Blossom came across literally boxes of silver from both her mother and mother-in-law, that had long since been paid attention to. Yes, polishing silver is traditionally a line of subject on one’s intended “To-Do” list.  But over the years, it has become a tradition for my mother and I, as more of a bonding experience: in both making memories and remembering.

With every exquisite piece either inherited or collected comes a story. Where it came from? Who used it? How was it used? …Who’s Birthday, Wedding, Anniversary does it commemorate?

As Blossom groaned at the sight as boxes to tackle, Mom and I jumped right in fishing for what treasure we knew would find. As the silver shined up, and our wine bottle emptied, monograms and engravings revealed themselves to inspire tales of lineage, heritage and loved ones. Before we knew it, Blossom was having so much fun remembering bits of family history, her husband was soon hooked into participating, as well!

As a result, the exercise of wiping away tarnish on these treasured items may not just bring them back to brilliance, but can also lend itself to polishing up memories that may be fading underneath the clutter of today’s “To-Do”.

My soon to arrive nephew, Gray, is due September 22, 2010. In designing the Nursery, we have gone through piles of fabric samples in searching for the right pallet combination. Our favorite?… one that doesn’t work. Our Solution?… this piece of fabric has served for inspiration for almost every element of the traditional preparations.   Take a look:

Doors to open… 

I’ve been speaking with The Flamingo Place Nursery here in Austin, TX in further developing the Village Market located at their Pots and Plants garden center. As a result, we at The Gilt Studio are pleased to announce and much looking forward to inviting you to visit, shop, stroll through our very first, very own Gilt Studio Market Place Store Front.

We will have on display our made to order products and furniture for your tangible viewing and ordering pleasure. Pieces of our Table` Couture; Gilt Antler Collection will be available for your immediate purchase and take home convenience. And, much more of our Gallery and One-of-a-Kind Original Works of Art will be offered for your selection and collecting.

Currently at the Village is Lush Floral, Lavande Lavander Farm, OLA Organic Landscape Architects, Shaved Ice Stand, Fredricksburg Peaches Fridge,  and a variety of Farmers Market and Produce Vendors visiting on the weekends…

I will certainly keep you posted and look forward to announcing our Grand Opening!

Enjoy,

Palmer

Will and S.J. sent in this rather “aged” set of antlers, bone- in-tack… wanting an elegant and unique candelabra for their dining table.

Over e-mail we designed their layout and here is the transformation:

I saw these serving plates at a small fashion boutique used to display a series of jewelery pieces.

I’ve used glass hurricanes, decorative boxes, and a draped stack of books as the base of serving plates to create depth and variance in height for my table scape at gatherings. But, the eclectic matching of a fine crystal glass and heirloom china dish, struck me as perfect match for serving Homemade Biscuits, Grilled Asparagus, and thinly sliced Roast Beef at Saturday Morning Brunch.

Clever for last minute, or fully thought out parties… These serving pieces add a little extra character and creativity to your memorable event. Just imagine what a Mint Julep Cup would look like as a base?!

If you are nervous about the plate falling over, but don’t want to ruin it with permanent glue, try Scotch Tape’s Removable Double Sided Tape used frequently in decorating for the Holidays.

Enjoy,

-Palmer

Just because it’s doing the dirty work, doesn’t mean your liquid dish soap has to look the part?! Take out that manufactured plastic bottle of soap from under your kitchen sink, and dress up the dispenser to let your kitchen style shine!… Spotlessly, Effortlessly and virtually Cost Free!

Re-dispense your soap into that previously enjoyed, funky, now empty bottle from your favorite Wine? …Salad Dressing?…Liquor?!…  Whatever?! Pop on a spout top (found in most home bars, olive oil bottles, or at The Container Store) and dress your kitchen counter to make your cleaning work look like play.

Not only are you sprucing up your household chores, but you will also be sprucing up your contributions to today’s recycling efforts! (that is assuming you toss your old  “Reggie Miller” dispenser in the “Blue Bucket”)

Hope you Enjoy!… your way to the Happy Plate Club haha

-Palmer