Can you help style this formal tablecloth for a casual Thanksgiving?
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Do you do soup for Thanksgiving?
Comments (19)gellchom, this IS your soup, isn't it? Its in my repertoire (sp?) now. Polynesian Peanut Soup 1/4 cup sweetened flaked coconut (I had shredded, so I used that) 1 T canola oil 1 c finely chopped onion 1/4 c finely chopped fresh ginger 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 14-oz. can light coconut milk 3/4 c vegetable stock 3/4 c smooth natural peanut butter 1/4 c mango chutney 1 T minced fresh jalapeno chili, or to taste salt to taste 1/4 c finely chopped green onions 2 T minced fresh cilantro [I omit this, as we are "tasters"] sesame oil, for garnish In a small dry skillet, toast the coconut over medium heat, stirring constantly, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes (took less for me). Transfer to a plate and cool. Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.* Add the onion, ginger, and garlic . Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion and ginger are very tender, about 10 minutes. Transfer the onion mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the coconut milk, vegetable stock, peanut butter, chutney, and jalapeno [I chopped the jalapeno in there first and then added the rest]. Puree until smooth (anticipate a little leakage if you're doubling the recipe!). If the peanut butter is too thick, it might be necessary to add more stock (I like it thick, though). Transfer the soup to the Dutch oven and cook over medium heat until heated through. Season with salt to taste. Meanwhile, toss the coconut with the green onions and cilantro, if using. To serve, drizzle each bowl with some sesame oil and top with a mound of the coconut mixture....See MoreCan you help me name the style of decor that I like?
Comments (19)Doesn't sound like your style is one of the currently-popular "canned" looks -- though if you're a low-confidence decorator, it would be nice it it were! ;-) For that reason, IMO, finding a phrase that describes it can be very helpful. I like the phrase "Rustic Romantic" and think it can conger up some helpful imagery. In fact, that's one of the catch-phrases I use mentally when evaluating whether or not something fits into my home's eclectic decor. Another test I use is "the story line". The 'bones' of my house are very rustic and masculine, but I've infused a lot of exotic and feminine accessories. So I have a mental 'Ralph Lauren' picture and a "Ben Cartwright returns from several years abroad with his new wife" test... (Works for me!)...See MoreBlank Slate - Help me decorate my formal Living/Dining Room (pics
Comments (6)Now I understand where you are headed. My suggestions will not be matchy matchy and are pretty eclectic in nature. So, hopefully you will get some ideas you may not have thought about. Let's start with the DR. Drapes: I like dramatic so, if the rug has bronze that would be my first choice though there is nothing wrong with gold. I like plain simple drapes. I think drapes like blacksplashes should not be a focal point of a room when you have other beautiful things going. They should help frame the room like the color on the walls do. You may not need pinch pleated drapes. It would save you money not to have the pinch pleats. You need to decide if you want to run them from ceiling to floor or with a rod (I saw some beautiful rods at Calico Corner's. I think JCP carries Kirsch hardware also) above the window not from the ceiling. Dining table: I notice most people select wood to use with oriental rugs. I am working with a designer for my family room and breakfast nook and he just taught me a good lesson: Print rug-glass table, solid rug-wood table. He said you want to show off the beauty of the rug at all times from every direction. They do make some very large glass tables that you can use with 2 wooden pedestals for support or a great square base. If you are having a lot of guests for dinner like Christmas than you can add a folding table and use the same table cloth. This is just a suggestion. You can use wood but I always like to share new knowledge when I learn something. I still like crystal for chandeliers in dining rooms. In this case I would use crystal with some funky lamp shades to add a little fun into the room. You may find these at Home Goods or on line. I would try leopard for shades. It's hard to visualize if this will work without actually seeing it in person. Maybe someone will photoshop. Do you know the size of the table you want to use? I also think you may be able to find dining room chairs on ebay or a used furniture store that might be in decent condition or you can buy them new. Remember the chair wood does not need to match the wood of the table. There is more interest created when they don't. Here is another idea for chairs: you can used entirely different ones for the head of the table. Actually, I am pretty good at decorating eclectically. My friends are always looking for my eye. The designer I am working with always says to me "what do you need me for". Well, he is a great buffer between me and my BF whom I share my new home with. He has made my life so much more easier and is worth every penny. I am also learning alot about decorating from him....See MoreLooking for decor advice: how to make a formal dining room casual?
Comments (110)You could use some of that eyelet fabric over the mirrors on the 2 center quadrants from top to bottom and let the far left and far right mirrors unveiled. They make something called ticky tack, that teachers use to hold posters and things on walls(no nails). I wonder if that wouldn't work on your favorite eyelet pattern?, and not damage the wood/fabric/mirrors? A friend took pieces of an old heirloom lace piece and did that in her miniature curio cabinet she inherited over the back mirror lined surface.. She now uses the cabinet to hold all of her essential oil(many mini bottles)collection. If you like the country style dishware, the eyelet in the tea color(or you can tea stain some yourself) might look very pretty inside the darkwood and contrast with your white dishes? And tone down the shiny of the mirror? There is this product, that might be perfect for such an application: https://www.amazon.com/Sticky-Reusable-Gallery-Quality-Adhesive/dp/B01GEGXP0K/ref=asc_df_B01GEGXP0K/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198062181806&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7000896296704938960&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027311&hvtargid=pla-323734168208&psc=1...See MoreRelated Professionals
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