Orange” You Glad I didn’t Say Banana!

By Jeff Floyd  //  Decorating  //  No Comments

Photo credit: Karen, www.Flickr.com

I’m often asked, “What’s your favorite color?” My answer–“This week” (or “this season”) it is”…because it changes often.  Yet for a while now, orange has been my “go to” color for home décor and casual entertaining.  Why? Because orange re-energizes a room like no other.  Often called the social hue (because it’s so stimulating and lively), this vibrant color is no longer held to a single season—we’re seeing orange paired, year-round, with lot of other colors; as well as working alone to liven up a space.

Recently, I swooned for orange again when I came across an apothecary jar filled with cheese balls (because of their color, not their tastiness!) in a chic market showroom.

Photo credit: www.Pantone.com

Then, New York fashion week was all about orange and Pantone (our industry’s top color forecaster) declared “tangerine tango” its color of the year. Voila! Orange has finally arrived in all its yummy glory.
This is a hue that plays well with virtually every color in the crayon box.

Photo credit: www.DenverBrocos.com

Who knew Tim Tebow and the Broncos were such fashionistas with their pairing of orange and blue (for once we guys led the way on style!)?



























Look how great orange mixes with fuschia on these global-inspired pillows; and how much impact this solid orange textural pouf (a fancy name for foot stool) delivers.







One of my favorite springtime events happens in Round Top, a small Texas town (population 77).  Aptly named, The Round Top Spring Fair is held during the first weekend in April.










The pastures and meadows surrounding this community are filled with circus-sized tents where dealers and creative retailers offer their wares.  Susan and I love to walk the tents looking for that diamond-in-the-rough.

By pairing orange  with the “re-use/re-purpose” trend, this season’s show will likely be filled with treasures like this buffet just waiting for a fresh coat of vibrant paint that transformed it into a fashion must-have.
Hesitant to jump in with both feet?  That’s ok. By taking a few pieces swathed in this color of the year (tangerine tango) and adding it to your existing décor, you’ll get instant gratification and update your home at the same time.







 http://www.celebratinghome.com/sites/52646159 T check out more of Jeffs Blogs







For example, pair our Vibrant Poppies wrapped canvas art with a couple of throw pillows and a Mango Cooler candle.
All it takes are three touches of orange somewhere in your home and you’ll be dancing the trendy tangerine tango before you know it!

Tagged as: decorating with orange | featured | Pantone's color of the year | tangerine tango

Author: Jeff Floyd

Vice-President of Merchandising & Designer in Chief, Celebrating Home
Jeff Floyd leads 50,000-plus Celebrating Home Designers coast-to-coast sharing his vision, talent and innovative design. Jeff inspires confidence in design and provides how to tips on decorating and entertaining. He resides in Marshall, Texas where he values quality time with Susan, his best friend and wife of 28 years, with whom he also works beside every day at Celebrating Home. Jeff is especially proud of Preston, his 18 month old grandson, whom he shares Coke Floats with on a daily basis. Jeff Floyd has written 6 articles for our blog

4 Ways to Spring Forward Now!

By Carla Jordan  //  Decorating  //  No Comments

Winter’s here and brrrr…it’s cold as ice.  Even Harry, my sturdy little corgi, is dutifully suiting up in his tartan plaid coat before venturing out into the yard.  But, indoors I’ve found a way to beat winter at its game by infusing my home with touches of nature that are warm, colorful and inspiring.




















The Brits have been doing this for centuries.  Homes with beautiful conservatories (like this one that I photographed when in London recently) and garden rooms date back to the 16th century but blossomed during the reign of Queen Victoria. Designed to liven up interiors during bleak winter months, these spaces are typically filled with dramatic examples of nature ranging from soaring trees and heady scented plantings to chirping birds and even the occasional butterfly or two.
Alas, my grand English home with conservatory must wait until the arrival of my prince with trusty trust fund (where is he???).  So in the meantime, am I doomed to a home of wintery blandness?  No way! We fashionistas never turn down a challenge (or reason to shop) so shop I did. In a nano-second, I zeroed in four fab furnishings that’ll add a little Spring to your step…and your home right now.

Mother Nature would feel right at-home dining at this table filled with award-winning artist Susan Winget’s Somerset Song dinnerware (exclusive to CH). The Homespun bell jar with stand mimics a classic garden cloche in this gorgeous centerpiece of moss, bird nests and eggs.





















This Floor Standing bird cage takes its cue from English Victorian homes that used these structures as architectural elements and filled them with all sort of things (sometimes even birds!)


















