CasaSugar

Trend Alert: Yummy Candles

CasaSugar — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 08:39:08 -0700

First there were scented candles that smelled like food, and now I'm finding all sorts of cute candles that look good enough to eat.

My salivating began with this Point a la Ligne Macaroon Candle Set ($15), which is currently (and tragically) out of stock. But I've managed to find a smorgasbord of other yummy candles - from fruits and cookies to martinis and olives - that should satisfy any decorating taste.

DIY: Recycled Glass Chandelier

CasaSugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:00:19 -0800

This holiday season, many of us may be throwing dinner parties, and expecting more guests than usual on a typical Saturday night. Maybe we'll pull spare seating out of the basement, or rent chairs, fold-out tablecloths, and white linens for the evening, but the last time I checked party rental shops didn't rent light fixtures. So, the next best thing is to fashion one of our own. With a few recycled materials and some tea lights, you can make a gorgeous, energy-efficient, glass chandelier that you may just end up hanging year-round. Make one to hang about each table, and your guests will be well-lit. Just add good food, wine, and conversation! To learn the steps, read more.

Supplies:

10-12 spare glass jars (mason jars, baby food, jam)
Circular gridded cooling rack
Thick and thin gauge wire
Beaded chain and locking links
1 large S hook
10-12 small S hooks
Wire cutters
Sand or small pebbles
10-12 tea lights

Here's how, from Ecologue:

Wash all your recycled materials.
Turn over your cooling rack, and at its center cross two lengths of the thick wire, looping their ends through the feet on the rack and twisting them to secure them.
Attach the large S hook by twisting the wire at the point where the two wires cross (at the center).
Under the lip of your jar lids, wrap the thinner wire around the tops three or four times, and tuck the ends underneath the wire to secure it.
Cut various lengths of beaded chain using wire cutters at twice the length you want them to hang from the cooling rack. You may consider a random arrangement or some sort of pattern for hanging.
Loop a piece of beaded chain through the thin wire on one jar, and then lock its ends together with the links. Do this with all the jars.
Fill the base of the jar with sand or pebbles, and then place a tea light on top.
Hang the cooling rack above your dinner table, or wherever you'd like it to be.
Then, hook your candle-filled jars with the small S hooks onto the cooling rack.
Use a long lighter to light them right before guests arrive, and fini!

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Endless Summer: Create a Enclosed Outdoor Retreat

CasaSugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 05:30:11 -0700

As we all know, Summer, like its counterparts, is an ephemeral season. Just as you've kicked the blisters on your new gladiator sandals, it seems like the leaves have already begun to change, and you catch yourself eyeing Fall's new collection of boots. But, it is possible to enjoy the Summer despite the fact that you know its fading fast. Aside from hopping on a plane to your favorite equatorial locale, you can have an endless Summer by extending the time you spend outdoors. You can do so by creating an enclosed outdoor retreat for yourself. Start by setting up a canopied tent, or hang sheets or curtains between trees to DIY one (keep them in place by hooking them to a stake in the ground); they'll shield you from the breeze. Then, set some outdoor furniture inside your tent. Make it cozy by setting outdoor cushions on the floor with a a Summer quilt and some throws. Fill in the corners of your retreat with potted plants, including fragrant herbs or flowers. Set an outdoor heater inside to keep you warm when the temperatures really get low, and use candles to create calm, romantic lighting. Bring out a tray to serve food and keep candles from being knocked over. Pick up a couple of rocks from your yard and use them as paperweights for any reading materials or wrappers you bring out. Enjoy Summer while it lasts!
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How-To: Set the Table For a Fab Party

CasaSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:00:33 -0700

In a recent New York Times article, interior designer David Serrano (pictured at right, seated), who also owns the glamorous shop Downtown and Outside Downtown, offered some advice on setting a party table. Serrano says, "[Setting a table] is emblematic of your personal style . . . My job has always been to create a beautiful tabletop that will complement the great food and wonderful guests.”

