I love the new Beekman Gourmet Provisions!

 

I am just crazy over our Beekman 1802 Gourmet Provisions!  I wanted to share three of them with you.  Aside from supporting the small farm and local movement all of their products are very unique and superior in quality. 

 

Most of you know that I love to entertain!  I especially love to serve good food, but more than that...I also LOVE simple so that I can enjoy my guests.  For my store, Gatewood Hall Gracious Home I work hard to find excellent products that can "doll up" even the most simple items...or as one of my best friends says that l love to "guild the lily".  These products do just that, as well as making perfect gifts.

Beekman Hot Fudge

Made with small farm cream, butter and real goat milk!

I almost hate to do this to you. The Beekman hot fudge uses real ingredients, from small farms, including fresh goat milk. It's made the oldest-fashionest way possible...in small batches, by hand. How's it taste? Like it would win Best Hot Fudge Sauce at a 1928 church social. That real. Real chocolate. Real sugar. No corn syrup. No stabilizers.

 

Sure you can just put it over ice-cream while you're binge watching HGTV...but how about really good vanilla ice-cream in a beautiful martini glass drizzled with this sublime fudge sauce and a little cream de menthe!  How easy is that?

There's really not much more to say about it. Except that I'm sorry for creating a new addiction. It is sure to become a stable in your kitchen pantry!

Shortbread Mix

Colonial Recipe with an added touch of goat milk

 

Not only is Shortbread one of my absolute favorite cookies it is one of the earliest “cookey” recipes in colonial America. But only for special occasions... butter was a pretty valuable ingredient in those days. With a little goat milk added to the Beekman shortbread mix, because, well as the Beekman boys say... goat milk makes everything taste better. So easy to make, they are nearly fail proof!  Try these delicious, buttery treats with coffee, tea, or a big glass of cold milk. Who needs a special occasion? Well the Beekman boys just declared today “Shortbread for Everyone Day.” Seriously. They can do that.

Besides there are endless things you can do with really good shortbread. Especially during the holidays! I love to make the shortbread and then dip half of the cookie in melted caramel or chocolate. With a very tiny sprinkle of Fleur de sel. Sometimes I'll add finely chopped dried cranberries, pecans and white chocolate chunks to the mix before baking. Yummy and special.

Blaak Drizzle

As featured in Country Living..

 

The Beekman 1802 Blaak Drizzle is a reduction of balsamic vinegar, figs and the native elderberries that grow wild around the Beekman 1802 Farm and all over New York state. It is in a beautiful bottle making it a perfect gift!

The mellow sharpness of cask-aged balsamic is further tempered by the sweet figs and tart elderberries. It's totally unique flavor has been heralded in Country Living and numerous food blogs. Enjoy it drizzled over cheese, salads, slices of fruit (imagine it with grilled Georgia peaches or strawberries) and always...a favorite...over vanilla ice -cream. Sounds odd but amazingly delicious and another great way to "fancy" up ice cream for guests. I know you'll find even more uses for it, too.

 

I hope you will try these goodies out and please let me know what you think!  I'd love to hear what ideas you come up with! 

Gatewood Hall is Proud to Announce a Fabulous New Line Beekman 1802

I am so excited to announce another exclusive line at Gatewood Hall Gracious Home.  I have been following Beekman 1802 for a few years.  I love their drive, creativity and overall business smarts.  Then when I tried their products I was in love.  I can honestly say there has not been product that I haven't found wonderful.  So let me introduce you to this exciting new line.

Beekman 1802 was founded in 2008 by Josh Kilmer-Purcell (advertising executive and NY Times Bestselling author) and Dr. Brent Ridge (physician and former Vice President of Healthy Living for Martha Stewart Omnimedia) with a mission to prove that a farm is bigger than its fences.

Josh and Brent with some of their "kids"!

 

In 2008, the ‘Beekman Boys’ were laid off from their NYC jobs and stuck with a mortgage on the Beekman farm in Sharon Springs NY. Originally the farm was their country get away from the hustle of the city. The farm became their lifeline. Faced with possible foreclosure, the pair made a decision – if they were going to save their farm, they would have to make it profitable.

