"Bo-flakes" featuring the first dog and ornaments fashioned from zippers are among the new twists on traditional favorites at the White House this Christmas season.
First lady Michelle Obama unveiled this year’s decorations before an appreciative crowd of military families, then spent some time doing holiday crafts with military kids.
The theme for this year’s decorations is "Joy to All," but first dog Bo seems to steals the show.
There are 40 "Bo-flake" ornaments throughout the White House that feature cutout images of the dog.
There’s a life-size replica of the dog, with a string of lights in his mouth, in the East Garden Room.
And there’s an outsized statue of the Portuguese water dog next to the 300-pound gingerbread house in the State Dining Room.
Mrs. Obama said that reflects Bo’s high standing at the White House.
"He’s almost as big as the house," she declared. "He is such a huge personality."
Visitors also will get a Bo bookmark that sends them on a scavenger hunt for "Bo-ornaments" stashed in eight rooms.
Bo himself made an appearance during Wednesday’s festivities, sporting a jingle bell collar, and was quickly swarmed by young guests.
This year’s decorations include lots of handmade items that could easily be done at home, including patriotic wreaths and ornaments wrapped in red, white and blue yarn to fit with Mrs. Obama’s emphasis on supporting military families.
The gargantuan gingerbread house, however, is not a feat for amateurs to attempt: It contains more than 175 pounds of gingerbread and modified gingerbread and more than 50 pounds of chocolate. Pastry chef Bill Yosses mixed up a combination of wheat, rye and white-flour gingerbread that mimics the color of the sandstone house prior to 1798, when the house was first painted white.
More than 90,000 visitors are expected to pass through the White House this holiday season.
Executive chef Cristeta Comerford said she’s drawing on the recipes in Mrs. Obama’s gardening book, "American Grown," as she prepares food for all the guests. The treats will include sweet potato quick bread, green beans with almonds and a winter salad featuring fennel.
The massive decorating job - there are 54 live Christmas trees in the White House - comes together in just five days, with the help of 85 volunteers from around the country. This year’s volunteers included Nellie Funk, a military wife from Carlisle, Pa., who was working beside retired homicide detective Tracy Jacobson from Southern California.
Asked which job was more fun - detective or decorator - Jacobson deadpanned: "This has been much more fun."
Monday, December 3, 2012
Sunday, December 2, 2012
John Derian's Handmade Home Decor
I GRAVITATE TOWARD THINGS that are made by hand," John Derian, the king of the decoupage plate, tells me while we are discussing his home accessories store on Manhattan's East 2nd Street. The space, which he has occupied since 1994, has become a mecca for a dedicated group of followers—and a showcase for the many artisans who sell their designs there. Derian originally took on the shop as his studio, but put up a curtain to divide the space; in the front he displayed some of his plates and a few antiques, thinking to himself, If I sell a plate a week, I can pay the rent. As more pieces sold he was able to acquire better and better things, allowing his inventory to grow in a very natural way. It seems such a simple theory, and when Derian speaks about how he selects designers, that, too, has a thorough simplicity: He doesn't go looking for talent, but when he comes across it, he makes it part of his world. This allows Derian to stand apart from other stores that sell charming bits of ephemera; he straddles the divide between being an artist himself and acting as a patron or gallerist for other artists.
Derian is generally quick to know what he likes. Leanne Shapton, a well-known illustrator with her own following, remembers the first time she showed him the wooden books she now sells at his store. "What was nice was that he was so decisive about ordering a ton of them," she says. "He understood what I like about them—the poetry and emotional impact of the titles." Livia Cetti had a similar experience when she arrived at his store unannounced to show him her paper flowers. "I knew dropping by was the worst thing to do, and I could tell he was annoyed," Cetti says. "He went back into his office and two minutes later he poked his head out and said, 'I love them! I want this, this and this!' "
It's this confidence that has led Derian to become something of a global sensation among a tremendously loyal fan base that not only desires but understands and appreciates the value of the treasures he collects.
