All Things House That Make A Home
Happy New Year 2022, dear readers and friends.
It is my most sincerest wish that for all of us 2022 is a year of health, grace, blessings, happiness, peace, kindness and inspiration.
May the wonderment of beauty delight the eye, touch the heart, and surround hearth and home throughout the year.
As always,
God grant you lightness in your step,
A smile on every face you meet,
Loved ones gathered at your hearth,
And at your door, good friends to greet
A holy hymn upon your lips,
A window candle burning bright
And may the Good Lord bless your heart
And come to dwell here Christmas night.
—Irish Christmas Blessing
From our house and hearts to yours, Dave the Builder and I wish you a very Merry Christmas 2021 filled with everlasting joy, peace, splendor, and love.
The pace for Christmas season 2021 is set to slow in order to savor the season, embrace the true meaning of it all, and cherish the memories old and new that rush my mind and heart.
Christmas season 2021 Pretty At The Holidays highlights a collection of gorgeous images featuring scenes of the season guaranteed to inspire and impress.
“Freshly cut Christmas trees smelling of stars and snow and pine resin—
inhale deeply and fill your soul with wintry night.”
—John J. Geddes
House & Garden – Photo by Mark Fox
“The rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious
faces with a Christmas greeting.”
—Louisa May Alcott
“Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it
by giving the light of love to those who need it most.”
—Ruth Carter Stapleton
“We count down the days, just to experience it nearly
exactly as we always have.
It is so comfortable, familiar and perfectly nostalgic
that, frankly, we have no desire to improve upon it at all.”
— Joanna Gaines
“Christmas magic is silent.
You don’t hear it—you feel it.
You know it. You believe it.”
— Kevin Alan Milne
House Beautiful – Photo by Gordon Beall
“Some Christmas tree ornaments do more than glitter and glow, they represent a gift of love given a long time ago.”
—Tom Baker
“Christmas is a piece of one’s home that one carries in one’s heart.”
— Freya Stark
“As long as we know in our hearts
what Christmas ought to be, Christmas is.”
– Eric Sevareid
“Bless us Lord, this Christmas, with quietness of mind; Teach us to be patient and always to be kind.”
— Helen Steiner Rice
“Let us keep Christmas beautiful without a thought of greed.”
—Ann Garnett Schultz
“Christmas is like candy; it slowly melts in your mouth sweetening every taste bud, making you wish it could last forever.”
— Richelle E. Goodrich
“May your hearth be warm, your holidays grand, and your heart
held gently in the good Lord’s hand.”
— Unknown
Carolyne Roehm
“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold,
everything is softer and more beautiful.”
— Norman Vincent Peale
Festive anticipation is super setting in as Christmas week draws closer, and I fa la la la love it!
Flights carrying loved ones begin to arrive, Dave the Builder is patiently awaiting a pan of Fantasy Fudge brimming with chopped walnuts, and as much as I would love a visiting elf to grant me the pleasure of wrapping all the gifts for me, that’s one Christmas miracle I’m pretty sure is not going to happen.
Holiday happenings, tasks, and undertakings can bring immense joy, however, the holiday hustle an bustle can be quite overwhelming at times.
Balance is a key component of design and decorating, life, and essential at this the most wonderful time of the year.
I’ve adopted a slow the pace, win the race attitude towards Christmas season 2021, seeing the beauty and the meaning of the season through a different lens.
Years of holiday decorating, open houses, and professional retail antiques and design business services brought joy, but I noticed by the second week of December I lost all interest in the holidays. Can you say oversaturation?
For this reason, I keep my holiday social media postings light as well as my blogging in order to experience the joy rather than looking up and it being all over.
Remember this, my dear friends; the Christmas season is short at best. Treat yourself while treating others to the joy, the beauty, the goodies, and the glory of this beautiful season.
Merry Christmas, dear ones.
Happy Thanksgiving dear readers who I am most grateful to call friends.
May the love of family and friends, good health, joy found in the comforts of home, an appreciation of holiday beauty, and wealth in all of these bless your life each and every day.
Gobble and gather together times entice family and friends to come together to share a delicious dinner featuring Thanksgiving sides and holiday sweets.
Today’s post features traditional foundation Thanksgiving sides and holiday sweets recipes I’ve collected from fellow bloggers and assorted social media postings.
Traditional recipes are well represented, but with improved upon ingredients and presentations certain to be requested additions to the holiday menu.
