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

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/

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...
 

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!

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

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!

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!

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

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).

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

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.

"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 :)

Willow House is Blazing New Trails!

Read about my company featured in Direct Sales Magazine, and join my team!!  Copy & paste the link below into your browser.

http://www.directsellingnews.com/index.php/site/entries_archive_display/willow_house_blazing_new_trails/

Decorate Your Door for Fall!

You don't have to spend a fortune to make your front door welcoming for Fall! 

Go on a scavenger hunt around your yard and street!  Gather fresh greenery, twigs, leaves, branches, reeds, flowers...if you need a little something more then add fruit, small pumpkins, ears of corn, hay, or mini scarecrows.  Mix and match your items and balance heights and colors to get a perfect Fall display.

Check out our door buckets at http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com

Morningside Door Bucket on page 8
Flower Market Door Bucket on page 35
Berry & Bow Door Bucket on page 64

Mantle Decor!

I had a great question from a great friend about mantle decor!!

There are three main ways to decorate your mantle. 

1.  You can use a symmetrical approach where both sides mirror each other. 

2.  You can choose an assymmetrical approach where there is good balance, but both sides are not exact mirrors of each other. 

3.   Lastly, you can choose a radial type assignment where your pieces swirl around a central focal point and often have some symmetry on both sides.

But before you decide whether to go symmetrical, asymmetrical or radial, you need to gather a few statement pieces together to decide what you definitely want to display.  Statement pieces are often larger in scale and/or of architectural interest.  Some examples of statement pieces are our Marisol Wall Clock (pg 61), our Medallion Mirror (pg 9), or our Bradford Lanterns (also pg 61).  

Do you have a mirror that is a great fit for above your mantle?  Do you have a family portrait you want to show off?  Do you have several small mirrors or pictures you want to group together?  Do you have a large urn or varying sizes of matching urns or pots you'd like to display?  Start with these statement pieces.  Decide whether they group together symetrically or assymetrically or radially.  Try different variations and you'll find one that catches your eye.

After your statement pieces are placed, it is easy to place in other smaller, less eye catching items.  Again, try things out... 

Make sure you:
1. Vary your heights
2. Compliment the colors in your statement pieces (don't fight them)
3. Try out a large variety of items..anything goes!

Great mantle pieces include:  Mirrors, pictures, urns, books, statues, vases, candlesticks, plants, greenery, candelabras, birdhouses, bottles...

Have Fun!!

Bradshaw House Planters

Pop in a pretty plant, or get creative with a grouping of fresh artichokes - our planters are perfect for decorating, serving or organizing.  Food safe :)

Just sent these to my sister for her birthday!!

http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com/

Use it all year...

How many holiday decorations can be used after January 1st?  Our Vintage Spiral Stand is the perfect holiday tree, from Christmas to Valentine's to Easter, and it's also fantastic as an organizer for earrings any time of the year.  Now that's some holiday cheer we can really get behind!!

http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com  page 63 of the Fall catalog

Maple Walnut Salad Dressing...

Ingredients::

1 small shallot, finely diced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons maple syrup
 
Make this tasty dressing by combining the chopped shallot, dijon and balsamic vinegar in a large mixing bowl. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while you whisk to emulsify. Add the maple syrup and season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Use dark leafy greens, sliced pears and apples, and candied pecans for your salad.  Yum!

Willow House Fall 2010!

10 Minute Audio Explaining our BRAND NEW COMPANY!!

Welcome to Willow House! 



http://www.audioacrobat.com/play/Wvv9HtBK

Join me on this wonderful adventure :)

It's Party Time!

With summer vacations winding down and children heading back to school, it is a wonderful time to catch up with the girls!  Hold a Willow House Party or Willow House Catalog Party. 

For my local friends - I'd love to join you at your Willow House party and it is easy to plan and little work!! 

For my long distance friends, I will be available via phone or online, and will provide you with all of the catalogs and invites you need :)  Although, there will be no "presentation" from me, you can still have your friends over for food & fun and of course SHOPPING!

Here are some fun theme ideas (all optional of course!):

Football Widows Party
W.I.N.O.S. Party (Women In Need Of Shopping, of course)
Margaritas & Senoritas
Fiesta Friday!
Muffins and Mimosa's
Rise & Shine Breakfast
Dips on the Deck
Flip Flop Fiesta
Sangria & Sandals
Design and Daiquiri Party

Looking forward to partying with all of you this Fall!!
http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com/

Coffee Anyone?

WOW!  Just received my Terrace Cafe Mugs on my doorstep yesterday!  They are beautiful!!  Perfect for comfort or company...fun toffee colored designs set off by an apple-green ring around the rim.  These mugs are sturdy, good size, and of course dishwasher, oven and microwave safe.

http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com/ page 14 of the new Fall catalog.

10 Ways to Better Your Bathroom!

1.  Let there be LIGHT!
Add a sky light!!

2. SPLURGE on faucets!

3.  Go Neutral with a SPLASH of Vivid!
Stay neutral on surfaces, tiles, vanities, but go vivid with curtains, towels, accessories.