Hugo Guinness is probably the best-known fixture of Derian's shop. Although they now have a strong bond, it's funny to discover that their friendship started with a relatively weak thread. Derian, who was introduced to Guinness through a mutual friend, admits that he was unsure at the start. "When I first met Hugo, he was 'Tom's friend with the little pictures,' " he says. "When he came to see me, I sent him to a nearby gallery, but he came back and said he wanted to sell here. So I put a picture of his in the shop, and it sold!" Both he and Guinness seemed equally surprised by this. "And they kept on selling, and now, what Ralph Lauren or J. Crew store doesn't have Hugo's prints on the wall?"
"I don't think John was interested to begin with," Guinness remembers. "But I was so excited about getting a check, and that encouraged me, so I did more and more, we had a show and people liked my work. I feel very lucky." Since then, Guinness's shows have become an annual event held at the beginning of May. Every year Guinness produces a new variation on his black-and-white theme. His pictures have a strong identity and are fun to collect because each yearthey have a very different look.
In contrast to Guinness's monochrome prints, Nathalie Lété's paintings, ceramics and textiles are a riot of Technicolor. At her studio in Paris—part of a converted factory that once produced metal parts for the Eiffel Tower—it's easy to see the aesthetic bond between her and Derian. The space makes a fabulous union of industry, nature and the handmade; with roses climbing old girders, wisteria ascending elsewhere and lots of bamboo, the place is positively tropical in its lushness.
Derian first spotted Lété's work on a trip to Paris. "I fell in love with her things in the window of a shop called Absinthe," he recalls. "It had all kinds of sausage dolls made from papier-mâché. It looked like a butcher shop, but the meat was animated—the hanging meat was funny and whimsical." Derian and Lété started an e-mail correspondence, and after a visit to her studio, a relationship bloomed. He held a show for her at his store, as he does with so many of his artists, but unlike many shop events and openings, Derian's parties are done without a team of publicists. They are simple celebrations of the artists he's found and wants to introduce to his friends and clients, done in a familial way with his open-arm charm and appeal.
Lété mostly paints toys, animals and flowers. "My work is like a protection," she says. "The world outside doesn't interest me so I create this one to feel comfortable and protected." She is incredibly industrious, and her products are sent everywhere. This seems at odds with her artistic and slightly hermit-like character until you realize that her reproductions allow her to keep the originals in her studio.
Astier de Villatte, a venerable design house also from Paris, has been showcased in Derian's shop the longest—at 14 years—and Derian in turn has made pieces for Astier. "Some of the Astier shapes are from the 18th century," Derian explains, when asked about their longtime partnership. "I am attracted to things that look old, almost period."
Benoît Astier de Villatte and Ivan Pericoli—the vital organs of the Astier de Villatte group—met at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and are similarly attracted to period things. The two live in the same apartment building from the early 17th century and have created a mix of practicality with ancient beauty. (One of the things that most excites Derian about his recent collaboration with Astier is that he has finally produced something that can go in the dishwasher.) Derian's marble pieces for them are chic, the colors are beautiful and mix well with the rest of their sought-after white ceramics. One of the most interesting aspects of the Astier studio is the packing area, with boxes labeled for Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, New York, Holland and England.
Livia Cetti, with her charming paper flowers, is something of a powerhouse and has worked for brands like Bobbi Brown, Anthropologie and Kate Spade. But what she creates for Derian is different. "It was a dream come true to sell something in John's store, and it's one of the things I am most proud of in my career." Derian's curatorial eye has had an effect on her work too. "When I started working for John, it really cemented the way I make my flowers," she recalls. "Now I have solidified my look, which I would say is naturalistic with my own twist." Her foxgloves, dahlias and fritillaria are a festival—the colors are cheerful, and each one is different. She also does Derian's signature scraggly geraniums (exclusively for him), which have become a hit in the store.
