November 2007 Entries
I had the chance to try out the Winter Bar before its official opening.
Set under an illuminated canopy, the Winter Bar is a cool bar steps away from The Quays Skating Rink. This year, the design is even better than in the previous years.
For the first time, the Winter Bar will be open all winter (December 1, 2007 to March 9, 2008). Electronic music DJs will perform every Thursday night. The formula is a paying bar with no cover charge.
What's to drink?
From the bar menu, I recommend a hot chocolate with a tiny shot of alcohol; I tried mine with whiskey. It was good and non whiskey fan like me are delighted that we do not really taste the whiskey.
One innovative drink is a brand new beer by Unibroue. It is a cherry beer served warmed. The warmed beer are served in an adorable small specialty glass. The bar design is pretty cool as you can see. On total, 186 people fit inside and 367 can enjoy the exterior terrace heated with wood fireplaces. Pretty cool!
I want to thank the cheerful Josianne (I hope I remembered her name correctly) for the smoke effects and for taking the time to explain to me the principle. The beer is served pretty warmed; you insert the bottles in boiling water. You served it in a small glass so you can drink it warm.
Planning an event at Winter Bar
If you are planning an event, it is good to know that you can rent the Winter Bar for an event. The event creators are Avec Brio and the official caterer is Bernard & Fils Traiteur. The bison was a hit with everyone. I enjoy their salmon tartar. Food presentation was appealing. But there were a few items that my girlfriends and I were not fond of. To be fair to the caterer, our taste buds are used to extraordinary finger food.
The Winter Bar is normally open on:
Thursday & Friday from 5 pm to 10 pm
Saturday from 2 pm to 10 pm
Sunday from 2 pm to 8 pm
Going to a VIP party always feels different. I plan to return some Thursday nights, if the weather is nice. The idea would be to exercise a bit, taking some fresh air and having a drink with friends at the sound of electronic DJs. If you come to visit Montreal this winter do not miss the Winter Bar. You can rent skates at the Skating Rink.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Winter Bar at the Quays of the Old Montreal Port
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING out
posted @ Friday, November 30, 2007 1:54 PM | Feedback (3)
To make your dinner party more special, think about adding a little field trip.
Tips on how to entertain your guests
Visiting a small art exhibition in a private gallery forms an ideal activity because it does not take too long. They occur all the time so you get no problem finding one at the last minute.
You can invite your friends for a casual dinner at your place or if it is still early, stop for a drink at a cool bar before dining.
The secret of a great event is to have several activities and moving around. When you do that, you always feel that the night was more exciting. Plan for activities that are nearby and that are easily accessible by everyone.
If you invite people who do not know each other, the opening activity acts as an ice breaker. The conversation will be livelier at dinner.
About the Double-Take exposition
Bettina Forget is an adorable talented artist. We went to her latest vernissage last Wednesday. I mixed pictures taken by my husband with some of her own to give you an idea. If you are looking for more significant Christmas gifts, consider paintings. For collectors and home décor fans, paintings can be at the top of their wish lists.
For this retrospective of her work, Bettina Forget has selected pairs of paintings from her various series dating from 2000 - 2007. Featured are paintings from her Weather Diaries, Helios Series, We are Stardust Series, and the Neutron Star Series. The exposition is held until Tuesday, December 4, 2007 at Visual Voice Art Gallery.
Visual Voice Art Gallery
372 Sainte-Catherine Street West, Suite 421
Montreal, QC
View maps
Bettina rents the front section of her studio to other artists so they can expose their art works. If you want to easily keep track of the vernissages at her gallery, Bettina has a group on Facebook.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Visual Voice Art Gallery
Blog: Inside the Artist's Studio - blog of Bettina Forget
Categories:
GIFT ideas
DINING out
posted @ Friday, November 30, 2007 12:26 PM | Feedback (1)
This in-flight magazine for Air Canada always brings significant views on restaurants and the dining experience.
It is clear that classics making a comeback are growing in importance. From the November 2007 issue, I am listing enRoute latest trends in dining:
- Tap Water
- Feist
- Tiny Restaurants with Tiny Menu
- Blackboard Menus - I am a big fan of them even at home
- Champagne Cocktails
- House-Marinated Olives
- House-Made Chorizo
- Mom’s Cooking
- Spaetzle - the new gnocchi
- Pannacotta - the new crème brûlée – I see them everywhere
- Single Varietal Honey
- Peanut Butter Ice Cream
- Tongue, cheek
- Duck Confit in Risotto
- Rosé
- Salt Cod
- Cheesecake
- Mostarda
- Fernet-Branca and Cynar - two herb-based bitter Italian digestifs
- House Ketchup with unexpected flavors
- Ratatouille
Recipes on Tastespotting
The recipes that I selected from Tastespotting represent well the new dining trends. Rhubarb is popular lately. It is so easy to grow your own rhubarb that you can enjoy them for many weeks. Brandade, a salt cod tapenade is a classic French appetizer. Almost every French bistro will serve them. The provencale ratatouille is one of all time favorite vegetable dishes.
The worst trend according to enRoute is square plate. Personally, I like them. My everyday tableware are square plates and bowls. I received lots of compliment for my dinnerware set. So it is fair to say that I am not the only one that appreciates them. You need a little time at the beginning to get used to plating the food. I have this set for a year now. I do not regret my purchase.
Their dislike has not deter enRoute from recommending several restaurants that used square dinnerware. I feel that the plate from Vella Restaurant seems a little bit to full to look truly stylish. From my point of view, the green salad should rest in another plate or bowl.