4. Know the time!
Add a stylish clock (Marisol Wall Clock at http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com/ page 61).

5. Take a Seat!
Add a bench or upholstered chair.

6. Warm your towels!
Towel Warmers!!! How nice would that be?

7. Accessorize or Re-accessorize
Bring in new artwork, collectibles, framed pictures. Or move some from another room to the bathroom for a completely new look.

8.  Add a signature scent
Lavender or Rosemary plants are a nouveau way to bring pleasing scents to your bathroom.

9. Go high tech!
Add a LED t.v. or sound system.

10. Go Savvy with Storage
Add cabinetry beyond just a vanity!!

Fall Color Trends For Your Home

There has been a surge in interest in "Going Green" lately, so with that, comes decorator trends toward earthy tones.  Gray is the new beige...with "graige" being the new "it" color for interior painting.  Mixing these earth tones with a few statement pieces in vibrant tones - such as pinks, blues, yellows and purples - makes a great combination and adds some pop!

In style:

Earth Tones
Grays
Browns
Greens
Beige

The above colors with a splash of :
Pinks
Blues
Yellows
Purples
Oranges

Remember not to overdue it with the vibrant colors - a little goes a long way :)

Beautiful in Bronze...

Bring classic beauty to the table with the look of hammered bronze!  Our bowl becomes a gorgeous showpiece with flowers or fruit, but it also hold its own as a stand alone piece with the clean lines of more contemporary decor.  Use an autumn gourd ringed with greenery and berries for a touch of Fall!

http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com page 41 of the Fall Catalog

Strawberries, Blueberries...& WHITE CHOCOLATE!

Attending an end of summer bbq?  Getting together with the girls soon?  Hosting a PTA meeting in the near future?   This recipe is EASY and DELICIOUS!!  No cooking, no fuss!!

1 package of strawberries, stemmed, rinsed and sliced thin
2 packages of blueberries stemmed and rinsed
1 package of Nestle White Chocolate Chips

Mix all three ingredients together in a pretty bowl...a clear bowl looks wonderful!  Enjoy a little health and a little treat all in one!

Napa Cookbook Holder

Like it?  You'll LOVE it!  A deep shelf holds large or small cookbooks, and twin weights keep pages flat for easy reading.  Even the angle is ideal, making referring to recipes a snap!  New twist - try it in your home office with paperwork, or in the den displaying artwork. 

Purchase this item and receive any other item of equal or lesser value in the Fall Catalog at 1/2 price!!

http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com/  pg 17 of the Fall Catalog.

SKINNY Muffins :)

SKINNY Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins...great for Fall!

Ingredients:
• 15 oz pumpkin puree can
• 1 cup fat free milk
• 1/2 cup granulated Splenda
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 cup chopped cranberries
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup flour


Directions


1. Blend all ingredients untill mixed.

2. Pour into 12 greased muffin tins or muffin papers.

3. Bake at 350 °F (175 °C) for 22-25 minutes.

ENJOY!

CHOCOLATE! CHOCOLATE!

Everyone loves chocolate! 

Mario Batali's Signature Series of Italian Stitch Dishes are beautiful in a matte expresso color and creamy stitching on the border.  Durable stoneware is dishwasher, microwave and oven safe of course!  Beautiful for fall with oranges and reds...festive at Christmas with greens and reds, cheery in the spring or summer with pastels or vivids...

http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com page 27 of the Fall Catalog

Lady Janes!

Lady Jane Bottleneck Vases are beautiful statement pieces, modeled after classic demijohn bottles used in wine making.  Fantastic with flowers or branches, they also can't be beat as stand-alone pieces...

Page 7 of the new catalog http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com

Ask & You Shall Receive!

I had several requests about the "Chicken under a Brick" mentioned in the Summer Sunset Party post below...

Here is the recipe!

6 cloves of garlic and 1/3 cup of rosemary mixed together in a food processor.
Add 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil.  Mix all together.

Butterfly one chicken (I have my butcher do it for me!) and marinate the chicken in the mixture overnight, making sure the marinade has been spread and rubbed over both sides of the entire chicken.

Preheat grill.  Generously squeeze lemon juice over both sides of the chicken.  Also add kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to both sides.  Place chicken on grill skin side down (becareful of flare ups due to the olive oil).  Then place two foil covered bricks on the chicken and allow to grill, undisturbed, for about 15 minutes or until skin is crispy and brown (but not burnt of course).  Remove bricks carefully (they're HOT!!), and flip your chicken, and finish grilling until cooked through.  You do not have to add the bricks once you have flipped the chicken.

This is a delicious recipe!!  Enjoy! 

a la carte QUICK MIX!

Love to entertain with homemade bread, signature drinks, and sweet treats, but don't have the time?  Our quick mixes, together with your own ingredients and handmade touches, combine for delicious, fresh food.  After all, it's about time you had an extra hand in the kitchen :) 

http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com page 75 of the catalog.