Beekman 1802

After taking in a neighboring farmer and his herd of beloved dairy goats, Ridge and Kilmer-Purcell began producing soaps and cheese. As other neighbors taught them how to farm, Ridge and Kilmer-Purcell shared their city-honed skills – starting a website and Mercantile. Dr. Ridge even gifted Martha Stewart a bar of their unscented goats milk soap...rumor has it that the queen of  "good things" loved their products.  The men began working with several other local farmers and artisans to market their goods, and the entire village came together to host seasonal festivals, which are now attended by thousands of visitors from around the globe.

Vanilla Goats Milk Soap

Since then, their recovery story and lifestyle brand has been chronicled by the likes of NASDAQ, Vanity Fair and the New York Times. Beekman 1802 was named as as one of "the fastest growing lifestyle brands in the country". Josh also authored the New York Times bestselling memoir, The Bucolic Plague, about the very beginnings of Beekman 1802. (I loved this book it is very funny and inspirational!)

In 2015, Beekman 1802 unveiled a Goat Milk bath and body line and gourmet food products for the North American specialty gift and independent market. Most of 1802’s products feature Goat Milk as a key ingredient; emphasize ingredients from a Farm, rather than a lab; and are Made in America. Their gourmet provisions are simple and outstanding. They can take something from "drab to fab" and make you look like a seasoned chef (and you know how I love simple!!)

They have also written some excellent cookbooks, as well as their new Style Book which is absolutely lovely.  (these books make perfect gifts!!) I can't wait to hear your feedback!!  After all...as they say..."Beekman 1802 is for city folk who long for the country, and for country folk that dream of the city". Keep following our FaceBook page and this blog as I highlight some of their products and recipes.

Some Beekman 1802 Gourmet Provisions at Gatewood Hall

 

Beekman 1802 Style Book

 

Rumor has it....

For everything that I love about our little town of Blue Ridge there is one thing that is kind of crazy and that is the rumor mill….I guess for some rumors are just more exciting than the truth.

Let me start at the beginning.  I felt I had weathered the storm with the separation of Shawn and I last year…wow… did the rumors fly then, but we intentionally decided not to address it publicly because quite frankly it wasn’t anything interesting.  For the record Shawn is doing great.  He works with one of my vendors so we chat often and while I miss him dearly we are in a very good place.  Even though he has no ownership in Gatewood Hall Gracious Home he is very supportive. He is after all the other original creator of this business and I believe he sincerely wants to see it thrive.

So now this most recent issue…It started out so innocently.  A small space came available on Main Street, some people I know mentioned it to me, I inquired as a secondary or satellite location to help drive business to the big store...it was already leased basically the end of the story.  Let me say this, I love the West Side.  I have the most wonderful landlord, I love our space.  Great neighbors (Pat and Polina of Blue Ridge Brewery, Cindy at Design Re-Find and Linda at L&L Beanery are amazing for this town!) but in retail it is location, and one can’t help but wonder “how would I do in that other location?  Is it better?” 

All of a sudden I am bombarded with questions and comments.  “When are you moving?”, “I hate you are closing”, “I heard the business is for sale”, “I know exactly where you are moving” and my favorite “when is the big going out of business sale?”  Sad thing is being perpetuated. There are indeed a few businesses for sale on Main Street and in Blue Ridge however GATEWOOD HALL IS NOT ONE OF THEM. Furthermore… I HAVE NO INTENTION OF MOVING OR CLOSING MY BUSINESS AT THIS TIME.  (Whew!)

So here is the deal.  I’m in it!  I have never been more excited yet content (if that makes sense?).  I realize that several of you have said you never get to see me…I hate that the most.  I promise I am here, especially behind the scenes, doing all the buying, marketing, and planning.  I am in the store most weekends “holding court” as I call it because I love visiting with you…I’m usually worthless on Saturdays to the rest of the team but, I sure have a good time!  Apparently many of you are early birds and beat me in the morning so we miss each other.

Most of you know that I have a corporate position that I LOVE! (My real job, as I call it) I still maintain homes in Blue Ridge and in Atlanta.  It is busy but I enjoy both so much I’m not willing to give either up just yet… However, that is why I am so thankful for my GH team Chrissy, Val, Bonnie and Brenda for keeping it all together in my absence.  I couldn’t have better or more loyal people looking out for me, and who care about my beloved store the way that I do. 

