Plans for our grand old flag pop and splash style 4th of July bash are coming together.
Traditional Home
You would think color palette inspiration is what I gleaned from the country French aesthetic of this Charles Faudree decorated bedroom.
Oh, it catches my eye and pops the patriotic palette, but what speaks 4th of July to me is the blue and white plates on the wall.
More on that further down the post.
Old Glory proudly welcomes visitors and the 4th of July to Places In The Home.
I never shy away from an opportunity to add a pop of color to interiors or exteriors.
Displaying the American flag and decorative throw pillows in red, white, and blue brilliantly colors my world in true patriotic style.
Our usual cast of characters made an executive holiday decision to hold our 4th of July bash at my brother’s house.
I voted for our 4th of July holiday to look a bit more like this…
but the majority ruled for our grand old flag pop and splash style 4th of July bash to be a home for the holiday celebration.
Relocating our 4th of July bash to my brother’s house puts us closer to the lake and his pool.
Now that’s smart party planning.
My new waterproof bluetooth speaker will make its inaugural debut. It’s not a party without the grooves and tunes of summer.
My Dad was a Veteran and a proud American.
His love of country was rooted in the American flag.
He fought for it, he never shied from his pride in it, and at the end of his life the American flag honored him.
In honor of my Dad, Veterans, and the military servicemen and women who serve our country, our flag flies for you.
What would a 4th of July tablescape be without a red, white and blue centerpiece?
I’m supplying the vase which is actually a cookie jar sans lid and the American flags.
Whatever greenery or flower I can find in blooming abundance in nature’s floral department (the yard) will be the center of centerpiece attention.
I happened to notice how full our neighbor’s magnolia tree is at present, and with their permission to “get all you want whenever you want” I’m thinking a bouquet of magnolias is where this centerpiece is going.
I’m staying true red, white, and blue with the party palette, but the 4th of July patio table will be set with vintage blue and white plates in various china patterns.
Summer sweet corn grown in the fields along the bayou is on the menu.
Some want it roasted.
Some want it cut off the cob and Southern fried with home grown tomatoes and sautéed Vidalia onions.
Some want it boiled, or as it was put to me, the way nature and the farm to table gods intended.
Summer sips, snacks, sweets, sides and sizzle simple is on the menu.
Dave the Builder will lead the barbecue pit crew, I’ll handle the sides, my brother is in charge of beverages and appetizers, and Mama Places In The Home is on dessert detail.
From planning to preparing to plating, our grand old flag pop and splash style 4th of July bash is a family affair.
We’re ready to go 4th, color our world and our holiday, and party in patriotic style.
We hope you all have a fantastic 4th of July.
If things don’t get planning and preparing crazy around here, I’ll pop in with a post next week.
Summer simple suggestions in chic summer style for bedecking interior and exterior settings, entertaining, dishing up summer fare, and outdoor living it up easy peasy is greatly appreciated.
Southern, Northern, Eastern or Western Living- regardless of geographical location, summer living and loving decoristas have got the memo, and it’s all about keeping it summer simple and summer simple suggestions.
It’s kinda sorta tough to kick back, relax and savor the season when you notice heavy equipment sitting on the sidewalk in front of your house and you, the homeowner, have no earthly idea what it is doing there.
Seems our city water department has a little curb appeal water line improvement of their own in mind.
This does not make my summer simple suggestions list.
Progress isn’t always a pretty process, and the installation of a new water lines makes it difficult to achieve summer curb appeal style, but we forge on.
We trimmed the unattractive dead sago palm fronds and within a week new green growth emerged.
Here’s a trick in my simple summer suggestions repertoire for getting your Sago palm(s) summer curb appeal ready.
Sago Palm Care
Outdoor planted Sago palm care involves watering the plant regularly until it takes root.
I like the look and the drought tolerant aspect of the mature Sago palm.
Fertilize at least once a month beginning in spring to aid in active growth.
Covering the base of the plant with mulch will help to protect the roots from cold snaps.
