Touch Down Checklist

Super Bowl Sunday is this weekend, and we’re super excited to watch the Denver Broncos take on the Seattle Seahawks. We are even MORE excited about the party that comes the final kick-off of the season though, and this is the checklist we’ll be working from to make the festivities just as super as the game itself.

o   The TV – In general, the bigger the better. A great sound system, particularly for when Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers take the stage at half time, won’t hurt either.

o   Decorations – Stick with the classics—footballs, coolers, and team banners. This year’s colors are orange, green and black, so choose your loyalties based on team preference (or color preference), and spread the spirit.

o   Ice – A no-brainer, for the next thing on the list.

o   Drinks – Beer, soda, wine and if you’ve got the bandwidth, a house cocktail are what will keep the party rolling well into the fourth quarter.

o   Bottle openers – Depending on your crowd, you’re going to need anywhere from two to six of these, as they have a habit of walking off, getting lost or breaking all together when used around the clock.

o   Munchies – If you are planning on serving dinner, it’s best to stick with someone straightforward and easy, like chili or pizza. For the snacks, appetizers and desserts, however, go all out. Chips, dips, canapés, brownies and cupcakes are fantastic options, and there are a wealth of fun recipes out there--http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2012/02/my-top-ten-food-picks-for-super-bowl-sunday/.

o   Serving Utensils – Clearly, for the above, you are going to need plenty of napkins, plastic utensils, plates, platters and serving trays. Spend a little time a few days before your party gathering it all together.

o   Seating – Nothing is more frustrating than having to stand for a four-hour football game because the hosts only have one couch in front the of television. Choose a room with a little extra space, bring in folding chairs and cushions as necessary, and make sure everyone can enjoy the game in relative comfort. 

Bar Glam

While the holidays may be long past (*sigh*), it’s easy to fight to the winter doldrums by brightening up one or two corners of the house. One of our favorites is the bar, and we've got a few ideas to get you back in the party spirit in no time. Here are a few ways to glam up your home bar or bar cart:

Get organized.

 A stylish bar begins with a plan. Try out vanity trays, dishes and containers to divide the area up into zones—glassware, bottles, cocktail shakers, etc. It will make the bar more aesthetically pleasing, while making it easier to keep clean and organized. 

Photo credit: streetscenevintage.bogspot.com

Seek style.

Choose your beverage preferences wisely. If they are going to be on display, and not in a cabinet, select choices that come in the prettiest and most eye-catching packaging. Many bourbons, champagnes, and specialty liquors come in bottles with beautiful labels and glass designs.

Photo credit: creativebloq.com

Dress it up.

Once your bar is well stocked, and well organized, select the trimmings. Try dressing up the bar or bar cart with unique bar tools, cocktail recipe books, and your favorite glassware from flea markets and travels abroad. Make your set-up a conversation starter and a watering hole all in one. 

Photo credit: thekitchn.com

Select a strong base.

We’re a little biased of course, but we love the Classic Cherry Large Bar made in our own Hillsdale house. It’s got old school charm with simple enough style to be dressed up anyway you would like, and has its own wine rack to help keep every thing organized.

http://www.hillsdalefurniture.com/s/62578ACHE/Classic-Cherry-Large-Bar/3

Be sure to warm up with a few winter cocktails this season from your beautiful new bar, and share pictures of your favorite touches with us!  

Winter Blossoms

We don’t often think of floral arrangements in the wintertime, but there are actually a large variety of blooms that will let you bring a little life inside when the temperatures drop. Here are a few of our favorite wintry options.

From left to right, top to bottom:

• Phlox Flowers
• Pansies
• Protea Nerifola Flower
• Hellebore Flowers
• Chrysanthemum
• Gerbera Daisy
• Asiatic Lily
• Peruvian Lily
• Acacia Flower 

Bring a little springtime color and atmosphere into your home this winter, and try out arrangements with the above flowers this season.

What are your favorite seasonal blooms? 

On the Serengeti

We suffered through sub-zero temperatures in Louisville this week. This is NOT what we’re used to, so needless to say, wanderlust has set in hard. Alas, a getaway isn’t in the cards for a while, so we’re dreaming of ways to bring warm, exotic locales to us. Last year a member of the team visited Tanzania and the Serengeti, and now we’d love to bring some of that safari style into our home. 

Here are a few ideas:

Employ an Earth Palette

Browns, creams, taupes or gold tones on the walls echo the colors of the African savanna and also warm the atmosphere of any room. Accent colors like rusty reds, pumpkin oranges, and olive greens complete the look and keep the space looking natural and inviting.  

Photo credit: st.houzz.com

Nurture the Natural

Wood, clay, leather, rattan and other native materials are the components of traditional African lifestyles and will give your look an added authenticity and rustic appeal. Wood in particular is crucial to the African aesthetic, as woodcarving is an integral part of many tribal cultures and artistic traditions. Try out a variety of materials in different spaces to evoke the vastness and diversity of the African landscape, and be sure to mix natural textures.

Photo credit: graciepi.com

Pattern Practice

Patterns are an important hallmark of traditional African décor, so give them a shot. We’re partial to animal prints, so long as they are used with restraint. Throw pillows in a zebra print or an accent chair in giraffe spots serve as design anchors of the safari chic we’re trying to achieve.

Photo credit: overstock.com

Eye the Art

Wood carvings and tribal art are beautiful when a few pieces are displayed together on an accent wall or table. Visit museums and art galleries to look for unique works of art (if you haven’t had a chance to build a collection via your own travels) that will capture the eye and start conversations.

Photo credit: etsystatic.com

 If you could go anywhere, where would you escape to this winter?