The artists that work with Derian not only talk about his talent, but his generosity. Stephanie Housley, who sells aprons, linens, stationary and pocket dolls from her Coral & Tusk line, is one of these artists. Having been given one of Housley's aprons as a gift, Derian approached her to sell her products in the shop. "By then I had a small library of designs, and I was struggling to harness it," she says. "John had such brilliant ideas about how to direct the collection." Although he has an eye for what's likely to sell, he also knows when to disregard that instinct: Housley made a custom pocket doll of Derian's cat, Skip, and is now producing a line of them for the shop, each with its own trading cards.
One of the things about Derian's shop is its level of consistency, and yet within that there is always room for the new and the offbeat. It is a shop that you can use reliably as a source for both gift buying (most happily for oneself) and interior design. The store has Moroccan rugs, brightly colored leather poufs, fine lamps and linens—and Derian knows exactly how to arrange all these elements. Shapton puts her finger on it when she says, "I wouldn't have taken two glances at the poufs, but he has a way of contextualizing things without forcing them upon you."
Derian is generally quick to know what he likes. Leanne Shapton, a well-known illustrator with her own following, remembers the first time she showed him the wooden books she now sells at his store. "What was nice was that he was so decisive about ordering a ton of them," she says. "He understood what I like about them—the poetry and emotional impact of the titles." Livia Cetti had a similar experience when she arrived at his store unannounced to show him her paper flowers. "I knew dropping by was the worst thing to do, and I could tell he was annoyed," Cetti says. "He went back into his office and two minutes later he poked his head out and said, 'I love them! I want this, this and this!' "
It's this confidence that has led Derian to become something of a global sensation among a tremendously loyal fan base that not only desires but understands and appreciates the value of the treasures he collects.
Hugo Guinness is probably the best-known fixture of Derian's shop. Although they now have a strong bond, it's funny to discover that their friendship started with a relatively weak thread. Derian, who was introduced to Guinness through a mutual friend, admits that he was unsure at the start. "When I first met Hugo, he was 'Tom's friend with the little pictures,' " he says. "When he came to see me, I sent him to a nearby gallery, but he came back and said he wanted to sell here. So I put a picture of his in the shop, and it sold!" Both he and Guinness seemed equally surprised by this. "And they kept on selling, and now, what Ralph Lauren or J. Crew store doesn't have Hugo's prints on the wall?"
"I don't think John was interested to begin with," Guinness remembers. "But I was so excited about getting a check, and that encouraged me, so I did more and more, we had a show and people liked my work. I feel very lucky." Since then, Guinness's shows have become an annual event held at the beginning of May. Every year Guinness produces a new variation on his black-and-white theme. His pictures have a strong identity and are fun to collect because each yearthey have a very different look.
In contrast to Guinness's monochrome prints, Nathalie Lété's paintings, ceramics and textiles are a riot of Technicolor. At her studio in Paris—part of a converted factory that once produced metal parts for the Eiffel Tower—it's easy to see the aesthetic bond between her and Derian. The space makes a fabulous union of industry, nature and the handmade; with roses climbing old girders, wisteria ascending elsewhere and lots of bamboo, the place is positively tropical in its lushness.
Derian first spotted Lété's work on a trip to Paris. "I fell in love with her things in the window of a shop called Absinthe," he recalls. "It had all kinds of sausage dolls made from papier-mâché. It looked like a butcher shop, but the meat was animated—the hanging meat was funny and whimsical." Derian and Lété started an e-mail correspondence, and after a visit to her studio, a relationship bloomed. He held a show for her at his store, as he does with so many of his artists, but unlike many shop events and openings, Derian's parties are done without a team of publicists. They are simple celebrations of the artists he's found and wants to introduce to his friends and clients, done in a familial way with his open-arm charm and appeal.
Lété mostly paints toys, animals and flowers. "My work is like a protection," she says. "The world outside doesn't interest me so I create this one to feel comfortable and protected." She is incredibly industrious, and her products are sent everywhere. This seems at odds with her artistic and slightly hermit-like character until you realize that her reproductions allow her to keep the originals in her studio.
