From the Vegetable Garden Paint Colors

Vegetable garden paint colors plant the seed of in-season color inspiration.

Vegetable Garden Paint Colors

Vertumnus by Guiseppe Arcimboldo Print

From the garden paint colors harvest a potager palette ripe, rich, bright, crisp, and visually fresh.

bunch-of-vegetables

Photo by Nadine Primeau 

“In a garden, we witness the beauty of creation.”

oriental-eggplant-behr-premium-plus-paint-colors (1)

Oriental Eggplant Satin Enamel Low Odor Interior Paint & Primer

Eggplant, otherwise known as aubergine, takes its place on the color wheel in visually impressive fashion.

eggplant-vegetables

Photo by Bruna Branco

Aubergine commands full focal point attention as demonstrated by this particular shade of purple,  proving it is no shrinking violet.

purple-mudroom-bench

Whittney Parkinson Design

Robust.

Confident.

eggplant-sofa-alex-papachristidis-home

Elle Decor – Photography by Richard Powers

Vibrant.

Palette potency.

glossy-purple-lacquered-walls

Hallie Henley Design

Unmistakably distinctive, eggplant or aubergine is on-trend for 2025.

corn-fresh-cob

Quickly becoming the new neutral, buttery yellow is having a moment, and it’s delicious.

buttery-yellow-kitchen

Pierce & Ward

yellow-paint-color-sw6681-butter-up

SW 6681 Butter Up

island-pendants-fabric-green-yellow-wallpaper

Apartment Therapy – Photography by William Myers

glidden-corn-moon-corn-silk-paint-colors

Glidden Corn Silk

green-white-striped-sofa

Elle Decor – Photography by Simon Upton

pattern-graphic

Pattern makes a compelling argument for the beauty that lies within in the it’s all in the detail details.

Invariably there comes a point in the color selection process when the space and the style is better suited for color to make its statement through decor accents, texture, and pattern.

yellow-curtain-panelKelley Interior Design  via Pinterest

Buttery yellow and luxurious creamy dreamy not quite white-simply garden inspired gorgeous!

yellow-and-green-dining-space

Trellis Home

green-yellow-fabrics

texture-graphic

Better Homes and Gardens

Decor elements showcasing color and pattern as a featured focal point make texture a tactile experience.

color-graphic

fresh-tomatoes-various-colors

Red draws the eye, envelopes a space in depth, and frames a focal point.

Benjamin-Moore-tomato-red (2)

Tomato Red by Benjamin Moore

red-green-ripe-tomatoes-on-vine

Photo by Daria Mushtaieva

BEHR-PREMIUM-PLUS-1-gal-S-G-440-Green-Acres-Flat-Exterior-Paint-Primer

S-G-440 Green Acres Flat Exterior Paint & Primer

tomato-tango-benjamin-moore-paint-colors (2)

CSP-1145 Tomato Tango – Benjamin Moore

Accents steeped in various shades resembling those that grow in nature’s vegetable garden introduce bursts of depth and dimension to the space.

kitchen-islands-14

Veranda Magazine – Photography by Bjorn Wallander

Variants, hues, and tones blend and balance core color trends.

benjamin-moore-tomato-cream-sauce-paint-color

Tomato Cream Sauce 2089-40

I’m reminded of the rich and distinctive shade created when a splash of cream blends into the robust red of tomato soup.

pink-bedroom-design-with-canopy-bed-curtains

Collins Interiors

There’s something so spring into summer about the variety of colors associated with fresh from the garden tomatoes.

bunk-beds-with-staircase

Kelly Caron Design

white-and-green-klismos-chairs

Marika Meyer Interiors

From garden to table to perfect decorative home accessory, garden home decor colors inspire.

salad-theme-paint-colors

2010-10 Tomato Red – Benjamin Moore
OC-85 Mayonnaise – Benjamin Moore
410D- 4 Asparagus – Behr 
428 Cucumber – Benjamin Moore

green-home-office-with-green-cabinetry

Peter Dunham Design

garden-cucumber-behr-premium-plus-paint-colors

M400-7 Garden Cucumber Flat Exterior Paint & Primer

Love the pop of garden bold colors paired with open windows on a sunny day!

peas-in-shells-in-bowl

Karolina Kołodziejczak on Unsplash

BEHR-ULTRA-1-qt-T15-18-Snap-Pea-Green-Extra-Durable-Eggshell-Enamel-Interior-Paint-Primer

Snap Pea Green Extra Durable Eggshell Enamel Interior Paint & Primer

Benjamin-Moore-split-pea

Benjamin Moore Split Pea

pea salad recipe

Country Living – Photography by Ed Anderson

green-plates-drapes-kitchen

James Farmer

Asparagus-Extra-Durable-Flat-Interior-Paint-Primer

Asparagus Extra Durable Flat Interior Paint & Primer

Kitchen_Green_Cabinets_DE10 House & Home

sculptural-antique-asparagus-platter-majolica

Chez Pluie

Seasonal home decor updates in from the garden home decor colors are naturally influenced by the deep, rich, bright and vibrant shades represented at the farmers market.

cucumbers-cherry-tomato

Photo by Vasi on Unsplash

Thebualt-Kitchen-Green-Cabinets

New England Home

Garden color combinations “produce” an anything but garden variety statement.

green-marble-countertop

Creative Tonic

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Sitting at my keyboard going over the final parts to this post I am lulled by the hum of a lone lawn mower off in the distance keeping time with the wind chime choir on the patio.  Quiet moments when God slows the busy offer an opportunity to still, reflect, and mediate.

