• About GH&P
  • Contact Us

Garden, Home & Party

~ My love of gardening, making home comfortable and entertaining friends and family.

Garden, Home & Party

Monthly Archives: December 2011

{GHP} Happy New Year…tablesettings and other musings

29 Thursday Dec 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Decorating, Entertaining, Holiday/Seasonal cooking

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

Happy New Year

As the start of a new year draws near I look forward to savoring each and every minute left of 2011, a good year for the most part.

via Better Homes and Gardens

I thought I might offer these images/inspiration for those of you with plans to entertain family and/or friends on New Year’s Eve.  I find the table settings warm, inviting and they offer an easy transition from Christmas themed decor to a New Year’s celebration with very little effort.

via adventures in tartanscot

via Fitz & Floyd

via Pottery Barn

via Southern Living

via Pottery Barn

I also want to take this opportunity to tell you how much I enjoy our chats and your blog-friendship.  I hope 2012 will be a positive year for all of us.

We can head through the gate…

Walk down the lane, even in inclement weather…

via adventures in tartanscot

…and embrace what comes with an open heart.

*I threw in the image of the puppies because the picture represents such innocence and exuberance…something we all could use more of from time to time.

via Sweet Paul

Have a safe and enjoyable New Year’s Eve and I’ll see you all next year.

xo,

Karen

{GHP} Visions of sugarplums dancing in my head

20 Tuesday Dec 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Christmas, Entertaining, Family, Holiday/Seasonal cooking

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Christmas

‘Twas  the night 5 days before Christmas…

As we round the corner, with Christmas clearly in sight, I think of the upcoming days with excitement and joy {and yes, sugarplums or any sweet treat, have been dancing through my head}.  Our granddaughter, Olivia, will be spending Christmas with us as well as her mommy (Jamie) and daddy/our oldest son (Kyle)! {huge smile}

The front door is dressed and ready to welcome guests…

Wreathes adorn nearly every room, some fragrant fir and some faux pine and berries…

Cox & Cox

The pantry is stocked with ingredients required for old favorites and a few new recipes…

{via}

The side board is set with festive serving pieces at the ready.   Candles are lit every evening to set the mood of the season…

 {via}

The table is set and ready for meals that will fill tummies and make memories for the season…

{via}

Christmas cards have been sent and received…

{via}

The fireplace is laid with logs and ready to warm the room…

Southern Accents

The tree is decorated and presents are wrapped…

Outdoor activities are on hold until after the holiday…

 

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tin reindeer,  With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.  More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!  On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!  To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!  Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky, So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.  And then in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.  As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.  He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.  His eyes–how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!  His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!  His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like wreath; He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.  He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.  But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, “Happy Christmas to all and to all a good-night.”

by Clement Clarke Moore

Dear readers/friends, I am taking some time off from Garden, Home and Party to be with my family.  I wish you all a happy, healthy Christmas surrounded by loved ones.  May 2012 be a very good year for us all!

 

 

{GHP} Welcome Christmas

15 Thursday Dec 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Holiday/Seasonal cooking

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

entry dressed for Christmas

I love this time of year.  I get downright giddy sometime towards the end of September in anticipation of fall/winter.  I like the cooler nights, the mild change in season that Mother Nature generously provides Southern California, the tiny tots in our neighborhood during Halloween, the grand feast that accompanies Thanksgiving, and the weeks leading up to, and including Christmas and New Year’s Eve.  I cherish all of it!

To welcome friends and family to my home is such a pleasure.  Nothing too formal, just a comforting meal with good conversation is what the holiday season is all about.  Since guests see your outside entry when they approach I thought I’d share with you some of my favorites that made their way into my archive.  Our own entrance (images from last year) are the finale to this post.

It is a time of year I welcome with a full heart and plan to slow down just enough to enjoy all that the season offers.  As a wise blogger wrote, “enjoy the process”.  Those words make sense to me and I have been trying to live them, reminding myself of their meaning as I scurry around, list in hand.