Astier de Villatte, a venerable design house also from Paris, has been showcased in Derian's shop the longest—at 14 years—and Derian in turn has made pieces for Astier. "Some of the Astier shapes are from the 18th century," Derian explains, when asked about their longtime partnership. "I am attracted to things that look old, almost period."
Benoît Astier de Villatte and Ivan Pericoli—the vital organs of the Astier de Villatte group—met at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and are similarly attracted to period things. The two live in the same apartment building from the early 17th century and have created a mix of practicality with ancient beauty. (One of the things that most excites Derian about his recent collaboration with Astier is that he has finally produced something that can go in the dishwasher.) Derian's marble pieces for them are chic, the colors are beautiful and mix well with the rest of their sought-after white ceramics. One of the most interesting aspects of the Astier studio is the packing area, with boxes labeled for Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, New York, Holland and England.
Livia Cetti, with her charming paper flowers, is something of a powerhouse and has worked for brands like Bobbi Brown, Anthropologie and Kate Spade. But what she creates for Derian is different. "It was a dream come true to sell something in John's store, and it's one of the things I am most proud of in my career." Derian's curatorial eye has had an effect on her work too. "When I started working for John, it really cemented the way I make my flowers," she recalls. "Now I have solidified my look, which I would say is naturalistic with my own twist." Her foxgloves, dahlias and fritillaria are a festival—the colors are cheerful, and each one is different. She also does Derian's signature scraggly geraniums (exclusively for him), which have become a hit in the store.
The artists that work with Derian not only talk about his talent, but his generosity. Stephanie Housley, who sells aprons, linens, stationary and pocket dolls from her Coral & Tusk line, is one of these artists. Having been given one of Housley's aprons as a gift, Derian approached her to sell her products in the shop. "By then I had a small library of designs, and I was struggling to harness it," she says. "John had such brilliant ideas about how to direct the collection." Although he has an eye for what's likely to sell, he also knows when to disregard that instinct: Housley made a custom pocket doll of Derian's cat, Skip, and is now producing a line of them for the shop, each with its own trading cards.
One of the things about Derian's shop is its level of consistency, and yet within that there is always room for the new and the offbeat. It is a shop that you can use reliably as a source for both gift buying (most happily for oneself) and interior design. The store has Moroccan rugs, brightly colored leather poufs, fine lamps and linens—and Derian knows exactly how to arrange all these elements. Shapton puts her finger on it when she says, "I wouldn't have taken two glances at the poufs, but he has a way of contextualizing things without forcing them upon you."
Friday, November 30, 2012
Foyer Entryway Furniture
There is a general belief that the first impression is the last impression. It holds true in the case of your home also. Entryways and foyers create the first impression about your home when your guests come visiting you. That makes it imperative for you to keep this area well-decorated with stylish and fashionable pieces of furniture. Though a large number of online stores are available who deal with such items, it is a daunting task to find quality pieces at reasonable prices for your hallway. We at Lifestyles Home Décor offer you a huge collection of innovatively designed and trendy pieces for an outstanding décor of your foyer entryway. We offer items suitable for any style of décor, traditional, contemporary or modern. Our vast and varied range has tastefully crafted pieces like console tables, foyer tables, Bombay chests, foyer benches, hall trees, coat racks, umbrella stands, and a whole lot of other attractive and functional items. We have products keeping in mind the décor aspect of variously sized entryways. So, whether you have a large area as your entryway or a small foyer, our items are sure to suit the need of your hallway. Our items are manufactured using various materials like wood, metal, wrought iron, etc. and are available in a large number of finishes. You will be impressed with our accent pieces which have been skillfully crafted by expert craftsman to suit your specific needs. We offer quality pieces from brand manufacturers like Coaster Furniture, Butler Specialty and Uttermost. Check out our various categories below to discover splendid furniture pieces for your home at affordable prices.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
How To Use a Blue Color Scheme for Country Style
When decorating your home, one of the most popular themes or styles to choose is country. It’s warm, inviting and easy to do. It’s perfect for many American homes because of the style’s comfortable and universal appeal.
