Is Thanksgiving your favorite? Mine too. What is that about? Is it what Christmas used to be about? You know, family, friends, congenial gatherings, gratitude? Just a thought. It’s also one of my favorite times at our home, Rancho La Zaca. Here are a few highlights from last year and perhaps some inspiration for you this year.
Food & Entertaining
Printable Thanksgiving Place Card or Menu
Here you go, a a shotgun-toting turkey as printable place card or menu hand painted by moi. Drag the image to your photos, and print on watercolor-textured (or other) paper. It will look like you did it yourself. Wink-wink! This one is probably best as a 4×8 or 5×7. Here is the full version, printable… Continue reading Printable Thanksgiving Place Card or Menu
The World Is a Great Mirror
The world is a mirror. I always say that whenever something in life goes off the rails, first thing to do is look in the mirror. I say that. Sometimes it takes a while to get to it… but the answer is always there.
Get Saucy! Brilliant Olive-Caper-Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette for Fish or Chicken
“Brilliant” is a strong talk for a simple sauce and not used lightly. I definitely don’t use the sauce lightly. I double the recipe and eat the leftover with a spoon. Olives, capers, herbs, lemon, olive oil and vinegar, boom. No cooking. Make it in advance. Make it at the last minute. Make it for your friends. Just make it.
Tea Towels Make Great Gifts (We Love These Lily O’s)
As we are still in high season for hostess gifts, it is especially thoughtful to give things people actually want. A fresh, pretty tea towel gives any kitchen or bar a lift, and life’s little lifts add up. These “Lily Os” were sent me by a friend and I love ’em. Bright and cheery and based on the charming watercolors of artist Thomas Vieth, who, with wife Susan, founded the company.
The Best Berry Cobbler Ever
Here’s the perfect, scrumptious, super-easy summer dessert. Seven ingredients, melt, mix, pour, bake, boom. Recipe in post.
Summer Supper in the Garden at Bee Cottage
At least once a summer I like to have dinner in the garden where we do it up. So we did it up last weekend.
Perfect Summertime Hostess Gifts – Great Paper Placemats, Napkins, Plastic Tumblers
When I came across this image, I sighed, from the Adams Calyx ware, to the Kirk Repoussé silver, to the precious hot-pink Chinoiserie placemats. It was a long sigh. Let’s start with the placemats. Turns out the placemats come in paper pads–brilliant summer hostess gifts! (One for them, one for me, hee-hee.) Not just for… Continue reading Perfect Summertime Hostess Gifts – Great Paper Placemats, Napkins, Plastic Tumblers
Sharing the Love From Design Chic Blog – Re-capping NC Luncheon – Pretty Table Settings
What a great–as in really good–surprise to wake up Monday morning to the blog My Design Chic post about my recent visit to Greenville, NC, where I spoke to a room full of wonderful women. It was an honor to be in MDC and a privilege to be back to where my roots are. No not… Continue reading Sharing the Love From Design Chic Blog – Re-capping NC Luncheon – Pretty Table Settings
Planning a Wedding? Going to One? Please Read This.
Impeccable advice for planning a wedding with style and grace.
Comfort Food for Company – Linguini and Sausage Casserole
If you want comfort food, and and something you haven’t had 72,000 times, here you go. We like this linguini and sausage dish anytime of day.
For Valentine’s Day – Your Own (Edible) Love Shack
Love shack, baby love shack. Who knew gingerbread could be so risque? Those frisky little fillies at the Solvang Bakery, that’s who.