Sourcing:
Recipe: Ratatouille by Fanny on Tastespotting
Recipe: Panna cotta with hibiscus and rhubarb jelles by Lincoln on Tastespotting
Restaurant: Vella in Montreal - picture from enRoute
Recipe: Brandade by Sarah on Tastespotting
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
DINING out
posted @ Friday, November 30, 2007 12:52 AM | Feedback (2)
Nicely wrapped gifts look more impressive. A friend told me that in the Japanese culture, the gift appearance is quite important because you are not supposed to open the gifts in front of everyone in their culture. I think they missing out, this is part of the fun. With small gifts, people may put more efforts and money on the gift wrapping than the actual gifts.
I came across this group on Flickr that posted vintage papers. Unfortunately, people do not always specify the paper origin. I selected a few for weddings and birthdays.
A fabulous birthday tabletop by ilovecoffee
A wedding paper by blempgorf
Again by blempgorf. Check her because she displays a pretty collection of vintage aprons and textiles. The colors on this paper are striking.
An adorable pattern by One Good Bumblebee
A cute vintage birthday paper for a little girl that likes to play mommy by fun old new
Categories:
GIFT ideas
posted @ Thursday, November 29, 2007 11:12 AM | Feedback (5)
Every year, Second Cup introduces a new holiday gift collection. Their catalogue is small and reflects trends. This year cozies and knitted bags share the spotlights.
If you are good at knitting and have the time, you can make your own. I am sorry that I did not find a pattern draft online but I guess it is not too hard to make if you have a teapot with you. Otherwise, make a gift set with a few mugs or a teapot from Second Cup, each with a removable cozy.
The cozy for the travel cup is more for aesthetic purposes but it looks so comfortable. If the gift recipients do not carry their own cup, why not knit a cozy for disposable cup? At least, there will be one less thing that they will throw away. And it is easy to carry in your purse all the time.
For wrapping your gifts, Second Cup proposes cute knits bags and fake leather magazine baskets. Because people will reuse the containers in their everyday life, these options are eco-friendly.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Holiday catalogue at Second Cup
Categories:
GIFT ideas
posted @ Wednesday, November 28, 2007 12:26 PM | Feedback (0)
The booming of the renovation sector brought us many innovations at the hardware store. New tools have emerged to simplify our life. Here is one of these innovations for hanging stuff on your wall.
If ever try to group a set of pictures you know how it feels cumbersome to get all the holes at the right place. Sharing your frustrations, a Calgary-based decorating expert Liette Tousignant developed a tool that removes the fuss from this task. I just saw the TV ad and it seems pretty handy.
Hang & Level is a tool that precisely marks the hole. No more computations or guess work, you get it right the first time. They produce a few decorating articles with useful hanging tips.
Great stocking stuffer, this tool will be most appropriated by a friend who just moved to a new home. It is available across Canada at Canadian Tire, The Home Depot, Home Hardware and more stores. Americans can find Hang & Level at Linens N Things.
Sourcing:
Videos: TV ads of Hang & Level
Buy: Store locator of retailers selling Hang & Level – price: $19.99
Categories:
HOME decor
GIFT ideas
posted @ Tuesday, November 27, 2007 12:44 PM | Feedback (0)
I am glad that Jenn, a reader and a blogger with an eye for fabulous home decors, introduced me to this inspiring article on Your Wedding Day Magazine (winter 2005). If you ever visit Provence, you know why people fall in love with this part of the World.
Doing a wedding à la Provencale have a lot of charms. Floral designer Camilla Svensson Burns said that
…eclectic collections of silverware, plates and napkins are used to convey a diversity of beauty; a creative palette where variety simply adds more elegance.
I am versed in French style. Moreover as a reader of Coté Sud and other magazines from France for over two decades now, I have seen tons of French tablescape executions. I have to agree with her but this statement requires some clarifications.
The French way of eclectic dinnerware
First of all, mix and match for the French is not shabby chic. It is bohemian either because there is structure in their eclectic look. Let me explain.
Here, we buy a dinnerware set. The French tend to assemble their dinnerware set by selecting the plates, the bowls and the cups separately. People may have inherited beautiful dishes that they wish to use with other pieces.
The long tradition of dinnerware maker in France simplifies this process. These artisans rely on a few shapes. This mean you can easily mix scalloped rim dinner plates from a brand with salad plates from another product line. Many dishes are available in several colors. For a sophisticated look, two colors are plenty. Generally using more than 2 colors will look childish.
For the service pieces, they do not have to match as long as the pieces share the same material. Look at the pewter serving ware; their cohesion is evident. Ornate pieces sit well next to a simple pitcher.
French always host sit down dinner even for the most casual events. When you dress the table, it is important that all the place settings are identical. That is why I said this is not shabby chic or bohemian.
Key element of French cuisine
The article proposed menus for a French Country wedding and a French formal wedding. Fresh herbs are at the center of French cuisine. Provence is the place for herbs. It is a fast and tasty way to season a dish. If you want to experience the difference, grow your own chives. Make a salad and cut what you need moments before eating it. Divine.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Weddings a la Provencale on Your Wedding Day
Learn more: Web site of Camilla Flowers
Via: Suggestion of Jenn of An Eye for An I:nterior – an inspirational blog on interior design
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
PARTY ideas
BIG events
posted @ Tuesday, November 27, 2007 11:09 AM | Feedback (3)
If you are a regular reader, you probably recalled my post about the colorful glass cooking tools of Annie Michaud.