It’s important to use color properly when decorating. For example, you can use a blue color scheme when decorating your space with a country style. Here are some ideas for you to try:
1、Use blue paint on the walls. The easiest way to incorporate color in a space is to paint the walls. There are many shades of blue, but the soft muted tones such as cornflower blue or sky blue are most often found in country style spaces. To have a bit of contrast, blue works great with a bright white wainscoting on the walls.
2、 Use blue linens. To spice up any space with the color blue, you can use fabric. In the bedroom, use a denim-colored bed sheet and comforter. In the bathroom, opt for blue towels, blue shower curtains and a matching blue bathroom rug in the same tones or shade. In the dining room, use a blue tablecloth with matching table napkins. When decorating the living room, you can use the color blue by having either a blue colored sofa, or blue throw pillows and curtains. The great thing about using fabric to introduce color is that you can easily change and clean it.
3、 Have a contrast color. Break up the monotony of the color blue by using a second contrasting color. For example, blue looks simply beautiful with white. If you are decorating a boy’s bedroom, why not go with red, white and blue? Having your predominant color as blue will be further accented by another color.
4、Use blue as an accent color. If you want to use the color blue in a more subtle way, you can use blue not as the predominant color, but as the hint of color in the space. For example, you can have yellow as your main color palette, but accent a room with blue throw pillows or a blue vase. Place some bright fresh cut flowers in a royal blue vase. In the dining room, use white china accented with blue designs or patterns. You can also use blue colored stemware. In a white or yellow kitchen, you can add some color buy using blue pots and pans, as well as navy blue kitchen towels.
5、Use country style furniture to keep the theme. To keep the theme in mind, your furniture pieces must be in the country style. Use wicker furniture, or pieces made of light colored wood. Keep the angles soft and the edges rounded.
It’s very easy to decorate with a country style approach when beautifying your space. You can easily use the theme in any room in your home, be it in your living room, dining room, bedroom or kitchen. When using the color blue in your country style approach, you’ll be able to create a space that is warm, comfortable, relaxing and beautiful.
It’s important to use color properly when decorating. For example, you can use a blue color scheme when decorating your space with a country style. Here are some ideas for you to try:
1、Use blue paint on the walls. The easiest way to incorporate color in a space is to paint the walls. There are many shades of blue, but the soft muted tones such as cornflower blue or sky blue are most often found in country style spaces. To have a bit of contrast, blue works great with a bright white wainscoting on the walls.
2、 Use blue linens. To spice up any space with the color blue, you can use fabric. In the bedroom, use a denim-colored bed sheet and comforter. In the bathroom, opt for blue towels, blue shower curtains and a matching blue bathroom rug in the same tones or shade. In the dining room, use a blue tablecloth with matching table napkins. When decorating the living room, you can use the color blue by having either a blue colored sofa, or blue throw pillows and curtains. The great thing about using fabric to introduce color is that you can easily change and clean it.
3、 Have a contrast color. Break up the monotony of the color blue by using a second contrasting color. For example, blue looks simply beautiful with white. If you are decorating a boy’s bedroom, why not go with red, white and blue? Having your predominant color as blue will be further accented by another color.
4、Use blue as an accent color. If you want to use the color blue in a more subtle way, you can use blue not as the predominant color, but as the hint of color in the space. For example, you can have yellow as your main color palette, but accent a room with blue throw pillows or a blue vase. Place some bright fresh cut flowers in a royal blue vase. In the dining room, use white china accented with blue designs or patterns. You can also use blue colored stemware. In a white or yellow kitchen, you can add some color buy using blue pots and pans, as well as navy blue kitchen towels.
5、Use country style furniture to keep the theme. To keep the theme in mind, your furniture pieces must be in the country style. Use wicker furniture, or pieces made of light colored wood. Keep the angles soft and the edges rounded.
