Hostess Gift Ideas Holiday Edition

Hostess gift ideas for your gift in hand consideration at this ’tis the season  of holiday soiree and dinner party time of year give good to you from me ideas.

retro holiday party

Gifts of holiday hospitality expresses thoughtful appreciation to the hostess (or host).

Entertaining what special token of thank you for including me/us appreciation to gift the merry hostess or host is a scroll away with this Hostess Gift Ideas holiday edition.

hostess gift ideas

There’s flowers, and then there’s flowers.

holiday-bouquet-Kroger

Fresh flowers, although beautiful, shine in the holiday hostess gift ideas spotlight for roughly three to five days.

On the other hand, the Dennis Rosette LED Table Lamp by JONATHAN Y on shines 365 days in the hostess gift ideas- home decor spotlight.

Dennis Rosette 24" LED Table Lamp

Dennis Rosette 24″ LED Table Lamp

River roads and bayous in de Louisiane theme present a touch of Louisiana lagniappe.

River Road Recipes: The Textbook of Louisiana CuisineRiver Road Recipes: The Textbook of Louisiana Cuisine

The Southern Entertainer's Cookbook - by Courtney Dial Whitmore (Hardcover)

The Southern Entertainer’s Cookbook – by Courtney Dial Whitmore (Hardcover)

Hostess gift ideas that work of a central theme such as one that features items native to your corner of the world is a fun and unique way to emphasize the home for the holidays spirit.

Stalk Gold Tray

Stalk Gold Platter

In other words, build upon whatever state the gift recipient hails from or gets a kick out of.

Metallic Gold Alligator Sculpture Table Decor 1

Metallic Gold Traditional Polystone Alligator Sculpture

 French finial fabulous with a lovely price point.

scroll-finials

Distressed Cement Finials

French Bulldog garden statue makes a chic transition to French Bulldog home decor accent.

Delamore Outdoor French Bulldog Garden Statue

Delamore Outdoor French Bulldog Garden Statue

hostess-this-and-that

SAPONIFICIO ARTIGIANALE FIORENTINO 42.3oz 6pk Handmade Florentine Soaps

SAPONIFICIO ARTIGIANALE FIORENTINO  6pk Handmade Florentine Soaps

9-Piece Scented Candle Set

9-Piece Scented Candle Set

Faux Seeded Eucalyptus Wreath

Faux Seeded Eucalyptus Wreath

Wreath  hits the holiday high notes of year round indoor or outdoor color, pattern and texture style.

velvet-ribbon-olive

Pop the holiday color with a yard or two of fabulous velvet ribbon for chic finishing touch.

Napkin-Ring-Collection-Classic-Design-Napkin-Ring-Set-of-4

The gift of gold is in style all year long.

gold napkin ringsSaro Lifestyle Classic Design Napkin Ring ~ Set of 4

around-the-house

front door hand drawn custom house portrait

Hand Drawn Original House Sketch

Pickup in store framed art prints make a nice gift at any time of year.

Cynthia's Hope Framed Art Print

Cynthia’s Hope Framed Art Print

Abstract Lines I Linen Framed Art Print

Abstract Lines I Linen Framed Art Print

Hand Carved Brass Business Card Holder

Hand Carved Brass Business Card Holder 

Denik Lined 3pk Composition Notebooks Saddle Stitched Softcover Science

Denik Lined 3pk Composition Notebooks Saddle Stitched Softcover Science

Rug Mouse Pad

Rug Mouse Pad

holiday-outdoor-bar

Cheers to the holiday hostess and host and the art of the bar.

8in Metal Cocktail Shaker With Bling Top8in Metal Cocktail Shaker With Bling Top

2-Piece Highball Glass Set

2-Piece Highball Glass Set

Initial Monogram Cocktail Napkins, Set of 6

Initial Monogram Cocktail Napkins, Set of 6

Over the last few Christmases I’ve gifted this decanter and it never fails to make a lovely presentation.

