Luxury jewelry designer, Sara Blaine, has brought her talents to Willow House with an exclusive line of DESIGNER jewelry, handcrafted by the finest artisans around the globe.

WATCH THIS VIDEO TO SEE OUR VERY SPECIAL NEW JEWELRY LINE by AMERICAN DESIGNER SARA BLAINE !!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzi_xxjC7Is&feature=player_embedded

Unique Design Tips. Entertaining Ideas. Trends. DIY Projects. And now FABULOUS JEWELRY by American Designer Sara Blaine...

View the new Willow House catalog at http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com/

Follow me on Pinterest! http://pinterest.com/willowhouselynn

LIKE my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/willowhousewithlynn

Join my team! http://www.lynndoherty.willowhouse.com/JoinNow

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Festive!

A few last minute place setting ideas!
All products can be found on http://lynndoherty.willowhouse .com


Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Spreading Holiday Cheer...

Spread holiday cheer with this merry metal door bucket. Fill it with holly and pine sprigs and hang it on your front door, or use it inside to display wrapped presents on a mantel. Playful style and classic colors will make it a jolly addition to your holiday décor, and the flat back allows for easy hanging. Not watertight; line for use with fresh greenery or flowers.

To purchase, go to http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com/

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Your Holiday Table

How are you decorating your holiday table this season?  Let Willow House help you bring beauty and warmth to your family gathering.  Check out these ideas below...

All products available at http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com

Sunday, November 14, 2010

YULE Love these :)

YULETIDE VOTIVE HOLDERS!

Serve candy canes and peppermint pops in glass votives with metal sleeves. Designs include tree, snowman, reindeer, and snowflake. Set of four; one of each design.

ON SALE Was $31.96 NOW $23.96!

http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com/

Monday, November 8, 2010

PITCHER perfect :)

Talk about investment pieces — here’s a classic pitcher that will last a lifetime. Made of handblown glass and ringed with waves, it’s perfect for orange juice and pulls double duty as a vase. Coordinates with our Ruffled Glass Bowl. Hand wash.  5" diameter x 9" tall; holds 7 cups.

ON SALE!!  $26.96  http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com/



Sunday, November 7, 2010

Acorn Donuts!

Your kids will go nutty for these clever fall treats, which look like acorns but taste a whole lot sweeter.


Ingredients

Chocolate Frosting or Peanut Butter
Donuts
Crumbled Toffee
Pretzel
Instructions

Frost a third or so of a plain or glazed doughnut hole with chocolate frosting or peanut butter.

Roll the frosted top in crumbled toffee (look for it in the baking section of grocery stores), then add a small piece of a pretzel for the stem.

ENJOY!

Friday, November 5, 2010

Gobble Gobble GOBLETS!

This glassware is perfection! Our goblets boast large, generous bowls and are complete with a lovely vine design. Dishwasher safe. Each goblet holds 16 ounces. (set of four)


ON SALE $28.96

Order online at my website http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com/

No minimum order amount. Ships directly to you or as a gift to a friend
 

Friday, October 29, 2010

Pumpkin Pie Dip!

Pumpkin Pie Dip
1 pie pumpkin
2 packages cream cheese (reduced fat is OK)
2 to 3 cups powdered sugar
1 15-oz can pumpkin
1 TBSP ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground ginger
tiny dash of salt
gingersnaps
Let your cream cheese get really soft. Use a hand mixer to blend it together with the powdered sugar until smooth. Note: Do this slowly or you will create a confectioners sugar cloud in your kitchen. Once you have it nice and smooth, add in the pumpkin and spices. Taste it at this point and add more sugar and spice if you’d like.

You can serve it right away, but it’s best if you let it chill for a day and to allow the flavors develop. Serve it in a hollowed out pie pumpkin surrounded by gingersnaps. Enjoy!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

And more cheer....

Add festive fun to your holiday table with our Roxy Reindeer Collection! Turn simple cheese and crackers or guacamole and pitas into a holiday favorite with our plate and spreader. Hanging hole in handle allows for wall display when not in use. Dishwasher safe. Plate is 12 3/4" long x 6" wide; spreader is 5 1/2" long

Order online at http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com/



Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Spread Good Cheer!