It’s very easy to decorate with a country style approach when beautifying your space. You can easily use the theme in any room in your home, be it in your living room, dining room, bedroom or kitchen. When using the color blue in your country style approach, you’ll be able to create a space that is warm, comfortable, relaxing and beautiful.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Bo featured in White House decor
"Bo-flakes" featuring the first dog and ornaments fashioned from zippers are among the new twists on traditional favorites at the White House this Christmas season.
First lady Michelle Obama unveiled this year's decorations before an appreciative crowd of military families Wednesday and then spent some time doing holiday crafts with military kids.
The theme for this year's decorations is "Joy to All," but first dog Bo seems to steal the show.
There are 40 "Bo-flake" ornaments throughout the White House that feature cutout images of the dog.
There's a life-size replica of the dog, with a string of lights in his mouth, in the East Garden Room.
And there's an outsized statue of the Portuguese water dog next to the 300-pound gingerbread house in the State Dining Room.
Mrs. Obama said that reflects Bo's high standing at the White House.
"He's almost as big as the house," she declared. "He is such a huge personality."
"Bo-flakes" featuring the first dog and ornaments fashioned from zippers are among the new twists on traditional favorites at the White House this Christmas season.
First lady Michelle Obama unveiled this year's decorations before an appreciative crowd of military families Wednesday and then spent some time doing holiday crafts with military kids.
The theme for this year's decorations is "Joy to All," but first dog Bo seems to steal the show.
There are 40 "Bo-flake" ornaments throughout the White House that feature cutout images of the dog.
There's a life-size replica of the dog, with a string of lights in his mouth, in the East Garden Room.
And there's an outsized statue of the Portuguese water dog next to the 300-pound gingerbread house in the State Dining Room.
Mrs. Obama said that reflects Bo's high standing at the White House.
"He's almost as big as the house," she declared. "He is such a huge personality."
First lady Michelle Obama unveiled this year's decorations before an appreciative crowd of military families Wednesday and then spent some time doing holiday crafts with military kids.
The theme for this year's decorations is "Joy to All," but first dog Bo seems to steal the show.
There are 40 "Bo-flake" ornaments throughout the White House that feature cutout images of the dog.
There's a life-size replica of the dog, with a string of lights in his mouth, in the East Garden Room.
And there's an outsized statue of the Portuguese water dog next to the 300-pound gingerbread house in the State Dining Room.
Mrs. Obama said that reflects Bo's high standing at the White House.
"He's almost as big as the house," she declared. "He is such a huge personality."
"Bo-flakes" featuring the first dog and ornaments fashioned from zippers are among the new twists on traditional favorites at the White House this Christmas season.
First lady Michelle Obama unveiled this year's decorations before an appreciative crowd of military families Wednesday and then spent some time doing holiday crafts with military kids.
The theme for this year's decorations is "Joy to All," but first dog Bo seems to steal the show.
There are 40 "Bo-flake" ornaments throughout the White House that feature cutout images of the dog.
There's a life-size replica of the dog, with a string of lights in his mouth, in the East Garden Room.
And there's an outsized statue of the Portuguese water dog next to the 300-pound gingerbread house in the State Dining Room.
Mrs. Obama said that reflects Bo's high standing at the White House.
"He's almost as big as the house," she declared. "He is such a huge personality."
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
How To Choose a Flatware Set
I have used, purchased, broken, cherished, tried and discarded many different styles and types of flatware in my lifetime. And I have learned a secret: 'Not all flatware is created equal.' Even comparably priced flatware varies in several important ways. And nowhere is it so evident as it is in flatware options, that you get what you pay for. Here are some considerations for anyone planning to begin a bridal registry, set up housekeeping, purchase new flatware or replace flatware.
Explore flatware craftsmanship. The metal used in flatware is developed into utensils by two different processes.
Drop-forged or forged: In this process the piece is made individually by a molding process. Forged or drop-forged flatware is heavier, denser and has smooth rounded edges. Forged is a higher process and generates a safer utensil that resists chips, breaking and contamination. Forged flatware is stainless as well. The forged piece is treated and sealed to stay smooth and untarnished. Look for flatware labeled as 'forged'. Feel the pieces; you will notice the smoother metal.