I hope the noise that gets in your way at times is softened by spring’s beauty and gentle sounds, a sunshine for the soul moment.

Darleen-signature-love

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving Dinner Kitchen Tips

Today’s post offers a cornucopia of Thanksgiving dinner kitchen tips to lend a helping hand with the 3 P’s – plan, prep, and plate a delicious and successful Thanksgiving meal.

Thanksgiving-holiday-table-set

You’ve got questions, and I’ve got Thanksgiving dinner kitchen tips and answers.

new-and-antique-copper-cookware

Thomas O’Brien – Luxe Interiors+Design- Photo by Francesco Lagnese

Holiday tradition proves there’s soon to be something cooking in the holiday kitchen.

Things can get mighty hectic in the holiday kitchen, and a cook is only as good as the kitchen gadgets, tools, and accessories he or she uses.

Let’s show and tell Thanksgiving dinner kitchen tips.

essentials-graphic-1

Timesaving kitchen essentials making the plan-prep-cook-bake-serve process easier on the cook qualify as the consummate ingredient to a successful holiday meal.

oak-and-glass-double-kitchen-pantry-doors

AKB Design

Well-stocked and organized holiday pantries becomes the star of the kitchen show everyday of the week, especially at holiday hosting time.

baking-flour

Nik on Unsplash

fall-spices-McCormick

kitchen conversion chartShanty-2-Chic

fall-jellies-syrups-preserves

Seasonal vegetables, baked goods, and meats glazed, infused, and enriched by the addition of jams, jellies, syrups, marmalades, spices and seasonings combinations put a delicious twist on the traditional.

Homemade Poultry Seasoning

Ingredients

4 teaspoons ground sage

3 teaspoons ground thyme

2 teaspoons ground rosemary

1 teaspoon ground marjoram

1 teaspoon white pepper

⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

Combine all ingredients together.  Store in a tightly sealed container.

Herbes de Provence

Ingredients

1 tablespoon fennel seeds

2 tablespoons dried rosemary

¼ cup dried thyme

3 tablespoons dried marjoram

3 tablespoons dried summer savory, optional

1 tablespoon dried tarragon

1 tablespoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried chervil, optional

1 teaspoon dried mint

1 teaspoon dried lavender, optional

Directions

Grind the fennel seeds and rosemary in a spice grinder. Pour into a mixing bowl.  Stir in the remaining herbs.

Store in a tightly sealed container.

Creole-spices

Creole-Cajun Seasoning

Ingredients

  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

Directions

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.

spices-fall-baking-cooking

Seasoning Swaps

Allspice  – cinnamon; dash of nutmeg; dash of cloves

Cardamom – ginger

Cloves – allspice; cinnamon; nutmeg

Cinnamon – nutmeg; allspice (use only ¼ the amount)

Ginger – allspice; cinnamon; nutmeg

Nutmeg – cinnamon; ginger

Rosemary –  thyme; tarragon; savory

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Liquid Hand Soap - Acorn Spice

Aroma therapy sous chefs.

holiday in the kitchen tip

Choose dishes and recipes you’ve met and mastered to prevent a cooking-baking meltdown.

If your dying to try that new dish you saw in a cookbook, on social media, or on a cooking show prepare it for practice a week or so out from Thanksgiving dinner day in order to get the hang of it.

Lodge 7 Quart Oval Dutch Oven - Oyster WhiteLodge 7 Quart Oval Dutch Oven – Oyster White

Cuisinart Caskata 5 Qt. Round Covered Casserole

Cuisinart Caskata 5 Qt. Round Covered Casserole

Pots, pans, Dutch ovens, and cocottes with high performance cook and serve capability add a kick to your kitchen style.

Lodge 5 Quart Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch OvenLodge 5 Quart Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven

holiday in the kitchen tip

Take inventory of the dishes to be cooked on Thanksgiving day, taking note of the total prep to stove to oven to table time involved.

Thyme & Table Nonstick Supreme Cookware, 12-Piece Set, Cream

Thyme & Table Nonstick Supreme Cookware, 12-Piece Set, Cream

If you’ve been entertaining the thought of purchasing new cookware, I can’t think of a better time than preparing Thanksgiving dinner to do so.

Bobby Flay Ceramic Non-Stick 13-pc. Cookware Set

Bobby Flay Ceramic Non-Stick 13-pc. Cookware Set

Cooks 30-pc Aluminum Non-Stick Cookware Set

Cooks 30-pc Aluminum Non-Stick Cookware Set

Gotham Steel Hammered 15 Piece Nonstick Cookware and Bakeware Set

Gotham Steel Hammered 15 Piece Nonstick Cookware and Bakeware Set

Anolon Advanced Home Hard Anodized 2-pc. Dutch Oven

Anolon Advanced Home Hard Anodized 2-pc. Dutch Oven

Mesa Mia Cast Iron 7-qt. Oval Dutch Oven with Lid

Mesa Mia Cast Iron 7-qt. Oval Dutch Oven with Lid

Kitchen Details Pro Series 1 Piece Deep Roasting Pan with Diamond Base, Carbon Steel

Kitchen Details Pro Series 1 Piece Deep Roasting Pan with Diamond Base

Gibson Home Radiance 17.5 Inch Stainless Steel Copper Plated Oval Roaster

Gibson Home Radiance 17.5 Inch Stainless Steel Copper Plated Oval Roaster

Theme cookware= holidays in the kitchen.