Spread good cheer to your entire neighborhood with a rustic door bucket complete with festive bow and clutch of berries. After the holidays, the bow can be packed inside the bucket for easy storage — even better, use the bucket all year with icons from our Mix and Match Wreath Hanger.  9 1/2" x 4" x 18 1/2" tall



Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Hand Blown Glass Hurricane $16.96

Perhaps the most singularly handsome and hardworking decorative accessory your home could have! Our hand-blown glass hurricane will illuminate your mantle, dining table, or sideboard with a brightly burning candle, or showcase a selection of seasonal flora to stunning effect. Hand wash, please. 8.5" diameter x 10.5" H.


Available at my outlet store for $16.96 http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com/

 

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Chocolate for Breakfast!

(I knew that would get your attention!) Mario Batali plates in Chocolate with an ivory ribbon edge.

http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com/

Friday, October 8, 2010

Candelabra Showpiece!

Gorgeous iron scrollwork makes our candelabra ideal atop a mantel, as a centerpiece, or on a shelf. Solid construction limits wobbling. Fits candles or tidbits. Designed for use with 3" pillar candles. Candles not included. :: 22" x 4 1/2" x 6 1/4" tall.

ON SALE for $29.96

Order online at http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Love the Fall Color Palette!

Drawing inspiration from ... nature! We love the red, orange and gold on the trees outside and on the apples and gourds on our tables. Nature really knows her way around a color palette — and we're not afraid of stealing her ideas! :)

Check out the e-shopping and e-outlet at http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com/

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Willow House Outlet Store!!

This is just one of the many beautiful items at the new Willow Hoouse Outlet Store!!  http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com

Friday, October 1, 2010

Arranging furniture in your room...

Place the largest pieces first
In furniture arrangement of any room, the major piece for the primary activity of the room must be considered first - the sofa in the living room, the bed in the bedroom, the desk in the office. This piece in most cases should face the focal point of the room. The focal point can be a view window, fireplace or, as is often the case, the television. Large pieces should be evenly distributed so as not to put the arrangement of the room off balance. Leave space around them for the best affect. In selecting these pieces, keep the architectural shapes of the room in mind. To echo a curved bay window with a curved sectional sofa or curved desk is pleasing to the eye and makes the furniture arrangement much easier. The following information should assist you in choosing effective room design techniques.
Next place those pieces relating to the main piece
The room arrangement must make your activity comfortable and convenient as well as flatter your furniture. Think about the use of the room as you arrange the furniture. If you typically eat or drink there, is there a place to set your cup or plate down? Is there enough storage for books or CDs? If the room is used for socializing, is there enough seating and is it appropriately arranged? Wherever possible keep pieces of similar scale together. A small occasional chair would look better next to an accent table or floor lamp than next to a large overstuffed sofa. Try to balance pieces of furniture opposite one another. A pair of upholstered chairs is visually more balanced across from a sofa than a pair of small scale occasional chairs. Mix straight lines for interest in a room. A round table or curved chair breaks up the monotony of an otherwise linear furniture arrangement. Balance the number of wood and upholstered pieces. Mix hard and soft surfaces by adding rugs or fabric covered tables to a room otherwise filled with wood, metal and stone.
Add accent pieces for secondary activities
Furniture arrangement for a secondary use adds function to a room. A reading corner in a bedroom or a game area in a family room can be created with a minimum of space. A long empty wall can be made into a focal point by grouping pictures over a long narrow table. Place a desk under a window to take advantage of the natural light and view. Place a curved item in a corner to soften the angle. A corner cupboard or curio cabinet is a wonderfully functional piece that adds character to the room while displaying your favorite collection.
Place your furniture where it looks best
Be aware of the light in the room when deciding on your furniture arrangement. A dark cabinet may disappear in a dimly lighted alcove. Bright pieces may seem garish under a picture window. Break up the horizontal lines of the room by mixing in taller items. A secretary or bookcase against the wall, a high back chair next to the sofa or a pair of lamps on a credenza will give the eye some variety and improve the view. A sofa may be placed diagonally in front of a corner that has been softened by a plant or screen.
Be aware of traffic patterns
You can direct the flow of traffic through furniture arrangement. Leave a minimum of two and a half feet for walkways and avoid flowing traffic through a conversational grouping if possible. Guide the traffic around the room's perimeter to create a less disruptive environment. Be aware of the usage of adjacent rooms in laying out your floor plan and flow colors from one adjacent room to the next when they are visible from one another.


