Today is Bouquet Day

Today's bouquet is a little more elaborate than some because I'm having my annual Christmas craft party this weekend and wanted something special.  

Do you remember the mantel that I showed in my post about how Sarah Richardson decorates for Christmas in the city (you can see it in the pictures below).  Did you notice the container the flowers are in?  Well Sarah apparently used a container from the hardware store that is for applying mud to drywall.  I loved its simplicity so I went and looked for one too.  Sure enough in with all the rough-and-tough drywall equipment are these pretty stainless steel troughs.

I bought one of the troughs and decided to use it for the flowers for my party.  As you can see below the label is stuck on there so it will last through countless drywall projects.  Anyone know how to remove it?  

Unlike Sarah, I love red at Christmas, especially when paired with white - think Nordic Christmas or candy canes - so I bought red carnations and white chrysanthemums to fill the container. 

I like the flowers on the table, but for the party we need the table for crafts so the flowers are on our mantel (and that way you can't see the label glue either).

I've been busy getting ready for the party - I'll share the crafts we did next week.

Sarah Richardson's Ideas for Celebrating Christmas in the Country

In my last post we had a look at how Sarah Richardson decorates for Christmas when they are at their city home in Toronto.  However, Sarah and her family also like to spend Christmas at their farmhouse in the country.  Let's have a look at how her country Christmas differs from the city one.

Canadian House and Home

EMBRACE DECORATIONS FROM NATURE
Sarah likes to keep things cozy and casual, especially when she is celebrating Christmas with her family at her country home. Here she embraces decorating with elements found in nature. There are evergreen wreaths hung on mirrors and pots of paperwhites and amaryllis on mantels and tables.

Canadian House and Home

Canadian House and Home

USE EARTHY COLOURS

Sarah uses lots of soft earthy colours, such as rust and olive green on the Christmas tree and her tablesettings - colours which suit the countryside.

Canadian House and Home

USE RUSTIC AND HANDMADE DECORATIONS

When Sarah is decorating her Christmas tree at the farmhouse, she likes to include decorations that she and her mother. Now that her daughters are getting older, decorations they make will likely be added to the mix.

FAVOURITE TRADITIONS

Sarah loves making gingerbread houses with her daughters at Christmas time.  She often buys kits from Habitat for Humanity which have the houses already assembled so they can get right down to the fun of decorating.  

The whole family makes an expedition of finding the perfect Christmas tree on their property.  Naturally, it needs to be a big tree and when the right tree is found it is cut down by Sarah's husband.  Warm mulled cider is enjoyed by everyone afterwards (recipe at the end of the post).  

Entertaining is kept simple.  The table is a charming mix-and-match combination that might include (as it did one year) silverware from her mother-in-law, antique Limoges plates from her own other, dinner plates from her grandmother, and placemats made from an Irish linen runner.  Family and friends are treated to her Molten Chocolate Cake (the recipe is below).

Room Service

SARAH'S HOLIDAY MULLED CIDER 

Ingredients:

Whole allspice berries

Whole cloves

Ground nutmeg

Cinnamon sticks

Cheesecloth

Kitchen twine

Tins or jars for packaging

Wrapping paper for labels

Shipping tags for gift card/ instructions

Method:

1.  Cut the cheesecloth into 7 by 7 inch squares (you may want to use a double layer)

2.  Mix equal parts of allspice and cloves together in a bowl

3.  Spoon a tablespoon of allspice/cloves + 1/2 a teaspoon of nutmeg into the centre of the square of cheesecloth

4.  Tie closed with a length of kitchen twine

5.  Trim the excess cheesecloth away from the top

6.  Package into tins or jars – ideally 4 to 6 sachets per gift, top with 2 cinnamon sticks per sachet

Serving instructions:

Heat 4 cups of unsweetened apple cider with 1 sachet of mulling spices and 2 cinnamon sticks over medium heat until cider is warm and spicy.  Serve with a cinnamon stick as garnish (be sure to pour into heat safe glasses or mugs).