In inclement winter weather or fall freeze, we cover the exposed Sago palm with a heavy duty extra large black trash bag to protect it.
If it’s not one thing, it’s this.
Cue The Rolling Stones, cause it’s shattered.
The lawn and garden guy’s super duper heavy duty weed eater took aim at a loose piece of exposed aggregate, obliterating the exterior glass panel of the patio French garden door.
One simply can’t patio pretty with ugly on parade.
Thank goodness for the friend who frequents our summer patio soirees that just so happens to own a local glass company.
It’s time once again to get your summer soiree on, and the ideas for fun in the sun or evening tiki torch, lantern or string light are flowing.
We’re working with what we’ve got in the front of the house, and if you are like us, you’re getting your porch, patio and deck hangin’ game plan down pat.
Comfortable, fun, relaxing, refreshing, simple, tasty and stylish as chic- this is my number one summer simple suggestions formula for a festive summer gathering.
If Ina Uses It
I read with interest an article listing the pros and cons of a charcoal grill.
The pros outnumber the cons, and personal preference trumps all however, the one pro of the charcoal grill worth mentioning is worth mentioning. Grilling on a charcoal grill ups the flavor quotient and gives great grilled flavor.
3 tablespoons good olive oil, plus extra for brushing the grill
1 teaspoon chopped thyme leaves
3 teaspoons chopped garlic
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 ounces grated Gruyere
12 small Brioche buns
4 ounces baby arugula
3 medium tomatoes, sliced in 1/8-inch-thick rounds
2 small red onions, sliced in 1/8-inch-thick rounds
Ketchup, for serving
Directions
Build a charcoal fire or heat a gas grill.
Place the ground beef in a large bowl and add the mustard, olive oil, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with a fork to combine, taking care not to compress the ingredients. Shape the meat into 12 (2-inch) patties of equal size and thickness.
When the grill is medium-hot, brush the grill grate with oil to keep the sliders from sticking. Place the sliders on the grill and cook for 4 minutes. Turn the sliders over with a spatula and cook for another 4 to 6 minutes, until medium-rare, or cook longer if you prefer the sliders more well done.
For the last 2 minutes of cooking time, place ½-ounce Gruyere on the top of each burger and close the grill lid. Remove the sliders to a platter and cover with foil.
Slice the buns in half crosswise and toast the halves cut side down on the grill.
Divide the baby arugula among the 12 bottom buns, top each with a slider, and finish with a slice of tomato and red onion. Cover with the top of the bun and serve hot with ketchup.
– from Food Network
Culinary experiments put the taste and c’est si bon in the summer entertaining mix.
Summer menus require summer classics, new discoveries and improved additions.
Fried chicken is practically required eating in the South and a mainstay of the summer dining and picnic table.
Once the Places In The Home gang discovered how good the fried chicken is from the deli at our local Kroger, frying chicken at home has become a thing of the past.
Here’s my tip for simply summer impressive- it’s all in the presentation.
I go heavy on the presentation and simple with the preparation.
A pack of mini terra-cotta clay pots from the dollar store become individual s’mores supply pots.
Chippy, rusty, and charming- this vintage Hershey’s Milk Chocolate metal tray would make a great serving tray or decorative accent for the s’mores table.
Vintage ironstone and in the style of vintage table linens set a summer chic table.
A quick trip to an antique shop, garage sale or Goodwill store usually results in an ironstone serving piece find or two.
Vintage picnic wares and baskets bring memories to the table, and can be used for the actual purpose of food and beverage and/or as decorative accents.
Dave the Builder and I bought a vintage picnic table from a fellow antiques dealer with the express purpose of featuring it in a summer display at Hopefully Classic.
I used a vintage picnic basket filled with hydrangeas for a super easy, super cute centerpiece.
You can make quite the keep it summer simple statement with a collection of glass jars or melamine vegetable bowl and whatever flowers, greenery or veggies are growing fresh in your yard or garden.
No garden or flowers on the homestead?
Check out the floral department and produce section of your favorite grocery store or farmers market.