Let your personality shine through

Ultimately, your home is an expression of who you are. Design your rooms so that you are comfortable, with a realistic eye on your own taste and habits rather than relying on a picture from a magazine. After all,you're going to be living there.

BARGAINS!!

The Willow House OUTLET is officially open!!  Check it out at http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Another Favorite...

The Hawthorne Hurricane! Its column-like shape is classic, plus it's food-safe and great for organizing.
Place an order at http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com

Monday, September 27, 2010

Pottery by Design...

Gail Pittman turned a kitchen table pottery business into America's premiere ceramics firm - all while staying true to her famous attention to detail and color.  A true artist, Gail's pieces are practical, beautiful, and constructed from high quality stoneware.  Each piece is dishwasher, freezer, microwave, and oven safe.

Check out the Gail Pittman collection on page 39 of the Willow House Fall catalog at http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com

CANDY APPLES....yummy!

Candy Apples!

Ingredients
Halloween sprinkles and small candies, for decoration
8 craft sticks, twigs or cinnamon sticks
8 crisp apples
1 1/3 cups candy melts in orange and green
1 1/3 cups chocolate candy melts

Preparation

Line a large cookie sheet with waxed paper. Pour sprinkles and candy into small bowls.
Insert stick into stem ends of each apple. Make sure sticks are tightly secured.
Place each color of candy melts in a separate microwave-safe, 2-cup measuring cup or bowl. To melt, work with one cup of candy at a time and microwave on medium for 1 minute. Stir and then microwave in 15-second intervals until totally melted.
Holding apple by stick, dip it into melted candy, swirling until apple is fully coated. While coating is still wet, dip apple into sprinkles or sprinkle small candies all over apple. Place finished apple on prepared cookie sheet to set for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day before serving. Repeat with remaining apples and candy.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Check out our new Willow House ad in the new Real Simple Magazine!!

So exciting!  Page 83 of the new issue of Real Simple Magazine.
Then check out the Willow House catalog at http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com/

Galveston Footed Hurricanes!

Looking for a go to vase that compliments any decor, is easy to decorate, and holds even the largest and most intricate arrangements?  Jackpot!

These hurricanes are a customer favorite, and for good reason!  They're stunning with hydrageas, amaryllises, pillars, floating candles, filled with holiday candy corns or hershey kisses...the options are endless.  Right now, mine are filled with a mixture of Granny Smith apples and Red Delicious apples for a pretty Fall look.  Makes grabbing something healthy easy for my family, and it looks so pretty!

http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com


Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Pretty presentation...

Yum! We love the look of hummus and spicy dip served on our Eyelet Ribbon Plate! Heavy glass means you can use it as a plate or tray. We tied on a fun herb bouquet here, but we also love to run a ribbon through the plate's eyelets to add a pop of color!

http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com/

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Earthy Pumpkin Soup

A little sweet and a little spicy, this earthy pumpkin soup will surely keep you warm on those cool, fall days.



Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes




•1 1/2 - 2 Pound Fresh Pumpkin, seed and skin removed, diced
•1/2 Pound Yukon Potatoes, peeled and diced
•2 Tablespoons of Fresh Ginger, minced
•1/2 Sweet Yellow Onion, sliced thin
•4 Cups Vegetable Stock or Water
•1/4 Cup Orange Juice
•1/2 Cup Cream Sherry
•1 Cup Heavy Cream
•2 Tablespoons Butter, unsalted
•4 Ounces Gruyere Cheese, grated, for garnish


Preparation:


Heat the butter over medium heat in a large heavy pot. Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent (about 10 minutes). Add the pumpkin, ginger, and potatoes. Cook for another 3 minutes.
Add the stock or water, orange juice, and sherry. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until pumpkin is soft and easily pierced with a fork (about 1 hour).