Our Field of Flowers wall art adds a modernist touch with its square, unframed canvas.












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Cindy Allen



One of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to create atmosphere is via scent.  Light Heather’s Garden soy candle to fill the room with the fragrance of a lovely bouquet of flowers.

Tagged as: decorating ideas | decorating with nature | featured

Author: Carla Jorda

Videos

How to get a romantic room

	Creating a Romantic Room Romantic decorating is all about creating a space that feels both safe and thrilling. You want your partner to be comfortable and able to relax, but you also don’t want them to fall asleep. There are a number of decorative elements which you can engage in order to accomplish this task. Lighting: Illumination is a vital tool when trying to create a romantic atmosphere. The way the light shines on the space will have a profound effect on how people will view and react to it. In general you want to avoid harsh direct lighting, and opt instead for soft ambient fixtures that will create a gentle flickering glow. This can be done through the use of candles, string lights, globe lanterns, and other soft novelty fixtures. Colors: Red is generally recognized as the color of love. However you don’t want to go crazy completely washing the space in bright red colors that will be harsh and glaring. Rather use these hues as accent points which can contrast in powerful ways with the lighter more subdued colors surrounding them. Textures: Decorating is about more than just how things look, it is also important to consider how they feel to the touch. In a decorative setting you want to emphasize textures which are either soft, or smooth. Soft can include things such as plush velvet curtains, spongy rugs and cuddly pillows, all of which will make the space feel cozier. Smooth textures such as soft silk and satin sheets or throws can create a languid luxurious feel. Music: One of the quintessential elements of a romantic atmosphere is music. The right melody can allow you and your love to drift soft into a sweet dream. However you want to be careful that you don’t choose tunes which are boring and sleepy. Rather you want to try and select music that will inspire both of you, and which plays to your individual tastes. Aroma: You can complete the effect by using scented candles or incense sticks to fill the air with enticing scents. There are a wide variety of aromas which you can choose. Here too you want to follow the tastes of both you and your beloved, as scent is a very personal sensation and taste can vary from person to person. http://www.celebratinghome.com/sites/52646150

Valentines

Treat Your Valentine to a Romantic Salmon Bake for Two

By Jeff Gillis  //  Entertaining  //  No Comments

Looking for a way to shoot Cupid’s arrow that your special someone will remember long after Valentine’s Day? No need to labor in the kitchen for hours to create a culinary meal worthy of the celebration. Try this one-dish wonder that can be whipped up in just 30 minutes.  No fuss, little mess, yet, guaranteed to impress!











This salmon bake is also great as a portable picnic–something my wife and I love to do lakeside and in other scenic areas of our historic town.  So this Valentine’s Day, make like a culinary cupid.  Then whisk your honey away to a special spot for an evening filled with fine food and romance!











Ingredients:
1 can artichoke hearts, chopped
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 russet potato, peeled and sliced paper thin
1 carrot, cut into 3-inch matchstick lengths
12 stalks asparagus, cut into 3-inch lengths
2 planks of salmon, room temperature
1 tablespoon Celebrating Home Spinach artichoke dry mix or like product
1 teaspoon dry Greek seasoning
Garniesh: 1 small can diced olives; small bunch chopped fresh parsley; and capers.
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Spray individual portion cassoulet baking dishes (or an 8-inch baking dish) with spray release (like PAM™)
Lay potato slices in the bottom of the dish one at a time, making two to three layers.
Combine the chopped artichoke hearts and 1 tablespoon of the spinach artichoke dip dry mix. Sprinkle artichoke hearts on top of the sliced potato, divided evenly between the two bakers. Do the same with heavy cream.
Bake covered for 20 minutes at 400 degree, then remove from oven and lower heat to 300 degrees.
Place salmon planks on top of potato artichoke mixture, dividing the carrots and asparagus evenly between the two bakers.  Top with Greek seasoning.
Bake covered for additional 5-9 minutes at 300 degrees.
Remove and garnish with a pinch of capers, diced black olives, and fine chopped fresh parsley.
Tips:
•Use any fish you like.
•Greek seasoning is salty sweet, lemony with herbs.
•Spinach artichoke mix is comprised of onion, garlic and dill.
•Do steps 1-4 up to three days in advance, then place cold salmon on top with veggies and seasonings; and increase bake time to 10-15minutes.
•Cut veggies 1-2 days out and store in an air tight container. Make sure  the potatos are covered in water so they stay crisp and don’t brown in color.
•This meal tastes great served with a unique beverage.  I like an icy color pitcher filled with a combination of half unsweetened black tea and half lemonade. http://www.celebratinghome.com/sites/52646159