Room Service

SARAH'S DECADENT, DIVINE, AND DELICIOUS MOLTEN CHOCOLATE CAKES
1/3 c unsalted butter
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate
3 egg whites
6 egg yolks
1/2 c brown sugar
1/3 c all purpose flour
1/2 tsp vanilla

1. Melt butter and chocolate in a pan over low heat (you may wish to use a double boiler if you have one)
2. Beat egg whites in an electric mixer until they form stiff peaks – set aside in separate bowl
3.  Blend egg yolks and sugar using electric mixer on med speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy
4.  Add vanilla and chocolate mixture to the egg yolks and beat on med-high for 2- 3 minutes until it resembles whipped pudding
5. Fold the flour into the chocolate mixture by hand, but do not overmix
6. Fold egg whites into the batter lightly until blended
7. Grease a muffin tin
8. Preheat oven to 425 degrees
9. Spoon the batter into the muffin tin (this recipe makes 6 individual cakes)
10. Bake for 5 – 6 minutes (the key is have a liquid chocolate interior)
11. Use a knife to carefully loosen the cakes from the tin

Raspberry Puree:

1 container frozen fresh raspberries

1/2 c brown sugar

1/2 tsp lemon or orange zest (optional)

1 tsp orange juice

1. Cook on medium to high heat for 10 to 15 minutes stirring constantly (or until raspberries have dissolved and mixture has started to thicken – it should not be as thick as jam when complete. If it won’t thicken, add a bit more sugar and turn up the heat a bit). You may put the mixture through a sieve to strain the seeds, but I like it with the seeds

2. Serve individual cakes on a puddle of raspberry puree while still warm

3. Garnish with fresh whipped cream (or ice cream) and chocolate shavings

Christmas in the country is definitely a change of pace to Christmas in the city.  While Sarah is the master of keeping Christmas simple, this one really seems warm and welcoming and calm.

Which would be your preference - Christmas in the city or Christmas in the country?

Sarah Richardson's Ideas for Celebrating Christmas in the City

I adore Sarah Richardson's decorating and have written about it frequently. I spent some time recently reading articles and watching interviews and holiday shows to find out how she decorates for Christmas.  I was curious to know what ideas the very stylish Sarah uses that might inspire us as well. 

Sarah and her husband and two daughters sometimes spend Christmas at their home in Toronto and sometimes at their farmhouse in the country.  Sarah is a firm believer in decorating to suit your location. Today we will look at her tips and tricks for Christmas in the city and in my next post (which you can read here) we look at Christmas in the country.

LESS IS MORE
Sarah definitely keeps it simple.  She decorates the tree, adds a few decorations to the mantel, puts fresh flowers on the table, and calls it done.  She does not decorate the entire house.

Hello! Canada, January 2008, via Sarah Richardson Design

The Globe and Mail 2011

Apart from the two silver conical Christmas trees on a chest in the back corner of the room, you almost wouldn't know her dining room was decorated for Christmas.

Hello! Canada, January 2008, via Sarah Richardson Design

ADD THE UNEXPECTED
The square wreaths on the front door add a modern touch to all the natural elements like the wood pile and evergreen boughs in the planters.

Canadian House and Home

ADD A LITTLE SPARKLE

Decorating in the city definitely lends itself to using a little more sparkle, reflective surfaces, and mirrors.  Some of Sarah's favourite ornaments are the clear glass ones with a bit of frosting that she purchased years ago from a discount store.  

HGTV

The Globe and Mail

PUT A BOA ON THAT

One of the more unusual items Sarah uses in decorating for Christmas are feather boas.  She used one wrapped around an LED wreath on the front of her house.

HGTV

And she used feather boas as a series of wreaths on the wall and as garlands on the stairs and the fireplace in this Design Inc Season 3 Holiday episode.

     

EMBRACE UNCONVENTIONAL COLOURS
Sarah doesn't like to decorate with the traditional Christmas colours of red or green.  Instead she selects colours that suit the location.  According to Sarah, decorating in the city calls for bold, vivid colours.  She embrace unconventional colours like hot pink, orange, turquoise, and apple green.

HGTV

HGTV

The Globe and Mail

SARAH'S THOUGHTS ON THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Sarah's Christmas tree of choice is a Fraser fir (similar to a Balsalm fir) which has short soft needles.  She always gets a real tree and one that is as big as possible.  She does not usually use a tree topper mostly because there isn't room for one, but also because she hasn't found one she loves. Sarah also believes in using tons of white lights on the tree.  She takes on the job of putting the lights on the tree and makes sure to put lights close to the trunk and around the back of the tree.  Sarah and her husband decorate the tree while drinking champagne and listening to the Messiah.

SARAH'S THOUGHTS ON ENTERTAINING

For Sarah, once the house is decorated it is time to open the doors and entertain family and friends.  Every year Sarah and her husband throw a Christmas party for over 200 people.  The key to entertaining, according to Sarah, is to create warmth - light up the tree, group candles together to set the mood, and turn on the music.

TABLESETTING TIPS
Sarah likes to look at each place setting as a party outfit for the table.  Try unusual pairings of colours like red and pink, instead of the usual red and green. Mix up the dinnerware by combining antique plates with modern Wedgewood plates.  Add personal touches to the table, such as using a name threaded on the stem of a flower as a place card.

