, European themed tablescape, Far East themed tablescape, French themed dinner party, kitchen towels, melamine dinnerware, sea shell, seaside dining, Seaside themed tablescape, starfish, tablescapes, themed dinner party, travel, votive candles

May 23, 2013

My Best of The Best of High Point Market 2013

The May 2013 issue of Home Accents Today features the Best of High Point Market Spring 2013 editon- a home furnishings and decor review of products and highlights from last month’s market.

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High Point Market is the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world,and the party comes to High Point, North Carolina twice a year. Palpable style, trends, energy and excitement come together to marvel the interior design, home furnishings, and home decor industry. I thought I would do a little style spotting of my own and share with you a select few of my favorites from the Best of Market Spring 2013 High Point high points.

Bliss Studio Lurgia Collection Cane Nesting Tables ~ Feather your nest with just the right side kick for an accent chair, sofa, or the area of a space that needs “that” special piece but nothing too large or decoratively overpowering.

Feiss Stateroom Collection Bali Brass Table Lamp~ Brass is big in 2013, and the hint of nautical whimsy makes this lamp in season for sure.

Uttermost Chahna Bench ~ You had my attention at aqua blue, and your keeping it with the dark chocolate and milky white velvet cushioned seat.

Interlude Home Caicos Fan Coral ~ So silver. so ebony, so chic accent ready to go as a coffee table centerpiece or foyer bureau focal point.

Alden Parkes Reflection Bombe Chest ~ Elegance paired with a timeless color combination never goes out of style.

Zeugma Handmade Wooden Lantern ~ Lantern love this! The handmade wooden lantern exemplifies mater craftsmanship and custom detail to attention.

Worlds Away Jared Navy Lacquer Desk with Gold Leafed Base ~ Gold leaf and classic navy in a modern marriage of style and function.

Imax Worldwide Home Marisa Graphic Ottomans ~ Propped up or sitting pretty, the upholstered Marisa Graphic ottoman comes in green, purple, grey, and orange- the hot colors of the season.

Eastern Accents Scalamandre Scarf Pillow ~ The iconic signature classic Zebra pattern from Scalamandre is a design standard.

Do you spot a piece that is perfect for your style?

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Filed under accents, home decor, Home Furnishings, Interior Decorating, Interior Design

Tagged as Best of Market Spring 2013, decor and design trends, furniture, High Point, High Point Market, home decor, home furnishings, interior decorators, interior design, North Carolina, style spotted

May 20, 2013

Pineapple Banana Pecan Bread

This recipe almost got past me. We culinary consumers seem intent on assigning a particular season to certain dishes. Chili and gumbo are associated with winter and burgers and barbecue with summer. Doesn’t the very thought of cinnamon bring to mind a crisp fall afternoon? As I contemplated the ingredients of Pineapple Banana Pecan Bread, I ditched any preconceived notion of too holiday, too fallish. Vanilla, pineapple and banana makes me think of Hawaii. Hawaii makes me think of the movie The Descendants, and the movie The Descendants makes me think of George Clooney. Let’s stop there and take a George Clooney moment. Yum! See how food brings good things to mind. Coming back around to the recipe…

Pineapple Banana Pecan Bread is a wonderful little bread packed full of flavor. Adding fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, Greek yogurt, or a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream to the plate makes it a summer favorite.