A few of my Favorite Things Hostess Gifts

First...I must say that the tragedy in CT has deeply affected me.  My heart has ached since I heard on Friday morning.  I ask the Lord to surround these families with His love and comfort. So very sad.

I know I've been MIA.  The winter 'head stuff' hit me hard and the bed was my favorite spot for a few days.  Thankfully it only lasted a week and I think I'm back to 'normal'!

With all of the parties you are attending, taking a hostess gift is a must.

I went to a few of my favorite shops to gather some great ideas.

  Huff Harrington Home is one of my all time favorites.

To me the best gifts are things that you yourself like and would like to add to your home.

Owners Ann and Meg have great eyes for the unique...

 ...and all things French.

Not too long ago they hosted a book signing by local entertaining author Danielle Rollins.  A perfect gift for the 'hostess with the mostest!'

Not too far from Huff Harrington Home is Boxwoods, another of my favorite places to drool.

I have always loves these beautiful soap dishes.

I had to take a picture of this beautiful setting. I love those tall crystal candlesticks.

Oh I digressed on my hostess gifts...Mr. MD can wrap the pair of these candelabras!  Gorgeous!

Up the road in downtown Woodstock, GA, is Pineapple Park. 

Back to hostess gifts...love these crown candles. 

Have you ever seen these papers?  They are perfect for cheese plates or setting fun tables!

For you hostesses out there...this is a great setting!

Fun coasters.

How about a doorstop?

Just a little 'FYI' in taking gifts.  

It's best NOT to arrive with flowers unless they are arranged and delivered early.  Opening a door to a guest with a bouquet not matter how lovely takes the hostess away from her guests while she has to go and put them in a vase.

❤

Do you need help turning you house into a lovely home?

Contact MD for design services.

Follow on Pinterest.

Follow on Facebook.

Follow on Twitter @RenaeScottMoore

Christmas Trees in Pots!

I'm back from the beautiful Pacific Northwest and definitely in the mood to get some Christmas decorating done and get the home festive for the season.

I have been collecting ideas for trees in pots or different types of vessels.

Last year we were going to be away over Christmas and for the first time ever I did not put up a tree.  BIG MISTAKE.

Mr. MD is away and will not be home until just a few days before so I want to make our home look and feel extra special.

I put two Leland Cypress Trees out front in urns and very easily with some other evergreen and color they can be fabulous.

It's a perfect time of year to clip some branches, add a bit of moss to the base and add some of your favorite ornaments.

Whatever your style, a smaller tree in something different other than a tree stand.  Get the kids to go out and find pine cones, if you don't have any nearby, Michael's usually has them!

Love the pottery pot!

What do you have planned for your holiday decorations?

❤

Do you need help turning you house into a lovely home?

Contact MD for design services.

See my Pinterest Board for all Christmas and sources.

Musings and Thanksgiving Tablescapes

It is interesting when one thinks of where the time goes.  

Where does it go?

source

I know I have been MIA as far as my blog goes, it has been busy here at MD. Fabric sourcing and shopping for clients is great fun and far more rewarding than sitting at the computer. 

source

Add to that, I get to the gym or head out on my bicycle everyday, see friends, volunteer and visit with the elderly and minister to those younger than I wanting to be the best mom they can be.

Some of you girls out there must not sleep as I know your schedules have more packed in than the norm and you still manage to crank out the posts.  Kudos to you!

source

I am on my way to Washington to see my grandson who is one month today. Waiting this long has been one of the more difficult things I have done in a while.

source

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving season.  

We have MUCH to be grateful for.

Enjoy your friends and family.

❤

Do you need help turning you house into a lovely home?

Contact MD for design services.

Follow on Pinterest.

Follow on Facebook.

Follow on Twitter @RenaeScottMoore

Project Monday

 There is nothing better than spending the afternoon with a friend and creating a little magic!

She bought this piece with a vision of what 'could be'!