Dublin-Triangle-Decanter (1)

Dublin Triangle Decanter

Classic tunes stand the test of time and rocks the holiday soiree.

fleetwood-mac-rumours

Fleetwood Mac Rumours

Holiday gatherings with friends and gifts that express love, thanks and appreciation enhance the spirit of the season.

Spending holiday times with good friends is always in season.

Love your style!

Show & Tell

Southern Sweet Potato Puffs

Culinary contemplation over how I could up my holiday side dish game brought me to a delicious conclusion.

How ’bout pairing the highly holiday requested Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with the OMG as in oh my goodness of puff pastry.

Southern Sweet Potato Puffs it is!

southern sweet potato puffs

Impressing the palates of those who gather together is a part of the holiday dinner and entertaining equation.

As someone who puts stock in the you eat with your eyes first approach to dining, the looks so good has to match up to the tastes so good.

Let’s begin with the recipe for Southern Sweet Potato Casserole.

sweet-potatoes-pecans-flour-brown-sugar

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients

3 cups mashed sweet potatoes

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ cup milk

¼ cup Southern Comfort whiskey

1/3 cup butter, melted

For Topping:

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/3 cup flour

1 cup chopped pecans

1/3 cup butter, melted

Directions

Preheat oven to 350° F.   Lightly spray a 2 quart baking dish with cooking spray.  Boil  sweet potatoes under tender.  Carefully remove from heat, drain, peel and mash sweet potatoes. 

sweet-potatoes-vanilla

In mixing bowl, mix together the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, Southern Comfort, ground cloves and ground nutmeg. 

Spread mixture evenly in prepared baking dish. 

stirring-sweet-potatoesIn a separate mixing bowl, mix together brown sugar, chopped pecans, flour, and melted butter.  

sweet-potato-toppings

Spoon over sweet potato mixture.  

Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.  

Southern-sweet-potato-casserole

Southern Sweet Potato Puffs

Ingredients

southern sweet potato casserole for filling

1 box puff pastry sheets

1 egg

flour

Directions

Allow the casserole to cool before using as the filling for the puffs.

The reason I elect to fill the puff pastry with cooked sweet potato casserole is to work with a dryer filling.

Baking off the casserole absorbs the liquids into the baked casserole, and makes it easier to work with a firmer filling.

The next step in the making of Southern Sweet Potatoes Puffs brings puff pastry into the mix.

I used the defrost in the refrigerator overnight method of thawing the puff pastry sheets.

Unfold 1 puff pastry sheet and place on  lightly floured countertop or large baking sheet.  Roll puff pastry out using a lightly floured rolling pin.  Lightly dust pastry sheet with flour.

Using a knife, cut the pastry sheet into six (6) squares.

sweet-potato-puff-pastry

Spoon 1 tablespoon of the Southern Sweet Potato Casserole mixture in the center of each pastry square.

floured-puff-pastry

Pull corners of each square up over the filling and twist at top to seal.  Repeat with the remaining pastry sheet.

Place the pastry squares onto a large baking sheet that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray.

sweet-potato-twist-puff-pastry

Beat 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of water together in a small bowl with a fork.

Brush each puff with the egg mixture.

southern-sweet-potato-puffsBake for 20 minutes or until puffs are golden brown.

Note:  Southern Sweet Potato Puffs make an excellent small bite appetizer for the holiday cocktail hour.

enjoy

Show & Tell

Taste of the Holidays Spice Rub

Celebrating Thanksgiving begins two weeks out at Places In The Home.  Our family mosaic now includes new additions of a daughter-in-law, a niece-in-law, and a great nephew.

The gang’s all here, just not all at the same time.

The more the merrier.

A lovely sentiment to holiday celebrate, entertain and gather together to.

Thanksgiving-turkey-figurine

The home for the holidays welcome mat is out from October to January.

hello-foyerBetter Homes & Gardens

The first holiday decorating and entertaining oops of many (because what would the holidays be without some kind of snafu) involves a breakdown in china pattern communication between me and my brother.

