This weekend we will celebrate the true meaning of Easter, the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. His love is unstoppable and His forgiveness incomparable. Happy Resurrection Day to all!
March 4, 2012
A Rustic and Modern Look at Taxidermy
While I enjoy the rustic and bold look of a giant moose head in front of a beautiful stone wall (shown above), I certainly know that not everyone feels the same way as I do. In fact, most despise taxidermy!
If you’re one of the many who do not particularly care for a once-real animal head hanging over your mantle, then maybe this new taxidermy-like look is for you…
One – It’s artificial. So no animals we harmed in making this modern piece of wall decor. Two – it’s much smaller and less bulky than the real thing so it won’t look too heavy and weigh your space down and three – you can find them in many different colors, textures and styles so you’re bound to find something you like!
Bottom line: these faux animal heads are fun and can pull together any space!
January 30, 2012
Mountain Style
Happy Monday to all of you bloggers out there! For much of this month we will be focusing on all things Mountain style. How appropriate for the winter season! I will be taking you along with me to the resort areas of Stowe, Vermont and Lake Placid, New York where I will share things such as finishes, decor, lighting–you name it! Enjoy!
P.S. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting any beautiful mountain areas or resorts please, do share with us! e-mail photos to fepage@rochester.rr.com
December 16, 2011
12 Days of Decorating
Day 6 – Beverage Setup
Give your guests something they can really say “cheers” to with a holiday home beverage setup.
To create this look:
- Grab a plain table cloth (I chose white to go with the tangerine walls in my kitchen – it doesn’t always have to be green and red. I chose to go with non-traditional Christmas colors)
- Line up all different types of beverage glasses (the more variety of glass shape and size, the more interest added)
- Provide your guests with things they will need to enjoy their beverage – limes, beverage napkins, ice, stir sticks or a martini shaker etc…
- It’s all in the details! Its Christmas. This is the time to go over the top. So I popped whole cranberries into each ice cube slot before placing the ice cube troth in the freezer. The result (as shown below) – so pretty and fun!
- keep the decor that isn’t edible to a minimum. Save the decorations for the mantle, tree and elsewhere. On the table I placed a white vase with brown sparkly branches and a glass bowl with orange and pink ornaments. I sprinkled little tea light candles on the table to add warmth. That was it!
As always - have fun with it and enjoy the holiday season!
Don’t forget to enter our Holiday Decorating Contest! Click here
December 14, 2011
12 Days of Decorating
Day 5 – Holiday décor all natural!
I saw an article in the December issue of Better Homes and Gardens that caught my eye. I had never sugared citrus fruit for décor. Actually, it was quick and easy. The whole process took me about ten minutes. To sugar the fruit, brush it with beaten egg white, then sprinkle (don’t roll the fruit in it) with superfine sugar. Allow to dry and arrange in a clear glass bowl or compote. (Note: do not eat this fruit, due to the raw egg wash)
I did make some changes to the recipe. I used regular sugar instead of superfine sugar. Go with the superfine sugar if you can find it..I think the regular absorbs the egg whites and makes more of a wet look. Furthermore, because fruit is so expensive and it would be costly to fill the bowl, I chose to use some artificial fruit from the dollar store. It worked perfect and I can wash the egg white off with Clorox water and use it again next year. Oh, by the way, the arrangement should stay fresh looking for up to three days. If the sparkle fades then just sugar it again.
Send us some pictures of your finished art work! Or better yet,
Enter in our Holiday Decorating Contest by clicking here!
November 2, 2011
Thanksgiving Tablescapes
Time and Again
Author: Stephanie Page
Since our wedding (27 years ago!), china dishes have been passed down to us from various family members. This year I sorted through the mismatched collections in an effort to add nostalgia to our upcoming holiday table.
Then, I purchased charger plates at Michael’s for 1.99 each. I chose to go with the gold color tones, but they come in silver, copper and bronze as well. I began stacking plates and bowls on the chargers from the different china pieces handed down. Not every place setting is the same, but they coordinate. For an added touch to some of the settings I pulled out grandmas doilies and placed them under large glass plates that I found at Walmart for $4.99. I had finally found a use for grandma’s one of a kind creations!
After some final touches I was surprised to see how elegant and beautiful the tablescape had become. In a few weeks our holiday table will be filled with fine china that until now went unnoticed. I am excited to see if the family members recognize the nostalgic setting but most importantly I’m proud of the fond memories that these pieces represent. Decorating should be personal because it’s about your family, friends and memories both past and present creating the times and again.