Here are my favorite tips from Mr. Serrano:

Consider serving everything family style. This allows you to mix china patterns, display funky glasses that might not match, and in general, create a more festive atmosphere at the table.
Don't be afraid to mix things up. As Serrano notes, “I like new things mixed with old things, cheap things from Pier 1 mixed with fancy things from Hermès.”
If you're decorating for a birthday party, include party favors for everyone at the party. They don't have to be expensive; just make sure they are beautiful and useful. For instance, a tiny potted herb tied with a ribbon would be a great present for a chef or gardener's birthday party.

For the rest of the tips, read more.

Set the tone of the table with one unique, eyecatching object, such as an unusual vase or decorative urn.
Avoid distracting objects, such as giant, fragrant floral arrangements.
If you use candles, make sure they're unscented.
Don't forget dessert! You can even coordinate frosting color on your cake or cupcakes with the colors of your tablescape.

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Link Time!

CasaSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:00:10 -0700

Design*Sponge features a pretty in pink home.
Danny Seo's making more beeswax candles.
You Grow Girl introduces you to mallow.
Treehugger interviews Austin's green mayor.
Are you participating in Craft's Creative 350 Contest?
It's a Jaime Thing finds a great option for keeping kids occupied at your wedding.
AT:SF visits Flora Grubb.
FitSugar tracks down the top allergens.
CitizenSugar tells you why the flood is going to raise food prices.

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Primer: Making an Emergency Preparedness Kit

CasaSugar — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 08:26:16 -0700

Hurricane season is in full force, and here in California, there's always the chance of an earthquake. Even if you don't live in storm or quake country - but especially if you do - you should have an emergency preparedness kit stashed away.

The American Red Cross recommends having enough food and water on hand to support every member of your household for at least three days. They've also got a great list of other must-haves you may not have thought of, including bleach and a non-electric can opener. Tune in tomorrow, when I'll feature some ready-made kits you can buy. Until now, here's a checklist of everything you should have on hand.

Water. The Red Cross recommends one gallon per day per person, including pets. If you don't have any stored, why not make a habit of picking up a gallon or two every time you go to the supermarket?
Food. Concentrate on ready-to-eat canned fruits, veggies, juice, and meat, as well as protein-rich snacks like trail mix and granola bars. Don't forget vitamins and special supplies for any elderly family members, babies, and pets.
A first-aid kit with Band-Aids, latex gloves, gauze pads, a thermometer, over-the-counter drugs, and necessary prescription medications.

For the other essentials, read more

Tools such as scissors, tweezers, a sewing kit, a manual can opener, a knife, and a wrench to turn off gas and water.
Moist towelettes and antibacterial hand gel
Sunscreen
Paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
A hand-crank or battery-operated radio, with batteries
Flashlights with extra batteries
Candles and matches
Cash
Small fire extinguisher
Toilet paper, feminine products, and garbage bags
Dish soap
Bleach
Blankets or sleeping bags
Rain gear
Important documents, such as wills, deeds, passports, family records, and a bank account numbers.
A list of important phone numbers

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Get the Look: Passport to Morocco

CasaSugar — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 05:15:28 -0700

Sadly, I've never been to Morocco, but I can recognize the country's distinctive design almost immediately. Lately, I've been seeing it everywhere, from design magazines to chain stores like West Elm and CB2. Despite my lack of first-hand familiarity with Moroccan style, I really do love this Passport to Morocco look - particularly for a living room or den.

With a look this lush, you should be careful not to overdo it. I'd suggest using somewhat neutral furniture that matches the theme but doesn't look too contrived. Then, indulge your serious Moroccan jones with patterns and accessories. To learn how to get the look, read more

The palette: Concentrate on rich but muted jewel tones like orange, garnet, ocean blue, and citrine green.

The furniture: For the main pieces, choose rattan or wicker furniture, such as this Williams-Sonoma Home Farallon Love Seat, that fits the theme but isn't explicitly Moroccan. Then, for accents pieces like stools, you can get more exotic.

Lighting: Obviously, you'll need some overhead lighting, but the main requisite here are cut-out metal lanterns. Hang them from the ceiling, scatter them on tables, and fill them with candles.

The accents: Skip the chain-store purchases and opt for authentic Moroccan accents. A ceramic tajine typically used for serving food would make great tabletop storage, while these Moroccan tea glasses add gilded flair.

To view the rest of my recommendations, just click on the photos below.

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