As I continue to try and “squelch” rumors let me share this…We will be closing for a few days just to do very minor “fluffing”, paint, restaging etc.  I have a ton of new merchandise, several new lines and I am revamping a few things.  Originally my goal was to have very different things…  I am going back to the original GH model, I will cherry pick lines, buy small amounts, market samples, “one of a kind” finds, etc.  When they are gone- they are gone and we will move on to new things (I know how you all are, and you are like me- we love new stuff!) Don't worry we will still keep our favorite staples but I am buying from all over the place and searching for lines that offer protection or exclusivity. I also want to get back to the blog I promise…it means so much to me that several of you tell me you miss it!!  (Actually you have no idea! I love sharing and inspiring!) 

Finally, this was probably way too much info…but heck, I consider you family… I feel like if you took the time to read this verbose post you truly care. I want to say this... I mean, YELL this from the rooftops- THANK YOU-THANK YOU- THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for supporting me and Gatewood Hall.  Your loyalty is not taken lightly.  I know that oftentimes you can go online or even somewhere else to purchase things that you choose to buy from me and I appreciate it more than you know.  I always enjoy hearing from you so I welcome your comments and suggestions.  See a line that you love? As long as it is not already in Blue Ridge let me know.  I'll check it out.  Let’s just continue to have fun while being so blessed to be enjoying our little part of heaven in the North Georgia Mountains!

My Simplified Holiday UPDATE!

 

Ok, I wanted to give you a quick update on how my simplified holiday is working out.  The photo above is in my kitchen of my mountain home.  Shawn and I bought this sign probably ten years ago, I thought it was sold with our first mountain cabin, somehow I just came across it last week in one of my storage buildings how serendipitous?!  So glad I found it I love it!

Saturday afternoon I left the store early and went to a wonderful holiday open house.  I have to tell you it was so nice, these are new friends who recently purchased a second home here in the mountains and they have done an amazing job on their new north Georgia getaway...So many clever things!  One of them is quite the cook and the food was outstanding.  Imagine this thick homemade sugar type cookie with sea salt, sprinkled on top...this cookie literally melted in your mouth!!! Or a chocolate chip whoopie pie!! I've been trying to be good but I could have gone crazy!...Sorry…I digress.  Just look at the next three photos!! 
 

Sugar Cookies (left) Chocolate Chip Whoopie Pies! 

Red Velvet Peppermint Brownies & Coconut Cupcakes Love The Display!

Fun Way To Present Crudite

While at the open house I was visiting with some other friends and decided since I was "so prepared" I'd invite some of them over for a drink that evening.  I then realized it would be close to dinner time and they'd need more than a cocktail and some little nibbley things. 

Now you have to understand I am fortunately blessed with some of the most amazingly, smart and talented friends.  They can cook, decorate and more so, the pressure could be there.  But in staying with my whole "keeping it simple" mantra I decided to do just that…I now needed dinner for at least six and had about an hour to do it.

So I called a local restaurant and ordered two large pizzas, some pasta, salad and buttery, garlic rolls.  I came home transferred it into my own casserole dishes popped it into a warm oven.  I lit my candles, turned on the holiday music, set up a buffet style line, opened the bar, (poured myself a nice glass of red wine) and made a quick platter of olives, cheese, crackers, salami, and almonds.  Just in time for their arrival. 

It was so easy and my very gracious guests seemed to have a nice time. (None of them made fun of my "take out" food.  At least not to my face anyway!)

For dessert I served a platter of "bakery bought" cookies and egg nog (it was store bought but we "kicked it up" a bit) and then added nutmeg and cinnamon.  We sat in front of the fire, visited and relaxed.

 

Serve Egg Nog in a Martini Glass!

I believe that my friends and I realized that the food was not the primary component of our evening but it was the wonderful fellowship instead and that is what we enjoyed the most!  I'm loving my simplified holidays!  Hope you are making the most of yours! 