Turns out the china pattern in his china cabinet is not Autumn by Lenox but Lace Point by Lenox.

Sherlock Places In The Home is on the case, determined to solve the mystery of the missing Autumn china.

Lenox-Thanksgiving

Table setting, decorating and menu delegating abounds.  Roasting the turkey for Thanksgiving is in my wheelhouse.

Prepping, roasting, carving and serving the bird is a grand undertaking and a one-time only main course event.

For that reason, the other two we gather together meals will feature boneless chicken breasts and pork tenderloin, respectively.

turkey-platter-cracker-barrelWoodland Turkey Stoneware Platter 

Presently in recipe development mode, Southern pecan sweet potatoes wrapped in puff pastry will make a culinary debut as the new holiday side dish.

Also new to the holiday menu is a spice rub with the herbs, spices and flavors of fall-autumn-the holidays-Louisiana-home.

You get the idea.

taste of the holidays spice rug

I tried the spice rub out on boneless, skinless chicken breasts last week.

Dave the Builder gave the spice blend 5 out of 5 forks.

I on the other hand thought the rub a tad too hot with pepper, and readjusted the amount from 1 Tablespoon to 1 teaspoon.

You can add to, but you can’t take away from.  There’s the rub.

spice rub

Taste of the Holidays Spice Rub

Ingredients

2 Tablespoon minced onion

2 Tablespoon dried thyme

2 Tablespoon brown sugar

1 Tablespoon cinnamon

1 Tablespoon dried parsley flakes

2 teaspoons ground cloves

2 teaspoons ground nutmeg

2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon black pepper

2 bay leaves

Directions

In a small mixing bowl, combine all ingredients together.  Store spice rub in an airtight container.

spice-rub-chicken

Begin by patting each chicken breast or the pork tenderloin dry with a paper towel.  Coat meat with the Taste of the Holidays Spice Rub.  Lightly drizzle olive oil over tops of each chicken breast or the pork tenderloin.

For Chicken Breasts:  Bake uncovered in a preheated 350° oven for 35-45 minutes or until a meat thermometer registers 165°F.

For Pork Tenderloin of approximately 1½-pounds:  Roast uncovered in a preheated 425° oven for  20 to 35 minutes or until the internal temperature registers between 150º -160°F.   Let the tenderloin rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

enjoy

Show & Tell

Do You Know What Your Thanksgiving Tabletop and Decorating Plan Is?  

It’s the 1st of November.  Do you know what your Thanksgiving tabletop and decorating plan is?

Inspiration is everywhere, and we thrive on it here at Places In The Home.

Let me share with you a few of the Thanksgiving tabletop and decorating suggestions and finds in seasonal color, texture and pattern to set the holiday tone and the Thanksgiving table with the look of the season.

quail-feather-figurine

Birds of gorgeous feather colors flock together among 6′ baby tear and frosted eucalyptus garlands from Hobby Lobby.  Duck hunting in the Sportsman’s Paradise goes with the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, and this new to me find sets the scene- one very well known to the men of the Places In The Home family.

ducks-painting

Fall clearance sales are underway much to the delight of the tablescape maven.

May I also suggest checking out dollar, craft, hobby, and fabric  stores for candles, candle holders, decor, chargers, etc…  Dollar stores are inexpensive to begin with, so there’s that.

The upside to Christmas and holiday items being stocked and displayed on a store shelf near you earlier and earlier each year is the deep discounts on fall and harvest themed items shoppers see sooner and sooner in the season.