Transfer mixture to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Transfer back to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper.

 
Sprinkle Gruyere over individual portions and serve with a hearty bread.

YUM!

Check out this pretty Fall decor...

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

DOUBLE HOSTESS DOLLARS extended to last through September!!

Hyacinth Measuring Cups!

Hyacinth Measuring Cups, make baking special sweets so fun! Standard 1 cup, 1/2 cup and 1/3 cup measures make these ideal for baking — and since measures aren't printed directly on the cups, they're ideal as serving bowls, too. We use them to serve cream and sugar on a coffee bar. How would you use them?

http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Roasted Red Pepper and Corn Salsa

To keep the corn from drying out on the grill, soak the ears in water first. You can grill the corn and bell peppers at the same time, but check the peppers earlier, since they cook faster. The salsa is great as an appetizer or as a topping for grilled meats, fish, or poultry.


Yield: 5 servings (serving size: ½ cup)


Ingredients


2 ears corn with husks (about 1¼ pounds)
2 red bell peppers
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1½ teaspoons minced seeded jalapeño pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
Preparation


Cover corn with water; let stand 30 minutes. Drain. Remove husks from corn; discard husks. Scrub silks from corn; set corn aside.
Prepare grill.
Place corn on grill rack; cook 25 minutes or until corn is lightly browned, turning every 5 minutes. Cool. Cut kernels from ears of corn to measure 2 cups. Set kernels aside; discard cobs. Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise; flatten with hand. Discard seeds and membranes. Place bell pepper halves, skin sides down, on grill rack. Cook 20 minutes or until blackened. Place in a zip-top plastic bag; seal. Let stand 15 minutes. Peel and finely chop to measure ¾ cup.
Combine corn, bell peppers, and remaining ingredients in a medium bowl. Cover and chill.


Ingleside Luminaries

What is it about a set of vases or luminaries like this one that makes us so happy? Maybe we like the look repetition brings our table; maybe they give us a fun way to experiment with color. Maybe it’s just that they bring to mind so many fun possibilities. A set like this is deep enough to serve food and flatware practically, and the leaf cutouts look gorgeous with light shining through.
We particularly love that this set brings us seamlessly through the transition from summer to autumn — they’re great for use at outdoors parties in the warmer season, and are perfect for adding fall colors to your space when the weather turns chilly. Check out our favorite ways to use luminaries or small vases at a party:
Pop a clear votive holder inside each luminary to create a flower vase. Go with a small cluster of peonies, or add a single gerbera daisy. Line several up on a table (they’re rustic enough for a picnic table and elegant enough for your dining room), or add one vase at each place setting to make guests feel extra-special.


Fill each luminary with tools guests can use: Serve plastic flatware on the buffet, stirrers and straws on a bar, or skewers by the barbeque.


Use each food-safe luminary to serve breadsticks, or try long, flat crackers with a side of Corn and Red Pepper Salsa. Better yet, pull the colors together by making easy cones out of decorative paper, filling them with trail mix or oyster crackers, and serving them in luminaries.

http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Summer's Last Blast!

LABOR DAY!

These end-of-summer themes will add a seasonal spice to your Labor Day:
• Back-to-School Bash—Whether you’re actually going back to school or just reliving those crazier days, a rager with cheap eats and rocking music will get you and your crew into the school spirit.


• Neighborhood block party—Get to know your neighbors with an old-fashioned block party. Ask people to bring games and food to share.


• Beach Party—It may be months before you can stick your feet in the warm sand again, so one final bonfire with s’mores helps you squeeze the most out of these last few summer days.


• Dancing Under the Stars—Enjoy the warm nights with an old-fashioned dance party. Bonus points for dressing up retro and playing big band or swing music.


