Table Tops for the Summer

The Summer usually means impromptu get togethers and planned dinners for close friends and family.  I love setting a great table for my guests. What a treat for your guests to see that you have taken the time to make them feel special.

 This table I found on a great blog, betweennapsontheporch.com. It obviously has a beach vibe but you can take notes of the textures being used. I love the natural colors. The shell trimmed chargers are so perfect.

This photo was from an article about fabulous wedding tables. You can take many ideas from these tables. Love the wood tones and flowers. Wedding table settings are so detailed so you can just grab alittle idea here n there for your dinner.

This is from a Williams and Sonoma site. I personally think you can't go wrong with a crisp white tablecloth and great platters and glasses, all simple, yet elegant. You can use seasonal flowers and candles and you are set.

This is a yummy fig appetizer I tried last summer and I wanted to share it with you.

Ingredients:

• 12 firm but ripe figs, preferably Adriatic figs, stemmed 
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup (4 to 6 oz./125 to 180 g) fresh goat cheese,
    preferably Pennyroyal Farm 
• 12 paper-thin slices prosciutto 
• A handful of arugula 
• Saba for drizzling 
• Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling 
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste 

Directions:

Preheat a hot fire in a grill for grilling over direct and indirect heat.

Using a sharp knife, make a lengthwise slit in a fig starting at the stem end, cutting about three-quarters of the way through the fruit. Gently open the fig and stuff it with 2 to 3 teaspoons of the goat cheese (the amount that will fit will depend on the size of the fig). Press the sides of the fig together to close. Wipe off any goat cheese remaining on the outside of the fig, then wrap 1 slice of the prosciutto around the fig, making sure the opening at the top of the fig is completely covered by the prosciutto. Repeat with the remaining figs, goat cheese and prosciutto.

Thread a metal or wooden skewer horizontally through the center of each fig. Grill the figs over high heat, with the stem end (the side stuffed with goat cheese) facing up, until the bottom is nicely grill marked, about 1 minute. Using the skewer, turn the fig 180 degrees to form crosshatch grill marks and continue grilling about 1 minute more. Flip the figs so that the stem end is now facing down, move to a cooler part of the grill and cover the grill. This will allow the goat cheese to melt without the figs burning. Continue cooking until the goat cheese is just beginning to melt, about 3 minutes.

Remove the figs from the grill and remove from the skewers. Spread the arugula on a platter and arrange the figs on top.  Drizzle some saba and olive oil on top of the figs, season with pepper to taste and serve immediately. Serves 6.

Summer is officially Here

I have been working on our beachtown home, which won't be complete for a long time. From time to time I will post on a room or a small space, but I wanted to share with you a few rooms I found that are just awesome for a beach vibe inspiration.
Although they each have a different look, they all create a styled yet comfy, calm, kick your feet up and have a great time feel. Always what I try to accomplish in a room.

 This photo is fromCallingithome.com, the ceiling is a nice addition to a room decorated so perfectly for TV watching as well as conversation. I like how the two wicker chairs are positioned in the room and can be moved elseware as needed for audio all seating. Lots of texture with the wood, glass, and wicker.

This photo is courtesy ofBeachblissliving.com,and it caught my eye because I have a weakness for crystals. So inviting.

This room was featured on Homedit.com I also showcased it on my Instagram yesterday. So much to look at for inspiration. Love the fringe on the cushions, the piece above the sofa, and the whitewashed piece to the right. I have a similar piece of furniture that was dark wood colored n I painted it a blue/green but I may have to try that finish on it.

I stumbled upon these photos from a blog written by a mother and daughter duo, My design chic.com. I want to sit down with a cup of coffee and just Linger in this kitchen. The natural wood ceiling is such a highlight to the room. Love the breakfast eating area and the use of darker wood on the floors. 

Happy Summertime Everyone.

Check me out on Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and facebook 

Bamboo for Summer 2015 and Beyond

Bamboo is everywhere in right now. I really love the look.
A little history about Bamboo. It is the symbol of Intergrity, I thought that was interesting. China is the top producer of bamboo in the world. It is a material that is resistant to stretching and can support weight of more than twice that of other woods.
Ok, enough of that..Lets look at some pretty bamboo inspired items for our homes.

Bamboo on the table adds texture and style

Williams-Sonoma Home

Spray paint your bamboo for an updated look

Pretty bamboo shelving

Monogramming can be bamboo inspired from Emily mccarthy

How about a bamboo ladder for the bath

Gold is hot for a bamboo chair from 1st dibs

Function Part 2

Here is an added function. By placing a floor lamp behind the chair you create a reading area, cozy spot.

Decide on what you want the space to do, and the design ideas will follow!

Function and Purpose are Key

Many times I am asked how to make a small update to add something interesting and new. The key is really simple. Just think about what the function is, and it will guide you in the right direction.
For example, I have these wicker chairs that look tired and sorry.
I thought about the function. I want them to be comfortable and inviting to anyone who takes a seat in them. I replaced the seat cushions with new, fluffy ones. I also added really soft pillows to the back of the chair. They can be adjusted and removed if someone doesn't like the pillow. I also added a pouf so you can put your feet up. It's a simple update that's functional and fabulous.

Chairs, cushions, and pillow Pier One. The pouf is from Home Goods

Enjoy the Weekend!

FINALLY!

I have been on a search for the perfect, thin, but unique console table for my entryway. I mean I have been looking since last year. I didn't want to spend a fortune, but wanted it to be just the right table.
I found the perfect table at Sailor Trading Company. It is a local shop in Sea Girt, nj, monmouth county. They have the most awesome, one of a kind consigned home items. They also carry new items for sale, too. They are on facebook, and often post the latest items to come into the shop. The customer service is great.

 This is the table, in the foyer area. The mirror is from when I sold Southern Living At Home products. It goes well with the gray wall color and the chunky candle stick. The candlesticks and
ceramic fish are from Garrret, Manasquan, nj. They are a great home goods shop to visit when you are in Manasquan, or the local area.

This hefty sized container is a new item that Sailor Trading Company had in their store. I originally thought to put a big candle in it, but flowers are a great choice as well. 

Stella is enjoying the pillow, as much as I do.

Had to include one more of her sneaking under the sheets after I made my bed. 

Love These Designers

To continue my conversation about the amazing designers who were working on the Stately Homes by the Sea designer Home Tour, I would like to mention a woman who has designed some amazing rooms.
Amanda Haytaian, from House of Cline, designs beautiful kitchens, baths, and closets. She has won Best of Houzz awards among many published articles in various magazines. Her site is Ahaytaian.houzz.com. She is based out of Little Silver.

Gorgeous kitchen with no upper cabinets, so you can enjoy the views.

Bathroom and closets, oh my!