So, enjoy the images of these welcoming entrances, inviting us  into what I’m sure are lovely homes decorated for the season.

Join me for a cup of cocoa and a friendly visit!  I wish you the best the season has to offer.

300th post and a partridge in a pear tree

13 Tuesday Dec 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Collections & Accessories, Entertaining, Gardening

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

200th post, favorite things

 In blog time my 300th post would, for the industrious daily (weekday) blogger, be just over 1 calendar year.  However, since I started blogging in 2007 and stopped for the entire year of 2008 and picked it up again in 2009, but only 3 times a week, I am just now reaching my 300th post.  Good thing I’m not getting graded on this, right?  Wait, that is right, isn’t it?

The good news, for me at least, is that this anniversary takes place in one of my favorite months.  Ahhh, the magical month of December!

via heirloom philosophy

So my gift to you will be a few of my favorite things, cue Julie Andrews (specifically cozy rooms, great accessories, cool graphics, fun cars, a great recipe/meal or anything that inspired me at the time I stumbled upon it).  I don’t think these images will need words to accompany them, they are  really nice images.  Enjoy, and thanks to those of you who read my ramblings.  A huge note of gratitude to those of you who comment.  Trust me, I’m an invisible visitor on some of the blogs I frequent, so no worries, I enjoy the process and appreciate any and all who notice.

via 5th and State

unknown, but still…one of my all time favorite Christmas house images

via the talented adventures of tartanscot

via Country Living

via Peter Dunham Designs

via the enchanted home

unknown

unknown—I once read every house should have a red room.

sorry, unknown

Richard Hughes Armorial

via Southern Living

Call Me!

I’ve joined the fun over at Melissa’s blog site, The Inspired Room…stop by for some fabulous ideas for decorating, cooking, etc.

{Home} 16 Days and counting…Christmas 2011

08 Thursday Dec 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Antiques, Collections & Accessories, Family

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

Christmas at Bethany House

Has this first week of December flown by for you?  It certainly has for me.  I diligently put up all (or most) of my Christmas decorations the weekend of Thanksgiving, foolishly thinking this would put me way ahead of the game.  Yeah, right.  I’ve been scrambling every day since.  I am trying to “enjoy the process” and I have taken the time to stop and smell the fir and noel candles and been grateful that if finding the most thoughtful presents is the worst of my problems, I’m very lucky.  But seriously, is it just me?  I’m kind of getting tired…I did manage to take a few snaps of the decorations around our home and thought I’d share them.  Besides, I seem to do something different each year so I thought this might be a way to journal what I’ve done for reference next year. 🙂

I found lanterns at Ikea this past summer.  I used the small, white versions in our trees to give it a magical, twinkle light effect  for the engagement party we hosted for our youngest son this past October.  When I revisited the store they had this large red lantern and the battery operated lights.  At night the little LCD lights give just enough glow to make the kitchen bay window look festive.  {I should have done a better job of hiding the little cord}

I began collecting nutcrackers 30 years ago.  I wasn’t a true purist about brand, although I’ve since pared down to mostly German nutcrackers {although there are still a few sentimental favorites “Made in China”}  The 2 miniature nutcrackers in the foreground are made in Germany and only measure about 2″ tall.  I found them at Crate and Barrel about 25 years ago and they remain favorites for their diminutive size and detailing.

This is the overall grouping.  The two candle holders were a gift and come from China, but I think they are fun since they hold candles that I can light for Christmas.

The end of my counter/bar has always been a bit of a challenge  for me when it comes to vignettes.  I change it constantly in search of the right “look” and still haven’t found it.

My chef nutcracker seems happy to be in the kitchen. 🙂

Spode’s Christmas Tree has served many a holiday breakfast, lunch and dinner to our friends and family.  There are so many pretty Christmas dishes out there but I was certain should I start collecting others that I would be on a slippery slope of pottery love and might never recover!  What pattern (if any) do you collect/love/use?