Ding Dong, Cupid Calling! 6 Ways to Romance Up Your Home

By Carla Jordan  //  Decorating, Entertaining  //  No Comments

Photo credit: Renjith Krishnan, www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Ever since the first love birds kissed or Hallmark printed its first valentine (as a cynical ex-boyfriend once noted–surprisingly, he proved not to be a keeper but I digress…), I’ve looked for a sure-fire way to reel in my one true love, especially on Valentine’s Day. So far, Mr. Right has alluded me but this year may be it for I’ve discovered not one–but six–ways to romance up my home and these ideas are so good, I feel bound to share them because we, the forever romantics, must stick together. 
Had a hunch I could count on those clever DIY editors at Better Homes & Gardens for ideas so affordable I could still afford a box of chocolates (for myself).  And, they delivered–big-time–with three three quick and easy projects.

Photo credit: www.BHG.com

Decorate your kitchen or home office with cards collected or made over the years.  Cut frames from craft paper and adhere card to frame (or slit each frame corner, then slip in cards if you prefer a temporary fix).  Glue a mini magnet on frame backs, then display your card collage on the fridge or file cabinet.

Photo credit: www.BHG.com

Here’s a perfect project to get the little valentines in your life involved.  Help kids create “Be Mine” place mats and coasters with stencils, construction or scrapbook paper, scissors and a bit of glue.

Photo credit: www.BHG.com

Score points for creativity with this message-in-a-bottle.  Fill a glass bottle (vintage ones are easy to find at flea markets) with heart candy, red and white confetti and a hand-written love note.  Top with a cork and tag.
If DIY’s not your bag, no worries. Here are three ways that clever shopper can shoot Cupid’s arrows through the house without lifting a single glue gun.
















These utility baskets are smart picks because they can find new purpose after the big day to hold files in the office, pantry produce and stuff in the garage.  For Valentine’s Day, use one ot create a custom gift basket.  Line with a red or white linen, then fill with your honey’s favorite things.  Add a valentine, then tie with a festive ribbon.















If there’s any true in the adage “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” I figure that Southwestern Chipotle dip mix ought do the trick.  Roasted red chipotle peppers add a little zip to this dip.





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Set the mood with this two-piece set of Honey/Red flameless candles. They fill the air with vanilla fragrance and come with a remote control so you can effortlessly operate them in mid-smooch.

Story behind our Graditude Tree

The Story Behind the “Gratitude Tree”
By Donna Spafford King // Decorating, Lifestyle
www.cindyshomedecor.com

Most days, you’ll find me smiling, upbeat and ready to take on the world. Yes, I’m one of those people who sees the glass half full and focuses on the possibilities, not the limitations. Yet, there was a time in my life–1997 to be exact–when worry and fear brought me to my knees as never before.
That was when our precious daughter Jillian was born with a series of life-threatening health complications that cropped up one after another. To say that the first nine months following her birth were tough doesn’t even describe it. We had moved to a new city, friends were scarce and the days without doctor appointments were few. As time ticked by, the seriousness of the situation began to take its toll and instead of embracing the joy of having a new baby, I found myself wallowing in the sadness of her ongoing precarious health.
The turning point came, surprisingly enough, the day the doctor said, “The hope door is closed.” I went home, ate a sleeve of Girl Scout cookies and thought, “No, it’s not. You can’t take hope from me.” Perhaps because Thanksgiving Day was near, but I suddenly became determined to find something to be thankful for to help keep hope alive in my heart. I found a bare branch in the yard, brought it inside and placed it in a small urn on the table. Each day, I’d write something to be grateful for on a small piece of paper, then tie it to the branch with a string. I started with really basic things like, “Today, the electricity bill came in and it’s $50 less than anticipated, Jillian lifted her head and Madison fell asleep holding Jillian’s hand.” The rest of my family started adding notes and, right before our eyes, we “grew” our very own gratitude tree.
Of course, what had really happened was that God used one of his creations–a simple tree branch–to remind us that He is in control no matter what and that if we reach out in faith, powerful things can happen. So we did. We began a walk of faith, with our gratitude tree by our side, that would last over a decade during which saw what happens when the hand of God is on a sick child. The “No Hope” doctor’s predictions gave way to warnings that Jillian might live to the age of five. Jillian’s fifth birthday came and went. More birthdays followed–happy days indeed–although they were tempered by continuing health struggles. Yet, this child kept fighting to live even though she was, frankly, at death’s doorstep (and in/out of hospitals three to four times a year) until the age of 11.
Today’s picture is so different. Jillian’s now 14 and healthier than we every dared hope. She’s even a Special Olympics champion! She and Madison, her older sister, are the joys of my life. Each Thanksgiving, we set up our Gratitude tree (using the original branch!) and fill it with messages old and new. As we re-read the messages from years past, we are reminded that God is in control no matter what and are humbled by how magnificently He can work through something as nondescript as a little branch.

