Winter Tablescapes

Decorating for the holidays is so enjoyable and really brings the spirit of the season into a home. Holiday entertaining usually involves setting a table that is cheerful and festive.  Our first setting was inspired from winter itself and the whimsy that can be found in nature:  exposed bark, deer antler and windowpane plaids that make your want to curl up next to a fire.  The second scene was an attempt to recreate the gorgeously detailed illustrations of children author Jan Brett's winter tale books:  the Swedish Alps and the traditions of the Nordic culture captured in a presentation that would make something as simple as drinking hot cocoa a breathtaking celebration. The third table setting really evolved from the idea of decorating a holiday table in a contemporary approach; clean and angular forms that were inspired by the origami ornaments we found.  Striking and unique, their sculptural forms catapulted us into creating a geometric feel that made us think of a beautiful MOMA card: modern and simple while still maintaining a holiday feel.  Our hope with each of these was to try extend the warm fuzzy feel we get during this time of year last just a little longer as each of these could potentially make a gloomy mid-January table make you want to stay inside because they are something adults as well as children can admire and appreciate.  We hope you enjoy these as much as we did putting them together!
Please tune in on Wednesday, December 19th to Fox 8 and see all three of our winter tablescapes come to life!

(1) Surroyal Tureen - Anthropolgie (2) Stag Pewter Flatware - Horchow (3) Floral - Olive and Cocoa (4) Glass Ornament- Roost available through House of L (5) Wool Table Linen - Ralph Lauren (6 & 7) Plaid Napkin & Napkin Rings - Juliska available through House of L (8) Stackable Drinking Goblet - Crate and Barrel (9 & 10) Holiday Dinnerware - Juliska available through House of L (11) Butlers Tray Table - Crate and Barrel

 

 (1) Christmas Tree Cards- Roost (2) Woodgrain Pitcher - Anthropologie (3) Birch Candles - Lands End (4) Fringe Canvas Ornaments - Roost available through House of L (5) Decorative Pillow - Ankasa (6) Wool Linen - Ralph Lauren Home (7) Stag Horn Flatware - Horchow (8) Gwyneth Horn Dinner Plate - Ralph Lauren Home (9) Amber Glass Drinkware- Pier1 (10) Brenna Concho Napkin Ring - Ralph Lauren Home

 (1) Lit White Birch Branches - Roost available through House of L (2) White Birch Candle (3) Origami Ornaments (4) Castle Peak Dinnerware - Kate Spade/Horchow (5) Rock Drinkware - ZGallerie (6) Castle Peak Flatware - Kate Spade/Horchow (7) Red Lacquer Tray - Jonathan Adler

 

 

Be Informed...How to properly set the table

 

Save the Boobs

 Be Inspired. Be Motivated. Be Pink.

 

 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is coming to and end but we still continue to fight for the cure!

Thank you Stray Dog Designs for inspiring our title slide with your Gabby Pendants, shown above!

All items below with a ribbon indicate that proceeds of their purchase go to research for breast cancer.
 

Clockwise shown above: David Yurman Braided Bracelet, Doc Martin Boots in Pink Patent Leather, Kelly Wearstler Pink Leather Jacket, Essie Nail Polish "I am Strong", Philosophy Shower Gel,  Porta Romana Vase, Marc by Marc Jacobs Katie Bunny Phone Case, Furniture for the Cure Chair, Smashbox Lipstick, Oomph Small Table

 

"Exercise may reduce the risk of breast cancer." – Dr. Melanie Bone, M.D., Fellow of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

 

 Clockwise shown above: Victoria's Secret Sports Bra, Pink Weights, Sport Gloves, Lululemon Scuba Hoodie, Asics Running Shoes, Lululemon "the mat", Excercise Ball, Water Bottle

 

 

 

****Indulge in a healthy pink smoothie!****

 

1/2 cup frozen strawberries

1/2 cup frozen raspberries

1/4 cup frozen cranberries

1/2 large honeycrisp apple sliced

1/2 cup non fat greek yogurt

Honey to sweeten

1/2 lemon peeled

1/2 cup carrot juice

 

 

Blend to desired consistency and enjoy!