The center panel on our pantry has display-shelves and I hung my faux, berry wreath on the front. 

Our granddaughter will be here (from Austin) for the holidays and the coffee table will need to be clear {she’s walking and exploring, best to give her room to do that without worry about her}, so I used an arrangement I had and placed some berry/pine cone stems to add a festive touch.

One of the small things I’m grateful for is the abundance of pine cones we have for picking in our neighborhood.  Once I decided on this arrangement I just took my trusty bag and Madison and went for a walk.

Nutcracker Sherlock Holmes is on the case for a Happy Christmas!

The 2 smokers are suffering withdrawal since there is a NO SMOKING policy here.

The mantle clock is always present and usually I try to crowd the nutcrackers in and around  but this year I decided to leave the English ivy and add some snow berries and faux fir sprigs to dress the mantle for Christmas.

Even the little lantern that hangs outside has a Santa and pine cone to greet the season, compliments of my friend, Linda {thank you, Linda}

And the tree…

The bottom third of the tree is adorned with non-breakable ornaments since Olivia will be undoubtedly curious and want to touch some of the ornaments.

Breathe and continue on…we can do this, we’re having fun!

I’m joining the Hooked on Holidays party tomorrow, stop by and be inspired by the hundreds of creative bloggers that will show you their homes and traditions.

 

{Home and Party} Collections :: flatware serving pieces

06 Tuesday Dec 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Collections & Accessories, Entertaining, Personal Information

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

collections, silver flatware

As some of you may remember, I’ve declared my addiction to pottery, porcelain and/or china, basically dishes of all kinds.  I believe it comes from my delight in setting a table for a meal, any meal.  There is something very satisfying and creative in the process for me, and I have enjoyed this task since I was a teenager.  I don’t observe strict rules about matching silver with china.   Rather, I enjoy the look of using my sterling with a simple pottery.  Or everyday stem ware with china.  Anything that strikes my fancy is doable in my book.  I’m happy that the rules (or lack thereof) on setting a table, at least here in Southern California, have been relaxed.  Don’t get me wrong, I still appreciate a strictly formal table setting when provided, but it appeals to my sensibilities that to entertain, one does NOT have to have crystal, sterling and fine china.  All of us can relate and enjoy a meal served to us where the table is pretty, interesting, playful and/or reflective of the seasons.

This was our Thanksgiving table before I set the flatware and glasses out.


 

I realize at this point in my life I probably have more than enough dishes and truth be told, simply do not have any more space for another pattern.  When scouring antique shops and thrift stores in search of a charming set of dinner or dessert plates, I have stumbled upon various pieces of flatware (serving pieces) and usually have picked them up for very, very little money.

One of my favorite finds is this horn-handled carving set  I found while visiting my friend in Washington.  We visited this large antique store on one of the last days of my vacation and this set was only $50.  Linda & Gretchen’s (two dear friends) dad sharpened the knife for me and the set has graced our Thanksgiving table every year since I acquired it.

The monogram at the end of the handle is so lovely.  I wish I knew where to have silver monogrammed in this style (or would it be cost prohibitive?).

Soon after I purchased this, Linda gifted me the horn handled butter knife and berry/olive spoon(?).  The horn handle on the butter knife is worn smooth, all the more appealing to me.  I wonder who used these in their homes so many years ago?

A close up of the detail on the butter knife shows its intricacy. {Thanks, Linda}

 

While growing up my mother was a bank officer  and was good friends with  a wonderful lady by the name of Mildred.  Mildred never married and left the contents of her  home to my mom.  This berry spoon was one of my favorite pieces and to this day I love it and the memories it conjures; it is so beautiful, I treasure it.