Food and Drink Magazine, 2005 via Sarah Richardson Design

ENTERTAINING FOOD TIPS
Sarah likes to use white serving dishes as they are classic, inexpensive, go with everything, and make the food look great.  She believes that presentation of the food is important - don't forget colourful garnishes or serving veggies in glassware.  Also, make sure you have something for everyone to eat - from sweet treats to healthy fruit and veggies.

HGTV

And finally, here are two recipes that Sarah makes for her Christmas party - Pecan Puffs and Spiced Nuts.

Candy and Cakes

SARAH'S PECAN PUFFS (source)
1 cup butter
2 tsp. vanilla
4 Tbsp. brown sugar (like Demerara)
2 Cups pecans
2 Cups cake flour, sifted
icing sugar for dusting

1. Add pecans to food processor. Puree until well ground and fine, almost to the consistency of pecan butter.

2. Add butter and brown sugar to food processor and mix until mixture appears frothy.

3. Add vanilla and mix again.

4. Add flour a little at a time, pulsing food processor between additions. Resulting mixture should appear as a thick paste.

5. Chill in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes until firm, then scoop out small amounts of dough and roll into balls.

6. Place balls on a non-stick baking sheet (they can be close together as the dough does not expand much when cooking).

7. Bake at 300 degrees for about 35 - 45 minutes, depending on the size of balls. Remove from oven when slightly golden on the outside.

8. Transfer carefully to a cooling rack while still warm (best to use your fingers so you don’t crush the cookies with a spatula), then use a flour sifter to dust icing sugar over the top of the cookies while warm. Allow to cool completely, and dust again.

Canadian House and Home

SARAH'S SPICED NUTS (source)

1. Preheat oven to 350F

2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, and 1/4 cup cane sugar (like Demerara) in a pan over low-medium heat.

3.  Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of cumin, paprika, cayenne, and salt.  Mix well.

4.  Add 1 cup each of almonds and pecans, stirring to coat.  Cook until mixture becomes sticky (at least 5 minutes).

5.  Turn nuts out onto a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until crunchy.  Let cool and serve at room temperature.

Chatelaine Holiday 2008 via Sarah Richardson Design

I love the simplicity of Sarah's decorating for Christmas in the city - it is about the sparkle, the unexpected, bolder colours, the tree, and time with family and friends.  What a great combination!

Linked to Weekend Bloggy Reading at Serenity Now

My Three Favourite Parts of Sarah Richardson's London Townhouse

I got my new Canadian House and Home magazine and was thrilled that there was an article about a London (England) townhouse that Sarah Richardson and crew had decorated.  It was beautiful and amazing and fantastic - just like you would expect it to be.  I checked online and since I couldn't find pictures of it anywhere I didn't want to spoil the surprise for when you first see the home.  Instead I thought I would show you the three things I liked best about it (and give you a little sneak-peak at the same time).



1) I love the family room and especially these chairs.  The room has many shades of blue and, of course, a variety of fabrics in the upholstery and the cushions.  I especially love the dots and curved lines on this fabric.  I also adore the beautiful silver twig side table between the chairs.

2)  I love the pale blue cabinets and crystal hardware in the kitchen, but what really caught my eye is this antique French wine-tasting table.  I love the patina and the simple lines.

3) And finally I love the living room, which is a gorgeous room with fireplaces at both ends.  To arrange the furniture to allow for  intimate conversation areas while taking advantage of the fireplaces, two sofas were put back-to-back in the centre of the room.  The overall envelope of the room is very neutral with cream walls and sofas and cream patterned drapes.  I love the rich claret reds and rusts in the cushions, the patterned rugs, and the chaise.  I especially like the two cushions on either end of the sofa.

And finally, I love the quotation from Sarah Richardson which is something that I have always held to be true:

I like a different colour for each room.  If you're going to open another gallon of paint, you might as well make it a different colour.

I often read in magazines that they have used the same paint throughout or even the same colour family throughout so that there is continuity and flow.  Well I say flow, schmow - I like to see different colours used.  Variety is the spice of life after all.


Isn't this house a beauty?  What did you like best?


(all photos in this post were taken by me from pictures in my Canadian House and Home magazine March 2012)

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Don't forget to put your name in for my SmartSilk pillow giveaway (see this post for details).

10 Reasons Why I Love Sarah Richardson's Cottage

It could be that seeing summer end has made me a little nostalgic for the relaxed carefree days at the cottage.  Whatever the reason, I have recently found myself thinking about Sarah Richardson's cottage - which is one of my all time favourites.