Celebrating Home's Gratitude Tree
That’s the story behind Celebrating Home’s Gratitude Tree. We offer it to you as a way for you, your friends and family to reflect on life’s daily blessings, not just on Thanksgiving but every day of the year.

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Discount shopping, fun, empowerment, & extra money! As a Celebrating Home Designer, you will earn 30-45% commissions while selling quality tabletop stoneware, entertaining accessories, candles, framed art, home décor and gourmet food through parties, fundraisers, and online. Follow the steps below to pick your kit and get started.

Potlus Back-lets eat

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2012
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Potluck’s Back–Let’s Eat!

By Carla Jordan  //  Entertaining  //  No Comments

Photo credit: www.MobileBayMag.com

Call it a sign of the times or just plain good luck for those of us yearning to swap fast food fare for some tasty home cooking. Potluck gatherings are back and one of this year’s hottest trends in entertaining. 
Although these communal “luck of the pot” meals (where everyone brings their favorite dish) hearken back to the late 19th century, they found their footing in the mid-1950′s when it seemed like every mom in the neighborhood was filling casserole dishes for church socials and family get-togethers.
“There are three primary reasons driving the the return of potluck–our schedules, the economy and childhood memories,” says Chef Jeff Gillis, www.CelebratingHome.com.  “We live such fast-paced lives that divvying up the cooking makes home entertaining more realistic than putting all of the burden on the hostess.  Making one dish instead of several also helps stretch the budget–something we’re all looking to do these days.  And, let’s face it–after years of dashing through the drive-thru, wouldn’t you like to sit down to some home-cooked food, even if it’s only once a week?”

Photo credit: Everyday Crafty Goodness, www.Flickr.com

Got potluck fever but not a clue what to do?  Here are four tips that’ll make your next gathering both tasty and stylish, plus, a family-fave recipe that’ll put your home on the map as potluck heaven.
 1–Organize Participants
Divide the meal by categories so guests will have a balance of appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts from which to choose. Cooks needn’t commit to a specific recipe but it’s helpful to know up-front that a well-rounded meal is in the making.
2–Agree on Advance Prep
All dishes should be cooked prior to arrival so only a quick re-heating is required. Everything should also hit your doorstep ready for presentation to avoid last minute searches for serving bowls and platters.
3–Choose Easy-Fix, Crowd-Pleasing Recipes
To appeal to guests varying tastes, save the exotic for later and dust off mom’s (or grandma’s) cookbook.  Traditional potluck dishes like casseroles, chili, soup, bread and cakes are always popular and easy to make.
4–Dress Up the Table
Remember the special tablecloth mom used for Sunday dinner?  Create some memories for your own family with a pretty fabric tablecloth, cloth napkins (pretty and eco-friendly!) and some candles.  A few minutes is all it takes to create a festive look that’ll make guests feel honored to have gathered around your table.

















A slow cooker like our Venetian Home Spice bean pot (shown here filled with yummy bean pot stew from our exclusive recipe below) is potluck perfect. It’s sized to feed a crowd and to go from kitchen to table without missing a stylish beat.
Celebrating Home’s Bean Pot Beef Stew
This twist on an American favorite yields a hearty, flavorful entree that takes less prep time because it slow cooks in the oven in a bean pot.
 Ingredients:
1 pound round steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
6 cups beef broth (or stock)
1-1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
3 bay leaves
2 cups potatoes, cubed
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup carrots, diced
Salt and pepper to taste
 Directions:
Rub steak with olive oil and coat with salt and pepper.
Let steak sit at room temperature in bean pot while preparing
All other vegetables.  Chop and dice everything, then add to
Bean pot.  Add beef broth (or stock), thyme, bay leaves,
Diced tomatoes and salt and pepper.  Cover and bake
in 375 degree oven for 3-4 hours until meat is tender.
•Recipe courtesy of www.CelebratingHome.com

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