 

Fall Fusion

Fall is literally at our doorstep, with September tip-toeing in, the balmy days distracting us from what will soon be chillier mornings.  Although the ease of flip flops and summer dresses cannot be denied, fall fashion is unquestionably the best.  I have always eagerly anticipated the runway collections and how they are interpreted in everyday life, including our homes. The theatrical displays at some of the fashion houses were wildly imaginative, setting scenes that included traveling stylishly (as seen at Louis Vuitton where a steamship train was part of the stage set) to decadent brocades and embroideries embellishing everything from dresses to totes (as seen at Balmain, Dolce and Gabbana and Valentino) that were reminiscent of Maria Callas on an opera stage.  Contradictorily to the uber-feminine frocks were the takes on menswear, featuring fluid lines and tailored suits (as seen at Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan) as well as the resurgence of leather, particularly in dresses and skirts, which cleverly embraced the texture while maintaining an utter femininity.  

Our fall blog is inspired by these collections and how they translate into our vernacular. The recipes we will be featuring are courtesy of chef Matthew Mytro of Flour Restaurant and will accompany each new post.  As you may have seen on our Facebook page or blog sneak peak announcement, we are thrilled to also be hosting our "Fall Fusion" event in conjunction with Saks Fifth Avenue, Flour Restaurant, Dino Palmieri Salons and Donghia with inspirations for all the season has to offer. So allow your senses to be inundated and help us embrace Fall! 

Fall Fusion Installation 5Hues of Blues

 

Fall Fusion Installation 4

Floral Findings

 

Fall Fusion Installation 3

Gray is the New Brown

 

Fall Fusion Installation 2

The 2nd Fall Fusion installation features the gorgeous drama of lace and leather, a standout this season.  Dramatic and mysterious, the look beckons to be noticed and is completely captivating.  The Baroque mystique that veils this collection of clothing and interiors is sublime.  Whether as a gorgeous shift dress in sumptuous leather or a lace clutch to add texture and elegance to a LBD, the sex appeal of this look is undeniable as an outfit and who good deny the over-the-top theatrics of an ornate and pompous chair demanding attention in a corner?  

[1] Benjamin Moore Paint, Black Satin [2]Benjamin Moore Paint, Heritage Red [3 Dolce and Gobbana Runway[4] Christian Louboutin Alta Lace Boots available at Saks [5] Dolce and Gabbana Handbag available at Saks [6] Valentino Lace and Leather Paneled Dress[7] Designer Chair[8] Salvatore Ferragamo My Belle Flats  [9] Elitis Wallpaper [10] Lancome Lipstick available at Saks [11] Chanel Eye Shadow available at Saks

Fall Fusion Installation 1

Our first installation features mulberry, raisin and amber tones reminiscent of tree top canopies and streets strewn with newly fallen leaves.  Textures from nubby wools to indulgent velvets and buttery leathers are textiles we crave once the weather starts turning. Furniture cues are taken from signature pieces reminiscent of the 70's that have become interesting counterpoints in a room and coveted pieces by collectors.  The time was fueled by pure fantasy and the spirit embodied in furniture from the era are a creative mix of shapes and materials that turned functional pieces into pieces of art.  We are featuring one such piece in this compilation, the Guy De Rougemont "Nuage Table" which was constructed out of plexiglass and metal around 1971.  The design is incredibly sexy and representative of the feel that decade embodied. A bar interpretation of the Nuage can be found at The Mark Hotel in the upper East side of Manhattan, which was renovated by one of the leading designers in France, Jacques Grange.  The tremendous proportions are beyond breathtaking in person.  If you happen to go to the city, it is a must see and truly glorious at night when it is lit, casting a moody glow in the room. 