My Simplified Holiday Season

I am determined to enjoy the holidays without all of the typical stress.  Last year I was still recovering from my first Achilles repair and I just wanted to get through the holidays.  This year has been full of interesting change and I'm so excited about the holidays and the new year...I feel it is important to celebrate.  So I am trying something different, as I was discussing my thoughts with a customer she suggested that I post it and then let everyone know how it goes!

Instead of trying to have a big holiday party I'm opting to have more casual impromptu gatherings with just a few folks at a time.  I think this will be better because I'll really get to visit with and enjoy my friends. 

Here's my plan and how I'm going to do it: 

This past week I finished my holiday decorating (definitely scaled back from previous years!) But I felt this was as important for me as it is for guests.  I did a very small vintage looking, gold tinsel tree in my in my bedroom.  It’s all new and a little over the top but I’m enjoying it.  In my living room I put up a small pencil tree, I wasn’t going to do it but I have some very special “Chloe” ornaments that I really wanted to display. Outside I went all natural, I used live garland and wreaths, and stuffed the window boxes with various evergreens from my property.



My Bedroom Tinsel Tree



Pencil Tree and Mantle

I ran errands one night after work so that I could stock my bar and wine cooler including a couple bottles of Champagne.   I also purchased some other treats including great cheeses, cured meats, Marcona almonds, delicious olives, a few kinds of crackers, as well as some sweets like a new favorite Panettone raisin cake, French truffles, peppermint bark, and some of my special “Holiday Snack Mix” (my recipe is below). I feel like these items along with some great Gatewood Hall provisions (Yes, this a shameless plug) like our Sansaba Peach Pecan Amaretto preserves to pour over cream cheese or pound cake, blood orange curd by Bella Cucina to put in their tiny butter crusts or even some GH black bean salsa will give me plenty of options for some quick and tasty snacks or appetizers.  These items have a long shelf life and besides, who wouldn't love a nice Chartecurie board and a glass of wine?

Wonderful Provisions

I have my iPod loaded with a special holiday mix.  I neatly put all of my holiday magazines, catalogs and Christmas cards in a nice basket complete with pens and stamps, I keep it beside my bed so if I want some holiday inspiration or feel like writing out a few cards I can do it easily.
 

My Magazine and Holiday Card Basket

I’m burning holiday candles (Available at GH J) and I am even listening to holiday music in my car. 

I’m having a few small, casual and intimate dinners, a few friends for a traditional afternoon high tea, and possibly a nice brunch.  I am also taking advantage of our great restaurants in Blue Ridge.  For our GH team celebration we are going to Cucina Rustica. Or what could be better than meeting a few friends for sliders, Pat’s great brews and some wonderful soup by Polina at Blue Ridge Brewery?  

So here’s how my plan is going so far…The other night I had friends over. We sat in front of the fire (I confess I had the AC on because Mother Nature didn’t cooperate and it was really too warm for a fire!) drank wine, ate Spanish cheese, olives, almonds, pate and French bread.  Then we had a very simple salad, along with a shrimp and pasta dish (more wine!) and then a sampling of fantastic cupcakes and truffles from my girls at the Sweet Shoppe of Blue Ridge.  I have to tell you it was a wonderful and stress-free evening with lots of conversation and laughs.  Exactly what I was hoping for that evening!
 

Tablescape for Small Dinner Party

I’ll keep you posted on how the rest of the season goes. Wish me luck and most importantly I hope you and your loved ones have a very special holiday season with many, many wonderful memories.

Corky's Holiday Snack Mix

1-  Can (1 LB 2.75 OZ)  Planters Winter Spiced Mixed Nuts
1-  Bag (12 OZ) White Chocolate Chips
2-  Bag (8 OZ or more if you like) Dried Cranberries
1-  Bag (5 OZ) Emerald Brand Glazed Pecan Pie Pecans (Optional but delicious!)

Mix together and store in an air-tight tin or jar!  Enjoy!!

Wonderful Easter Memories

Happy Easter Weekend! I woke up realizing that I am so very fortunate to have such wonderful Easter Memories. If you have read this blog before you have heard me talk about my mother many times and how she loves the holidays! Easter was sure one of them, and like I have said before to this day she decorates like crazy and creates special memories for all of us but, especially now her beloved grandchildren Hunter & Madison! Also to this day I still get some sort of Easter basket or goody from mom!

