everyday elegance at home

Your home is a sanctuary - the place where you should have ultimate relaxation, letting your hair and guard down, to recharge, refresh, and renew.  Here are a few things I'm loving that will help set the mood, lighten your workload, and make for stress free living with an added dash of style + class:

-- blankets and throws.  I hate being cold, especially at home.  Keeping a pile of blankets and small throws will allow for personal climate control, for both guests and yourself.  Whether hosting movie nights or unexpected guests, I love offering a few comfortable, cozy options.

Made in the USA by Pendleton Woolen Mill in honor of Rainier National Park, this 100% virgin wool blanket is inspired by heritage frontier blankets. This style of blanket, characterized by the stripes at either end, was used during the 18th and 19th centuries as a commodity in the fur trade. Renowned for its quality in keeping cold and rain at bay, trappers in the Pacific Northwest created garments out of these blankets. Each stripe correlates to a value, originally in beaver pelts, that signifies the thickness and quality of the wool. Woven in Pendleton, Oregon for the past century, these distinctive blankets are a cold-weather staple built to offer years of use. US$249 at Filson.

-- home fragrance.  Your home shouldn't be overpowering, with aroma oozing out of every nook and cranny.  However, your home should smell pleasant, with a light fragrance that's distinct and welcoming.  I use a myriad of devices - candles, wall plug-ins, sprays, diffusers, and solid perfumes.  Find a scent that you love, and incorporate it throughout your own space.  After all, it's your house - if you love it, that's all that matters.

Several years ago, I purchased a gorgeous metal Pomander from L'Occitane en Provence.  The small, globe shaped sphere had a small latch on the top, and when opened, revealed four decorative chambers for solid perfumes.  The opened chambers would allow for air to waft gently, revealing the perfect amount of fragrance.  Unfortunately, L'Occitane doesn't offer this anymore, or refills for that matter.  (Good thing I stocked up on solid perfume refills when I did!)

I always seem to love the fragrances from Nest, Dyptique, Santa Maria Novella, and Agraria.  They all offer products packaged beautifully, with fragrances that are crisp, without being clouded by fillers and artificial ingredients.  Prices vary.



The innovators at Philips have brought one of the coolest home accessories I've seen in a long time in the form of a lighting solution called Hue.  One part energy efficiency, one part futuristic living, one part awesome, Philips Hue is your personal wireless lighting system that combines brilliant and energy-efficient LED light with intuitive technology. Together, the light, the bridge and the smart controls not only create ambiance, bring movies to life, optimize energy, and enhance sleep quality, but are simple, easy to use, and maximize the possibilities.  Turn on more than the lights; turn on your imagination, with Hue. (prices vary)

-- a well equipped kitchen.  I love cooking.  Some people eat to live; I live to eat.  Whether cooking for yourself or an army, you always want a well equipped kitchen.  Tools should be in the right place, without having to reach too far, dig too deep, or risk a limb when locating those out-of-reach items.  One of my favorite cooking tools is a Dutch oven.  I have a few different sizes (from teeny tiny to almost-absurdly massive) and shapes (either round or oval), from both Le Creuset and Staub.

If you don't already have a Dutch oven, I'm loving the very manageable sized offered by Le Creuset and Product Red.   10% of the suggested retail price from every item in the (Le Creuset) RED Special Edition Collection will go to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS.  The wide and shallow shape of this oval oven allows for effectively searing and browning meats before slowly cooking to perfection. A greater surface area is ideal for reducing sauces and evaporating excess liquid. This kitchen classic enhances the cooking process by evenly distributing heat and locking in the optimal amount of moisture. With ergonomic handles and an advanced interior enamel that resists chipping and cleans easily, Le Creuset’s Dutch ovens blend the best of the past with the latest innovations in comfort and functionality.

-- snacks.  Food is very important to me, so I love keeping unique, moderately healthy options on hand that don't take much time to prepare.  Think of things you'd put on a beautiful platter for antipasti - olives, pickles, nuts, cheeses, dried fruits, hummus, salumi,  and any other goodies that strike your fancy.  I like to have something salty, sweet, tart, crunchy, gooey, and savory - just a bite or two of each category.  One of my favorite snacks, especially when I'm in a hurry, is roasted nuts.  I'm loving the satisfying, fun flavors offered by Kernel Desires, all handmade and in small batches.  From the spicy Chipotle Chile Almonds to the decadently sinful Praline Pecans to the addicting Smoky Herb Almonds and Pecans, I can't get enough.  They also make lovely hostess gifts and stocking stuffers.


-- cleanliness is godliness.  What better way to guarantee a clean home by employing the People Against Dirty: Method Home.  Beautiful products, with fabulous fragrances, that are tough on dirt and gentle on the environment, without costing an arm, a leg, or your firstborn child.  If there's a surface to be cleaned - from head to toe, ceiling to floor, Method makes a product just for it.