Next Saturday, December 1st, 2007 is the annual sample sale at Gogoglass. Once a year, Annie Michaud and Karine Vanasse sells blown glass pieces with tiny imperfections, outstanding stock of custom jobs and prototypes.
The imperfections can be in the color, a small difference in the diameter or the shape. Nothing major. Arrive early if you want to get your hand on a slightly imperfect lemon reamer ($15 CAD) or mortar & pestle ($45 CAD). With more than 50% off, I am interested to equip my kitchen with both.
Their Old Montreal studio will be open from 10 am to 6 pm on December 1. Glass blowing demonstrations will be held during the day.
Gogoglass
385 de la Commune East (marché Bonsecours)
Montreal, QC H2Y 1H2
phone 514.397.8882
Sourcing:
Buy online : Web site of Annie Michaud
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
GIFT ideas
posted @ Monday, November 26, 2007 7:25 PM | Feedback (2)
If you are into retro Scandinavian style, here are some clues on how to put on your holiday decorations. I even tossed in a touch of sophistication with the gorgeous sugar cookies.
1 | Purple Area
Lucky her! The interior designer behind Purple Area has the December 2007 issue of Living etc on her hand. I am still waiting for Multimags to receive it. It is terrible how long we have to wait for a UK magazine. You order Moo cards; they arrived in your mailbox 5 to 7 days later. A magazine takes 6 weeks! Go figure. And it seems that Purple Area is becoming a regular of my mood board.
These pictures from last year Christmas edition (thanks to Purple for the clarification) show that you do not have to rely on the typical colors to look like Christmas. The decorations are minimalist and colorful. The black rug is pretty cool for a party. It feels so comfy. You can find a similar one at Umbra Concept store in Toronto. Log walls are still hot this year.
2 | Poppy Talk
Another of my regular spotlight is Poppy Talk. From her online shop, the recycled fur & european wool christmas stockings by ouno design is a must for the style we are going for.
A hand-made revolution in modern interior décor is to upcycle from vintage materials. According to Wikipedia, upcycling is the transform waste materials into something of greater use and value.
That is what Vancouver based ouno design does. They look for simple, soft, natural, ancient, sensuous and mod 60s and 70s materials. In the tradition of West Coast Modernism, Ouno Design incorporates Scandinavian, Japanese and ancient design influences to bring warmth and natural texture to both modern and traditional decor. Their upscale handmade products are available in limited editions.
Every Saturday until December 22, 2007, their studio warehouse is open for shopping. Do not miss their reclaimed fur pillows to warm up your winter home décor. Their warehouse is located at:
ouno design
36 Keefer Street (4 blocks E. of Main, 2 blocks S. of Hastings)
Vancouver, BC
p 604.216.1103
3 | Rare Bird Finds
If you wish to make your own outstanding cookies, give you a head start with the Solid Copper Snowflake Cookie Cutters. The snowflake shapes are really refined.
For a stylish effect, reuse the white only ornament concept. So even if you do not have the patience to sculpt your cookies up to this extreme, your cookies will look one of a kind. If you know tricks for sculpting the inside of the cookies, please share them with us.
Sourcing:
Buy online: recycled fur & european wool christmas stockings at poppy talk handmade – price: $39 CAD
Buy online: Divine Set Of Solid Copper Snowflake Cookie Cutters at Delight – price: $21.75 USD for a set of 3
Categories:
HOME decor
GIFT ideas
HOLIDAY
posted @ Monday, November 26, 2007 3:00 PM | Feedback (1)
You can imagine that being published on a publication for the first time is a great feeling. I am sharing the good news with you.
I wrote two articles for the Entertaining Guides of Food Network Canada. Even better, my subjects are two styles that are dear to me.
I wrote about a French Country Fête and a Scandinavian Modern Christmas. Tips on the menu, the tableware, Christmas decorations and the music define the unique character of each celebration.
Take a look. Four more Holiday celebrations complete their Holiday Entertaining guides. I am doubly happy that my two articles made their Our Top Picks list. It is time to go back reality now.
Sourcing:
Get inspired: French Country Christmas Guide on FoodTV.ca
Get inspired: Throw a Scandinavian Modern Christmas at FoodTV.ca
Photo credit (bottom): Pont Aux Choux dinnerware by Gien – photo taken by me at Arthur Quentin
Categories:
IN the press
TABLESCAPE
HOLIDAY
posted @ Friday, November 23, 2007 12:12 PM | Feedback (3)
Anyone throwing a Thanksgiving dinner party must be cooking right now. Going with the spirit of the day, I plan an autumnal menu. It is amusing since it feels like winter here in Montreal today.
I composed this menu from featured posts on Tastespotting. Similar to my Flickr watch and my Etsy watch columns, you never know when I will be posting a Tastespotting watch.
Easy entertaining menu
I devise this menu for a casual event around the idea of stylish comfort food. That is often the best dinner parties.
Salad course
To keep things simple, I select a simple composed salad for the cold appetizer course. Serve this recipe in small portions.
Soup course
I select a soup instead of a warm appetizer because it can be prepared in advance.
Main course
The sweet potatoes and the green beans add the needed colors to your main dish.
Desserts
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
posted @ Thursday, November 22, 2007 1:27 PM | Feedback (5)
I wish Happy Thanksgiving to all my American readers.