Growing up I remember going to church (Of course I always had a new outfit!), a very special Easter lunch, but my favorite was waking up to a fabulous basket the Easter Bunny had left! Please don't get me wrong I went to a religious private school so we never forgot the reason for this joyous day we gave up things for lent, we fasted, and ate no meat on Fridays, but on the day of His Resurrection we really celebrated it!

Easter Morning was almost as exciting as expecting Santa Claus! My Easter bunny left a basket filled with all kinds of neat goodies (it wasn't the pre-made kind wrapped in cello) it was very personalized. A couple of times it was hidden at the end of a path of jelly beans (**Note to Easter Bunny put the dog up or the jelly bean trail will be eaten and the overall idea doesn't work very well!) As I got older my basket had more and more practical items and less candy but it was always special for me!

I have to say one of the most special and best ever Easter Baskets was about fourteen years ago when Shawn and I were surprised by the Easter Bunny (aka: Corky this particular year) with our beloved and cherished Dachshund puppy Chloe! My good friend Scott and I drove to somewhere near Alabama on Good Friday and met Chloe and her mother and it was love at first sight! When Shawn come home I said "You just missed the Easter Bunny and look what he left", and there she was this tiny little baby nearly asleep in an Easter basket! Scott and I were kind of worried because she had slept the entire ride home, I even stopped at a vet on the way home and said is there anything wrong with this puppy? She is so sleepy, he laughed and said to just wait until she wakes up...and he was right. When she woke up she was WIDE OPEN! To this day that girl plays hard and sleeps hard (some of you have witnessed the sleep hard part behind the counter of the store!) I can't begin to tell you how much that little dog has meant to Shawn and I, we are those crazy dog people who love her more than you can imagine! Sorry I digress...!

The point of this post is that not only is spring such a celebration in itself, enjoy this special weekend of "Newness" whatever your faith or dogma is. Create a special memory for yourself or a special loved one or even a total stranger! Make someone a special personalized Easter basket or home made card, go outside and cut some budding branches (I love dogwoods or azaleas now!) and make a pretty arrangement, call a friend you haven't talked to in awhile just to catch up. Remind yourself...What is your favorite Easter memory?

Finally- of course if you need help creating a special Easter basket come down to one of our stores "Our Bunnies" can help! Heck just stop in have a few jelly beans and say hi!

Happy -Spring Happy Easter! I hope you have a WONDERFUL weekend!

Tangerine Tango Named 2012 Color of the Year

You may remember back in September I did a post on the Pantone Institute, they are the originator of the Pantone Matching System (PMS) and I wrote about their Spring 2012 color predictions. Well every year in January they pick one color that they believe will be the color of the year! Kind of like waiting on the groundhog we always look forward to their big news because we are usually preparing for the January Atlanta Market so we want to be aware of any big new trends.
Drum roll please....

The Color of the year 2012 is... TANGO TANGERINE

According to the official announcement, the deep red-orange color is intended to give us all a big boost of energy; a recharge and a refresh. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Institute tells us more about the choice for 2012:

“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it. Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

With the latest recognition, tangerine tango becomes a slightly more elite spoke in the world's color wheel, joining, in addition to 2011's honeysuckle, such hallowed hues as turquoise (2010), mimosa (2009), blue iris (2008), chili pepper (2007), sand dollar (2006), blue turquoise (2005), tigerlily (2004), aqua sky (2003), true red (2002) fuchsia rose (2001) and cerulean (2000).

Pantone states that, pop culture, fashion and finance all influenced the conclusion that Tangerine Tango represents tempered optimism and a move to better times ahead. Over the past several years, orange has grown in popularity and acceptance among designers and consumers alike.

But unlike in years past, Thursday's announcement of the radiant, reddish orange's rising-star status came with an unprecedented level of merchandising in place, including messenger bags, coffee mugs, journals, coffee mugs and even wedding attire, all imbued with the soon-to-be hot hue. Look for Tangerine Tango and similar shades of orange to appear on everything from bicycles to handbags, chairs to china. Cheerful yet sophisticated, it's a color that spells style. Think Hermes and you get the picture.