The cream craft pumpkin from Lowe’s is 50% off, and the Ashland Finial Vase from Michael’s is on clearance.  Both are calling my name.

thanksgiving tabletop

Frosted Eucalyptus Garland  ||  Cracked-Look Candle Holders  ||  Cream Craft Pumpkin  ||  Grace Dinner Plate  ||  Antique Crown-Embossed Compote  ||  Autumn by Lenox  ||  Vintage Soup Tureen  ||  Ironstone Pitcher  ||  Transferware Vegetable Dish  ||  Copper Bowl  ||  Ashland Finials  ||  Quail Figurine

Thanksgiving Tabletop and Decorating

After creating the gallery I remembered Dollar Tree stocks a white stoneware dinner plate with gold rim.  You can’t go wrong with a set of  white dinner plates with gold or platinum rims.  A simple yet elegant white dinner plate makes a strong argument for the perfect foundation plate, and complements almost every china pattern known to man.

thanksgiving-table-place-setting-dinner

My style preference leans traditional.  Classic tableware and vintage linens set most of my holiday tablescapes and Thanksgiving tabletop, but I do like to gift the eye a decorative surprise.

Marry a traditional china pattern to a modern and/or contemporary pattern.

Intermingle pops of bold color with the customary fall palette.

Mix seasonal buds and branches with roses and taxidermy.

I am always impressed and amazed when decor accents and accessories that normally would not be paired together come together in perfected contrast to create remarkable beauty.

dinner-napkins-drink-glasses

PomPom Design Dinner Napkins – set of 4  ||  White Burnout Snowflake Dinner Napkins-set of 4  ||  Godinger Dublin Goblets  || Cromwell Highball Glasses  ||  Antique Crown-Embossed Compote

Halette+Pedestal+Cups+Cake+StandDessert compotes remind me of my grandmother- a woman who mastered the art of the holiday table with signature style and grace.

vintage-soup-tureen-and-ladleVintage Soup Tureen

One of the best pieces of Thanksgiving tabletop and decorating advice I can offer is this:  I embrace the words do small things with great love.

Incorporate pieces, finds and treasures you love into your Thanksgiving tabletop and decorating.

Personal mementos and collections tell a compelling all things house that make a home story.

love your style

 

Show & Tell

Thanksgiving Home for the Holidays Mode

Places In The Home is in full-on Thanksgiving Home for the Holidays mode.

Pre-planning broadens the window of time between Halloween and turkey day, and although I’ve pre-planned the stuffing out of my Thanksgiving decorating, time is tight.

Here is the extent of my Halloween decorating.

halloween-pumpkin-gifKitchen Ghosts on Tumblr

All things in full-on Thanksgiving Home for the Holidays mode slides right into the home for the holidays motif.

A play on words World Series style.

home for the holidays mode

I love planning the Thanksgiving tablescape, sideboard decor, scrumptious sides and delicious holiday desserts.

Searching for lovely tabletop finds that capture the essence of the holiday rivals that of decor and menu planning, designing and developing.

Southern-Living-Thanksgiving-Issue

I’m seriously considering setting a place at our Thanksgiving table for the guys and gals of USPS, UPS and FedEx that serve our neighborhood route.

We see them more than some of the family members who will be breaking holiday bread with us, and they come bearing parcels and packages.

The Places In The Home Thanksgiving table is being set with a trio of china patterns.

Starring as the simple yet elegant dinner plate set is a simple white stoneware dinner plate with a gold rim from Dollar Tree.

White Stoneware Plates with Gold Rims, 8 in.

White Stoneware Dinner Plates with Gold Rims

Autumn by Lenox makes a first time appearance to the Places In the Home Thanksgiving table compliments of my brother.

autumn-lenox-plate

The ex-wife left, the Lenox china did not.

Holiday desserts will be served on vintage ironstone dessert plates of unknown pattern.

Today’s Home for the Holidays inspiration gallery features Thanksgiving dishes of traditional and new-traditional pattern and color combinations for your holiday tablescape consideration.

Thanksgiving-holiday-dinner-plates-serveware

Plymouth Gate ||  Ardencroft || Friendly Village
Harvest Acorn  ||  Alfred Meakin  ||  Friendly Village Pitcher
Painted Paisley || Plymouth Woodland  ||  Pumpkin Dish

As far as I’m concerned, the holidays have arrived.

