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Garden, Home & Party

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

Garden, Home & Party

Monthly Archives: January 2016

Birthdays

27 Wednesday Jan 2016

Posted by Karen B. in House and Home, Personal Information

≈ 54 Comments

Tags

birthdays

Today is my birthday…I can’t speak of my age because the truth is, I still feel like I’m a young adult.  I’m not.  I even forget my age sometimes.  Wait, is that the first sign of something, should I be worried? 🙂

In any event. I was challenged to provide a meaningful post, not just to me, but possibly something fun for you.  I came up with a touch of each of the topics mentioned in the title of my blog, Garden, Home and Party and maybe for the first time, I’m sharing all of my own images taken in my own home.  I know, how unusual.  The thing is, my photography has always paled by comparison to so many other’s.  

Garden. For those of you that have read my posts throughout the years you may (or may not) remember that I partnered in a business called Blooming Borders for 13 years  (how many sites do you visit and am I the only one that gets mixed up as to who the talent behind the site is?).  We planned, and planted cottage gardens for clients.  I loved working in the garden, and still do. That’s the reason for this part of my blog name. [Note:  The California drought has left me struggling with ideas for drought tolerant plants that can live beside some of the bones of our garden…it’s been a slow but steady process to be sure.] 

Here is our garden in it a better, more irrigated time…

Garden, Home and Party: happy birthday

Garden, Home and Party: happy birthday

Garden, Home and Party: happy birthday

Garden, Home and Party: happy birthday

Garden, Home and Party: happy birthday

Garden, Home and Party: happy birthday

Home is such a touchstone for most of us.  I’ve been an ardent fan of home decor  for as long as I can remember, and have never lost my enthusiasm.

Garden, Home and Party: happy birthday

Garden, Home and Party: happy birthday

Garden, Home and Party: happy birthday

Garden, Home and Party: happy birthday

Garden, Home and Party: happy birthday

Garden, Home and Party: happy birthay

Garden, Home and Party: happy birthday

Garden, Home and Party: happy birthday

Garden, Home and Party: happy birthday

Party. The third and final name in my title pertains to the joy that cooking  and setting the table for family and friends brings me.  When I read Alexandra Stoddard, “Living a Beautiful Life” I began to focus on making every day at home special, with some of the same touches you’d provide if you are hosting a party.  Is there a lapse from time to time, absolutely, but I do try to use special serving pieces or dishes for everyday meals…I used to save them for parties. 

Garden, Home and Party: happy birthday

Garden, Home and Party: happy birthday

Garden, Home and Party: happy birthday

Garden, Home and Party: happy birthday

Garden, Home and Party: happy birthday

Bottom line, fill a home with family and friends and great memories are made, don’t you agree?

Garden, Home and Party: happy birthday

Garden, Home and Party: happy birthday

Garden, Home and Party: happy birthday

Thanks to you all for making this blog biz so much fun. I’m so happy to have virtually met so many of you and hope to realize a face-to-face meeting some day. ♥ Karen

 

 

Neutral rooms with style

20 Wednesday Jan 2016

Posted by Karen B. in House and Home

≈ 28 Comments

Tags

neutral color palate

I have, over time, become a huge fan of a neutral color palate for most rooms in our house.  It makes sense to me since it’s easier, and much more affordable, to replace pillows and accessories than to have a sofa reupholstered.

When we remodeled our kitchen it started the ball rolling on more neutrality.

Bethany House kitchen

Full confession of this design enthusiast…change is a given.  I’ve been know to tire of art and accessories over a stretch of time, not to mention the seasonal changes most of us enjoy throughout the year.  I just love the new look of a room when a few accessories are traded out, or a switch in a few small pieces of furniture that can make a room feel brand new.

Our master bedroom underwent new paint and some neutral art.  The small pillows are monogrammed with cardinal thread…those were leftovers from the previous color way.  The bed linens are soon to be replaced. Note: our Jack Russel mix always gets into the picture, in this case it’s the tip of her tail! 🙂

Garden, Home and Party: Neutral rooms

I still love pattern on certain upholstered chairs, and the blue and white guest room still brings me joy each time I see it.

These are a few of my favorite rooms that are predominantly neutral…

Garden, Home and Party: Neutrals

This has been a favorite image of mine for some time.  I apologize for losing the source.

Garden, Home and Party: Neutral rooms

A room can have so much personality with the right accessories—no prominent color needed.  As in this beautiful Atchison Home bathroom.

Garden, Home and Party: Neutral rooms

{via}

In my view, Joan and Dan [for the love of a house] are rock stars when it comes to neutral rooms.  I believe it is her home that inspired me to try harder to attain the calming effect of a neutral palate.

Garden, Home and Party: neutral rooms

Garden, Home and Party: Neutral rooms

{via}

Joni [Cote de Texas] designed this beauty for a client.  I love the selection of neutrals punctuated by the beautiful upholstered chair in the forefront.

Garden, Home and Party: neutral rooms

{via}

This bedspread wouldn’t work with my 2 dogs…but it such a pretty room.

Garden, Home and Party: neutral rooms

{via}

Garden, Home and Party: neutral rooms

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A post on show stopping neutral rooms wouldn’t be complete without sharing a room designed by Loi [Tone on Tone].  His work is always proof that neutrals are remarkable.  His home is featured in this month’s Martha Stewart Living, be sure to stop by his blog for a visit and pick up an issue of MSL.