[1] Floral fabric: Rubelli printed velvet in Malvasia colorway [2] Illamasqua Nail Polish in Optimist and Vice [3] Nina Ricci Runway Look Fall 2012 [4] Oscar de la Renta Ruffle Ring available at Saks [5] Miu Miu Suede Platrform Pumps in Burgundy available at Saks [6] Nars Scarlet Empress Lipstick [7] Cloud Vintage Table by Guy de Rougemont [8] Burberry Jacket available at Saks [9] Seguso for Donghia Pandora Bowl [10] Yves Saint Laurent Patent Leather Clutch in Burgundy available at Saks [11] Tom Ford Eye Shadow Quad in Burnished Amber available at Saks [12] Donghia Corona Fabric in Red-Burgundy Colorway [13] Donghia Volume Sofa [14] Benjamin Moore Paint, Tuscan Tile, Hot Tamale, Cascabel Chile, Fallen Leaf

Mark Hotel, New York

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Stuffed Figs

Recipe courtesy of chef matt mytro of flour restaurant

3 Mission figs, cut in half

6oz gorgonzola cheese, crumbled

6 slices prosciutto (thinly sliced)

1 bottle 10 year aged balsamic vinegar

<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.        <!--[endif]-->roll crumbled cheese into a ball and place in center of fig

<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.        <!--[endif]-->lay sliced prosciutto on cutting board and place fig (cheese side up) towards the bottom of prosciutto

<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.        <!--[endif]-->roll fig, moving away from prosciutto, should complete wrap fig and cheese.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.        <!--[endif]-->Place figs in 400 degree oven for about 5 minutes

<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.        <!--[endif]-->Serve on platter and drizzle with balsamic.

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A sneak peek at fall fashion and design...

 The vignette above has been inspired by fall fashions found at Saks Fifth Avenue along with textiles and accessories brought together by lead designer Libby Palmieri from House of L Interior Design with the help of Crystal Brown of the Donghia Showroom at the Ohio Design Center in Cleveland, Ohio and Hallie Brahm of Saks Fifth Avenue.

We'd like to introduce you to...

Rosecrans Baldwin is the President of Donghia, Inc. and Bergamo Fabrics.  In his role as a veteran industry leader, Crans has been called upon to speak to groups of designers and at design centers, many times as the Keynote Speaker.   In 2009 & 2010, at the height of the recession, Crans gave Power Point presentations and speeches in 31 cities sharing business ideas to help interior designers survive the recession. His innovative marketing strategies can be found in his blog, A Glass Half Full along with Crans' wonderful stories that are peppered with his travels and encounters with design industry elite. Crans lives with his wife in Connecticut.

London Calling Complete Series

London's layered diversity of fashion and style has for generations seeped into our culture and been a source of inspiration.  With the Olympics closely approaching, we felt inspired to share some of the impact British flair has had on our homeland's interiors and in the fall collections.  There is no denying the timeless kitsch of the Union Jack emblem, the comforting combinations evoked by rich tartan plaids and intricate floral prints, the edginess of punk-inspired gear and of course the royals' classic elegance that keeps even the folks across the pond  ever-captive voyeurs.  Please follow our weekly installations as House of L embraces the best of England.

Part 1 - Urban Union Jack

[1] Hunter – Vintage Union Jack Wellington Boots [2] Kate Spade – Bangle [3] Mulberry – London Bus Keyring [4] Harrods – Westie Apron [5] Alexander McQueen – Britannia Skull Clutch [6] Telephone Booth [7] Urban Outfitters – Union Jack Muscle Tee [8] StephenWebster – Garnet and Sapphire Necklace [9] Mini Cooper [10] RestorationHardware – Union Jack Ottoman

Part 2 - Ruffian Rock

[11] Ileana Makri – White Gold & Diamond Spike Band [12] Brand En Van Egmond – Flower Power Oval Chandelier [13] Alexander McQueen – Crystal Skull Keyfob [14] Norma Kamali – Jorge Embellished Cutout Swimsuit [15] Chanel – Smokey Eyes Quad [16] Alessandro Mendini – Magis Proust Chair [17] Yves Saint Laurent Beaute – Nail Lacquer [18] Balmain – Raffia Motorcycle Jacket [19] Alexander McQueen – Skull Scarf [20] Christian Louboutin - Spiked Peep Toe Stilettos [21] Native Edge – Black Spike Candle

