CasaSugar

Etsy Finds: Talking Turkey

CasaSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:00:13 -0800

Whether you're eating the classic Thanksgiving bird next Thursday, or just want to add a kitschy reminder of it at your celebration, I've found plenty of ways to talk turkey this Thanksgiving - and all of those ways are handmade, of course!

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Ask Casa: Color My New Crib

CasaSugar — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:00:50 -0700

Hi CasaSugar,
After a very long eight weeks, I'm moving into my new duplex as a first-time homeowner! I'm really excited about having so much freedom to decorate my place however I see fit. But, I'm having a hard time with one room.
I have one open space that serves as the entryway, dining area, and formal sitting room/library with a fireplace. I was planning on painting one accent wall royal plum, another dark emerald, and the remaining walls almond paste. The problem is that I can't seem to find many furnishings and accessories to coordinate with this color scheme. Can you help me find some cool stuff? I plan on incorporating a Turkish lantern and hookah from my honeymoon, so anything with a Turkish, Moroccan, or Arabian influence would be awesome. I'm also never afraid of a good DIY project, so bring it on!

Thanks,
EvilDorkGirl

To hear my suggestions for EvilDorkGirl, read more.

Hi EvilDorkGirl,
That's a great room! How exciting that you have the opportunity to decorate it! You've chosen a very exotic range of colors, but I think they will work. I've rounded up a bunch of products to inspire you.

For your large furniture pieces, I recommend making timeless, versatile choices like a clean-lined ivory sofa and a dark wood dining table with shapely legs. This way, if you choose to venture from your wall color palette or choose a different style, your investments will still be appropriate.

For your small furnishings, like side tables, chairs, and coffee table, I say go for something with a bit of an Eastern flair. You can integrate this style with lattice-like patterns and Moorish arches.

When it comes to accessories, go wild with Turkish and Moroccan elements to get the look of an exotic bazaar. These cultures are often heavy on the textiles, especially beautifully embroidered ones, so I pulled a few plum-toned pillows in varying but complementary patterns to liven up your sofa. Your walls will be dark, so brighten the room with light but patterned curtains and a diamond motif jute rug. A Moroccan pouf offers additional seating and brings in color. A tea-tray-style coffee table that's low to the ground recalls Turkish salons and makes for cozy lounging. Check out the book Bazaar Style for more inspiration!

Hope that helps,
Casa

Steal of the Day: Turkish Glass Votive Holders

CasaSugar — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:00:34 -0800

Light up your Love Shack this month with these Pottery Barn Turkish Glass Votive Holders ($9.99 for two, reduced from $29.99). The exotic votive holders are reminiscent of traditional Turkish tea glasses, stamped with gold in a fan, medallion, and border pattern. In each pair, one is slightly smaller than the other to add interest to a grouping, and they hold standard votive candles. For only 10 bucks, you might as well snatch up a few pairs. Just don't go burning down the house.

Steal of the Day: Sur La Table Turkey Votive Holder

CasaSugar — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:00:27 -0800

This Sur La Table Turkey Votive Holder ($10) is the perfect way to light up your table this Thanksgiving. Its bronze finish will go with any décor, and you can use it throughout the remainder of the fall. It would also make a great hostess gift. I think it has a lot of personality, and I love its little stick-figure legs!
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Casa Quickie: An Easier Way to Water

CasaSugar — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 05:30:00 -0800

If you're dealing with dribbles when you water your Christmas tree, try this tip: simply use a turkey baster! This kitchen tool will help you to aim the water exactly where you want it. It'll also give you an excuse to use the baster outside of Thanksgiving dinner.

Do you have any secret tricks for watering your Christmas tree?
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How-To: 7 Ways to Protect Your Countertops

CasaSugar — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 09:15:06 -0800

With all the cooking and entertaining we do during the holiday season, our countertops, along with the rest of our homes, take a beating. But, they’re pricey and tedious to replace (whether yours are Carrera marble or not) so it’s best to keep a few simple rules in mind when carving that turkey and whipping up those glasses of egg nog. First and foremost, you should follow any care instructions that came with your countertop, as each material requires different attention. To learn seven ways to protect your countertops, read more.

Use coasters under any glasses or bottles holding a liquid (olive oil, vinegar, etc. included) to prevent sticky surfaces and ring marks.
Some countertops are more water resistant than others, such as tile, but you should always immediately wipe up spills and splashes with a clean, slightly damp cloth. The sooner, the better.
Use a tray or plate to rest any spoons, cooking utensils, or knifes while you’re cooking.
When giving your countertops a deep cleaning, avoid using abrasive solutions or materials such as steel wool and heavy duty nylon sponges. Instead, use mild dishwashing soap, a damp cloth or basic sponge, and a good dose of elbow grease.
When pulling a hot pot, pan, or casserole out of the oven or off the stove, always place it on a trivet or even an oven mitt if that’s all you have handy. This will prevent scratches, burn marks, and the general wearing down of your counter.
Whether you’re slicing a tomato or a 32-ounce steak, always use a cutting board. No exceptions!
Likewise, always pound your meats on a cutting board. This will prevent scratches and cracks from the mallet.