Iron Works Enameled Cast Iron 4-Qt Pumpkin Dutch Oven

Iron Works Enameled Cast Iron 4-Qt Pumpkin Dutch Oven

Best-Choice-Products-6-Quart-Enamel-Cast-Iron-Dutch-Oven-Heavy-Duty-Cookware-w-Dual-Handles-Lid-Sage-Green

Best Choice Products 6 Quart Enamel Cast-Iron Dutch Oven

Sage green is a lovely color to accent both Thanksgiving and Christmastime in the kitchen.

The Lakeside Collection Pine Cone Kitchen Collection - Baker

The Lakeside Collection Pine Cone Kitchen Collection – Baker

Temp-tations Floral Lace Set of (2) 9x13 Baker w Upswept Handles

Temp-tations Floral Lace Set of (2) 9×13 Baker w Upswept Handles

Allow ten extra minutes per recipe to help rule out any issues.

Heavy-Duty Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Frying Pan Set

Indoor/Outdoor Heavy-Duty Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Frying Pan Set 

skillet cornbread

I ♥ this turkey scene cast iron skillet!

You know me and my fondness for working with a theme.

LODGE-cast-iron-skillet-turkey-bottom

Lodge Wildlife Series Turkey Scene, Seasoned 13.25″ Cast Iron Skillet

Cast Iron Skillet Cookbook 2nd Edition

Hint for cleaning cast iron skillet(s):

In most cases I use a couple of wet paper towels to wipe out the inside of the skillet.  If that method doesn’t get the job done sprinkle the inside of skillet with kosher salt. Gently move the salt around with a spatula until any stuck on gunk is lifted. Wipe out the salt with a clean damp paper towel.

Dry your cast iron immediately by placing on stove burner or in oven to dry skillet evenly from the inside out.

Beautiful 6 Quart Touchscreen Air Fryer, White Icing by Drew Barrymore

Beautiful 6 Quart Touchscreen Air Fryer, White Icing by Drew Barrymore

Instant Pot® 10Qt Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven

Instant Pot® 10Qt Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven

Presto electric knife sharpener

Presto® Ever Sharp® Sapphirite™ 2-Stage Electric Knife Sharpener

Cuisinart Matte Black 12-Pc. Cutlery Set

Cuisinart Matte Black 12-Pc. Cutlery Set

Celebrate Together™ Fall Pumpkin Serving Bowl

Celebrate Together™ Fall Pumpkin Serving Bowl

Resin-Grand-Harvest-Turkey

Pioneer Woman Harper Kitchen Island with Drawers, Homestead Brown

Pioneer Woman Harper Kitchen Island with Drawers, Homestead Brown

CAROTE-12-Pieces-Kitchen-Knife-Set-Stainless-Steel-Knife-Set-With-Nonstick-Creamic-Coating-Dishwasher-Safe-with-6-Blade-Guards-Anti-Rust

CAROTE 12 Pcs Kitchen Knife Set with Paring Knife

Savannah Black Kitchen Cart with Stainless Top

Savannah Black Kitchen Cart with Stainless Top

cream-mason-cash-mixing-bowls

Mason Cash Mixing Bowls

mixing-bowls-hobnailTabletops Gallery Hobnail 4-pc. Mixing Bowl Set

whipped-pudding

5-Piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set

5-Piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set

Aluminum Bundt PanAluminum Bundt Pan

Nordic-Ware-12-Cup-Formed-Nonstick-Aluminum-Classic-Bundt-Pan-Rose-Gold

Nordic Ware 12 Cup Formed Nonstick Aluminum Classic Bundt Pan, Rose Gold

Nordic-Ware-Sunflower-and-Pumpkin-Loaf-Pan

Nordic Ware Sunflower and Pumpkin Loaf Pan

Nordic Ware Wheat & Pumpkin Pan

Nordic Ware Wheat and Pumpkin Loaf Pan

autumn_wreath_bronze (1)

Nordic Ware Autumn Wreath Bundt® Pan

Thyme-Table-Non-Stick-Loaf-Pan-with-Handled-Stainless-Steel-Trivet-for-Serving

Thyme & Table Non-Stick Loaf Pan with Handled Stainless Steel Trivet 

Mainstays-6-8-10-Round-Nonstick-Carbon-Steel-Springform-Cake-Pans-Gray-Set-of-3

Mainstays, 6″, 8″, 10″ Round Nonstick Springform Cake Pans, Gray, Set of 3

apple-pie-filling-spice-dusted

“Autumn skies and apple pies.”