Perhaps most noteworthy was the announcement of Pantone's collaboration with Sephora on a first-ever, limited-edition Color of the Year beauty collection, which will include eye shadow, lipstick, lip gloss, nail polish and accessories. It is scheduled to hit Sephora stores in March.

Now honestly I find that people either love the orange color-way or hate it... there doesn't seem to be an in-between. I must say that I am finding that I like it much more than I used to. It really is "fresh" and I think cheerful for the spring and summer especially. It also coordinates with many more colors than one would imagine. I love it with white and dark army green for that "preppy" look.

While we don't suggest that you run out and paint your entire house a Tangerine Tango hue, we do think it is fun to watch and follow trends. Maybe you can infuse just a little into your home or wardrobe?

Come into our Blue Ridge location and check our our Inspiration Vignette, hopefully we can inspire you to open up to the possibilities!! Orange you glad we told you? (couldn't resist!)

Made in America with Gatewood Hall: Are You In?

Recently Shawn and I have been following a story on ABC World News with Diane Sawyer (http://abcnews.go.com/WN/mailform?id=14998335) that really struck a chord with us. The story is “Made in America Christmas”. According to this report the National Retail Federation estimates that the average American will spend a little over $700 on holiday gifts this year, totaling more than $465 billion. If that money was spent entirely on US Made products it would create 4.6 million jobs. But the story goes that it doesn’t have to even be that big…if each of us spent just $64 on American made goods during the holiday season, the result would be 200,000 new jobs. (That is AWESOME!!)

We would love it if all of our merchandise were made in the US…sadly it is nearly impossible to do that. We have always loved made in the US products and especially those with a Georgia connection. With this in mind Shawn and I are asking “Are you in?” and in order to help we are going through our product lines and marking them with signs and labels that show American products as well as those with the Georgia connection. So if you are in, you can easily spend your $64 on wonderful made in America products (and we have some good ones!!)

Look for the following signs throughout our stores! Feel free to ask us if you have any questions. Also we want to say thanks for shopping locally with us! We can’t begin to tell you how much we appreciate it!! Please forward this message to your family and friends so they can think about this no matter where they shop! Happy Holidays!

We're Celebrating Joy This Holiday Season At Gatewood Hall Gracious Home!

We are celebrating "Joy" this Holiday season at Gatewood Hall Gracious Home!

"When was the last time your heart was lifted by a wave of pure happiness? When you felt so delighted by an unexpected little miracle that you couldn't stop yourself from smiling? When you found time in a busy day to give joy to someone else? Joy must be the way we travel. Give yourself the gift of joy, and pass it on to others."

Our holiday theme was inspired by the wonderful new gift book that we will be selling by the same name"Joy"written and compiled by M.H. Clark.

We loved the concept from the book that said:"It's been said that days are long but the years are short. We fill our days with obligations and appointments, and reserve joy for special occasions, holidays, weekends and stolen moments. If we want joy to be the story of our years, joy must be the story of our days. Joy must be a daily choice, a habit, a promise we make to ourselves."

Isn't that food for thought? So as we all get busy with the "holiday duties" we are hoping that our theme will remind all of us to celebrate "Joy" in everything that we do throughout the year! We promise to do our best to help.

Come by our stores and see our new arrivals and our 2011 Holiday collection. (P.S. The book "Joy" makes a wonderful gift for only $12.95 check it out!)

Another Wonderful Blue Ridge Memory! Thanks Jamie & Nathan

Shawn and I have attended many weddings...several because of the event component of Gatewood Hall. I happen to love weddings, I'm sentimental and often get a little "teary eyed" even if I barely know the couple. I guess I just like the significance, the ceremony, and even the hope of two people who among their friends and loved ones share this special time of commitment to one another.

