St. Louis Homes & Lifestyles » entertaining

Eco-Chic: Sustainable Serving

Liz — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:19:43 +0000

Halloween is less than a week away, and while party-store costumes might forever be throwaway items, there are festive finds to make the season of spook a little bit greener. Simple, understated choices such as this lovely Recycled-Glass Candy Bowl from West Elm combine thoughtful design with earth-friendly materials. Inspired by Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico, this bowl is made with recycled glass and rimmed in a haunting dark brown hue. Fill it with fun-size candy bars for trick-or-treaters or stack it with homemade treats for a Halloween party.

(Photo Courtesy of www.westelm.com)

Friday Favorites: 7.15.11

Katie — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:00:15 +0000

We think it’s time people used their fine china more often. Sure, it’s breakable, but what good is it doing packed away in the butler’s pantry? Thanksgiving and Christmas aren’t the only times to break out your best dinnerware. Why not surprise a friend by using fine china at her next birthday dinner? Or, treat your family to an extra-special spread this Sunday night.

Here are a few of our staffers’ favorite fine china patterns. And we all agree… if we had these beauties to grace our tables, we’d be using them all the time!

1. Robert Haviland and C. Parlon Syracuse Rose Limoges porcelain dinnerware from Geary’s. “I just can’t resist the pretty, feminine palette of pink and gold in this stunning set. I’m not usually a total girlie girl, but this pattern has me daydreaming of bridal showers and afternoon tea parties.” – Katie Underhill, Managing Editor (Photo courtesy of www.gearys.com)

2. Belle Boulevard Collection from kate spade New York. “I always (try to) live by the saying, ‘less is more.’ This set of fine china is so simple and so sophisticated. I adore the elegant bow! For guests, each dish would be like a little gift – all wrapped up on a plate.” -Lauren Schrader, Art Director (Photo courtesy of www.katespade.com)

3. Gien Sultana place setting from Mary Tuttle’s. “A striking color palette and an intricate pattern combine to create a truly beautiful aesthetic in this fine china. It’s the perfect inspiration for designing a chic and sophisticated dinner party.” – Jenna Dunbar, Marketing Coordinator (Photo courtesy of www.marytuttles.com)

4. Royal Copenhagen “Blue Fluted Mega” porcelain dinnerware, available through Byron Cade. “I’ve always loved Royal Copenhagen. This Danish porcelain line is made with a deep respect for tradition and time-honored principles of craftsmanship. The patterns may look simple, but each is hand-painted, requiring more than 1,000 brush strokes.” – Suzie Osterloh, Publishing Director. (Photo courtesy of www.bloomingdales.com)

Food & Wine: Cooking School with Oceano Bistro

Katie — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 19:00:11 +0000

Imagine yourself seaside as you enjoy this delicious Cape Cod-inspired feast, prepared by Oceano Bistro’s Executive Chef Jon Lowe. You’ll also take away valuable tips on how to make your next party a stylish seafood soirée! Read the accompanying article “Oh, What a Night!” from our June/July issue by clicking here.

When: Thursday, July 21 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, 17895 Chesterfield Airport Rd.
Cost: $35 per person
Reservations: RSVP to Jenna at 636-230-9700

A Taste of the Menu:

Pan-seared Georges Banks scallops with baby sprouts
Littleneck clams and Prince Edward mussels sauteed in a citrus-basil broth and linguine
Quick-cured whole roasted side of salmon with dill and peppercorns
Arugula and shaved prosciutto salad with golden beets, goat cheese and strawberries
New England-style seafood chowder

Eco-Chic: Salvaged Soda Pop

Katie — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:04:20 +0000

Buying vintage is one of the easiest ways to go green. This set of recycled pop tumblers, our eco products of the week, from Green With Glamour will add a classic kick to your kitchen while giving new life to some classic soda bottles. These one-of-a-kind 8-ounce glasses are made from recycled Boylan Pop bottles rescued from New York City restaurants. Each set includes a random assortment of four flavors. You won’t know which ones are yours until you open the box!

(Photo courtesy of www.greenwithglamour.com)

Style Scoop: OKL Love

Katie — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:00:42 +0000

One Kings Lane has stolen the hearts of design fanatics across the nation, and we at SLHL are no exception. Who wouldn’t adore an online shopping website that features fabulous sales day after day? One Kings Lane brings us all a little closer to great design – and at great prices.

But what we have recently discovered has made us fall in love with this style-savvy cyber shop yet again. OKL’s “Get Inspired” page is full of exceptional ideas, fashionable finds, tastemaker tips and more. Right now, we’re loving the creative take on the art of napkin folding, appropriately titled “Napkin Know-How.”

(Photo courtesy of www.onekingslane.com)

For more superb solutions to all of your decorating and entertaining situations, visit One Kings Lane’s “Get Inspired” page. Or, to do a little shopping, click here. But don’t forget… the sales only last a few days each and items sell out quickly, so it’s buy now or never. Happy browsing!