For my international readers, you may not be aware that Thanksgiving is probably the most widely celebrated holiday in the United States. You can feel its effect on the blogosphere with many bloggers taking a break today.
This is a vintage postcard that I saw on Flickr. If you enjoy the look, there are more cute postcards on The Real Devil Doll's photostream.
Photo credit: Postcard mailed 1911 by The Real Devil Doll on Flickr - All rights reserved by The Real Devil Doll
Categories:
HOLIDAY
posted @ Thursday, November 22, 2007 12:12 PM | Feedback (0)
I want to thank everyone for participating. I really enjoyed reading how you wrap your holiday cookies. In fact, I took several notes.
A random draw determines the winner. I am pleased to announce that the winner is Jennifer Mitchell of Design Hole.
Congratulations Jennifer! Please send me your address through the Contact form so you can get your prize. Write "November 2007 CHH" as the Subject of the Message.
Categories:
OFF topics
posted @ Wednesday, November 21, 2007 6:20 PM | Feedback (1)
For my last look at a Thanksgiving table this year, I want to finish in style. As I mentioned before, I am fond of pewter tableware. I enjoyed their craftsmanship and their eternal elegance.
With winter coming, people living in colder climates are looking for warmth in their home decor. Even if I am truly a modernist, autumn has this effect on me.
As a Canadian, I am not a specialist in the American culture of Thanksgiving. But basically, Thanksgiving celebrates the end of the harvest season. So we take time to thank Mother Earth and the people that work on bringing us fresh food at the table. It is also the hunting season.
With the kind of food that is fashionable right now for entertaining at home, the Country styles both from France and Italy are in right now because they better complements the meal. When I talked with the sales director at Arthur Quentin last month, she confirmed the trend. Many of their customers live in hip modern décor house.
Autumn and winter woodland scenes
The first tablescape displays Solonge by Gien with the handmade Pewter Gallic Charger from Match. The plate you see is one of the 6 drawings from the dessert ensemble. A fabulous combination that can take different look depending on the table cloth you select. For example, the look will be softer if pale blue or pure linen was used instead of the orange.
Gien is known as the number one producer of the highest quality earthenware in France. Match pewter is handmade by artisans in the North of Italy. Each piece is crafted of an alloy that is food safe and lead free which explains the price.
Italian ceramic and pewter fall table
Depending of the type of cooking you are doing, you may prefer solid color plates. Also from Match, the Convivio Green collection is available in dinner plates, soup/pasta bowl and salad/dessert plate. You have the choice between a mug or the cup and saucer.
For the flatware, the translucent quality of Zambia by Ashandi is out of the ordinary. The Victoria Decanter with Pewter from L'esprit & le vin reminds me of a duck. It was a propos with both of my table schemes. Wine decanters are a must when you set an elegant table. So it is appropriate to own one or two if you are entertaining a lot.
Menu
Look at the end of Thanksgiving menu to see my meal suggestion for the Canadian Thanksgiving. It is a new twist on the seasonal meal. I have to warn you, there is no turkey.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Solange dinnerware by Gien at Michael C. Fina – price: $45 USD for a dinner plate
Buy online: Match Pewter Table Service Charger at Michael C. Fina – price: $180 USD
Buy online: Convivio Green collection at Michael C. Fina – price: $84 USD for a dinner plate
Buy online: Zambia by Ashandi at Michael C. Fina – price: $ 168 USD for a 5-pc place setting
Buy online: Victoria Decanter with Pewter from L'esprit & le vin at Michael C. Fina – price: $425 USD
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
HOLIDAY
posted @ Wednesday, November 21, 2007 4:16 PM | Feedback (0)
Stylish entertaining calls for dramatic effects. To quickly add a touch of sophistication nothing beats elegant cake pedestals.
For tea party treats, pastries, sweet delights and cupcakes go with a three tier model. Since they stack together, you can only use one or two if that is what you need. Not just for desserts, stands can be used to serve canapés and tapas.
My favorites from the selection at Neiman Marcus (and Horchow) are definitely the floral black and ivory Covered Cake Plate, the Lavender Glass Cake Stands series and the Cupcake Stand series.
I saw the black Scalloped Cake Stands at Ballard Designs. If you make a long dessert table, black scalloped cake stands match well with flocked black and ivory cake plate.
If you are looking for a Moorish motif dinnerware set, the Morena 16-Piece Dinnerware Set is an affordable option. You can see the salad plate beside the black stands.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Covered Cake Plate at Neiman Marcus – price: $180 USD
Buy online: Lavender Cake Stands at Neiman Marcus – on sale: $179.90 for the three tier set, pieces also sold separately
Buy online: Cupcake Stands at Neiman Marcus –– on sale: $99.90 for the three tier set, pieces also sold separately
Buy online: Scalloped Cake Stands at Ballard Designs – price from $39.50 to $49.50 USD
Buy online: Morena 16-Piece Dinnerware Set at Ballard Designs – price:$99.50 USD
Categories:
DISHING tips
TABLEWARE
CAKES
posted @ Wednesday, November 21, 2007 2:38 PM | Feedback (4)
Last month, we sadly cancelled a trip to Boston where I planned a visit to Lekker. That is probably why there was the first retailer I think of for my Thanksgiving tablescape.
The basic elements of my tablescape
My starting point was the Dibbern Gold Leaf Dinnerware Collection. This modern bone china collection adds sophistication to a contemporary table. This set wins more points because it is dishwasher safe.