Melting Sweet Potatoes with Maple-Pecan Sauce
Asiago Bruschetta Roasted Asparagus
Green Bean and Mushroom Skillet
Starches plus tryptophan results in a full, satisfied and sleepy husband, son, brother, and nephews, and that means guilt free Black Friday shopping, keyboard style, for Mama Places In The Home, nieces, and yours truly.
Thyme and Wild Mushroom Stuffing
Pumpkin White Chocolate Mousse Pie
Gluten-free Pear-Walnut Cake with Vanilla & Cardamom
No-Bake Espresso Chocolate Pudding Pie
Holiday side dishes blessings and bon appétit!
Red, white and blue accents inspired by stellar color choices, engaging stripes, and timeless patterns star in this showcase featuring the bold and bright patriotic inspired palette- the original grand pop of color.
Cheng Toile from Thibaut Dynasty Collection
Architectural Digest -Photo by Ryan Kurtz
What better way to create a remarkable space than with unique interior design and decorating giving center stage to red, white and blue accents.
Hillary W. Taylor Interiors – Brunschwig & Fils
Red, white and blue paint colors in deep, rich, vibrant, and dramatic tones and shades promote a full-on color blast, burst, and boom of visual fireworks.
There’s nothing kiddie about the look created in these kids’ rooms.
New England Home Magazine – Photography by Michael Partenio
Exceptionally impressive best describes this antique bed with upholstered headboard and grandly ornate swan footboard.
Pattern at play.
New England Home Magazine – Photography by Michael Partenio
Bold and beautiful describes the dramatic impact achieved in the 1842 Vermont farmhouse kitchen of Wendy Valliere of Wendy Valliere Interiors.
Red, white and blue beautiful.
Red Velvet Pancakes from Eclectic Recipes
Enticing the eye is mixture accomplished by Eclectic Recipes and this red, white and blue stack of red velvet pancakes topped with coconut syrup and fresh blueberries.
Click on the link below the photo for the recipe.
19th Century French Iron Pastry Table- 1stDibs
Red, white and blue accents bring chic to both the nautical or coastal tablescape.
Traditional Home
Royal complements navy blue, simply white enhances china white.
Befitting a palette choice with a patriotic theme pop of color, red, white and blue accents lend bold drama and traditional form to a space.
The Places In The Home Independence Day into night party plan objective is all about a cozy at home celebration.
Slow and easy is the theme accentuated by pops of patio and patriotic color, farm to table delights, and staying cool while celebrating Independence Day.
Let me share with you what my it’s not rocket science Independence Day into night party plan objective is all about.
Well of course music and perhaps a twirl around the patio will be involved.
This photo tells illustrates a belief of mine which is fashions and music may change, but gathering together to enjoy summer patio fun is a timeless tradition that never will.
While we’re on the subject of blast from the past fun…
Let’s put on our dancing shoes and boogie down to the cornerstone of the any party playlist.
Macramé is making a comeback, and this macramé swing chair is a comfortable and fashionable flashback to the swingin’ late 60s into the mid 70s and pure patio party fun.
ZENSTYLE Beige Hanging Cotton Rope Macramé Hammock Chair Swing
Setting a cozy party scene is not a complicated process.
Comfortable seating is a necessity, and options range from modern to vintage chairs, settees, swings, rockers, and sit-upons (remember, Girl Scouts?).
Just add a red, white, and/or blue decorative pillow to keep with the holiday festivities, a refreshing beverage, and good company and you’ve got yourself a stylish rest and relaxation haven for unwinding on the 4th of July.
More super cute outdoor throw pillows in colors and patterns 4th of July adjacent afford an all summer long vibe.
Houndstooth Throw – Design Imports
Throw blankets, for example, in party palette colors, patterns, and textures serve their intended purpose, but also make a handsome tablecloth.
Isadora Floral Quilted Throw Blue – Levtex Home
Yes, I’m well aware this next party idea is an oldie but a goodie suggestion, and with good reason.
One Kings Lane
Distinctive candle holders and battery-operated votive candles continue to be the ideal choice of party lighting.
For the sake of flicker to flame safety, select outdoor LED battery -operated votive or pillar candles, pop in a hanging candle holder or ten, and prepare to be entranced by the affordable, simple, and positively elegant look created.
Another reason I love to use and suggest battery-operated candles is the convenience involved.
Turn the candle(s) on and forget about it until time to call it a night.
Our star-spangled celebration menu takes a celebratory cue from the best part of the summertime bounty- fresh from the farmers market fruits and vegetables.