Oh Glorious Morning!

Eating healthy just got easier!  Our berry bowl is a functional colander and, since drainage holes are on the bottom, you can use it on the counter top as a fruit bowl - holes help prevent spoilage.  Also put popcorn in it and give it a little shake over your waste container to get rid of the unpopped kernals...

Berry Bowl (10"x 7.25"x 4.75") $36.96, page 15 of the new catalog

http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com/

Summer Sunset Party!

Summer is winding down, kids are about to return to school, and vacations are coming to an end.  What better time to catch up with friends and family than now?  Have a Summer Sunset Party!  Fire up the grill, chill some summer brew, put on some summertime music...

End of Summer Menu:
Chicken under a Brick!
Tomato & Mozzarella Salad with Basil
Corn on the Cob
S'mores

Top Summer Brews:
Anchor Summer Beer
Victory Prima Pils
Great Divide Titan India Pale Ale
Dogfish Head Festina Peche
Alaskan Premium Smoked Porter

Top Summer Songlist:
Summer Love:  Justin Timberlake
All Summer Long: Kid Rock
Summertime: DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince
All I wanna Do: Sheryl Crow
Summer in the City: The Lovin' Spoonful
Summertime: Kenny Chesney

Enjoy!

Now that's STYLE!

Bring STYLE into your home...

1.  It's okay to be odd :)
Arrangements in groups of three or five are pleasing to the eye.

2.  Invite texture to your table.
Add layering textiles that compliment your tablescape.

3.  Soar to new heights!
Add interest by introducing various levels.

4.  Add a hue and a pattern too.
Introduce color and design with fabrics and accent pieces.

5.  Keep your cool!
Gray is a great way to anchor any color palette.

TGIF!

It's Friday!!  What plans do you have for the weekend?
Dinner date out tonight with my hubby, tennis match on Sat, and grilling with friends Saturday night :)

Family Dinner!

Family dinners can be few and far between with work, kid's sports, and community commitments!  Here is a fun idea when you do get the family gathered around the table all together...my kiddos love this :)

Put a bowl in the middle of the table, with small pieces of paper inside.  On each piece of paper ask a thought provoking and fun question.  Have each person pick a piece of paper from the bowl, and once everyone is seated, one at time, answer the question you picked. 

Ideas for questions:

1. If you were deserted on an island and could pick only one food (or book or toy or person), what would you pick?
2. If you could play one professional sport, which one would you pick?
3. If you won a million dollars, what would you do with the money?
4. If you could have houses in three states/countries, where would you have them?
5. If you had to change your name, what would you change it to?

After everyone answers, you can continue the game by rotating the questions clockwise and having everyone answer their new question.

Have fun!!

FAVE 5 For Fall!

1. SHOP YOUR SPACE:  Invest in a few statement pieces to update your decor
Lady Jane Bottleneck Vases (Catalog p. 9)
Marisol Wall Clock (Catlaog p. 61)
Bradford Lanterns (Catalog p. 61)
Catalog can be viewed at http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com/

2. GO GREEN:  Reduce your impact by gathering accents from nature.
Branches and greenery clipped from your yard look wonderful in urns, vases, containers, glasses...and they're FREE!

3. GRAY IS THE NEW BEIGE:  Try "greige" with jewel tones, bright orange, or green accents.  You'll love the combination!

4. KEEP IT CLEAN:  Use natural textiles for uncluttered rooms.
Fill urns with sunflowers and branches.  Put boxwood topiaries in containers.  Use burlap ribbon and moss accents.

5. MERGE STYLES:  Mix modern with vintage, shiny with matte pieces...to create an eclectic look.

YUMMY Hot Pepperoni Dip!

Great for the upcoming football season!

1 block of cream cheese
1 whole pepperoni sliced and diced
1 cup of diced tomatoes
1 cup of fresh shredded parmesean cheese
1/2 cup black olives (sliced and pitted of course) (optional)

Mix it all together and bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.  Serve with baguettes...ENJOY!

What about You???

Share your favorite recipe or decorating idea :)

All Kinds of Wonderful!

Our French Wire Tiered Stand is fully customizable, so you can style it whichever way best suits your needs!  On Saturday, use all three tiers to showcase caramel apples and candy corn at a Fall Festival; on Monday, make it two tiers to hold fruit on your tabletop - then use one tier alone as a tray for serving snacks at Bunco! Check out this wonderfully versatile stand on page 36 of the new catalog at http://lynndoherty.willowhouse.com

How would you use the French Wire Tiered Stand in your home?

Easy Elegance!

Bring your party to life with smart use of color!  Begin with a neutral palette of chocolate and gray, then introduce deep green with Terrace Accent Plates and Verde Pottery.  Complete your tablescape by choosing linens and flowers in royal purple, balancing the vibrant green and adding interest and richness.