A gold flatware is preferable in this case. I went with the clean lined Due Ice Oro Collection by the Italian brand Mepra. This 18/10 gauge stainless steel flatware has a brushed gold finish.
This dinnerware and flatware combination will stay with you for years to come and the look is appropriate for all occasions. For your upcoming Holiday events, simply change the accessories to create a seasonal look. The reusability factor is important because each place setting does not come cheap.
Then come the table linen
The first accessory of any table is the linen. I selected the napkins and table runners from Dwell Table. Table runners displayed in a face by face orientation produce a more modern look. Dwell sees it that way too because they sell their table runners in set of 2. If you sit people at the table ends, use placemats for them.
You can add interests if you use placemats in a coordinating pattern instead of an exact match to the table runners. This is not always possible. But you can do with the Dwell Table line because their line repeated the same exact colors in several patterns.
I selected natural beige and black because it complements the gold color. I also feel that for a modern table my design has enough gold as it is. I suggest you mix the Flora Natural Table Runners, the Astor Natural Placemats and the simpler Embroidered Natural Napkins.
Why simpler napkins are preferable?
For all the entire meal, you will look at the table cloth and centerpieces so that is where I put the emphasis. After you sit down, the napkin sit on your lap, so their impact on the table is pretty short.
If you buy a dozen of the linen napkins, their cost adds pretty fast. I prefer selecting napkins that I could use with more than one table cloths. It is a good idea to buy two extra napkins as spare ones. I often use in bread baskets.
The drinkware
The Bottle Holder Stainless Steel by Blomus is a neat accessory that would not ruin you. You can stock a few since these Bottle Holders would come handy as stocking stuffers. Go with your favorite clean-lined stemware glasses because the emphasis is on the dinnerware and flatware combination.
Here, I went with a few products by Stelton from the complete 21st Century Collection next to the timeless AJ Glass Coasters. These coasters were designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1970. Water glasses, water jugs and trays in 2 formats from the 21st Century Collection can equip your entertaining kit.
Signature cocktails for a hip Thanksgiving party
I envision a dinner party for a more fashionable crowd. Any cool party needs a signature cocktail. To go with this theme, I proposed a long drink made with Jägermeister. From a color point of you, the D+d lay fits into our scheme and sounds refreshing.
Recipe of the D+d lay drink
- 20 ml (3/4 ounce) of Jägermeister
- 20 ml (3/4 ounces) of Absolut Citron
- About 200 ml (7 ounces) of Fresh Lemonade
You put in a hi-ball glass with some ice cubes, pour the Jägermeister, the Absolut Citron and top it up with the fresh lemonade. Decorate with a lemon slice.
I recommend the Perfect Lemonade Recipe by Simply Recipes. Since you mix the lemonade with alcohol, you must make the syrup to produce a remarkable cocktail.
If you are like me and you do not like sweet lemonade, you will probably need sweeter lemonade than what you are used to. It is because you need to balance the flavors of the Jägermeister. Thus, one quick solution is to keep syrup on hand and add more to your drink until you get the perfect balance. Your cocktail should not taste too tart. Only trials and errors will outcome the perfect drink. Since two views are better than one, ask the opinion of a friend or a family member when you concoct your recipe.
Recipe of the Jäger Bomb
If you wish to serve shooters, the trendy Jäger Bomb is the way to go.
- 3 parts of energy drink (Red Bull for instance)
- 1 part of Jägermeister
This drink look sharp. Basically, the energy drink is served in an old fashioned tumbler glass with floating inside a short shot glass (pony shot).
I did not experiment in making one at home so I not know the best order to make it. Some people suggest pouring the shooter first, placing it inside the tumbler and then filling with the energy drink.
Others suggest pouring the energy drink first and slowly dropped the filled shoot glass inside the tumbler. My husband Jerome says that the best method depends on the spacing between the glasses and your finger size. One thing is for sure; the Jäger Bomb allows you to show off your new modern glasses.
Drink responsibly, eat a good meal and have fun at your Thanksgiving dinner party.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Dibbern Gold Leaf Dinnerware Collection – starting at $65 USD for a side plate
Buy online: Due Ice Oro Flatware Collection at Lekker – price: $71 USD per 5-piece setting
Buy online: Flora Natural Table Runners at Dwell store – price: $92 USD for a set of 2
Buy online: Astor Natural Placemats at Dwell store – price: $77 USD for a set of 4
Buy online: Embroidered Natural Napkins at Dwell store – price: $68 USD for a set of 4
Buy online: Blomus Bottle Holder Stainless Steel at Lekker - price: $13 USD
Buy online: 21st Century Collection by Stelton at Lekker – price: $50 USD for the 21st Century Water Jug
Buy online: Arne Jacobsen's AJ set of 6 Glass Coasters at Lekker - price: $80 USD
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
FOOD + drinks
HOLIDAY
posted @ Tuesday, November 20, 2007 2:59 PM | Feedback (3)
I got an email from Vitamin D(esign) announcing the promotion TAKE 20% off any purchase of $50 or more until December 24, 2007.
Since Vitamin D(esign) sells mostly products created by modern style designers and artists, it is the ideal place to shop if you are looking for things that are not mass market.
Limit of one coupon per customer and per order. Enter Coupon Code HOLIDAY2007 at checkout to get the special discount.
In case you do not know, Vitamin D(esign) is an online shop launched this year by Jaime, the blogger girl behind Design Milk.