Places In The Home is in full-on holiday mode, and with that the holiday show and tell begins.

love your style

 

Show & Tell

Decorating With Fall Colors

Decorating with fall colors is a natural part of the seasonal updating process.

“Autumn paints in colors that summer has never seen.”

Today’s fall colors on parade gallery features inspired examples of interiors and exteriors adorned in traditional, historic, curated and new-traditional colors characteristic of autumn – fall.

Rich.

Brilliant.

Elegant.

Colors of the autumn-fall season gift the eye a visual glory that naturally inspires our decorating with fall color choices.

decorating with fall colors

Matthew Patrick Smyth Interior Design as featured in Traditional Home

Do you believe it possible for an accent color to become the focal point of a space?

Matthew Patrick Smyth proves a neutral color foundation is amplified by the chocolate brown silk table skirt with Greek Key trim.

Stone gray metals, ebony painted bricks, and engravings of Paris, circa 1730 warm the look and serve to anchor the statement.

His color choices are timeless, and will nicely transition from season to season.

Manhattan-apartment

Bruce Bierman Design

Rich in color and texture, the deep brown color of the hardwood flooring plays well to the color block, dramatic accent wall, and decorative accessories in shades of cinnabar, crimson and pumpkin.

decorating-for-fall-with-blueBetter Homes & Gardens

Accents and accessories in seasonal colors beautifully render a color rich montage.

neptune-eva-sofa-in-foxNeptune

Texture, color, and pattern add a sense of season to interiors and home decor accessories.

Velvet home decor furnishings rich in seasonal color brings a welcoming warmth and inviting scheme perfect for crisp days and cool nights.

Salem-in-fallSalem in Fall

Fall seasons the historic exteriors and centuries-old homes of Salem, Massachusetts with the perfect blend of rich in tone and tradition colors customary to the classic fall palette.

gold-and-taupe-and-white-living-room.jpg

Hawkins New York

Paul Denoly and Nick Blaine otherwise known as the founders of Hawkins New York  exhibit the talent of the keen eye in mastering the curated look  in their 18th-century farm house.

These stylish gents brilliantly rock the pink, beige, brown and metallic palette.  

Recently I discovered this example of a new-traditional color scheme in the feature Setting the Tone: At Home With the Founders of Hawkins New York on Domino, and the design and decor showcased in their farm house revival results in a chic aesthetic, comfortable welcome to our home feel, and new-traditional fall color scheme.

fall-color-bedroomBetter Homes & Gardens

Orange accents make a vibrant color splash.

velvet-fabric-accents-living-roomTraditional Home

Juxtaposition of styles, periods, grains, textures, patterns and crisp color details stand out as accents of distinction.

Darryl-Carter-kitchenDarryl Carter, Inc

Owner and designer Darryl Carter of Darryl Carter, Inc. selects for his country home crisp white walls and barn wall floors that reflect soft light from the fire and evening sunsets, and best define the feel of fall for the owner/designer.

Doesn’t man’s best friend looks cozy and comfortable?

Tailor the spaces and places of your home to reflect your sense and style of season while gorgeously decorating with fall colors.

Darleen-signature-love

 

 

 

 

 

Show & Tell

Kick Up The Fall Flavor Spiced Apples

Ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg and ground cloves sprinkled over peeled and chopped apples kick up the fall flavor in this recipe for spiced apples.

It most certainly is beginning to look, smell and taste a lot like fall and yes, even the holidays.

Earlier and earlier we see holiday articles and postings in our inboxes and social pages, and who can blame those of us who find fall and holiday decorating, cooking and baking news so shareworthy.

October through December is the most wonderful and delicious time of the year.

fall-leaf-rain-waterflickr

Into every unseasonably warm fall day some rain must fall for the cold front to move through that’s bringing highs in the low 60s and lows in the low 40s.

fall-blankets-throws-temps

Hanging out in the kitchen cooking is oddly relaxing and a great way to spend a rainy day afternoon.

The Home for the Holidays season is right around the corner (can you believe it?), and the sweet and savory recipes to holiday impress by aren’t going to develop themselves.