The Back-Up Plan: Whenever you’re planning a backyard bash, you need a plan B in case the weather doesn’t go your way. Depending on your theme, that could mean renting a tent or canopy, or planning your party near a covered porch or usable indoor space.


How do you make the great outdoors even more terrific? With fun outdoor group activities.


If you’re having a larger bash, split the group into two teams for a game of flag football, softball or volleyball. Groups that are smaller or more mellow might prefer lawn games like bocce, horseshoes and croquet.


Day hikes and camping trips are the kind of labor that nobody minds on Labor Day. Pile into as few cars as possible to make it easier to park and meet up. Ask everyone to bring their own water and some snacks, like trail mix or fruit, to share.

Go to EVITE to send out the perfect invitation for your weekend celebration...




Party Bucket!

The Graymont Party Bucket and Stand. With a black-etched floral pattern, built-in towel bar and lower shelf for storage, we'll use this at our Labor Day barbeque — how will you use it?

http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com

Monday, August 30, 2010

Great Magazine Specials!

Southern Living (13 issues) and Martha Stewart Living (4 issues) for $30

Real Simple (12 issues) and Everyday Food (6 monthly) for $30

Cooking Light (12 issues) for $20

Coastal Living (20 issues) for $20

Sports Illustrated (28 weekly issues) and Golf Magazinne (12 monthly issues) for $30

Go to the Fall Catalog page 80 and 81 for a complete listing at http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com/


Sunday, August 29, 2010

Glass Domes!

Viva La Glam!  Top cheeses and snack bites with a handblown glass dome, and turn your appetizer course into the main event!  Also beautiful everyday on display over candles, flowers, fall decor, and holiday treasures...

http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com page 58 of the Willow House Fall Catalog


SIX Decorating DONT's When Selling your Home!

1.DON’T paint with bold colors: Repainting the walls of your home’s interior may be a very good idea, especially if you have spots, stains or any kind of damage showing. But if you repaint, choose neutral colors that could accommodate a variety of tastes. Remember, your preferences don’t matter here-this is about appealing to the largest number of potential buyers.



2.DON’T showcase personal mementos: It’s no secret that well-framed photographs can make a house a home. However, when you’re selling, you want to remove yourself as much as possible from the decorating. Take down degrees, kids’ artwork and anything that may overemphasize your personality. Focus on making your home a blank slate for someone else’s living space.


3.DON’T install the most expensive appliances: If your kitchen appliances are very dated, you should probably replace them. Don’t choose the fanciest, most upscale products, however. Remember that everyone’s taste is different. What you want to choose is something simple, clean and modern, which makes the kitchen look its best.


4.DON’T install the most expensive carpeting: If you’ve lived in your home for a while, you’ve probably seen some wear and tear on your flooring.


5.DON’T fix what ain’t broke: Now is not the time to make gigantic, sweeping changes to your residence that aren’t necessary. Also, don’t remodel features that are already in good condition.


6.DON’T continue living as you always have: As soon as you decide to sell, you need to switch gears in the way you’ve been living. Put as much of your things away or into storage as possible. Declutter. Clean out spaces. Only leave out enough furniture to define living spaces.
 
Taken from the BUYOWNER Blog...
 

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Creamy Sundried Tomato & Chicken Pasta

• 3T. unsalted butter

• 1 T. olive oil
• 4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves, cut crosswise into
• 1/2-inch strips
• All purpose flour
• 2 shallots, minced (about 1/4 cup)
• 2/3 c. whipping cream
• 1/2 c. dry white wine
• 1/3 c. (generous) chopped drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
• 3 T chopped fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried

 Melt butter with olive oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat.
 Season chicken with salt and pepper.
 Dust chicken with flour; shake off excess.
Add chicken to skillet and sauté until light brown and just cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Using slotted spoon, transfer chicken to plate.
Add minced shallots to skillet; sauté 1 minute.
Add whipping cream, white wine, chopped sun-dried tomatoes and basil.
Bring to boil; cook until sauce thickens, stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes.
Return chicken to pan; cook until just heated through, about 2 minutes.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve with crusty garlic bread and a large tossed salad...YUM!