Sourcing:
Online store: Vitamin D(esign)
Categories:
HOME decor
GIFT ideas
posted @ Tuesday, November 20, 2007 12:33 AM | Feedback (0)
Marijke is a contemporary graphic artist from Belgium. Her holiday cards explode in a feeling of joys and flair. You get 4 models in a box of 20 cards: It's a kind of magic, Snowflake couture, Dancing deer and Summer is so last season. These drawings are out of the ordinary. They would be the perfect companion to your stylish holiday season entertaining.
Her Piece of cake set would be adorable for a women tea party invite or thank you card. This invite evokes elegance and pleasure at the same time. A set of 4 note cards with soft salmon Clairefontaine envelopes is only $6. Explore EnfinLaVoila’s etsy shop because they are too much for me to show them all here.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Your cardstock for the holidays - handmade box with 20 cards and envelopes by EnfinLaVoila on etsy – price: $30 USD
Buy online: Piece of cake set by EnfinLaVoila on etsy – price: $6 USD for 4 note cards with envelops
Categories:
PAPER goods
posted @ Monday, November 19, 2007 3:57 PM | Feedback (0)
If you are a member of Facebook and you like my blog, you may be interested in becoming a fan of At Home with Kim Vallee.
I created a page on Facebook so we can exchange on what you would like to see on my blog. So far, I also published photos of my own dinner parties and tabletops. These pictures are inspirational but I do not feel writing about them on my blog.
What's new
I work right now on updating my blog to a newer version. For one thing, it will be easier for you to find contents. So stay tuned! I will use the Facebook page to make future announcements when it is appropriate.
Sourcing:
Join: At Home with Kim Vallee’s fan on Facebook
Categories:
IN the press
posted @ Monday, November 19, 2007 3:10 PM | Feedback (0)
You gave excellent wrapping ideas for your Holiday Baking in my First Giveaway post of last Friday. Due to your interests in the subject, I scoured more ideas for other bloggers.
1 | The Baker Family
Send them home with a sweet treat is the story of the party favors that Denise of the Baker Family gave to her guests this year at her Halloween’s party. The jars are from IKEA and she was lucky to have a friends cooked close to 500 cookies for her.
If you want to give cookies at your Christmas party, know that presenting your party favors in long rows always looks more impressive. While you buying your jars at IKEA, do not forget to buy enough LACK wall shelves for your display. Calculate in advance the total surface you need assuming two rows and leaving the space for at least 1 jar free at each end side.
2 | NOTCOT
The December 2007 edition of Glamour published a unique twist on how to gift cookies without baking. You find cake and cookie preparation kits in store, so why not make your own version. I like the idea to include a cookie tool like a measuring spoon or a cookie cutter.
And if Neiman Marcus sells it own version with its notorious urban legend chocolate chip cookies at $20 per jar, rest assured that you would not look cheap. As NOTCOT stated in their post, everything is in the packaging.
3 | Design & Inredningsbloggen
If you have no time to bake you can give instead bowls of nuts. Making your own spiced nuts is a simple way to add a personal touch. Nuts take a new life when presented in the cool Paus bowls by Cult Design. Sadly, Cult Design is only available in Scandinavia as far as I know. This post shows again that Pethra of Design & Inredningsbloggen has an eye to spot great products.
An idea for the next time you host a cocktail party, why not distribute individual bowls for snacks? This way, your guests can move around with their owl bowls of nuts or chips. You can give it a try at your Thanksgiving dinner.
Giveaway reminder note
If you have not done it yet, it is not too late to participate in the First Giveaway of At Home with Kim Vallée. You have until Tuesday, November 20, 2007 11:59 Eastern Time to answer the question.
Sourcing:
Buy online: SÖTA jar at IKEA – price: $3.49 CAD
Buy online: LACK wall shelf at IKEA – price: $19.99 CAD for 110 cm long, $29.99 for 190 cm long
Buy online: Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix – price: $20 USD
Categories:
PAPER goods
GIFT ideas
DISHING tips
posted @ Monday, November 19, 2007 2:36 PM | Feedback (1)
Thanks to Liberty Post, I visited the video section of Canadian House & Home Magazine.
One food video caught my attention. It shows the multiple usages for a simple sushi ginger dressing. You can use it to marinate firm fish, to enhance the taste of a BBQ salmon or as vinaigrette.
There are a few cooking tricks to know. What is practical is that the video explains the dos and the don’ts. Watch the Sushi-Ginger Dressing video to learn how to create a tasty dish in a few minutes.
More recipes for entertaining
Since many of you are without the September 2007 issue of Canadian House & Home, I took the liberty of publishing the recipe. The magazine edition showcased finger food recipes. Three that I recommend for entertaining are the Gingery Asian Nachos, the Ricotta Pancakes with Smoked Salmon Gremolata and the Spiced Lamb Meatballs in Saffron Almond Sauce.
If you like Canadian House & Home, you can subscribe to a print subscription, a digital only edition or the print and digital version. Having access all the time to the digital version is handy. As a bonus if you opt for the print and digital subscription, you will get access to the September 2007 issue. And the digital edition arrives before the print magazine is delivered in my mail box.
Sushi-Ginger Dressing by Food Editor Jennifer Low
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar
- 3 stalks green onion, white parts only
- 2 Tbsp coarsely chopped sushi ginger
- 2 Tsp mirin (Japanese cooking wine)
- 1/2 Tsp sugar
- 1/4 Tsp dried thyme (or ½ teaspoon of finely chopped fresh thyme)
- 1/4 Tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp canola or corn oil (or any mild vegetable oil)
How to prepare:
- Make all ingredients except the vegetable oil in a small food processor and purée.