Good old chalk paint, she started with Graphite and added the small container of orange (don't know the name) to warm up the gray.

She got busy this morning getting a couple of coats on so it could dry. Voila, already looks better!

She also got the 'Robin Egg' chalk paint...we each took a side and worked the blue/green over the gray, sort of hap hazardly. The paint is thick, so we each added a drop of water to our bowls! 

I made a 'wash' out of the gray. I like to dab the brush on a cloth after dipping in the wash to get off the excess and then work the colors together.  Annie Sloan has a brush that I call a 'feather' brush.  It's made with horse hair and has jagged bristles which makes all the difference when blending the colors.  After drying completely, girlfriend will wax and get the hardware back on. I will get the finished product posted soon!

❤

Do you need help turning you house into a lovely home?

Contact MD for design services.

Follow on Pinterest.

Follow on Facebook.

Follow on Twitter @RenaeScottMoore

Foodie Friday

It's that time of year when we will be going to or hosting our own parties. I found some new recipes that will definitely be added to Casa de Moore's 'must do's' for the holidays.

 Source

Parmesan Green Beans

I would have a hard time keeping from eating the whole dish of these.  The kids might even like them!

source

Soft Chewy Pretzels

A restaurant we go to has the most delectable rolls and they serve a thick marinara sauce with them.  That would be delicious with the pretzels.  

source

Goat Cheese, Pesto and Sun-dried Tomatoes Terrine

Yummers, this has some of my very favorite ingredients and sure to be a hit at your holiday table.

source

Carmelized Onion and Apple Tarts

with Gruyere and Thyme

Oh my, I'm salivating already....love love love gruyere!

source

You know I love silver! When you are setting your holiday table, find whatever silver vessel (coffee or tea pots are always good) you have and do a simple arrangement!

Do you need help turning you house into a lovely home?

Contact MD for design services.

Follow on Pinterest.

Follow on Facebook.

Follow on Twitter @RenaeScottMoore

Grammie

Thomas Courage Moore

Born October 17th 

7lb12oz, 21"

Mr. MD and I as well as Uncle G and soon to be Aunt M are so excited.

A trip to Washington is coming very soon!

❤

Girlfriend's Dinner and Foodie Friday

A beautiful fall evening lent itself to the perfect setting for a birthday dinner for one girlfriend given at the home of another. 

The hostess has the gift of being the 'mostest'. 

 She creates her table settings with love.

I am so in love with how her home sits among the trees.

 Her deck was adorned with the themes of fall.

Everywhere we turned there were special touches.

After dinner we all sat around a fire pit to enjoy our dessert which included a girls' best friend...chocolate...and each other.

I didn't get a picture...you know the saying, 'smoke follows beauty' (or am I dating myself?)?  It was quite comical as we each had to move around as the smoke kept 'following' us!

Thank you Deb for a wonderful evening...one I will remember!

❤

Deb made Giada's 'Tri-Colore Orzo Salad' 

to go along with some scrumptious raspberry marinated grilled chicken, broccoli salad, and fruit salad.  

Here's the recipe!

1 pound orzo pasta

1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 cups fresh arugula

3/4 cup crumbled ricotta salata cheese (or feta cheese)

1/2 cup dried cherries or cranberries

12 fresh basil leaves, torn

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon freshly grated black pepper

Bring large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.

Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8-10 minutes.

Drain and put on a large cookie sheet, drizzle with 3 tablespoons olive oil, toss and spread out and set aside to cool.

Once orzo is cooled, transfer to large serving bowl and add the remaining ingredients, toss gently to combine.  Serve!

It''s sort of difficult to bring flowers in this time of year, but how about adding to your outdoor ambience by hanging mason jars (you know I adore them!)?

Moore Designs has been busy and will have some updates for you soon!

Happy weekend!

Do you need help turning you house into a lovely home?

Contact MD for design services.

Follow on Pinterest.

Follow on Facebook.

Follow on Twitter @RenaeScottMoore