Friday, August 27, 2010

Cinnabar Footed Server!

A stack of fruit looks festive in this ruffled edge crimson server.  It is perfect on the countertop or in a buffet line....

http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com page 69 of the Willow House Fall Catalog


Thursday, August 26, 2010

The 60-30-10 Rule for Color...

70% OFF Any item in the Willow House Fall Catalog :)

HOSTESSES:  70% off ANY item in the BEAUTIFUL Willow House Fall Catalog, with a $250 party!



FAVE 5


• Cordova Firescreen (your cost $29.99)


• Red Mtn. Ent. Stand (your cost $32.99)


• Savannah Bev Server (your cost  $35.99)


• Bradford lanterns set of 2 (your cost $43.79)


• Gallery flatware 4 place settings (your cost $47.69)

http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com

Goat Cheese Pizza!

Goat Cheese and Carmelized Onions on top of homemade pizza make for a delicious but different family dinner!

Pizza Sauce Recipe:

3 garlic cloves, minced

3 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
1 (29 ounce) can tomato puree
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Saute garlic in olive oil until tender and then add remaining ingredients and bring to slow boil.  Reduce heat and simmer to desired thickness.

Carmelized Onions:
Slice two yellow onions and add to an already hot skillet with olive oil.  Cook onions thoroughly.  As they start to brown they will naturally carmelize from the sugars within the onion.  Once browned and tender, remove from the heat.

Put it all together!

Roll out pizza dough with rolling pin.  Brush on a very light coat of olive oil and then add salt and pepper over dough. Add a medum to light coat of homemade pizza sauce from recipe above (save or freeze the rest for next time!).  Add crubbled goat cheese over sauce in generous amounts.  Top with carmelized onions.  Bake at 350 degrees until light brown and bubbly...Enjoy!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Great Specials!

CUSTOMER SPECIAL:  Purchase any item or items totaling at least $39.96, and get an additional item under $40 for 1/2 price ...

For instance...

Purchase the Morningside Caddy (p12) get the Morningside Door Bucket (p8) for 1/2 price.

Purchase the Hyacinth Mixing Bowls (p12) get either the set of Hyancinth Ramekins (p12) or the set of Hyancinth Measuring Cups (p12) for 1/2 price.

Purchase the Hyancinth Covered Casserole (p16) and get the matching Casserole Caddy for 1/2 price.

Purchase the Hampton Court Thermometer (p33) and get the Hampton Court Rain Guage for 1/2 price.

Purchase the Flora Embossed Sconce (p34) and get the Flora Embossed Oil Lamp for 1/2 price.

Purchase the Large Tuscan Serving Bowl (p49) and get the Small Tuscan Serving Bowl for 1/2 price.

The list goes on and on...HAPPY SHOPPING!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

A Pretty Fall Garden...

What Flowers Do Well in the Fall?



Garden Mums


Garden mums are one of the most spectacular blooming plants for fall. They come in a large selection of colors and varieties. Mums may be planted anytime from spring through fall. Garden mums grow best in areas receiving full sun for a half day or more. Mums planted in the spring or those that have wintered over should be pinched back monthly to keep them to a height of 12". Make the final pinch no later than July 15. Fertilize with a high phosphorus formula from May 1 until August 15. To improve winter hardiness, mulch mums after the soil has frozen in late December or early January.


Pansies


Fall is a great time to plant pansies. Significant improvements have been made over the last few years. If well established in the fall, pansies will not only provide fall color, but will winter over and be ready to burst into bloom first thing in the spring.Their color will brighten the garden well into summer. Pansies are best suited to sunny or partially shaded locations. Fertilize on a regular basis during the growing season. Some winter protection may be necessary, such as a light mulch applied after the soil has frozen in mid winter.


Ornamental Cabbage and Kale


These interesting plants resemble their edible cousins but these are really a feast for the eye. Both ornamental cabbage and kale can be planted in spring or fall in a location that receives a half day or more of full sun. As the autumn weather grows cooler, the leaf colors intensify, making these plants a vibrant companion planting for garden mums and evergreens.