Die-cut or stamped: In this process, flatware pieces are cut or punched from a sheet of lower quality pot-metal and then formed. The process leaves rougher edges that can be sharp. The metal is less pure and will discolor. It is usually not sealed or heat-treated to resist damage from heat, chemicals and daily use. The metal is also pitted and can retain contaminants. Die-cut costs less but is not worth the savings.
Compare alloys and metals used in the flatware. When I was young, people had everyday flatware, made of stainless steel or pot-metal, and good silver, made from nickel, sterling silver, pewter or even gold-plating. We've looked at why pot-metal is not a wise choice for an eating utensil. Let's look at the other choices.
Stainless: The least expensive of the better flatware choices, stainless is a good choice for daily use because it doesn't require polishing. Stainless resists stains and of course germs as well. It is dishwasher safe.
Nickel-plate: This is an attractive, dull silver color. It does require polishing and studies are showing that constant exposure to nickel can be dangerous. Nickel silverware also retains its value. Nickel should not be used for everyday use.
Explore flatware craftsmanship. The metal used in flatware is developed into utensils by two different processes.
Drop-forged or forged: In this process the piece is made individually by a molding process. Forged or drop-forged flatware is heavier, denser and has smooth rounded edges. Forged is a higher process and generates a safer utensil that resists chips, breaking and contamination. Forged flatware is stainless as well. The forged piece is treated and sealed to stay smooth and untarnished. Look for flatware labeled as 'forged'. Feel the pieces; you will notice the smoother metal.
Die-cut or stamped: In this process, flatware pieces are cut or punched from a sheet of lower quality pot-metal and then formed. The process leaves rougher edges that can be sharp. The metal is less pure and will discolor. It is usually not sealed or heat-treated to resist damage from heat, chemicals and daily use. The metal is also pitted and can retain contaminants. Die-cut costs less but is not worth the savings.
Compare alloys and metals used in the flatware. When I was young, people had everyday flatware, made of stainless steel or pot-metal, and good silver, made from nickel, sterling silver, pewter or even gold-plating. We've looked at why pot-metal is not a wise choice for an eating utensil. Let's look at the other choices.
Stainless: The least expensive of the better flatware choices, stainless is a good choice for daily use because it doesn't require polishing. Stainless resists stains and of course germs as well. It is dishwasher safe.
Nickel-plate: This is an attractive, dull silver color. It does require polishing and studies are showing that constant exposure to nickel can be dangerous. Nickel silverware also retains its value. Nickel should not be used for everyday use.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Scotland's Meldrum House Country Hotel attends International Golf Travel Market
One of Scotland's most celebrated country house hotels has confirmed its attendance at this year's International Golf Travel Market which is being held from 12-15 November in the Algarve, Portugal. Meldrum House Country Hotel, which was named Scotland's best country house hotel by leading tourism trade body Golf Tourism Scotland at its Gold Standard Awards last year, will have a presence on VisitScotland's stand (530) throughout the week.
The announcement follows an extraordinary year for the hotel during which it was awarded four-star gold status by VisitScotland; an honour reserved for accommodation providers that excel in customer care, hospitality and staff development. Meldrum House also hosted The Northern Open for the third consecutive year and received a hat-trick of accolades at the Scottish hotels awards. Indeed with the official opening of the near-by Trump International Golf Links this summer, 2012 has been a year to remember for the award-winning hotel.
"It has been an incredible 12 months," admitted the hotel's head of operations and development Andy Burgess. "It started last November with the GTS award which was quickly followed by our four-star gold status from VisitScotland. Add to that the increased attention Donald Trump's new course has brought to the area and confirmation that the Scottish Open will come to Aberdeen in 2014, and you can see the north-east of Scotland is booming. We certainly hope to finish it in style at IGTM, which should be a fantastic show."