— Unknown

 Marble Board

Mason Cash | S12 Fox Embossed Mixing Bowl – 4.25 Quart
The Pioneer Woman Olive Wood 19.5-Inch Rolling Pin
Marble Board

Core Kitchen Black PolypropyleneStainless Steel Grater

Core Kitchen Black Polypropylene Stainless Steel Grater

Johnny-Apple-Peeler-Cast-Iron-Suction-Base-Red

Johnny Apple Peeler, Cast Iron, Suction Base, Red

10 Round Stoneware Apple Pie Baking Dish Red - John Derian for Target

10″ Round Stoneware Apple Pie Baking Dish Red – John Derian for Target

Matte White Ceramic Pumpkin Shaped Deep Pie Dish with Lid

Matte White Ceramic Pumpkin Shaped Deep Pie Dish with Lid

stoneware-pie-dish-set

Williams Sonoma Stoneware Pie Dish, Set of 3

Wilton Bake It Better Non-Stick Baking Pan Set, 3-PieceWilton Bake It Better Non-Stick Baking Pan Set, 3-Piece

holiday in the kitchen tip

Mashed potatoes will stay warm for an hour or so in a slow cooker set to low.

Starfrit Rotato Express Electric PeelerStarfrit Rotato Express Electric Peeler

bella 6qt Programmable Slow Cooker

bella 6qt Programmable Slow Cooker

♫ I can mash potato, I can mash potato ♫

Pumpkin Leaf Turkey Platter and Gravy Boat Set, Embossed Pumpkin Fall Harvest

Pumpkin Leaf Turkey Platter and Gravy Boat Set, Pumpkin Fall Harvest

turkey-shaped-gravy-boat-white

Now, let’s talk gravy.

If you slightly scorch the gravy, don’t panic.

Add 1 teaspoon of smooth peanut butter until the burnt flavor is gone. You may need to add more peanut butter.  Do so 1 teaspoon at a time.

Tasteless gravy happens.

Remedy by adding a chicken bouillon cube, caramelized onions, and/or a splash of wine, and a generous pour of heavy cream to liven up the taste of an otherwise bland gravy.

Simmer the gravy for 25-30 minutes, allowing the added flavors to incorporate and season.

Greyish-Blue Transferware Gravy Boat

Greasy gravy is nasty gravy.

Begin with a mixture of ½ teaspoon cornstarch with 1 teaspoon water.  If gravy remains too greasy add another ½ teaspoon cornstarch with 1 teaspoon water.

If your gravy comes out too thin here’s a remedy to thicken it up.

Heat one cup of turkey or chicken broth (fresh or canned) until it reaches a simmer.

kerr-mason-jar

Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with one to two tablespoons of cold water in a small lidded jar.  Shake to mix, making sure cornstarch incorporates and there is no lumps.

stainless-steel-balloon-whisk

Slowly whisk the cornstarch/water mixture into the simmering broth, whisking continuously to eliminate lumping.

Simmer the broth until it thickens; about 2 minutes.

Add thickened broth to gravy.

gravy-recipe

Tried, true, and my new traditional holiday gravy recipe is easy and delicious.

In a large skillet, melt ½ stick of butter.  Over medium-high heat, sauté pearl onions (if from a jar, drain) and chopped garlic until translucent and tender.

Pearl onions make a lovely presentation, but if you don’t like or can’t find these little bites of deliciousness, peel and chop a medium onion and go with it.

thanksgiving-kitchen-information

Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus 3-Cup Food Chopper, Metallic Red

Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus 3-Cup Food Chopper, Metallic Red

Add 2 jars of roasted turkey gravy from a jar.  Stir ingredients together, reduce heat to medium.

Hamilton Beach 2 Speed Hand Blender with Whisk and Chopping Bowl

Hamilton Beach 2 Speed Hand Blender with Whisk and Chopping Bowl

Next, add 1 teaspoon herbs de Provence; stir and reduce heat to simmer.  Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Aladdin Heritage Vacuum Bottle 24oz, Plaid

Use a vacuum bottle (Thermos) to keep the gravy warm and free up another stove burner. 

holiday in the kitchen tip

Cut up vegetables such as green onions, bell pepper, celery, garlic, and root vegetables ahead of time and store in the refrigerator in air tight containers. 

cutting-boards-stacked

House & Garden- Photo by Andrew Montgomery

Balboa-Park-Roasted-Oak-Server

Balboa Park ‘Roasted Oak’ Finished Server

winter-root-vegetables

Photo by Nick Fewings

Classic-Rolling-Black-Solid-Oak-Wood-Tabletop-57-in-Kitchen-Island-with-Drawers-and-Wheels

Classic Rolling Black Solid Oak Wood Tabletop 57 in. Kitchen Island 

KitchenAid ® 13-Cup White Food Processor

KitchenAid ® 13-Cup White Food Processor

Thyme & Table Non-Stick Coated High Carbon Stainlless Steel Carbone Chef's Knives, 3 Piece Set

Thyme & Table Non-Stick Coated High Carbon Stainless Steel Carbone Chef’s Knives, 3 Piece Set

Frank-Sinatra-carving-turkey

Plymouth Turkey Extra Large Serving Platter

J.A. Henckels International Statement 2-pc Carving Set

J.A. Henckels International Statement 2-pc Carving Set

berghoff-antigua-2pc-carving-set-knife-and-fork

BergHOFF Antigua 2Pc Carving Set: Knife and Fork

Reversible End-Grain Bamboo Cutting Board

Reversible End-Grain Bamboo Cutting Board

Reversible End-Grain Acacia Cutting Board

17″ Reversible End-Grain Acacia Cutting Board

Farberware 12 Inch by 18 Inch Hardwood Drip Trench Cutting BoardFarberware Hardwood Cutting Board

in-the-kitchen-graphic

Lock & Lock canisters are my go-to storage containers to store sweet potato puree to cornbread to chocolate walnut fudge.