Do you know what a bowl of softening apples is called?

Recipe inspiration.

mixed-color-apples-in-bowl (1)

Our local grocery store sells bags of day old produce for $1.00.

My mother, the produce whisperer, hit the market at the precise moment the produce manager was putting out the marked down bags.

She got the price pick of the day, and the deal dished this recipe for spiced apples.

I washed and peeled six apples of assorted variety and color, searched the spice inventory and refrigerator for what’s on hand ingredients, and proceeded to recipe develop.

This recipe is really a no-brainer based on the natural connection between the fruits, flavors and spices we associate with the taste of fall.

Here’s what I came up with.

spiced-apples-in-bowl

Spiced Apples

Ingredients

6 apples, peeled and chopped

1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground cloves

¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 generous Tablespoon fig preserves

2 generous Tablespoons orange marmalade

1 Tablespoon molasses

2 Tablespoons butter

Directions

Preheat oven to 300°.  Lightly butter baking dish and set aside.  Wash, peel and chop six medium size apples.

apple-bowl

Place apples in baking dish.  Squeeze the lemon juice over the apples.  Sprinkle ground cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg over apples.

apples=brown=sugar

Add the brown sugar and stir gently to coat apples.

coated-apples

Stir in 1 generous Tablespoon fig preserves and 2 generous Tablespoons orange marmalade.  Spread apples in single layer in baking dish.

apples-butter-molasses

Lightly drizzle molasses over apples.  Cut butter into small pieces and place on top of the apple mixture.  Bake uncovered at 300° for 45 minutes.

chopped-apples-butter-molasses

Spiced apples pair deliciously with pork tenderloin or spiral ham.

foodie-gift

Spiced apples scrumptiously complement a slice or two of toasted pecan-pumpkin bread.

pumpkin-bread-loavesPecan-Pumpkin Bread Recipe from Southern Living

Spiced apples lend the perfect taste of fall to a scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with honey.

spiced applesHungry yet?

enjoy

Show & Tell

Kitchen Remodeling Renovation Features to Splurge or Save On

Kitchen remodeling renovation features to splurge or save on is the focus of today’s conversation.

Okay.

You’ve made the decision to remodel or renovate your kitchen.

Let’s work with this area first.

Remodeling includes demo, construction and changing the existing design of a space or structure.

Renovating details an update or restore consisting of mainly cosmetic changes.

Throw another R into the mix.

Resale value is a choice point to consider when remodeling or renovating.

Cost vs. value comparison from Remodeling Magazine is a find both interesting and informative.  It compares the average cost for 29 popular remodeling projects with the value the project retains at resale in 99 U.S. markets.

Undertaking a kitchen remodel or renovation comes with a myriad of decisions.

The answer to the kitchen remodeling renovation features to splurge or save on question is subjective to personal taste and lifestyle, while strongly influenced by and tailored to the existing structure, layout and budget.

Now that that’s established, let’s delve into the topic of kitchen remodeling renovation features to splurge or save on.

Kitchen Island

country-kitchen-rustic-wood-ceiling-cross-beams-gray-stained-pine-cabinets

Tiffany Farha Design

The well appointed standalone kitchen island is a multi-functional focal point center of kitchen activity that packs a powerful one-two punch.

Aesthetic lands the visual appeal while the design delivers navigational proficiency.

Kitchen spaces and sizes vary from house to home, style to space.  A large space with an open floor plan is a reality for some, a dream for others.

This is where thoughtful kitchen design becomes crucial to the prep, cook, store and clean environment.

Efficiency, distance and flow is key in regard to the design concept known as the kitchen work triangle.  The work triangle connects the main task areas of the sink, range or cooktop and refrigerator.

As a general rule, the sum of all three sides of the kitchen work triangle should be between 13 feet and 26 feet.