In recent years, Meldrum House has completed an ambitious expansion plan that included a £2.5 million redevelopment of a wing of contemporary rooms, the opening of a multi-purpose conference facility and the establishment of a state-of-the-art green-keeping centre. The 18-hole, 7,010-yard championship course has also seen changes with further improvements being made to playing surfaces and conditioning. The most recent work has included rebuilding a number of bunkers and improving drainage across the site.
Located just 15 miles from Trump International and a host of other top-quality courses, including Cruden Bay, Murcar Links and Royal Aberdeen, Meldrum House is ideally located for a golfing break to the north-east of Scotland. With direct flights from across Europe and a world-class golf practice facility, it's easy to see why Meldrum House has become one of Scotland's most prized country house hotels.
1) Meldrum House Country Hotel and Golf Course is renowned as one of the finest golf clubs in Scotland with its practice facilities and magnificent course situated in secluded grounds adjacent to the Aberdeenshire town of Oldmeldrum.
2) It includes an 18-hole private members golf course, extensive golf academy, 27 hotel bedrooms all of individual character, two conference suites, a marquee that holds weddings and corporate events, unique whisky bar and an award-winning restaurant.
3) Meldrum House was recently awarded a Four-Star rating by VisitScotland as well as an EatScotland Silver Award and a coveted Taste of Grampian Award. It also went through a £2.5 million redevelopment plan which introduced a new conference facility and a wing of stylish, contemporary rooms.
4) The Northern Open was first played at Royal Aberdeen in 1931 and is one of the oldest professional golf championships in Scotland.
5) For more information, please visit www.meldrumhouse.com
The announcement follows an extraordinary year for the hotel during which it was awarded four-star gold status by VisitScotland; an honour reserved for accommodation providers that excel in customer care, hospitality and staff development. Meldrum House also hosted The Northern Open for the third consecutive year and received a hat-trick of accolades at the Scottish hotels awards. Indeed with the official opening of the near-by Trump International Golf Links this summer, 2012 has been a year to remember for the award-winning hotel.
"It has been an incredible 12 months," admitted the hotel's head of operations and development Andy Burgess. "It started last November with the GTS award which was quickly followed by our four-star gold status from VisitScotland. Add to that the increased attention Donald Trump's new course has brought to the area and confirmation that the Scottish Open will come to Aberdeen in 2014, and you can see the north-east of Scotland is booming. We certainly hope to finish it in style at IGTM, which should be a fantastic show."
In recent years, Meldrum House has completed an ambitious expansion plan that included a £2.5 million redevelopment of a wing of contemporary rooms, the opening of a multi-purpose conference facility and the establishment of a state-of-the-art green-keeping centre. The 18-hole, 7,010-yard championship course has also seen changes with further improvements being made to playing surfaces and conditioning. The most recent work has included rebuilding a number of bunkers and improving drainage across the site.
Located just 15 miles from Trump International and a host of other top-quality courses, including Cruden Bay, Murcar Links and Royal Aberdeen, Meldrum House is ideally located for a golfing break to the north-east of Scotland. With direct flights from across Europe and a world-class golf practice facility, it's easy to see why Meldrum House has become one of Scotland's most prized country house hotels.
1) Meldrum House Country Hotel and Golf Course is renowned as one of the finest golf clubs in Scotland with its practice facilities and magnificent course situated in secluded grounds adjacent to the Aberdeenshire town of Oldmeldrum.
2) It includes an 18-hole private members golf course, extensive golf academy, 27 hotel bedrooms all of individual character, two conference suites, a marquee that holds weddings and corporate events, unique whisky bar and an award-winning restaurant.
3) Meldrum House was recently awarded a Four-Star rating by VisitScotland as well as an EatScotland Silver Award and a coveted Taste of Grampian Award. It also went through a £2.5 million redevelopment plan which introduced a new conference facility and a wing of stylish, contemporary rooms.
4) The Northern Open was first played at Royal Aberdeen in 1931 and is one of the oldest professional golf championships in Scotland.
5) For more information, please visit www.meldrumhouse.com
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