Speaking of clean and effortless, I love the new Miele RX1 Scout Robotic vacuum, US$599.  If you're not familiar with Miele, imagine the home division of  Mercedes or BMW.  The products are incredibly designed, with beauty and engineering at top priority.  If you have hard floors like tile or wood, or have pesky pets, this is definitely the product for you. Features include: 

 • Smart Navigation by Miele features a ceiling camera, gyro sensor and innovative software

• Improved Triple Cleaning System for 34% more dust pick-up performance

• New Chevron style brush roll, two Front brushes, new Side brush dust strippers, and new Sealing lip

• 4 Cleaning Modes for a more thorough clean

• Lithium-ion battery offers up to two hours of continuous cleaning without recharging.
 

 -- Think ahead for maximum comfort, for you and your guests.  No one wants to sit in wet clothes, so I love the idea of keeping an umbrella stand stocked with a few umbrellas, just in case the weather is anything less than merry and bright.   Crate & Barrel offers the beautiful Kensington, for US$139.  The tall cylinder casts a graphic modern silhouette that makes a stunning first impression, with umbrellas or without, in entryway or mudroom. Handwoven into a casual grid, broad bands of iron are worked in the round and given a warm antique brass finish.  If you know you're going to host parties with many guests, or with people you might not see again, I recommend buying a few inexpensive umbrellas either from Target, online, or anywhere else that stocks decent quality and inexpensive products.For those who you trust, or for yourself, try something more durable, like the British brand Fulton. 

-- Prepare for unexpected overnight guests. I keep a small supply of small soaps, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and an assortment of sample sized toiletries and such.  

Your home should be a haven.  It's your physical space to create the mental and emotional universe you so desire.  Whether you seek inspiration, relaxation, comfort, or any other feeling, make the most of what you have.  What products and solutions do you love for your home?

"The home should be the treasure chest of living." -- Le Corbusier.  

thanks + giving

As we get closer to holidays, I was thinking about cool host(ess) gifts.  These are great items to stock up on year-round, for those "just in case" multipurpose gift-giving occasions.  They don't have to be complicated or costly, just of really great quality.

-- tea towels.  You can never have enough kitchen towels.  They can be festive, inspirational, humorous, or purely functional - but you can always use more tea towels.  Flour-sack style towels are especially great for people who're big drinkers or entertainers, as they don't leave lint on glassware. I also love the intricate patterns and delicate weave of traditional European linens, like those from Garnier-Thiebaut.  Their vibrant pops of color are sure to brighten any kitchen or space, and are of amazing quality and durability.

-- candles.  Just like tea towels, you can never have "too many" candles.  Their light, warmth, and fragrance turn a sterile space into the most romantic room.  If you know your host(ess) well, pick a fragrance that you know they'll enjoy or invokes their personality. If you don't, standard wins are always balsam, cinnamon, lavender, and vanilla.  One of my favorite candle companies is Nest.  Once Laura Slatkin had sold her home wildly successful fragrance line to Bath & Body Works, she started the more luxurious, incredibly special Nest.  Better fragrances, less junk ingredients and fillers, and a lot more love, I'm always so impressed with the quality and longevity of their products.  For fall, I'm especially loving their "winter fireplace" inspired Hearth, and know it'd make the most wonderful way to show thanks and giving.

-- Caveat: my next suggestion is far from inexpensive.  But the experience, the product, and the scent-sation is worth it, 100%. Santa Maria Novella's soap, or anything for that matter.  How can three simple words conjure up such time-tested techniques for making the most exquisite products for bath, body, and home?  Melograno (Pomegranate) is my favorite, hands down.  Once you have tried Santa Maria Novella's Pomegranate soap, it is impossible to imagine wanting to use anything else. Triple milled, each exquisite bar is hand molded one by one using 19th century equipment, aged for 60 days in ventilated cabinets, and then hand-wrapped. The all-natural whole milk formula is infused with the classic Florentine scent of pomegranate oil for a lather that is rich, gentle and softly moisturizing. And because each soap is hand pressed, all Santa Maria Novella soaps will last about three times longer than ordinary soaps while maintaining their shape and scent. Suitable for all skin types.

 -- wonderful, seasonal ingredients.  If your host(ess) is a foodie, consider a small assortment of beautiful fresh fruits and vegetables.  Maybe present them in a sweet basket, or a reusable grocery bag.  I'd also recommend a small collection of herbs, seasonings, and spices.  If your recipient is a drinker or entertains frequently, a great bottle of wine or small batch bitters makes a lovely gesture of appreciation.

The gifts need not be expensive, either.  If you're being hosted by a family, one of my favorite gifts is a "movie night in a bowl" - take a large bowl, add a box of microwave popcorn, some sweet treats, and a family friendly / audience appropriate movie.  Wrap in cellophane, tie with a bow, and voila - instant gift, less than $20, that also encourages the family to spend time together (often a gift within itself).

-- I love gifts that keep on giving, like a subscription to Kinfolk or Saveur.  It's no secret that I love to cook, to eat, to entertain, and to travel. So you can imagine my surprise and delight when I opened the letterbox about a year ago and discovered Saveur. My best friend ordered it as a gift, and I'm still thankful. Both Kinfolk and Saveur are simply beyond. Travel. Food. Drink. Beautiful photography. Compelling writing. Fabulous recipes.