- Stir in manually the vegetable oil. IMPORTANT: At this stage, do not use the food processor because you will produce a creamy texture and we do not want that.
Sourcing:
Watch: Sushi-Ginger Dressing video on Canadian House & Home
Buy online the back issue: Canadian House & Home, September 2007 edition - Recipe by Food Editor Jennifer Low
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
posted @ Sunday, November 18, 2007 2:01 PM | Feedback (2)
This post reviews two brands, two price ranges and two custom print options. It is all about Christmas tree themes for cards and invites.
The modern style of Haute Note
I am showing you first the cool Holidays cards from Haute Note. This Vancouver card studio is known for its signature low rectangular format.
They newly added the classic card format with the clean modern look and design that you have come to expect from them. As you can guest, Haute Note appeals to the cool urban crowd.
Design-wise, take a look at Starry Starry Night from the classic note catalogue. From the signature card catalogue, explore the latest Festive Foliage series and Ornamental series. Each series comes in 4 illustrations from which you select the one you like.
If you are unsure about card etiquette, you find a quick guide by Haute Note on their Web site. Finding the right message for your Christmas cards is sometimes hard. Some of their samples are:
- Season's Greetings and Best Wishes for the New Year
- My favorite: From our home to yours, may your hearts be filled with joy this holiday season!
- Glad tidings for a wonderful holiday season filled with joy and peace.
Fine Stationery
If you are looking for a fresh traditional look, you will like the Bubbles n' bows invitation and the Mainio gift tag I picked. You may use the Mainio gift tags to label your Christmas cookies. The catalogue at Fine Stationery is vast and varied.
For the invitation, Fine Stationery gives you two options for the invitations: print the text message on your own printer or have a professional flat print job. The decision really depends on your budget and time frame. You select the ink colors and the fonts. Fine Stationery publishes a fun to read blog called The Finer Things.
More on etiquette
It shows good manner to take the time to hand write a message on the back. It is inappropriate to send only and all printed card or gift tag. If you have questions about etiquette, you can send your questions directly to Letitia, the America's etiquette authority. The most frequently asked questions are already published on Fine Stationery's Web site.
Because a part of your recipients can be of different faiths or agnostic, it is often suggest these days to omit Religious reference in the printed message and image of your cards. A solution is to write down a note to highlight the faith aspect of the Holiday whenever applicable. That is what I do for a matter of taste.
But if you prefer religious cards, you can do the inverse. Your friends know you and even if they do not share your faith I feel that they should not be offended since it is a religious celebration after all. You can very well hand write a non religious wish to the non Christians and agnostics.
Or you can decide to have two sets of cards. As you can see, there is no single option. My advice is to stay true to yourself and to judge on a one to one basis.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Starry Starry Night by Haute Note – price: $24 CAD for 8 cards + 9 envelops
Buy online: Festive Foliage by Haute Note – price: $24 CAD for 8 cards + 9 envelops
Buy online: Ornamental by Haute Note – price: $24 CAD for 8 cards + 9 envelops
Buy online: Bubbles n' bows # 71199 invitation at Fine Stationery – price: $31 USD for 25 print your own invites, $81 for 25 text printed invites, envelops are included
Buy online: Mainio # 72612 gift tag at Fine Stationery – price: $38 for 25 printed gift tags
Learn more: Blog of Fine Stationery
RELATED POST:
+ Wrapping ideas for Holidays cookies – do not forget the giveaway until November 20, 2007 11:59 pm Eastern Time
Categories:
PAPER goods
HOLIDAY
posted @ Friday, November 16, 2007 5:40 PM | Feedback (4)
I went looking for inspirations on how to decorate cupcakes for you on Flickr. I would several types.
Textile cupcakes
First, Amigurumi Kingdom is excellent at crafting decorative cupcakes. Although you cannot eat her creations, they would be a cute way to decorate your dessert table at a baby shower or a party.
Super Mario cupcakes
My husband is a gamer and we like to host Wii parties as I told you earlier. Hello Naomi makes these amazing Super Mario cupcakes. The levels of details are well executed. I wish I knew how to decorate cupcakes like that. These cupcakes are perfect for birthday parties for kids and adults that enjoy video games.
So grab your fondant and baking gear and challenge your friends this week-end to a game of Super Mario Galaxy for the Wii. You can read a review on Gamespot.
Sourcing:
Inspiration: Cupcakes! set by Amigurumi Kingdom
Inspiration: Super Mario Cupcakes set by Hello Naomi
Via: adorable upcakes on Hostess with the Mostess
Categories:
DISHING tips
CAKES
posted @ Friday, November 16, 2007 1:32 PM | Feedback (2)
Artists can take the simplest things in life and elevate them to a higher ground. This is exactly what the talented artist Lorena Barrezueta from Brooklyn, New York did with her Gourmet Collection. This tableware collection is huge.
The tasty wink to disposable tin food container can become a conversation starter at your next party. Gourmet pieces are made of fine porcelain in three finishes. My favorite is Fresh for the array of wonderful colors like salmon, lemon, chartreuse, green, and turquoise.
The next time you will get invited to a potluck, why not bring your food in a witty fine porcelain dishware like those? And you are sure to receive lots of invitations if you can leave it as a hostess gift.