This past evening we were fortunate enough to be guests at the wedding of Jamie Abercrombie and Nathan Nicholson. (I don’t always post about other people’s personal events but, I was so touched by last night that I wanted to share this experience with you. I received approval of the bride prior to posting this on the blog). I have to tell you that this truly was another special Blue Ridge Memory! An absolutely perfect North Georgia autumn evening at Aska Farms, the mountain vistas were amazing. As the sun dropped into the horizon we sat on bales of hay in a picturesque field, there were beautiful, rustic floral arrangements in mason jars, (designed with love by those creative Dorn gals!) We listened to some wonderful acoustic songs of love well chosen by Jamie (I'd actually love to have a cd because it was such a great mix!) and anxiously waited for the ceremony to begin. And when it began...Wow! The neutral color pallet, selected by the bride let everyone shine, honestly this was one of the most handsome bridal parties I have ever seen! (It was a bit of a hike from the house to the alter in the field) These beautiful ladies walked like professional models in high heels into the mountain field. I thought to myself poor Jamie has to make that hike in her gown... Not to worry she had already figured that one out...she was delivered to her obviously proud father in a beautifully restored 1955 Chevy! (How's that for a grand entrance?)

Jamie is a gorgeous young woman but on this day she was even more stunning and radiant she chose the perfect simple yet elegant gown by Vera Wang adorned with a fabulous custom necklace by her friend Lynn Kemp (Owner/Designer of Gawdy Baubles & Made It! jewelry). During the ceremony set against the most beautiful mountain backdrop it is hard to describe the special mood, but there was this peaceful calm that just felt so wonderful and sublime! From the wedding party including the bride, groom and even the guests it was just relaxed, intimate and genuinely fun. Who could ever ask for more on their special day?

A fantastic reception followed with delicious food and drink, fun toasts and dancing. It was a true celebration of two hearts joined together supported by people who sincerely wanted to be there and be a part of this special moment in Jamie and Nathan’s life.

As Shawn and I left the party we both commented “Now, that is what a wedding should feel like! What a great time!” The real message of this posting it that as I reflect on last night and what made it such a special time is that the Bride and her Groom really set the tone. Jamie and Nathan have been together nine years already (Their anniversary of their first date was this past Tuesday!)…so maybe that honest, heartfelt love generated this peaceful and ever-so-relaxed calm that everyone got to experience. What I know for sure is this…I along with everyone that I spoke with thoroughly enjoyed this special evening and I am happy that I was lucky enough to be a part of it! Jamie and Nathan thank you for such a special Blue Ridge Memory, we wish you all of the best for a wonderful life together with lots more love, laughter and happiness that you both deserve.

Autumn Harvest at Gatewood Hall

Well today is the first day of Autumn, and while I know not everyone is crazy about this time of year (Shawn Hall being one of those) I happen to love it! Many of you have heard stories about my mother and how much she enjoys decorating for the holidays and seasons...I remember my very first apartment, late September and she shows up with mums, and pumpkins that she had just purchased at the farmer's market to "help me decorate and get into the fall spirit" you guessed it, she loves the fall too!

Fall is especially nice in the North Georgia mountains, our neck of the woods becomes majestic and mother nature...well, she just "shows out"! Our very beloved British friend Ellie used to sit in a rocking chair on the porch of our cabin and look out at our view of Rich Mountain and say "That my dear is evidence of God!" and I couldn't agree more.

It's not just the beauty, it's the color, the crispness in the air, the idea of nesting and cozying up that I just love. (Don't get me wrong in early December I'll be dreaming of Spring) But for now I enjoy how some things just sort of slow down.

So this time of year brings us to our next theme that we call Autumn Harvest at Gatewood Hall! We'll be highlighting some of the our picks or things that we have in our shops and in our community that we especially love this time of year!

Some great fall inspired gourmet gear and goodies for your pantry or to keep handy for hostess gifts!

Beautiful decor for your harvest table and wreaths for your doors! Love these vintage looking wild turkeys and the faux gourds and pumpkins that we have look unbelievably real!

The new fall Caspari collection of napkins and guest towels are exceptionally beautiful this season. My mom always says buy those pretty paper napkins, "don't store them away, use them...they make an ordinary sandwich or drink taste better". You know what? She is right!!

We love this line and we have carried it for quite awhile, and they keep adding more beautiful pieces. These new items are gorgeous! I love the wood and pewter mix on the salad and nut bowls. The stag wine glass would be a great gift for the man in your life. Imagine a good red wine in that glass while sitting in front of the fire in your mountain home! The little squirrel on the stump is a salt and pepper set, the stump is for salt the squirrel holds pepper...how great is that?