Lock-Lock-4-piece-Tall-Canister-Storage-Set (1)

Lock & Lock 4 piece Tall Canister Storage Set

Modern Chef 12-Piece Glass Bowl Set

Modern Chef 12-Piece Glass Bowl Set

glass-food-storage-containers-with-lids

Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Food Storage Containers, Set of 4 with Lids 

Anchor Hocking Glass Baking Dish Set, 7 Piece Glass Bakeware Set

Anchor Hocking Glass Baking Dish Set, 7 Piece Glass Bakeware Set

Here’s hoping these Thanksgiving dinner kitchen tips offer the information and source suggestions needed to ensure total Thanksgiving dinner success.

Darleen-signature-love

Wreaths For Fall

Wreaths for fall come in all shapes, sizes, and shades. Fall wreaths need not be expensive to give a million-dollar welcome.

distressed-fall-change-is-beautiful-leaves-white-wall-sign

Distressed Fall Change Is Beautiful Leaves White Wall Sign

DIY Inspiration from a couple of fall seasons ago resulted in this wreath that didn’t quite make it to the front door, however it does greet the season sitting pretty in the foyer.

fall-entry-wreath

fall-wreath-tailgating-table-decor

24″ Fall Purple & Orange Eucalyptus Wreath

Fall Brown Asymmetrical Twig Wreath Wreath (2)

18″ Fall Brown Asymmetrical Twig Wreath Wreath

brown-window-door-frame

Bruno Cervera 

Interior and exterior doors, walls, and windows benefit from a touch of the season.

Better-Homes-Gardens-18-in-Artificial-Magnolia-Leaves-Wreath-Green

Better Homes & Gardens 18 in. Artificial Magnolia Leaves Wreath

Simple embellishments render simple yet elegant results.

faux-magnolia-leaves-wreath

Grapevine Wreath with Fall Leaves and Acorns

Grapevine Wreath with Fall Leaves and Acorns

Emphasize the natural beauty of fall with a faux dried wreath.

Linden Street 24in Faux Dried Wreath

Linden Street 24in Faux Dried Wreath

These will take you from hello, fall straight into Happy Thanksgiving.

22 Natural Foliage & Eucalyptus Mix Wreath by Ashland®

22″ Natural Foliage & Eucalyptus Mix Wreath by Ashland®

Thanksgiving-wreath-on-front-door

Colonial Williamsburg

brown-willow-wreath

18″ Natural Willow Wreath by Bloom Room

diy-fall-autumn-wreath-cotton-dried-leaves

Picks of the season here and there complemented by a loose loop of velvet ribbon in your choice of width and color dress up an otherwise plain willow or grapevine wreath.

fall-picks-ribbon-for-wreath

Fall colors on parade!

Harvest Eucalyptus Wreath, 24 in, by Way to Celebrate

Harvest Eucalyptus Wreath, 24 inch

21.25" Boxwood Wreath Brown - Threshold™

21.25″ Boxwood Wreath Brown – Threshold™

Brilliant.

Fall Red & Orange Maple Leaves Wreath by Bloom Room

Fall Red & Orange Maple Leaves Wreath by Bloom Room

Beautiful.

Dried Weeping Bamboo Wreath

Dried Weeping Bamboo Wreath

Hops Fall Wreath - Threshold

Hops Fall Wreath – Threshold

Bright.

Fall Yellow Lantern Wreath by Bloom Room

Fall Yellow Lantern Wreath by Bloom Room

Faux Golden Ash Leaf Fall Wreath - Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia

Faux Golden Ash Leaf Fall Wreath – Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia

Sponge Mushroom Wreath

Dried Mushroom Wreath

 18in. Honeybloom Dried Mushroom Wreath

From our house to yours-

16.5 Natural Birdhouse Wreath by Ashland

16.5 Natural Birdhouse Wreath by Ashland

dark-wood-front-door-arch-drawing

Birmingham Museums Trust

Artificial Sunflower And Peony Wreath

Artificial Sunflower And Peony Wreath

Artificial Tricolor Heather Teardrop Decor

Tricolor Heather Teardrop

No fan of the burlap ribbon or love the ribbon but find it not big enough to suit your taste?

making-bow-with-green-ribbon

embellish-graphic-1

fall-ribbon-assortment

Consider using a hanging basket filled with seasonal stems and branches as your ’tis the season wreath.

Large Woven Hanging Basket by Ashland

Large Woven Hanging Basket by Ashland

Anticipating the arrival of fall finds me ready to select one of these fall wreaths to welcome the season.