Southern Living – Photo by Beth Dreiling Hontzas
This Berry Splash recipe from Southern Living is summer celebration delicious and family friendly.
Peaches for eating, peaches for drinking.
A star-spangled theme is instantly recognizable as the traditional theme of 4th of July celebrations.
In keeping with tradition, the American flag meets and greets neighbors and friends.
Decorating with items such as fabric and serveware in a broader range of holiday patterns and colors gives you a more than one use option.
Red Beaded Melamine Dinner Plate
Royal Norfolk Blue Floral Dinner Plate
Patterns, activities, colors and celebrations generally associated with the summer months give great inspiration.
Pick a favorite as your 4th of July party ideas theme foundation and go 4th from there.
Dottie Clear Acrylic 17 oz. Drink Glass
Preparing a charcuterie board paired with party accessories with red, white, and blue fruits, meats, and cheeses is a taste of America winner.
Cherry tomatoes, blueberries, red grapes, deli meats, white cheeses and nuts- you get the idea.
Serving in style.
Addison 3-shelf Multi-use Cart by Greyson Living
Fabric closeouts are a great source for affordable and stylish patterns to use as tablecloths, table runners, napkins, basket and serving dish liners.
For those who like to get your money’s worth out of accents and party accessories, the white palm leaf tassel napkin ring from Hobby Lobby fits well with most summer occasions.
Tassel napkin ring not your thing?
Go with a decorative braided rope ribbon in your choice of color.
Blooming blue hydrangeas from the yard of a very generous and giving neighbor star in the centerpiece arrangement along with small American flags.
Ramekins filled with popcorn and garnished with Nestle Crunch bars (red, white, and blue wrapper inspired) is about as easy as it gets.
Simple.
Affordable.
Appropriate.
Keeping it super summer simple, baby!
Oh, I almost forgot to tell you about a dessert I made for Father’s Day that was a crowd pleaser.
Two go-to fluff salads, Watergate and Orange Pineapple, fall off the summer salad season rotation because by the time Thanksgiving into Christmas holidays roll past I’ve pretty much had my fill of these two.
Banana pudding or a delicious improved variation of it is summer dessert perfect.
Banana Pudding Fluff
Ingredients
1 3.4 ounce package instant vanilla pudding
1½ cups milk
1 8 ounce container whipped topping
3 bananas, peeled and sliced
1-2 cups mini marshmallows
20 vanilla wafers, crushed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
Whisk pudding mix, milk, and ground cinnamon in a large bowl. Let mixture stand a couple of minutes in order to firm up.
Fold in whipped topping.
Add mini marshmallows, crushed vanilla wafers, and sliced bananas.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Lemon Icebox Pie Ice Cream
Ingredients
3 to 4 lemons
2 cups half-and-half
1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
3/4 cup coarsely crushed graham crackers
Directions
Grate zest from lemons to equal 1 Tbsp. Cut lemons in half; squeeze juice from lemons into a measuring cup to equal 1/2 cup.
Whisk together half-and-half, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice. Pour mixture into freezer container of a 1 1/2-qt. electric ice-cream maker, and freeze according to manufacturer’s instructions. (Instructions and times may vary.)
Stir in graham cracker crumbs and lemon zest; transfer to an airtight container. Freeze 2 hours before serving.
-Southern Living via My Recipes
Royal Norfolk Lemon-Printed Stoneware Salad Plates
I knew I would find the right opportunity to order the Royal Norfolk Lemon-Printed Stoneware salad plates, and the lemon icebox pie ice cream waffle cone sandwiches is it.
Serving this summer approved dessert on these melamine lemon salad plates (first cousin to the appetizer/dessert plate) is keeping with the theme of fresh ways to make a presentation.
After all, we do eat with our eyes first.
An easy Independence Day into night party plan objective works in concert with summer fun, delicious dishes, and stylish accessories that won’t break the bank.
Outdoor living spaces furnished to the hilt in summer style with creature comforts in mind deliver just that- summer style.
That’s how we snap, crackle and pop a 4th of July party in the USA at Places In The Home.
Happy New Year’s Eve into New Year 2021, dear friends!
As the hands on the clock move us forward into a New Year, I’m meeting 2021 looking forward to brighter and beautiful things to come in life and blog life.
I so hope you all will come along on the stylish and beautiful ride.
Here’s to the New Year 2021- a year I pray is blessed in love, happiness, health, safety, prosperity, peace, inspiration, and beauty for all.
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