Why Not…Use What’s In Your Yard
When decorating my house, I often cut fresh flowers and greenery from my yard, filling a vase or old bottle with the cuttings. If you wander around your house (and your neighborhood-smiling-no trespassing allowed) you will invariably find a variety of beautiful and architecturally interesting plants and flowers. I recently cut several stems of split leaf philodendron and placed them in a cool vase near a window. Each leaf is eye-catching with its variety of long splits and deep, rich color. They are naturally sculptural and add a fresh feel to any room. And they’ll stay green for a month. Look around. You can make a simple arrangement out of the widely available and easy to grow Knock Out Roses that you see everywhere. One of my favorite things to do is cut a Camellia and float it in a bowl, interesting candy dish or wide mouth stem of crystal. It will maintain its delicate beauty for days and adds enormous color and interest to a table or countertop. Hydrangeas make fantastic additions to any room and can be found in a variety of vibrant colors. Or try cutting delicate azaleas and putting them in a simple bud vase. We live in a wonderful, colorful world full of green plants, fragrances (I love gardenias), holly, daylilies and iris. If you have a citrus tree with fruit on it, fill a bowl. Living things warm a space and in the winter, they make you feel less bluesy at no cost. A home always looks smarter, more sophisticated with fresh plants, fruit and flowers. So why not use what’s in your yard to add color to your home and infuse each room with the fresh natural beauty and fragrances that surround us.
Why not...frame a love note
Why Not... Frame a Love Note
I'm always searching for unique ideas for art. But, what makes something art? It doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Art is anything in which you find beauty and meaning. You can frame a love note or something your child has written or drawn, anything that you love.
One of my children wrote me the most beautiful, sensitive note when he was fifteen. We had an argument one evening (arguing with our teenage children is so unusual, right?) and he later felt bad about it. His note was a kind of poetic apology. But it was also an affirmation for me as his mother and the important role that I played in his life. I treasured that note. So, I framed it. It has a permanent place on the wall in my bedroom.
I'm sure we have all received something written, or maybe drawn, from someone we love. Why not frame it and hang it on the wall as a reminder of who, and what, we love.
Why not…use white cotton napkins
Why not…use white cotton napkins
White cotton table napkins are a great way to add a touch of class to any dinner gathering. They’re relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain.
Mine are Mainstays from Walmart. About 17 inches by 17 inches (sizes can vary-don’t get them too small) and 65% cotton and 35% polyester. Or you can get them from Bed Bath and Beyond in sets of 12 for about $10. I strongly suggest staying with classic white (easy to keep clean).
A quick three fold after washing (you can even do a fancy fold if you want-but I usually stay pretty simple because I’m generally in a hurry) and under the fork they go. The napkin can go to the left of the fork, in the center of the plate, or (as I prefer) under the fork.
It doesn’t matter if you’re having pasta, hamburgers, steak, or tuna casserole for family or friends, including a cloth napkin simply adds that little extra something to the meal that shows you care.
When finished, put a little spray and wash on the rough spots and throw them in the washer with a bit of bleach. That’s it. They fold easily and you are ready to go for the next meal. It beats a paper napkin or paper towel every time. Try it.