Darleen-signature-love

Early Spring Into Easter

Early spring into Easter color awakenings through spring color palette choices are upon us.

multi-color-tulips-spring

Colors of the season shake off the last of winter’s remnants with the help of warm mid-afternoon breezes, hints of pastel petals, the yellow dusting of pollen (you want pretty flowers, don’t you?), the hum of lawnmowers, and seasonal treats featuring fresh strawberries.

strawberries-in-season

Photo by Anna Tukhfatullina Food Photographer/Stylist on Unsplash

Color wakes up a space in the same manner that spring wakes up color from its winter hibernation.

Farmers' Market Herb Live Wreath & Garland

Farmers’ Market Herb Live Wreath & Garland

Spring moves the clock forward, presents the perfect time to organize and clean, and wakes up the color all around us.

green-velvet-sofa-fringe

Amal Kapen Interiors

Easy and affordable ways to incorporate the best of the season into your home and garden is to update and refresh through accents and accessories.

Accents and accessories in fresh, lively, and warm colors of spring renews our interiors and exteriors, elevates our moods, and brushes away the heaviness of winter.

new-for-spring-home-decor

Machine Washable Indoor/ Outdoor Chantille Floral Rug

Charlotte Moss Flowers Book

3d Floral Ceramic Table Lamp

4pc Porcelain Bunny Hill Salad Plates

Rustic Toile Pillow

More Monet Framed Wall Art

Scalloped Bottom Skirted Dining Chair

putting flowers in vase

 

 

 

 

 

 

de-gournay-Bayville-Chinoiserie

de Gournay Bayville Chinoiserie

Wallpaper or paint?

In certain situations, coupled with certain tastes, here’s where I stand on the matter.

Why not both?

paint-color-samples-display

Photo by Clay Banks

Touches of color, texture, and pattern can automatically pack a space with immediate focal point potential.

green-pendant-light-breakfast-room-Cameron-Ruppert-Interiors

Cameron Ruppert Interiors

“Only those who love color are admitted to its beauty
and immanent presence. It affords utility to all,
but unveils its deeper mysteries only to its devotees.”

— Johannes Itten

baton-rouge-laundry-flower-cutting-room-pink

Flower Magazine – Photography by Paul Costello

Subtle in nature and brilliant in execution, the color white does indeed make a strong and complementing canvas for the space to show its true colors.

nordic-ware-honey-hive-loaf-pan

Nordic Ware Honey Hive Loaf Pan

Uncomplicated updates translate into simply elevated elegant selections ready for the spring into summer season.

Easter Basket Flower Cake

Easter Basket Flower Cake

Jadeite Footed Loop Design Cake Stand

spring-vase-faux-flowers

Nature’s timing doesn’t always cooperate with early spring into Easter plans for fresh stems and bouquets, so to that I say pick a few faux fabulous stand-ins and let the spring preview begin!

rabbit-in-spring

Flickr

Running Rabbit Garden Statue

Running Rabbit Garden Statue

You say planter, I say perfect serving piece for the Easter dinner table.

rabbit-statue-salad-bowl-serveware

Color breathes life into the space to freshen and renew the look.

pastels-in-nature

Photo by James Wheeler

“The day the Lord created hope was
probably the same day he created Spring.”

– Bernard Williams

Darleen-signature-love

Sweet Summer Southern Tea Cakes

Sweet summer Southern tea cakes lead the topic of conversation on this particular June afternoon in the Places In The Home test kitchen.

Places In The Home defines tradition as collections, recipes, and/or generational practices from your past bringing about complete and utter joy deemed repeat worthy.

tradition-graphic

noun
tra·di·tion \trə-ˈdi-shən\

a :  an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (as a religious practice or a social custom)

b :  a belief or story or a body of beliefs or stories relating to the past that are commonly accepted as historical though not verifiable

2: the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction

Cottage+By+The+Bay+I+On+Canvas+by+Karen+Fields+Painting

Summer has only been official for a hot minute, and the South is already experiencing oppressive heat. Frankly speaking, the only heat I’m remotely interested in on days better spent indoors is that of the oven.

Holds true for the cooks, bakers and heat haters in my family as the summertime tradition passed down in our family is a simple piece of advice- cook early, stay cool late.

However, I will make an exception when it comes to baking up a dozen or so sweet summer Southern tea cakes.

Southern-Living-magazine-cover-1990

Back-Home Tea Cakes

Ingredients

½ cup shortening

1 cup sugar

1 egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 Tablespoon baking powder

¼ cup milk

sugar

Directions

Cream shortening; gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating well at medium speed of an electric mixer.  Add egg and vanilla; beat well.  Combine flour and baking powder; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, mixing well. Cover and chill 2 hours.  Work half of dough at a time, and store the remainder in refrigerator.

Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.  Cut with a 2-inch cookie cutter; place on greased cookie sheets.  Bake at 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes or until edges begin to brown.

Sprinkle with sugar. Cool.

Yields 3 dozen.

Mary Lou Adkins, Sulphur, LA.
Southern Living Magazine, July 1990

Here’s the aged index card recipe from which I’ve baked many a tea cake, and it means the world to me on many levels.

To me, tea cakes signify the simple, classic, and unpretentious taste of home.  I like to think that’s how I roll.

Giving into part craving, part memory driven tradition I baked up a couple dozen sweet summer Southern tea cakes working with a few recipe additions and adjustments.

