I want to do the same in Sweden!

Single here so that is not much of a challenge for me when cooking on a daily basis. When entertaining or having a party I cook what I like, some may not like some of it but there is always plenty of other options to pick from. My group is picky so I try to offer a couple of options if it is a big dinner or party....but I do make things I like as I will be eating the leftovers. The few things that come to mind tonight are Oatmeal Raisin Cookies for my nephews...they love them but I can't do raisins in anything. Their DM isn't a baker so I treat them when I have time. I have a BIL that loves cornbread dressing and greens for TG. I add that to the must have sides when he is here. The dressing is okay but I'll pass on the greens...I think they are collard greens...not sure as I have to google for a recipe everytime...lol! I'm sure there might be a few other things I make for a friend or family member but I can't think what it might be at the moment. David

Laurie, Thank you so much for your warm compliment about my house. As far as the paint...we used Benjamin Moore throughout. I remember the white was called "Linen White" which is on BM's website. There are actually two beige colors used in the greatroom. "#1031" is written on top of the lighter beige paint can. When I looked at BM's website it shows "Carlisle Cream" for that number but looks very lavendar on my computer. Not like the real paint at all. I wish I could help you with the name of the darker beige we used but the store kind of tweaked that color for us. It was BM's Moorecraft SPEC paint and on the top of that can is written "MC #47" if that helps. bristlingacres, Thank you too for your compliment. All of our interior doors are stained with white trim. They are knotty alder. I'm posting one pic of the stairwell door which shows color and trim pretty good. I got some samples yesterday of Hunter Douglas woven wood shades. They seem very light. I can see through them easily and they come in a host of patterns. I downloaded a picture (sorry it REALLY tiny) and a darker color than I would choose. What does everyone think of this option??? Do you think I would need cloth curtains on the sides like in this picture?

premier, the window isn't as small as it looks in the photo I posted. Not really an expert at taking digital photos. budge1, looks like someone found your example - and I like it. I am looking on the interet to find some material I like. Not that I need a sewing project now, but chances of finding the colors I want already made is probably very slim. I think a lot of little things wouldn't be good either - either just one teal or aqua clock or a valance. dekr8 - are those your curtains? Did you make them or do they come already made up? If you made them, did you use a pattern? I really like that idea. I can almost picture some brown and aqua valance hanging from those pegs - I like the use of pegs - different than most valances. The first material, (link posted below) edged in brown would look great on my window I think. DH and I love aqua too. We once went to look at a boat and when we walked up and saw the interior was aqua, we just looked at one another and knew we were going to buy it. This is the first time we have used it in our decorating. Well except maybe years ago when the southwest type colors were in. retro cotton fabric, scroll down for photo vintage hip chocolate and brown Thanks for everyone's help. I have never bought anything on ebay before, I might try on that first fabric and see how it goes - I have 5 hours to think about it or I could just order one yard - since it is 54 inches wide that is probably all I would need - or I could get two yards and do a couple of pillows for the family room sofa or a table runner for my dark table. Would too much coordination with the same material be too hokey?