Come se dice "delicious subscriptions" in Italiano?  "Kinfolk" and "Saveur" obviously.  

The most important thing to remember is this: your gift should not offend.  I try to refrain from bringing wine unannounced.  When I'm planning a party, I take great care in selecting the food and drink on offer, making sure everything is in perfect harmony.  I'd hate to bring a bottle of my favorite wine as a gift but give the unintended impression that I didn't trust the host(ess)'s ability to properly pair, let alone bring something that wouldn't compliment the other menu items.  This is why I also refrain from bringing flowers - the host(ess) probably has decorated accordingly, so I try and avoid this option, unless you know the recipients well or have established past precedence.  (Don't get me wrong - sending flowers in the days following the event is always a wonderful gesture of thanks and praise.)


But then I got to thinking about the ultimate gift - that of sharing time and talent.  Kinfolk, one of the coolest communities of creative people on the planet, posts a little video section.  Here's one of my favorite: a flower potluck!

 


Next time you're planning a cocktail party or small gathering to sip and snack on all things delicious, consider throwing your own "flower potluck" as well.  I'm sure we all have a small collection of vases from previous arrangements.  Set out a few vessels, sharp sheers, flower food, and other ribbon / accouterments, then invite your friends to bring some of their favorites - whether from the garden or yard, or their favorite florist or market.  You could be specific and assign categories, like greenery, fill, centerpiece, etc., or just keep it open and free.

Once you've had the "flower exchange", continue on savoring the refreshments and company.  Everyone gets a personalized take-home gift!

Gifts don't have to be expensive, but they should always come from the heart.  Remember, the ultimate gifts to give are that of time, love, and friendship.  What's the best host(ess) gift you've ever received? 

Holiday suggestions 2011, part deux

'tis the season to be giving. more suggestions, in no particular order, of course:


-- I can't get enough of Santa Maria Novella, the storied Florentine bath and body purveyor. It's not cheap, and you know you always get what you pay for. Once you have tried Santa Maria Novella's Pomegranate soap, it is impossible to imagine ever using anything else. Triple milled, each exquisite bar is hand molded one by one using 19th century equipment, aged for 60 days in ventilated cabinets, and then hand-wrapped. The all-natural whole milk formula is infused with the classic Florentine scent of pomegranate oil for a lather that is rich, gentle and softly moisturizing. And because each soap is hand pressed, all Santa Maria Novella soaps will last about three times longer than ordinary soaps while maintaining their shape and scent, preventing that icky mushy pile most consider "soap". Suitable for all skin types.

-- I love Porsche Design - they make the coolest, most well done products. From kitchen knives to kicks, from covers for the car to your iPad, you can't go wrong with something from the German design firm.


-- Geneva Sound System - take your iPod to the iMax. Small system, big sound. Winner of the 2010 I.D. International Design Magazine Consumer Products Award, this small but mighty hi-fi system offers superb musical fidelity and the most versatility in its class. Minimal design packs maximum patented technology including invisible TouchLight controls, PowerDock connector for iPod/iPhone and digital clock radio with programmable alarm for radio, ipod or iphone. Energy-saving design consumes 80% less power than conventional audio devices. Sleek all-white high density polyresin hybrid with genuine piano lacquer finish. Perfect space-saving size for office, bedroom, shelf, tabletop, countertop. Optional table stand and remote included.

• High density composite resin with lacquer finish
• High fidelity sound in petite minimalist cabinet
• Plays iPod/iPhone, radio & alarm clock
• Seamless surface means no unsightly buttons
• Backlit TouchLight controls brighten on contact - full menu control of iPod, unique to Geneva
• Motorized PowerDock spins closed when iPod/iPhone not in use
• Stereo mini line-in jack for external audio (computer, MP3, TV, etc.)
• Digital radio with 6 presets
• Digital clock with alarm - wake to iPod, radio or beep
• Two 3" full-range speakers, individually powered
• Two digital, energy-efficient 15W amplifiers (30W total output)
• LED display for time, mode, track, volume
• Optional stand and remote control included
• Made in China

Note: This item is UL-Listed and manufactured in compliance with U.S. standards. If you are purchasing this item for use outside of the U.S. or Canada, use only with the appropriate outlet adaptor and voltage converter for your country. Do not plug into an electrical outlet higher than 110-120V as this could result in fire and/or injury.

I've seen this for sale at CB2, Design Within Reach, and Fred Segal.

-- Fortnum & Mason might possibly house everything delicious on earth. I especially love their jams, marmalade, and preserves. Each Christmas, they create the most lovely decadence, tucked smartly into a hamper (that's basket for my North American readers). £55.00 gets you a taste of several favourite things, including three classic loose-leaf teas, a St James Christmas pudding, handmade preserves, the exclusive chocolate bar and a bottle of rather good Cotes du Rhone.