I am letting you on a secret: I wrote down a few pieces so I can ask Santa Claus when I will see him. You can find them at several specialized retailers. Naturally, Lorena Barrezueta has her own etsy shop.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Rust Red Nibble at lorenabarrezueta on etsy – price: $20 USD
Buy online: Green Meal at lorenabarrezueta on etsy – price: $55 USD
Buy online: Dine pie plate at lorenabarrezueta on etsy – price: $55 USD
Buy online: Classic Mac n Cheese at lorenabarrezueta on etsy – price: $70 USD
Artist: Web site of Lorena Barrezueta
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
GIFT ideas
DISHING tips
posted @ Friday, November 16, 2007 11:59 AM | Feedback (0)
Making Christmas cookies is a tradition that I followed with my husband. He is not a cook but he enjoys baking.
We do not go for varieties; we bake one or two recipes that we will bring as hostess gifts to every host during the Holidays. The container is a huge part of our plan. We indulge and change the styles every year.
This year, I want something that people probably do not already one. Use something like a ceramic or porcelain egg carton is unexpected. Egg crates of the House & Home collection are just adorable. To transport it, place a carton underneath for support and wrap everything with cellophane and a ribbon.
As you can see from these pictures from the November edition of Canadian House & Home, you can be quite creative. Chinese Boxes have the advantage to be easy to find. The Dumpling box has a twist.
You must pay attention to the gift tag. And this year, beautifully crafted gift tags are all over. Put a fabric ribbon since they look better. If you host a party, you can recycle these ideas to set up your dessert table in style.
A magazine giveaway
I got an extra copy of the November 2007 edition of Canadian House & Home with several recipes of Holidays cookies and lots of decoration ideas for the Holidays. This is the first of their two Christmas editions.
I am giving it away. I will draw the lucky winner from the comments left here. Your comment must answer this question before Tuesday, November 20, 2007 11:59 pm Eastern Time:
How do you wrap your Holidays cookies or describe the best wrapped cookies you ever received?
Sourcing:
For Canadians: Egg crates of the House & Home collection at Home Outfitters
Photo credits: Canadian House & Home – November 2007 edition
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PAPER goods
GIFT ideas
posted @ Thursday, November 15, 2007 5:42 PM | Feedback (14)
I was glad this morning to see that I appear on the Fabulous Reads of the popular entertaining blog Hostess with the Mostess. Especially that I am surrounded by an established circle of people. Thanks.
This gives me the occasion to suggest that before you complete your holidays shopping, you have a look at these five kitchen gadgets. The avocado slicer is a nifty kitchen tools.
What is coming today?
Stay tuned! I am writing a post on stylish wrapping options for your Holidays cookies.
And I will announce a giveaway.
Sourcing:
Via: Hostess with the Mostess
Categories:
IN the press
posted @ Thursday, November 15, 2007 11:56 AM | Feedback (0)
For my first Holidays gift ideas of the season, I got inspired by the pleasures of eating at home on cold winter nights near the fire.
These gender neutral gift ideas symbolize friendly atmosphere after skiing or skating. Price ranges go from stocking stuffer to indulgence.
Log Tote by Felt Studio
Made in Canada using industrial manufactured felt, Log Tote is a hip design to transport wood logs. Felt Studio was founded by artist Kathryn Walter.
Knitware Vases by Alyssa Ettinger Design
These vases are hand-cast porcelain. The patterns vary from large knit to large cable knit up to small cable knit. I feel good just looking at Alyssa’s designs. It is perfect for the season. She sells her Knitware ceramics through her etsy shop.
Fingerprint potholder by Menu
Design by Jacob Wagner for Menu, the Fingerprint potholder is made of heat-resistant silicone. It was inspired by the designer own fingerprint. For added practicality, a magnet is inserted at the center. And a little self-adhesive metal plate is supplied so you can hand them anywhere you like. Menu is Menu is a Danish design company that celebrates Scandinavian living.
Roast and Serve and Silicone Locking Tongs by Cuisipro
The Cuisipro Roast and Serve garnered the 2006 Housewares Design Award in the Best Kitchen Tool category. You use it to roast, lift and serve your birds and large roasts. It is available in two formats to best suit your cooking needs.
I own the Cuisipro Silicone Locking Tongs and I am very satisfied with them. I feel that the push and pull locking mechanism works better than the standard one. The non stick silicone ends grab well the food for serving and when cooking.
Bodum Chocolatière at Crate and Barrel
This chocolate maker works for hot and cold chocolate drinks. A manual propeller rod blends the chocolate powder and whips up a delicious froth. Since it is makes by Bodum, I feel it should work well. All parts are dishwasher safe.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Log Tote by Felt Studio - price: $80 CAD
Buy online: Knitware Vase by Alyssa Ettinger Design– price: $120 USD for the small, $150 for the large
Buy online: Fingerprint potholder by Menu at Panik Design – price: £25
Buy online: Cuisipro Roast & Serve Roasting Rack at Kitchen Kapers – price: $19.99 USD
Buy online: Cuisipro Silicone Locking Tongs 9.5 Inch in Red at Amazon.com – price: $11.95 for 9.5 inch long, $13.95 for 12 inch long
For Americans: Bodum Chocolatiere at Crate & Barrel – price: $29.95 USD
For Canadians: Bodum Chocolatiere at Muffet and Louisa – price: $38 CAD
Via: 30 Presents under $30 #8 Bodum Chocolatiere on Oh Happy Day and Cuteable Finds on Cuteable
Categories:
HOME decor
KITCHEN tools
GIFT ideas
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