Part 3 - Tea Time

[22] Cole & Son - Vivienne Westwood Wall Covering [23] Alexander McQueen - Floral Leggings [24] Chandelier - contact House of L  [25] Pendelton - Tartan Plates [26] Osborne & Little - Walk in the Park Wall Covering[27] Vivienne Westwood - Black Boeing Blouse [28] Nina Campbell - Rosa Alba Fabric  [29] La Perla - Plaid Undergarments [30] Christian Louboutin - Rosella Flats [31] Ralph Lauren Home - Clivedon Carved Chair

Part 4 - Royal Review

[32] Issa Silk Gown  [33] Jane Taylor - Bespoke [34] Waterworks - Clothilde Freestanding Oval Copper Bathtub [35] Burberry - Cotton Sateen Trench Coat [36] MAC Cosmetics - Ruffian Nude Lipstick [37] L.K. Bennett - Sledge Shoe  [38] L.K. Bennett - Annina Leather Shoulder Bag [39] Links of London - Hope Egg Earrings [40] Restoration Hardware - Kensington Leather Sofa

We Can Dish It…If You Can Take It

Red Berry Trifle
recipe courtesy of Ina Garten

Ingredients

·         1 Plain Pound Cake, recipe follows

·         1 cup good raspberry jam

·         Framboise

·         2 half-pints fresh raspberries

·         1 pint fresh strawberries

·         Cognac Cream, recipe follows

·         2 cups cold heavy cream

·         2 tablespoons sugar

·         2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract

Directions

Cut the pound cake into 9 (3/4-inch) slices and spread each slice on 1 side with raspberry jam, using all the jam. Set aside. Place a layer of cake, jam side up, in the bottom of a 2 1/2-to 3-quart glass serving bowl, cutting the pieces to fit. Sprinkle with Framboise. Top with a layer of raspberries and strawberries and Cognac Cream. Repeat the layers of cake sprinkled with Framboise, raspberries, strawberries and Cognac Cream, ending with a third layer of cake jam side down and raspberries and strawberries. Whip the heavy cream in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. When it starts to thicken, add the sugar and vanilla and continue to whip until it forms stiff peaks. Decorate the trifle with whipped cream. The trifle can sit for a while at room temperature.

Plain Pound Cake:

·         1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

·         2 cups granulated sugar, divided

·         4 extra-large eggs, at room temperature

·         3 cups all-purpose flour

·         1/2 teaspoon baking powder

·         1/2 teaspoon baking soda

·         1 teaspoon kosher salt

·         3/4 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

·         1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 2 (8 1/2 by 4 1/2 by 2 1/2-inch) loaf pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.

Cream the butter and granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment for about 5 minutes, or until light and fluffy. With the mixer on medium speed, beat in the eggs, 1 at a time. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk and vanilla. Add the flour and buttermilk mixtures alternately to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour. Divide the batter evenly between the pans, smooth the tops, and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until a cake tester comes out clean. When the cakes are done, let them cool for 10 minutes. Take them out of the pans, place them on a baking rack and allow them to cool completely. Wrap well, and store in the refrigerator.

Cognac Cream:

·         3 cups milk

·         10 extra-large egg yolks, at room temperature

·         1 cup sugar

·         4 tablespoons sifted cornstarch

·         1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

·         1 teaspoon Cognac

·         2 tablespoons unsalted butter

·         1 tablespoon heavy cream

Heat the milk in a medium stainless-steel saucepan over medium heat and bring almost to a boil. Remove from the heat. Beat the egg yolks and sugar on medium-high speed in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until pale and thick, about 5 minutes. With the mixer on low speed, sprinkle on the cornstarch. Beat on medium-low speed until combined, scraping down the bowl with a rubber spatula. With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture. Pour the mixture back into the pan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, 5 to 7 minutes. (Pay attention because it will thicken and then quickly become scrambled eggs!) Immediately, pour the mixture through a fine sieve into a large bowl. Stir in the vanilla, Cognac, butter, and heavy cream. Place plastic wrap directly on the custard and refrigerate until cold.