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Photo by Laura Adai

Sweet Summer Southern Tea Cakes

Ingredients

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½  teaspoon salt

1  cup butter

2 cups sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon pure almond extract

fresh lemon zest

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°.  Combine flour, soda, and salt together and set aside.  In separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar.

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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Add in vanilla extract, almond extract, and fresh lemon zest.

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Beat together until combined.  Stir the dry ingredient mixture into creamed butter/sugar mixture.  Mix until all ingredients are blended together.

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Divide dough in half; lightly dusting each half with flour. Wrap in plastic wrap or waxed paper, and place in refrigerator allowing to chill for 1 hour.

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Using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll out dough on lightly floured board to ¼ inch thickness.  Cut out in round shapes with cookie cutter or good old dependable jelly glass.

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Place cut out tea cakes on parchment paper lined cookie sheet; bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly brown.

Makes 2 dozen.

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If serving sweet summer Southern tea cakes for dinner is wrong I don’t want to be right.

Perhaps not the best example of a traditional dinner entree, but the combination of a summer evening coupled with a couple of sweet summer Southern tea cakes is very appetizing and oh, so summer.

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Merry Christmas To You!

Merry Christmas to you, my treasured friends.

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Country Living Magazine – Photography by Rikki Snyder

This Christmas collection of pretty pictures, delightful treats, and Christmas at home is a visual to you, from me gift that hopefully fills the eye and the heart with the most wonderful time of the year sights of the season.

Enjoy!

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At Home in Arkansas – Photography by Rett Peek

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Divinity with Cherries and Pecans

December-poem

Christmas-wreaths-above-fireplace

Country Home Magazine

Christmas-tree-in-blue-white-porcelain-planter

House Beautiful – Photography by Peter Frank Edwards

Forest Beauty

Forest Beauty

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Flower Magazine

Christmas-cookie-box-Curly-Girl-Kitchen

Curly Girl Kitchen

All is calm, all is bright.

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Unsplash

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Raspberry Almond CakeRaspberry Almond Cake

The Toy Store Window by Timoléon Marie Lobrichon (1)

The light in a child’s eyes is all it takes to make
Christmas a magical time of the year.

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May the beauty of the season be bountiful in the spaces and places of your holiday home.

With much love to one and all,

Darleen-signature-love

Taste of Thanksgiving Recipes

Taste of Thanksgiving recipes feed the hunger we crave and gives reason for the gathering season.

Julia Child quote tapestry

Pinterest

Gathering together to feast, family, and friend during the holidays or just because on a Monday in cozy spaces with good food (fancy schmancy or crackers and can cheese) is rooted in connection, love, and celebration of relationship.

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Houzz – Tim Moss

Speaking from years of experience, the kitchen is about to be a hot spot of holiday activity.  Music is a must, quality kitchen tools and gadgets essential, organization the sous chef to friend, and the taste of Thanksgiving present and accounted for.

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Houzz – Tim Moss

Holiday open houses at favorite antique shoppes result in treasured finds; among them platters O’Plenty perfect for plating birds baked, roasted, and fried.

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Antique Shoppes at 1100 Barksdale

Louisianans do love to do delicious fried turkey when the weather turns cold and the good holiday times roll.

Deep-Fried Turkey Recipe

Country Living – Photography by Johnny Miller

Deep-Fried Turkey

Ingredients

1½ tbsp. kosher salt

1½ tbsp. smoked paprika

1½ tsp. garlic powder

1½ tsp. onion powder

1½ tsp. fresh ground pepper

1¼ tsp. cayenne pepper

1 (12- to 14-pound) whole fresh turkey

Peanut oil (about 3 gallons)

Directions

Stir together first 6 ingredients. Remove giblets and neck from turkey, and discard. Drain cavity well; pat entire turkey dry with paper towels.

Loosen and lift skin from turkey with fingers, without totally detaching skin; generously spread seasoning under skin. Carefully replace skin and secure with wooden picks, if desired.

Sprinkle and rub remaining seasoning inside cavity and on outside of turkey. Let turkey stand at room temperature while oil heats.

Meanwhile, pour oil into a deep propane turkey fryer 10 to 12 inches from top; heat to 350°F over a medium-low flame, according to manufacturer’s instructions (about 45 minutes).

Place turkey on fryer rod. Carefully and slowly lower turkey into hot oil with rod attachment.

Fry 35 to 45 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted in thickest portion of thigh registers 165°F (about 3 minutes per pound plus an additional 5 minutes.  Keep oil temperature between 300°F and 325°F). Remove turkey from oil; drain and let stand 25 minutes before slicing.

Serves 10-12.

-Country Living

Louisiana-pecan-festival-pecans

Louisiana pecans harvested from area farms characterize the taste of home.

Cinnamon Candied Pecans​​​​​​​​
​​​​​
Ingredients

1 Tbsp unsalted butter

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 cup pecans

½ teaspoon cinnamon

​​​​​​​​Directions

In a cast iron skillet over medium heat, melt together butter, cinnamon and granulated sugar until the sugar starts to caramelize.  Add pecans and stir to coat; stirring often to keep from burning.

Pour candied pecans onto parchment or wax paper allowing to cool.

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Southern sweet potato casserole, candied sweet potatoes, and Dave the Builder’s requested favorite, sweet potato pie- Louisiana sweet potatoes are synonymous with Thanksgiving.