There is so much to love about her cottage and I know that I'm not the only one that feels that way.  Of course, the location is divine - with windswept pines and gorgeous granite rocks.  The scenery is very familiar to me as our family cottage is also out on an island in Georgian Bay.  However, it is far more than the familiar setting that has my heart going a pitter-pat.  


When I looked through the pictures and watched the shows (which you too can watch online - check here to see the episodes), I tried to put my finger on what it is that appeals to me.  Sarah's cottage is decorated in a style that I find pleasing and welcoming.   Me, being me, I had to think about it, analyze it half to death, and come up with a list of reasons why I find her cottage so attractive.


So, what is it that makes Sarah's cottage so amazing?  Here's my list:


1) PASTELS ABOUND
My number one favourite range of colours to decorate with are pastels so I love that Sarah uses soft easy-to-live-with colours in her cottage.  (I'm also tickled that I own one of those banker's chairs that she has in her dining room - although I painted mine black).

2) BLUE PREDOMINATES
Blues rule for me - I love every shade, tint, and hue.  I know that one of the reasons I adore Sarah's cottage is that she used blue in every room (and yes I looked to make sure).  Her living room with all the different blues is especially divine.

3)  A RAINBOW OF ACCENT COLOURS 
I'm not one of those people who could live in a neutral house with only beige, black, and white everywhere.  I like that I can buy a turquoise bowl, or a red vase, or a yellow box and find a place for it in our house.   I noticed that Sarah's cottage has accents of almost every colour I can think of, with the exception of brown, orange, and purple - which suits me fine as those are my least favourite colours.  


While there is a predominance of blue throughout the cottage, several rooms also have quite a bit of red in them.  The main bedroom is dreamy with hits of pure fire engine red.

And red is used on the cupboard doors leading to the bathroom.

A bright green is used as an accent colour in the west guest bedroom,

Love of Family & Home

and in the children's bedroom.

Yellow is used on the chairs in the lounge.

Love of Family & Home

A bright floral in the east guest room combines red, yellow, and green.

4) SIMPLICITY 

I love how paired down the decorating is.  Detail and interest are added through texture and layering rather than embellishment or fussy details.   In the kitchen, Sarah incorporates a simple collection of milk glass footed bowls and glassware with muted tone-on-tone cabinets and back-splash tiles.

What could be simpler than this corner of the living room - a chair, some flowers, and a gorgeous view.

5) MIXING OLD WITH NEW

The mix of antique and vintage finds with new furniture is what makes her cottage feel like it was decorated over time.  Sarah added interest to the kitchen by mixing the vintage weathered boards around the exterior of the kitchen cabinets, the antique corbels, and the "groceries" sign, with the new appliances and cabinets.

6) MIXING HIGH WITH LOW END FINDS

The mix of cheap-and-cheerful and high-end furniture are a signature Sarah look and can be seen all over her cottage.  The straw hat collection on the wall in the lounge area contrasts with the chairs that I'm sure are more cheerful than cheap.

HGTV

7) MIXING ELEGANT WITH RUSTIC

Mixing refined pieces with simple rustic finds is another feature typical of Sarah's decorating. Here in the main bathroom, the elegant Venetian glass mirror contrasts so nicely with the rustic chair and the simple baskets under the sink.  

8) MIXING FABRIC PATTERNS
Sarah is the master of mixing fabrics and you can see that in the cushions in the living room and the pillows on the beds.  Check out the guest bedroom below - I spy six different patterns used in this bedroom - and all in some of my favourite colours.

9) MIXING NATURAL WOOD WITH PAINTED WOOD 

While I like both natural wood furniture and painted wood furniture, too much of either can be too much of a good thing.  Sarah has found the perfect balance of wood and painted wood in her cottage.  Along with wood furniture, she also has wood walls, ceiling, and floors to contend with.   While some of the rooms have white-washed wood walls, others have been painted, and others have natural wood walls.  In the bedroom below, Sarah has found a wonderful balance of white-washed walls, painted floors, and both painted and natural wood furniture.

10 ) BRINGING NATURE INDOORS
Sarah's cottage is located in an absolutely gorgeous setting and she has decorated the cottage to take advantage of that in several ways.  I love that Sarah incorporated the colours of nature and lots of wood throughout her cottage to blend the indoors with the outdoors.  With the beautiful views out the windows, she used the perfect simple window treatments so that the scenery is the focus.  She also used simplified modern florals on many of the cushions and fabrics in the cottage.  

So these are the ten reasons I love Sarah's cottage.  What about you?  Why do you love it?