Mini watermelons on a natural table runner of Pittosporum paired with Lemon Lime Nandina is summer simple and summer chic.
Ears of fresh corn with the husks slightly peeled back in order to expose the corn kernels grouped in threes and tied with woven ribbon of your color, pattern and texture choice or metallic twisted rope is another fresh centerpiece idea.
Bring the sugar, corn syrup, and ¼ cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and cool.
Puree the plums, cooled syrup, and lime juice in two batches, using a blender, until smooth. Stir the plum puree and yogurt together in a large mixing bowl.
Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, leaving about ½ inch at the top, as the mixture will expand when it freezes. Follow popsicle mold manufacturer’s instructions and freeze until solid, about 4 hours.
I saw this VW Bus throw pillow and immediately my thoughts went to summers spent camping with my childhood friend and her family in their VW Bus.
Louisiana is a long way from the California coast, but the Gulf Coast is a fun place to sand, swim, sun and sing we’ve been having fun all summer long, Louisiana style.
The Beach Boys definitely make up the soundtrack of summer.
My final summer simple suggestions tip is as follows:
Even though the article appears to be from the June 2014 issue, it proves classic design and decorating choices rooted in symmetry and proportion stand the test of time and trend.
Designer Wendy Kirkland
I really like this image of the great room vignette, and thought it may be fun to emulate the look in an in the Lowcountry style of show and tell feature.
I can’t tell you how many times a client has started a consultation by showing me an image from a shelter magazine or Pinterest followed up with a request for the completed space(s) to look exactly as pictured in the aforementioned image.
Imitation is the most sincerest form of flattery, and I’ve yet to meet a decorista who hasn’t flattered the heck out of designer or decorator by borrowing from a well designed and decorated space.
Call it a creative compliment.
I don’t participate in, condone, nor suggest taking the work of another and calling it your own.
Ever.
What I have done, and continue to do, is use the initial presentation as inspiration and from there incorporate my own personal in the Lowcountry style of preferences.
Lowcountry refers to the geographic and cultural region along the coastal region of the Georgia and South Carolina coast.
Sourcing furnishings and décor items in the style of consists of searching sites for antiques, vintage and new pieces that complement the primary style, and then utilizing those finds to create visual harmony, balance and beauty.
Antique buffets, sideboards, and servers make excellent spot pieces. I’ve seen them used in foyers, hallways, kitchens, dining rooms, mudrooms, bathrooms- you get the idea.
Antique furniture does not do it for everyone, but when you compare quality, price, patina and presence of an antique piece to a new piece, often there is no comparison between the two.
Coastal design style is a summer natural, and when it is merged with in the Lowcountry style of accents and accessories the result is a serene, inviting, and charming aesthetic.
The on the patio, porch, terrace or deck on summer holidays season complete with summer ready spots of relaxation and entertaining decked out to impress is ready to a kick off.
Winter is in the rearview mirror, and we are looking ahead to outdoor living, entertaining, and my favorite, decorating, with the full-on colors, patterns, and textures that visually convey the message summer has arrived.
The warm temps of spring every days and summer holidays is inspiration central for those who love decorating and celebrating their outdoor living life on the patio, porch, terrace or deck on summer holidays.
The image below reminds me of the vintage sewing machine stand I bought at a flea market when Dave the Builder and I were dating.
Dave found a scrap piece of marble to serve as the top and we were in business.
I first used the marble top sewing machine stand as a bistro table, then a kitchen island, then a microwave stand, and eventually a poolside bar/beverage stand.
Nothing fancy by any means, but unique (at the time) and very versatile.
Garden hose be gone, or at least housed in this beehive hose holder.
Do you know what a summer day and this post have in common?
They’re both long.
Summer days, summer nights, and summer holidays- are you ready to show your summer style off on your stylishly decorated patio, porch, terrace or deck?