Homemade Sweet Potato Pie Recipe with Walnut Topping

Homemade Sweet Potato Pie Recipe with Walnut Topping

Taste of Thanksgiving Recipes

Candied Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients

3 large sweet potatoes, washed, peeled and sliced French fry style

1 stick butter, sliced

1 cup sugar

1 Tbsp water

Directions

Places prepared sweet potatoes in pot. Add sugar and butter slices. Add water and cover with lid. Cook on low about 40 minutes or until tender. Do not stir during cooking time.

Place candied sweet potatoes in casserole and serve.

-Cooking with Brenda Gantt

Asparagus With Crawfish Hollandaise

Asparagus With Crawfish Hollandaise

Ingredients

2 pounds green asparagus, trimmed

1 tablespoon canola oil

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

4  large egg yolks

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

½ teaspoon salt

⅛  teaspoon cayenne pepper

½  cup butter, melted

½ (16-ounce) package crawfish tails

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°.  Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, and add asparagus.  Top with canola oil, salt, and pepper, and brush evenly with basting brush.  Bake until tender, 8 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, add water to a large saucepan, and bring to a simmer.  In a stainless steel bowl, add egg yolks, lemon juice, salt, and cayenne.  Hold bowl over simmering water making sure bottom of bowl does not touch water, and whisk vigorously until volume of egg mixture doubles.  Slowly whisk in melted butter until sauce is thick and combined.

Remove from heat, and stir in crawfish.  Serve immediately over asparagus.

-Louisiana Cookin’

Cajun-Country-rice

Scenes from home.

Cajun-Country-label

Regional ingredients rich in taste of home traditions star in our taste of Thanksgiving non-traditional side dishes.

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Wild Rice and Basmati Dressing with Sausage and Sage

Wild Rice and Basmati Dressing with Sausage and Sage

Holiday time is coming, and what better time to dazzle the gathered together than with one of these taste of Thanksgiving recipes.

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Never Forget the Attacks on 9/11

Never forget the fateful attacks against our nation on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 (9/11).

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I remember it like it was yesterday, and as time marches on my memories surrounding that day remain crystal clear.

Katie Couric relates details to the viewers: horrific to imagine, grievous to ignore, and important to forget.

Shared phone calls of disbelief.

Dealing with the feeling the towers would collapse based on the knowledge of detonation practices learned from studying Las Vegas hotel implosions.

Discussions with other parents about how to explain the events of the day to our children in an honest yet measured manner so as not to scare and upset their hearts and thoughts any further than the attacks in the name of pure evil this morning presented.

Twin Towers NYC

We regard 9/11 as a day of remembrance and reflection; a day Americans  come together in reverent thought, solemn moments of silence, ringing of bells of remembrance, and prayers for comfort and strength.

Life as Americans knew it up to that point forever changed on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 8:46 a.m. EST.

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Biography

7:59 a.m. EST– American Airlines Flight 11 departs from Boston’s Logan International Airport bound for Los Angeles with 11 crew members and 76 passengers on board.

Five al-Qaeda terrorists hijackers on board are excluded from the total numbers.

8:15 a.m. EST– United Airlines Flight 175 takes off from Logan International en route to LAX with 9 crew members and 51 passengers aboard.

Five al-Qaeda terrorists hijackers are excluded from the total numbers.

8:20 a.m. EST– American Airlines Flight 77, en route to Los Angeles, takes off from Dulles International in Washington, D.C. with a total of 59 innocents on board; 6 crew members and 53 passengers.

The 5 al-Qaeda terrorists hijackers are excluded from the total numbers.

8:42 a.m. EST– United Airlines Flight 93 departs Newark Liberty International with 7 crew members and 33 passengers on the flight.

Four al-Qaeda terrorists hijackers aboard this flight are excluded from the total numbers.

8:46 a.m. EST– American Airlines Flight 11 crashes into floors 93 through 99 of the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

9:03 a.m. EST– United Flight 175 crashes into floors 77 through 85 of the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

9:37 a.m. EST– American Airlines Flight 77 crashes into the Pentagon.  The crash and the fire as a result of it take the lives of 59 passengers and crew and 125 people on the ground.

Pentagon during 9-11

9:42 a.m. EST– The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounds all flights.

9-11 from Jersey City

Flickr

9:59 a.m. EST– Fifty-six minutes after impact the South Tower of the World Trade Center collapses in a mere 10 seconds.  More than 800 people inside the South Tower and the surrounding area of the building perish.

10:03 a.m. EST– United Airlines Flight 93 crashes near Shanksville, Pennsylvania killing 40 people on board the aircraft.

The hijackers are not included in this number, and rightfully so.

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Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial

10:15 a.m. EST– The outer ring of the Pentagon collapses.

10:28 a.m. EST– The North Tower of the World Trade Center collapses killing more than 1,600 both in and around the tower.

FDNY

Fear came to call not expecting bravery and resilience to answer back united we stand.

Our memories will forever be filled with the events of that horrific day in our history, and even though painful to remember we should choose to never forget the attacks on 9/11.

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We are the United States of America.

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We differ from one another on many points, views, and opinions, but when all is said and done, we are one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Never forget.