It’s the stories behind antiques that warms my heart each and every time I use the utensil, don’t you agree?  As Brooke Giannetti {Velvet & Linen} explains in her book, “Patina Style” …”When we bring antiques and artifacts from our past into our homes, we connect with the stories behind them…”  The sugar spoon and butter knife below came from my father’s grandmother (my great-grandmother) and I really like the pattern on this set.  I don’t believe this set is sterling but it’s in great condition and I use it quite often, believing that silver develops a beautiful patina when used and carefully cleaned.  In fact, I purchased silver-felt liner (from Container Store) for a drawer in my buffet so that I could keep my silver serving pieces readily accessible.  It keeps the silver from tarnishing for the most part.  I found that when I had to pull out my wooden silver box it was sometimes too inconvenient and I wouldn’t bother.  If you have lovely silver, glassware and dishes you should use them even for everyday meals, this practice enriches day-to-day living, don’t you think?

This sweet sauce ladle was given to me my my friends, Georgiann and Tony.  They knew I would enjoy this and they are so right, I use it for dessert sauces all the time. {thanks G & T)

Close up of ladle handle.

The meat fork captured my attention because it is monogrammed with a “B”, our last name begins with a B {I had to have it!}  Truthfully it was not very expensive.  The serving spoon beside it is from a shop that is since gone out of business, by the name of Westminster Lace.  It was a gift from my good friend, Julie.  {Thank you, Julie}

It’s always fun to have something on my collection search list.  It just is.  I do love the mismatched meat forks, serving spoons and olive forks that I’ve collected and I’m currently on the hunt for a pattern of silver plate called Charter Oak.  Wish me luck, the eBay pieces seem a little pricey.  I’m hoping I can track dinner forks down at thrift stores and antique barns.  I’m not in a hurry, just would love to have about 6 dinner forks and maybe 6 knives.

Do you have treasured pieces that you have either inherited or picked up along the way.  Do you have a particular pattern you are always in search of?

{Garden, Home} Forcing bulbs

01 Thursday Dec 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Christmas, Flowers, Gardening, Holiday/Seasonal cooking

≈ 14 Comments

Tags

forcing bulbs, paper whites

It’s time to decorate for Christmas and even if you prefer to keep things simple, forced paper whites or amaryllis can add natural beauty to any room.  I find paper whites to be a little too fragrant for the dining room but will use them in the family room.

via Petersham Nursery, England

via and George

via and George

 

I’ve had some success with forcing paper whites but recently I’ve purchased paper whites that are already in bloom.  Besides, it may be a little late to force them…we only have less than 4 weeks until Christmas; the experts say you should allow 6 weeks from planting to bloom.

 

 

I know I’ll miss the joy of watching them grow but I find most paper whites grow too tall for the container I’ve placed them in so by buying them as a potted plant I can get the size that suits my location.

via

                                                                                                                                                                                                                via The White List, Tricia Foley

via French Essence, image Vicki Archer

via bulb hunter

Mary McDonald via adventures of tartanscot

source unknown

via and George

via and George

via The White List, Tricia Foley

via My French Country Home, Sharon Santoni

If you want to grow them from “scratch” visit this link for a detailed description of ‘how to’ not only grow paper whites and amaryllis but several other bulbs, such as ‘snowdrops’, scilla, ‘hyacinths’ and ‘muscari’.  I may try some of these for spring.

via paper{whites}, photo by Alison

 

visit these sites for detailed instructions on how to force your bulbs…

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/ho-19.pdf

~or~

http://www.savvygardener.com/Features/forcing_bulbs.html

…or you could just by these and put them in some lovely containers and call it good.  P.S. If you do go with ‘cyclamen’ be sure to put them in a cool place every other day or so…they don’t like to be too warm (we share this in common).

Happy 1st day of one of the best months of the entire calendar year!  Take time to stop and smell the fir, drink cocoa, host a few social events and thoroughly enjoy the season!

I’m linking to Sherry’s Open House Party at No Minimalist Here, have a look.