Garden, Home and Party: neutral rooms

What do you think?  Do neutrals work for you?  I know that this year, and years past, there’s been a trend toward saturated color for the home.  It’s not for me but I’ve seen some very pretty examples.  Happy Wednesday!

Will libraries become obsolete?

13 Wednesday Jan 2016

Posted by Karen B. in Uncategorized

≈ 34 Comments

I wanted to thank all of you for your sweet and supportive comments to my post last week.  Your kindness and encouragement has pumped me up.  I’m ready to embrace a new year of blog posts and hopefully, I will have some new ideas to write about.  You’re the best and I appreciate each and everyone of you.  🙂

Like so many of us, books have been an important part of my life.  From reading as a child to reading to my boys from infancy up to that age when they could read themselves and no longer needed my services. 🙂

Garden, Home and Party: the future of books

So as the circle was repeating this Christmas, with both granddaughters opening their books from grandma and grandpa, I was wondering…will books become obsolete someday?  I don’t think so, but then I wouldn’t have thought a lot of other staples in life would have gone away thanks to the wonder of technology.  I have used a Kindle, and I love Audible Books, but there is nothing quite like the tactile benefit of holding a book while savoring the words of a story, interior design or landscape, while sipping a cup of tea.

Garden, Home and Party: will libraries become obsolete?

{via}

For this post, my love of books has always led to the love of books displayed, beautiful public libraries and a stack of books sitting on a table, inviting me to explore the wonder within.  {It always comes back to decor and style, doesn’t it?!}

I love books displayed this way, some of the fronts showing.  Our bookcases aren’t really set up for this, but I like the look.

Garden, Home and Party: will libraries become obsolete?

{via}

A home library with plenty of inviting places to sit, and a few bits and bobs on display, pulls me in every time.  This library reminds me of so many British television shows, especially those set in another time and era. {Miss Marple, Poirot}

Garden, Home and Party: are libraries going to become obsolete?

{via}

This more contemporary room works for me as well.  I love the black finish on the wood and the wall sconces.  Doing double duty as a study / library is even better.

Garden, Home and Party: Are libraries going to be obsolete?

{via}

The beauty of this light filled space is the complete package.  The architecture of the room, arched wall over the french door and the classic detailing on the bookcases, what could be more inviting?!  And they’ve even left us a snack.

Garden, Home and Party: Are libraries becoming obsolete.

{via}

This wood paneled beauty leans more to an office than a library, but I love it and since there appears to be a chair opposite the desk, I think you could easily pull a book from the shelf and put your feet up.

Garden, Home and Party: Will libraries become obsolete?

{via}

I love the collection of wooden boxes on top of the book case and the oil painting just seals the deal for me.  I could be very comfy here, whiling away the day with a good book.

Garden, Home and Party: Will libraries be obsolete?

{via}

This might be a favorite.  The room seems so inviting, made more so by the indoor french doors left open.  Candles on the table, sigh.

Garden, Home and Party: Will libraries be obsolete?

{via}

This wonderful wood paneled room by William Litchfield is a favorite of mine.

Garden, Home and Party: Will libraries become obsolete?

{via}

What are your thoughts?  Do any of you remember the line in the original Ghostbusters when Dr. Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis) says to Janine Melnitz (Annie Potts) in a most serious dead pan way, “Print is dead”.  That was 1984.  Not dead yet! 

2015 in review via WordPress

06 Wednesday Jan 2016

Posted by Karen B. in Personal Information

≈ 25 Comments

Tags

2015 Report card

My blog site was set up by our oldest son in 2007.  Where does the time go?  It’s been a fun ride and a learning curve I’m happy for.  GHP is published on WordPress and they send a report card for the site each December.  It’s fun reading their summary, and always a little surprising on which posts drew the most interest.

My all time top 5 posts continue to be posts from 2014 and earlier.  I believe the reason could be I’ve lately felt as though I’ve posted all that I can  on topics related to gardening, home decor and entertaining/throwing a party.

I’m fighting this lethargy, and hope to pick up my once-a-week schedule again in 2016.  I need to think outside the box. 🙂

The stories that continue to lead on my blog site are:

Cozy and other adjectives that describe home – {I’m drawn to smaller spaces, especially those that feel cozy and comfortable}

Garden, Hme and Party: 2015 report card

{via}

Were you born in a barn? – {There are some amazing barns that have been converted into beautiful living spaces}

Garden, Home and Party: Born in a barn?

{via}

Rooms that enjoy a neutral palate {inspired by my friend’s beautiful home ~ thank you, Glenys for always inspiring us}

Garden, Home and Party: neutral rooms

Adieu Pierre Deux – {I still think of the time spent with a Pierre Deux catalog on my lap, a cup of tea on the table next to my chair and the dreaming that went with that}

Garden, Home and Party: Pierre Deux

Front Yards – {I will definitely revisit this topic in the coming months.  Our drought will require continued ways to conserve water and our lawn will possibly need to go away}

Garden, Home and Party: Front yards

WordPress suggests that I try revisiting these topics.  Maybe I will.  If you have topics that you’d like me to cover, drop me a line.  My dear friend Linda suggested the Adieu Pierre Deux post…thank you, Linda.  Thank you for reading…here’s the report if you’re interested and I’ve provided links to the top 5 posts.

I hope to write on some new topics in the coming weeks.

Here’s an excerpt:

The Louvre Museum has 8.5 million visitors per year. This blog was viewed about 190,000 times in 2015. If it were an exhibit at the Louvre Museum, it would take about 8 days for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

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