Hardy Asters


Hardy Asters are easy to grow perennials that can be planted in spring or fall. They vary in color from purple to pink to white. Varieties of asters differ in blooming heights. They will add color to your garden from late summer well into fall. These native American plants require a location that will provide 6 hours or more full sun a day. Use a regular perennial fertilizer applied according to label directions from May 1 until mid August.



An apple a day...

YUMMY Baked Green Apples!  Tis the season!!

Ingredients


4 tart green apples
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2.Scoop out the core from top of the apple, leaving a well. Do not cut all the way through. Stuff each apple with 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 1 tablespoon butter. Place in a shallow baking dish and sprinkle with cinnamon.
3.Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, until sugar begins to caramelize and apples are tender.

Enjoy

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Dry Rub Texas Style!

This recipe is great for chicken, ribs, or brisket!  Thoroughly combine all ingredients. Rub mixture into the meat, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Store leftover mixture in an airtight jar or in freezer.

•1 tablespoon ground black pepper

•1 tablespoon ground white pepper
•1 tablespoon sugar
•2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
•2 tablespoon chili powder
•1 tablespoon ground cumin
•1 tablespoon garlic powder
•1 tablespoon brown sugar
•1 tablespoon ground oregano
•4 tablespoon paprika (the sweet kind -- not the hot kind)
•1 teaspoon dry mustard
•1 tablespoon celery salt
•1 tablespoon salt

Throw your meat on the grill, toss together a salad, and invite your friends over for a delicious and healthy dinner!!

Multitasking!

Our beautiful Bradford Lanterns know how to multitask! 

Their pretty lattice work panels are made of whitewashed wood with delicate detailing accents on the metal top.  The top opens on hinges to make adding candles, moss balls, or flowers a snap.  Add a lamp shade to each for a set of beautiful lamps! 

These lanterns nest for easy storage...

Check out the pictures below...order online at http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com (Fall Catalog page 61, sold in sets of two, one large lantern and one medium lantern).


Saturday, August 21, 2010

Terrace Accent Plates

The name of the game is style.  Fun, toffee-colored designs set off by an apple green ring around each plate tie together these unique, coordinating patterns.  Perfect for a casual party or for a wall display.  Coordinates with our Terrace Cafe Mugs.  Simply beautiful!

http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com

Friday, August 20, 2010

A perfect way to end your summer...

Strawberry Margarita Pie

Crust:

1 1/4 cup pretzel crumbs

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter, melted

1/4 cup sugar


Filling:

1 1/2 cup strawberries, diced

14 oz sweetened condensed milk

1/3 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed

1/4 cup Tequila or Tequila Cuervo 1800

2 tablespoons Triple Sec

1 1/2 cup Cool Whip, thawed



Combine pretzel crumbs, butter, and sugar, mix well. Press firmly on bottom and up sides of a lightly buttered 9-inch pie pan.

Combine milk, lime juice, strawberries, tequila and triple sec, blend well.

Fold in Cool Whip.
Pour into crust. Place in freezer for four to eight hours. Remove from freezer and let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Garnish with whipped cream or Cool Whip.


Thursday, August 19, 2010

"One Floral, with a side of plaid, and a dash of stripe, please."

Mixing patterns, when done correctly, looks beautiful! Here are some tips to help you feel confident with displaying three or four different patterns in one room.

1.  Start by finding a favorite!
Find a floral or strip or plaid that you love and want to anchor your room's decor around.

2. General rule of thumb #1: choose a large sized pattern, a medium sized pattern, and a small sized pattern.  This allows for some balance in the room.

3. General rule of thumb #2: mix one of each - a floral, a stripe, a plaid, a check.

4. Remember that colors must blend and not fight eachother.  Two or more colors should be consistent throughout all of the chosen patterns. BUT do not feel like you have to match the colors perfectly!

5.  Make sure there is a place in the room for the eye to "rest"!  Mix in solids in the dominant color to creat a respite for the eye.

Happy Decorating!!

Have you seen the new Southern Living Magazine?!

Check out page 73 of the new Southern Living magazine!  We're famous :)