CasaSugar

Found It! Candlesticks in Away We Go

CasaSugar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 07:00:44 -0700

While the conversation in Sam Mendes's new comedy-drama Away We Go looks lively, it's the stylish glass candlesticks on the sideboard of this dining room that caught my attention. I actually own a few of these, and they're a staple at one of my favorite home retailers. Want to know where they're from? Find out when you read more.

They're the CB2 Lumiere Candleholders ($3.95-7.95, on sale). These candleholders are really versatile; they fit in with practically any style of décor. But, I have found that since they are made of chem-lab beaker glass, they are extremely light. They fall over easily if you leave a window open or if you have a wobbly table, and I've actually broken several. So, I recommend securing them to your table with a little adhesive.

Etsy Find: Jean Pelle Dorit Candleholder

CasaSugar — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 05:30:00 -0800

Ever since I came across her Vanity Cabinet, I've been keeping tabs on Brooklyn-based designer Jean Pelle's work. My latest fave is her Dorit Candleholder ($35), a faceted, rock-like, hand-cut wooden candleholder, hand-leafed with 24k yellow gold. The gold faces are unexpected and an interesting, luxurious partner to the masculine wood. I have kind of a problem with candlesticks . . . I own more than I can host in one room, so I have to rotate them. But, I'd be delighted to add a set of Dorits to the rotation.

Steal of the Day: Perched Bird Candleholders

CasaSugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:00:51 -0700

I've blogged lots and lots about birds, and even wrote a post entirely full of bird puns. So, it's no secret that I love dem birds! Some of you have expressed that you're not big fans of the bird trend, but I am, so I've decided to cover my ears and show you the Wisteria Perched Bird Candleholders ($16 for two). Not only do they satisfy said love, but they're charming, chic, and chirp! (Bad pun intended, I mean . . . cheap!) What do you think of these cast-iron candleholders?

Steal of the Day: JCPenney Studio Capiz Shell Candleholder

CasaSugar — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:00:26 -0700

In my recent Casa Verde, I told you about Danny Seo's eco makeover of Maria Menounos' backyard, and showed you a few products to help you get the look in your outdoor space. Well, lucky you, the JCPenney Capiz Shell Candleholder ($19-$24) that Seo used, which is made of natural capiz shells harvested from the waters of the Philippines, is on sale! It does look fab outdoors on Menounos' farmhouse table, but there's no reason why you can't enjoy one inside as well. I'm thinking one large and one medium candleholder next to your favorite reading chair might make for some cozy lighting, or a few lined up on a fireplace mantle would achieve a more formal look. What do you think? Like 'em?

Love It or Hate It? Natural Display Candleholders

CasaSugar — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:00:55 -0700

If you're a fan of monkeys or parrots, there's no going wrong with these Natural Display Candleholders (on sale for $59). For the rest of us, though, I'm not so sure . . .

How-To: Turn Pumpkins Into Candleholders

CasaSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:00:36 -0800

Your jack-o'-lantern may be rotting on your back porch like mine (oops!), but that's no reason to shun pumpkins altogether. You can make seasonal candle holders that would be perfect for a Thanksgiving table from some inexpensive, mini pumpkins from your grocery store or local farmers market. I noticed this little trick within a DIY for making a mini pumpkin centerpiece on Martha Stewart, but I'm not so keen on the entire centerpiece idea. So, to make just the candle holders, you'll need a utility knife, a melon baller, tapered candles, and mini pumpkins. To learn the steps, read more.

Here's how to do it, according to Martha:

First, cut a round hole in the pumpkin's center with a utility knife, enough to hold a candle but not all the way through. You may want to trace the circumference of your taper onto the pumpkin first to make sure your hole isn't too wide.
Then, make space for your tapers by carving the inside out with a melon baller.
Then, slip your taper in.
You can also stack your pumpkin candle holders for a different look. If you do this, you'll want to use two pumpkins about the same size. Carve the top pumpkin all the way through, but leave a base on the bottom one.
Fini! So easy.

Source

The Dos and Don'ts of Caring For Your Silver: Part I

CasaSugar — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 07:00:29 -0800

The holidays may be one of the few times of year when you pull out your fancy silverware and serving platters. So I thought it's about time I give you the lowdown on how to care for your silver. I consulted the experts, the Society of American Silversmiths, for their tips and precautions on silver care. From how to clean your silver to how to remove tarnish, I've got it all. I'll start with the dos - stay tuned for the don'ts!

Do:

Do use polishes created specifically for silver if your silver is very tarnished.
Do hand-wash with warm water.
Do use a phosphate-free detergent that's not lemon-scented.
Do dry immediately using a soft cotton towel.
Do empty silver salt shakers immediately; salt is very corrosive.
Do ask questions. If you have someone else clean your silver for you, make sure you know their methods and solutions.

See a few more "dos" for silver care.

Casa Capsule: The Week That Was

CasaSugar — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 10:30:09 -0700

Converted barns are the latest trend.
Learn to rid your candleholders of wax.
Meet the new CasaSugar community!
Yves Saint Laurent's villa is on the market.
These Etsy finds are all you need to create a Twilight-inspired home.
Decorate on the cheap with pretty plates.

Source

Roundup: Santa and His Elves

CasaSugar — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:00:25 -0800

It may be too late to revamp this year's holiday decor, but that isn't stopping me from scoping out modern Santa and elven accents to add to my arsenal. If you celebrate Christmas, don't think for a second that the traditional Clausian iconography has to be tacky.

These North Pole-themed home wares, like the CB2 Elf Candleholders ($5.95) I've been eyeing, are so chic, you could almost leave them out year-round. But instead, I plan to stock up after the holiday to start building next year's new look.

Come Party With Me: Going Away Party - The Look

partysugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:15:20 -0700

Tropical blue, festive navy, and lime green are great colors for an end-of-Summer going away party. In my case, the color scheme also matches the invitations. Start by covering the outdoor tables with a navy tablecloth. Transport food, ice, and other party supplies from the kitchen to the grill chicly and easily with a pretty, printed tray. Serve the dip in a clear green bowl and pile pita chips nearby on a matching plate. Plain white plates showcase the clam boil's fresh ingredients. Removing the fresh lobster meat is messy, so stock up on paper napkins. Select a versatile wine glass that can be used for the punch, beer, wine, or water. Place lit votives in vibrant, modern candleholders. A bouquet of green flowers is elegant and mood-enhancing. Make a going-away banner and hang from two trees, along a deck wall, or on the window.

Source