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Open House: Your Thanksgiving Décor

CasaSugar — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 05:30:54 -0800

Now that the turkey has been stuffed, slow-cooked, and sliced into nice, juicy pieces, and the pumpkin pies are long gone, perhaps along with your guests, I thought I'd get the intel on your Thanksgiving décor. If you were a host this holiday, how did you decorate? Did you simply dress the dinner tables, or did other areas of your home undergo a festive facelift as well? Were you inspired by anything you read on Casa when decorating? What was your style: traditional, modern, eclectic, Pilgrim-esque? If you were a Thanksgiving day guest at the home of a friend or family member, did you pick up any décor inspiration at the feast? Or, have you been inspired by any window displays? Tell me by commenting below!
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How-To: Make a Simple Thanksgiving Garland

CasaSugar — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 07:45:47 -0800

If your family is anything like mine at Thanksgiving, there are likely a few kids running underfoot who'd love a planned activity. That's why this Thanksgiving leaf garland is so perfect: it gives kids a meaningful task, and is a quick enough project that you can make it before turkey hits the table.

Here's What You'll Need

This leaf template
Colored paper/construction paper
Twine, yarn, or string
Scissors
Double-sided tape
Pens or Pencils

To find out how to make it, read more.

Here's how to make it, from Full Circle:

Trace out leaf shapes using the leaf template.
Cut out leaves in a variety of colors.
Help children write what they're thankful for on each leaf. Then have the kids take leaves to other friends or family members and have them write down what they're thankful for.
Space leaves evenly on twine or yarn. Using doublesided tape, attach the leaves to the twine.
Hang from a doorway, or along a wall, or even from a chandelier.
Enjoy Thanksgiving!

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Will There Be a Centerpiece on Your Thanksgiving Table?

CasaSugar — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 07:00:11 -0800

As much as I love a festive centerpiece, at my house, the Thanksgiving table is usually overflowing with dishes and a sizable turkey of course, leaving little room for decoration. So, tall taper candlesticks are a good ole standby with minimal footprint, which I like to liven up with cranberry garlands. How about you?
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Get the Look: Samantha Who? Dinner Party

CasaSugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 07:45:33 -0800

As the holidays approach, I've had festive dinner party décor on my mind. While some of you may want to get crafty with a paper wreath, others may prefer to keep the holiday kitsch to a minimum. I was impressed with this table setting in Samantha Who? as it manages to look seasonally appropriate for a Thanksgiving or Christmas party without incorporating any jingle bells, snowflakes, or gobble-gobbling turkeys. Without much fuss, the orangey-red bouquet, napkins, and dinnerware make it appropriate for either Nov. 27 or Dec. 25, and the metallic vases and place mats give it a celebratory, glittery appeal. I've recreated this look for you, in case you too want to take a note from Samantha Who? To see my finds, read more.

Avalon Extension Dining Table - $499.00	Epoch Side Chair - $159.00
"Lilac Winter" - $89.00	Dinnerware Set (16-pc.) by Oneida - $120.00
Metallic Herringbone Placemat/Linen Napkin - $8.95	Autumn Boutis Napkin, Set of 4, Red - $24.00
Brushed Metal Vases - Silver - $129.00	Avani Vase - $19.95
Crystal Burgundy Grand Cru/Pinot Noir Wine Glass by Riedel - $125.00

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White Lattice Burnout Curtain - $24.99	Coventry Jute Rug - $29.00
Roland 85\" Sofa in Tara Ivory - $1,299.00	Circle-Cutout Chairs + Cushions - $189.00
Laurent Extension Dining Table - $1,699.00	Square Moor Mirror - $550.00
Moorish 8-Bottle Wine Rack - $29.99	Moorish Wine Coaster or Cooler - $14.98
Elysee Pierced Jar - $119.00	Ceramic Camel - $29.00
Maharam Quatrefoil Emerald Pillow - $150.00	Radius Pillow - $49.95
"Moroccan" Pillows - $300.00	Moroccan Tea Glasses Sets of 6 - $29.94
Agadir Pouf, Small - $198.00	Roost Moroccan Collection - $275.00
Janice Minor - $590.00	New Havana Chair - $599.00
Ivory & Gold Suzani Bench - $195.00	Tava Coffee Table - $599.00