Recent Posts: Garden, Home & Party

Homes that welcome the season

A little this and that

The color of autumn

Wall Art Inspiration for our bungalow

Project Design: Outdoor Living Spaces

Enter your email address to subscribe to GH&P and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Instagram




Follow gardenhomeparty on Twitter

Follow on Tumblr

Google Plus

Recent Posts

  • Homes that welcome the season
  • A little this and that
  • The color of autumn
  • Wall Art Inspiration for our bungalow
  • Project Design: Outdoor Living Spaces

Categories

  • Accessories; details
  • Annual WP Report Card
  • Antiques
  • Architects & Builders
  • Architectural elements
  • Autumn
  • Bastille Day
  • Bathroom
  • Bedrooms
  • Christmas
  • Collections & Accessories
  • Cottages
  • Decorating
  • Designer
  • Dessert
  • Dining Room
  • DIY (do it yourself)
  • Drink
  • Easter
  • Entertaining
  • Fall Entertaining and Decorations
  • Family
  • Flowers
  • Food
  • Gardening
  • Gardens
  • Halloween
  • Holiday/Seasonal cooking
  • Holidays
  • House and Home
  • Independence Day
  • Kitchen
  • Maintenance
  • Misc
  • Outdoor living
  • Paint Color
  • Party Planning
  • Personal Information
  • Recipes
  • Renovating
  • Seasons
  • Simple Meals for the Avid Cook
  • Spring
  • St. Patrick's Day
  • Storage/Closets/Pantry
  • Study/Office
  • Summer
  • Thanksgiving
  • Traditions
  • Travel
  • Trends
  • Uncategorized
  • Valentine's Day

Recommended

  • Bastion & Lark
  • Content in a Cottage
  • Cote de Texas
  • French Essence
  • French Kissed
  • Garden, Home and Party
  • Greige Design
  • Heirloom Philosophy
  • Henhurst Interiors
  • In the Fields
  • Jennings & Gates
  • Making Magique
  • Miss Mustard Seed
  • paper{whites}
  • Polished Pebble
  • Providence Ltd Design
  • Restoring our 1890 Victorian
  • Slim Paley
  • Splendid Willow
  • Talk of the House
  • TG Interiors
  • The Adventures of Tartanscot
  • The Enchanted Home
  • The House of Edward
  • The Lady's Life
  • The Pioneer Woman
  • The Polohouse
  • Tone on Tone
  • Trouvais
  • Velvet & Linen

Archives

  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • October 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • October 2007
  • August 2007
  • July 2007
  • June 2007

Top Posts & Pages

  • {Home} Cozy and other adjectives that describe home
  • Living with what you love; age and decorating
  • {Home} Adieu Pierre Deux
  • I must see the homes of Atlanta...Jill Sharp Brinson
  • Knock, knock, who's there?
  • {Home} Study, Library, Den...a name for a cozy corner?
  • {GHP} Randy Boyd of Thurston / Boyd Design, revisited
  • Homes that welcome the season
  • {Home} Artist Introduction
  • Fireplace mantles and the mantle clock

Subscribe via RSS

  • RSS - Posts
  • RSS - Comments

Topics

4th of July accessories antiques Architects & Builders Austin Autumn Barefoot Contessa bathroom bedrooms birthdays blog favorites Blogging blue & white decor books centerpieces chairs Christmas collections cooking cottage cupboards decorating for fall decorating styles designer details of a home do-it-yourself Dogs dream house Easter easy recipe easy recipes Engagement Party English gardens Entertaining fall Family Father's Day Flowers foyer furniture Garden Gardening Halloween hardwood floors holiday home home accessorizing House Beautiful magazine how-to Independence Day interiors Irish Stew kitchens Kooboo chairs library mirrors Mother's Day neutral color palate New Years Eve Organizing Outdoor living paint color Pets in the home plaid recipe recipes Rogers Gardens Spring summer living Table Settings television Texas Thanksgiving Valentine's Day weddings

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Follow Following
    • Garden, Home & Party
    • Join 749 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Garden, Home & Party
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...