Eco-Chic: Gifts from the Sea

Katie — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 13:00:20 +0000

Spring has sprung and warm weather is on its way, which means outdoor get-togethers and alfresco dinner parties are just around the corner. It’s no secret that when you receive an invitation to one of these seasonal events, it’s a nice gesture to bring a gift, such as a favorite bottle of wine, to show your appreciation. This spring and summer, instead of bringing a bare bottle, dress your vino in our eco product of the week – a fun, sea-inspired bag that’s made of 100-percent recycled vintage sailcloth. Available in a blue anchor or a pink seahorse, these earth-friendly finds from Green With Glamour are too cute to pass up.

(Photos courtesy of www.greenwithglamour.com)

Eco-Chic: Blue Beauties

Katie — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 13:00:23 +0000

Made of shimmering blue recycled glass, our eco products of the week – Blue Tulip goblets from Viva Terra – will add a touch of environmentally friendly sophistication to your springtime tablescape. Perfect for a ladies’ luncheon or casual dinner on the patio, these glam goblets are versatile and convey effortless elegance.

Photo courtesy of www.vivaterra.com

Fabulous Five: Etsy Sites

Katie — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:00:04 +0000

This week, we’re introducing a brand-new department to Design du Jour – Fabulous Five. These short-and-sweet lists will highlight five of our home design favorites of the moment. Enjoy!

Etsy has one main goal: to promote buying, selling and living handmade. With hundreds of thousands of sellers across the world, this powerful portal connects small shops with buyers at the touch of a button. Here are SLHL’s five favorite Etsy shops right now. However, there are so many to choose from, we’re sure we’ll have another list in no time…

1. Fabulous Mess – We can’t get enough of this shop’s creative collection of ’60s Mid-Century modern, Danish modern and Hollywood Regency-style furniture.

2. Dishfuls of Doodles – Any piece from this handpainted, daydream-inspired collection of dinnerware would be a perfectly playful addition to a spring or summer tablescape.

3. Turquoise Tumbleweed – What could be better to dress up a neural-colored sofa or chair than one of these bright, bold handmade throw pillows?

4. Delia Furniture – Contemporary and organic, the handmade steel styles sold by this inspired studio located in Portland, Oregon, are full of natural beauty and artistic flair.

5. Shabby McFabby – Ideal for a kitchen message board or homework reminders in a teenage girl’s bedroom, these vintage and antique framed chalkboards and memo boards exude shabby-chic appeal.

2010 Holiday Gift Guide: December 24

Katie — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 15:00:58 +0000

It’s getting down to the wire, but we’re still happily offering ideas for thoughtful gifts this holiday season!

December 24
If you’re shopping for someone with a love of the culinary arts, take note. The Kitchen Conservatory offers a wide array of cooking classes that take place on Sunday, December 26, including Date Night for Couples: The Ultimate Cocktail Party, You Wanna Pizza Me? and Fondulicious – any of which would make a perfect present this Christmas. You can even register online, and there is a “gift” option available upon purchase. For more information, visit www.kitchenconservatory.com.

Food & Wine: Celebrate Christmas with these Seasonal Spirits

Katie — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 21:13:16 +0000

The holiday season brings many parties and gatherings, and as always, guests should never arrive empty-handed! Paul Hayden, wine buyer and store manager for The Wine and Cheese Place’s Forsyth location, offers his wine choices for host/hostess gifts.

Red wine
2007 Rubus Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon
This wine makes an excellent gift because it is special. Made in a small production located in Napa Valley, this cabernet can’t be found on your local grocery shelf, but is still priced around $20.

White wine
2008 Travis Chardonnay Unoaked Monterey
This chardonnay is perfect to pair with food. According to Paul, less oakey wines give a better palate for a meal, which will most likely to be served at your gathering. It will be a sure hit for around $16.

For every occasion, there is a proper (and fun!) cocktail. For Christmas mornings, that drink is Milk Punch.

Hot Milk Punch
1 oz. dark rum
1 oz. brandy
1 tsp. superfine sugar
Milk
Nutmeg

Stir well, then pour into a glass mug and fill with very hot milk. Add a few grains of nutmeg to garnish.
(Recipe and photo courtesy of www.esquire.com)

Chilly winter weather often calls for cozy nights at home with family. To warm up this holiday season, try this deliciously decadent hot cocoa.

Hot Peppermint Patty
1 oz. peppermint schnapps
1/2 oz. dark creme de cacao
1 tsp. green creme de menthe
5 – 8 oz. hot chocolate
1/2 – 1 oz. whipped cream

Put creme de cacao and peppermint schnapps into a coffee mug and fill with hot chocolate. Top with whipped cream, and add a teaspoon of green creme de menthe.
(Recipe courtesy of www.drinksmixer.com)