This post contains affiliate links. I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
Today’s A Most Fetching Friday takes its royal inspiration straight from today’s headlines. In case you haven’t heard, there is a wedding of royal inspiration taking place Saturday in England at St George’s Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle. The 4:00 a.m. CST nuptial festivities ring round awfully early therefore I am reveling in the pre wedding majesty. Pomp and circumstance, royal etiquette, morning coats and fascinator fascination- the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is in line to become a fetching affair to remember. On this side of the pond, royal inspiration comes in all styles, shapes, streets and strengths.
When I opened up Chrome Monday morning, the Google doodle successfully accomplished its purpose of informing me it’s Teacher Appreciation Week.
The celebration of our teachers got me to thinking about the special teachers I had and love to this day, the significant role a teacher plays in the lives of her/his students, and the apples to apples comparison between teacher project planning and decorista project planning.
kate spade new york Zadie Drive Apple Lidded Box
Many of us have a special place in our heart and grateful appreciation for at least one teacher from our scholastic past.
I can trace aspects of the life lessons, confidence levels, journalism interests, political interests and organizational skills utilized in my daily professional and personal life back to three beloved teachers.
“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”
-Albert Einstein
Their influence through the formative years positively shaped, molded, and impacted my life, and the lessons learned reach far beyond a textbook, chalkboard, Donny Osmond or David Cassidy notebook.
I am struck by the similarities between teacher lesson planning and decorista project planning.
With the teacher lesson plan, planning is crucial to a successful instructional experience.
To be effective in classroom management, it is necessary to remain focused on the task at hand before moving on to the next activity.
When a teacher provides his or her students with step-by-step instructions, it makes for a smooth transition into the next subject.
In regards to a home improvement or interior decorating project, a detailed project plan puts inspiration to paper, dollars to sense, purpose to project.
Begin with a Master Plan
Project planning is essential to the overall process from idea to design to decorating execution to finished product.
Check Yes or No
Will converting a space from let’s say a formal living room or rarely used guest bedroom into a home office be a beneficial transformation or a regrettable repurpose?
Study the space and evaluate if it may be of better use to your needs by taking a recess from its initial purpose.
Will moving a wall make the design grade?
Take the time to study the space, and let the walls or removal of them talk to you.
Stay the Course
It is mighty tempting to tackle more than originally planned once you get into the project of it all.
Spreading the project love too thin can result in an incomplete or failing grade assigned to the design objective and decrease the desired quality of work.
Education is Project Power
Folks, let me let you in on a little secret.
There’s a whole lot more that goes into the home improvement interior design and interior decorating projects you see tackled and mastered on your favorite house to home show.
I’m not saying leave it to the professionals, but I do suggest doing your homework before jumping into the “I/we can do that” waters.
Do your homework by learning all you can through materials, fixtures and appliances manufacturer’s websites.
Access the FAQ page.
If you’ve got a question odds are someone else does too.
Take the time to watch the how-to videos.
Home improvement sites offer great tutorials, and YouTube is a treasure trove of information.
Read customer reviews and home improvement-interior design blogs.
Project planning is the essential tool beneficial to both teachers and decoristas.
In style and on high point home décor pieces currently catching my eye in and soon to be in the spring 2018 retail market is today’s topic of conversation.
I am closely following the style spotting social postings from the attendees of High Point Market- the largest semiannual home furnishings industry trade show.
Retail home furnishings buyers, interior designers, architects, and others in the home furnishings industry flock to High Point, North Carolina to check out new to the retail market home furnishings and home décor accessories.
Social media postings keep those of us unable to flock to High Point Market in the style loop.
Curved and Straight Neck Crane Statue Set
The cover of the April 2018 issue of Home Accents Today features home decor pieces currently catching my eye from Coco & Dash in Dallas, Texas.
Patio pieces elegantly make the transition from outdoor to indoor furnishings and home decor accessories.
Giving decorative consideration to patio pieces for indoor spaces shakes the look up in the very best of design and decorating directions.
I do like to throw the eye a curve ball of the most stylish kind.
The timeless and classic color combination of pink and green envelopes this nook designed by Nashville interior designer Sarah Bartholomew in year round spring and summer hues.
Sarah Bartholomew ~ Traditional Home
Inspiration serves as the catalyst to decorating imitation.