Factor in the proximity to the sink, range and refrigerator kitchen work triangle and design with convenience in mind.

kitchen-work-triangle

Specialty Stations and Appliances

transitional-kitchen (2)Shenandoah Cabinetry

We’re a thirsty nation with a design need to accommodate said thirst.

Increase in demand for kitchen specialty stations and specialty appliances is responsible for moving the gourmet coffee machine, commercial ice maker and wine chiller out of the luxury extra column and into the kitchen features splurge column.

Optimum kitchen design successfully integrates lifestyle and necessity.

coffee-wine-beverage-stationBetter Homes & Gardens

High-End Range, Range top or Cooktop 

black-barrel-kitchen-hood-black-viking-rangeMegan Winters

Gourmet cooks, home chefs, and entertainers extraordinaire know a high-end range, range top or cooktop is a must-have splurge of innovation, efficiency, functionality and performance.

In the words of interior design Miles Redd, “buy the best, and you only cry once.”

Many brands of mid-range appliances offer a quality smart performance with a modern aesthetic for an affordable price.

Quality is not necessarily accompanied by a budget busting price tag.

traditional-kitchen-rangetopDouglas VanderHorn Architects

High-end appliances are price justified if the homeowner has no intention of selling the home.

In terms of resale situation and return on your investment, high-end appliances may only appeal to niche buyers.

Pot filler

copper-pot-filler

Convenience makes a fabulous sous chef.

My preference for cooking on a gas cooktop or range is of no secret to Dave the Builder.

pot-filler-Rohl

A pot filler makes the kitchen features wish list however, moving electrical, gas and plumbing is expensive.

Try, try as I may to justify the splurge on expense, a save on compromise is on the table.

Hello, new electric cooktop and kitchen sink faucet.

Cabinets

When Dave the Builder & Company renovated our kitchen, we kept the existing cabinet and drawer boxes and went with custom fronts.

This best of both worlds decision rendered significant savings.

cabinet-frontsBuckingham Raised Panel Cabinet Door

Storage

appliance-garageHouse Beautiful 2017 Kitchen of the Year

Customized countertop storage compartments, cabinets and drawers qualify as smart storage options to splurge on.

mixer-cabinetWood-Mode Custom Cabinetry

james.michael.howard.portfolio.interiors.kitchen.architectural.detail.design.detail.

James Michael Howard

Dollars saved by going with a less expensive backsplash option such as  subway tile equals dollars well spent on details such as a custom range hood.

Subway tile is classic, on-trend, and budget friendly.

You gotta pick and choose your kitchen remodeling renovation features to splurge or save on battles.

Flooring

I’ve got enough to say grace over in the kitchen.

I don’t want nor need the extra headache of fretting over the flooring choice.

As beautiful as the hardwood floor is, it does present a water stain, spot and scratch issue.

kitchen remodeling renovation features to splurge or save on

Personal preference for ceramic tile flooring in the kitchen over hardwood flooring won out in our remodel.

Tile is durable, stylish, design friendly, and affordable.

terracotta-tile-flooringSroka Design, Inc.

Porcelain tile in the style of hardwood flooring is gaining in flooring popularity.

porcelain-wood-tileMediterranea Boardwalk in Myrtle Beach Whitewash

If you ask me kitchen remodeling renovation features to splurge or save on suggestions:

A kitchen can never have enough electrical outlets.

Utility of a kitchen is found in the utilities.

An overhaul of an existing electrical panel by a licensed professional electrician updates the outdated and safely allows for additional lighting and outlets.

Save on the lighting fixtures, splurge on the electrical.

If your heart is set on granite, but your budget does not allow for tricking out the entire kitchen countertop in granite, consider going with granite strictly for the kitchen island countertop.

granite-white-kitchen-island Venegas and Company

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again-the answer to the kitchen remodeling renovation features to splurge or save on question is subjective to personal taste and lifestyle.

Areas of splurge should give maximum return on investment, performance and expectation, whereas areas of save should give a maximum return on quality and functionality while being both stylish and cost-effective.

Darleen-signature-love

 

Show & Tell