When the use of color, texture, pattern, home furnishings and on high point home decor pieces of space and style strikes your fancy, imitating the look by adapting it to suit and characterize your personal style complements and compliments.
American Ornithology Volume VII, Plate 63 ~ Alexander Wilson
Roseate Spoonbill Framed Graphic Art Print
Sarah Bartholomew ~ Traditional Home
Fresh and green is a paint project away.
Eastham Rattan Side Chair
Sherwin-Williams Houseplant SW 6727
Sherwin-Williams Organic Green SW 6732
Spring lends an air of fresh and new to the color, texture and pattern preferences that capture the eye when style spotting on high point home decor pieces.
From the “looks” of things, it’s shaping up to be a beautiful and stylish retail season.
This post state dinner post is all about the c’est si bon. I got completely caught up in the design and decorating details of the event, but knew I would be remiss it I did not chime in on the menu choice of jambalaya in the style of Louisiana jambalaya. Cooked in the flavor traditions of New Orleans, the dish served at the State Dinner was Carolina Gold Rice Jambalaya.
The in the tradition of New Orleans seasonings jambalaya reviews are in from Senior Louisiana senator Bill Cassidy who was in attendance.
The meal & evening were “fantastic,” Sen. @BillCassidy tells me, but “the jambalaya was not jambalaya—it may have been rice pilaf but it wasn’t jambalaya.” https://t.co/JefFmiuH8M
Anywho, a quick google search provided a recipe from Carolina Rice for Carolina Gold Rice Jambalaya. As delectable as the recipe may cook up to be, if you’ve never tasted Louisiana Creole or Cajun jambalaya, you’re not eating Louisiana jambalaya.
Trust me on this one. The taste buds don’t lie.
Louisiana chefs of restaurant and at-home test kitchen skill alike master their personal versions of this flavor rich to the core one-pot rice dish. We’re all about the one-pot dish down here in the boot. Variety is the spice of life and Louisiana jambalaya recipes. There is Creole jambalaya and there is Cajun jambalaya. The main difference boils down to the addition or exclusion of one ingredient- tomato. Creole jambalaya (red jambalaya) is made with tomato (diced, paste, etc.) whereas Cajun jambalaya (brown jambalaya) is made without. The holy trinity of chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery is flavor front and center in both, chicken, sausage and/or shrimp serves to further accentuate the flavor, and spice combinations work their seasoning magic.
I cover all the culinary bases by owning both. While I am loyal to the Magnalite dutch oven my mother-in-law’s best friend gave us as a wedding gift 35+ years ago however, the big blue pot cooks as pretty as it looks.
Let’s cover the essential c’est si bon that go so well with jambalaya.
Louisiana Hot Sauce
Southern Buttermilk Cornbread
Creole Cajun Seasoning
Creole Cajun Seasoning
1/3 cup paprika
3 tablespoons dried oregano
3 tablespoons ground black pepper
2 tablespoons dried basil
1 tablespoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoons cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon granulated onion
4 teaspoons dried thyme
4 teaspoons granulated garlic
In a medium bowl combine paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, ground black pepper, dried basil, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, granulated onion, dried thyme and granulated garlic. Stir to combine. Can be stored in an airtight container for up to three months.
Chicken and sausage is the Places In The Home house favorite for gumbo and Louisiana jambalaya. Time is not on my side at posting, so I am using the image of the chicken and sausage jambalaya from New Orleans’s Cafe Reconcile as featured on Louisiana Cookin’.
In a large cast-iron Dutch oven, cook sausage on high heat for 3 minutes. Add chicken, and cook until browned on all sides, 15 to 20 minutes.
Lower heat to medium, and add onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until vegetables are soft, about 15 minutes.
Add tomatoes, tomato paste, Creole~Cajun seasoning, parsley, thyme, and basil. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.
Add chicken stock, and bring to a boil over high heat. Add rice, and stir. When jambalaya returns to a boil, reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook until rice has absorbed all liquid, about 25 minutes.