A new gourmet line that we have is Captain Rodney's! The Boucan Glaze is a quick and easy cooking trick. It can be brushed on as a glaze for any game, fish, fowl, beans or vegetables. Straight out of the bottle, it makes the perfect dipping sauce for chicken or shrimp, quick and easy to use, always ready to add just the right amount of sweet spice to any dish. This glaze is added after cooking so you get full, rich flavor without the time and trouble of a traditional marinade. No long waits, just easy, all-natural flavor. We love the recipe for the famous cheese bake appetizer...we'll give you the recipe card on the bottle but- just to get your mouth watering.. you mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mayo, scallions, top with crisp bacon bits and buttery cracker crumbs and then drizzle with Captain Rodney's sweet, spicy glaze bake and serve warm with crackers, it is DIVINE!! Our friend who turned us onto "Hot Squeeze" told us about Captain Rodney's, what a great gift to keep on hand! Another one of our customers Martha from Alabama (who does famous catering) says she's used Captain Rodney's forever, she said "We call it the stuff that could make cardboard taste good!" She serves it over her well-loved southern fried chicken, YUM!

We also have Captain Rodney's Temptation of Jezebel Sauce which brings back a traditional recipe of the Treasure Coast. A sweet and tangy taste of the old south with tropical pineapples, sweet apples, cracked black pepper and a little horseradish for just the right amount of bite. Try it as a glaze over meat and vegetables or serve it as an appetizer with cream cheese and crackers. (I love it on a ham and swiss cheese sandwhich or biscuit). With just one bite you will see why the Temptation of Jezebel is impossible to resist.
Gosh now I'm so hungry!! Happy Fall Y'all! Please do come in and see us!

**P.S. I just had to come back in and add this footnote. It is around 11AM, I just called my mother on her cell to tell her to be sure to read this new blog post that I wrote last night..."OK" She said "Honey, let me call you back I can't talk, I'm on my way to Grandma's, I picked up mums and pumpkins and I can't even see out of my car, this is bad, I'm gonna have to pull over to rearrange..." I laughed and said- be careful, just call me later...Is that funny or what?? :) I LOVE YOU MOM!!

Pantone Reveals Spring 2012 Color Trend Forecast

Pantone Spring 2012 Color Report is revealed. It is Fashion Week in New York, and you have probably seen all of the new fashion commercials on television. The Kardashian’s collection at Sears, Mark Anthony & Jennifer Lopez at Kohl’s and the biggest shock of all Missoni at Target. Many of the zig zag Missoni items have already sold out, some pieces are already on eBay at four times the price. I guess it is as close as many can get when you consider that one of their tank shirts are being sold at Target for $29 versus the original for $595 at Bergdorf Goodman.

This is also the time that The Spring 2012 color report from Pantone is revealed. Pantone, a global authority on color for the last 18 years, surveys the prominent colors at New York Fashion Week each season to reveal the upcoming color trends that are expected to be most popular in fashion and interiors. Because we work in the Interior Design and Retail business we always like to keep on top of this report. In a few short weeks we’ll be going to the international Home Furnishings Market in High Point and it will be interesting to see these new color trends on furniture, fabric and other home accents.

You will notice that this season’s pallet features a variety of colors, ranging from cheerful vivid hues to muted tones and pastels. Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®, spoke of the new color report in a press release, stating “Consumers look to spring for renewed energy, optimism and the promise of a brighter day. They have learned how color can help them alter a mood and provide the vitality and enthusiasm that enables them to experiment with new looks and color combinations.” I like that there are some natural versatile neutrals to add practicality to this season's brights. Driftwood, an adaptable blend of beige and gray with a slightly weathered feel, and Starfish, a perfect warm summer neutral, complement all colors featured in this season's top 10

The Spring 2012 Color Report is called “Dance Into Spring 2012” Visit the Pantone website (http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr.aspx?pg=20911&ca=4) to learn more about the 2012 Report. Let us know what you think about Pantone’s selections, as well as your favorite color from the palette.

Photo credit: Pantone.com & Target.com

Check Out The Sweet Shoppe Blue Ridge

Have we got something fabulous to tell you about. We have a new Sweet Shoppe in Blue Ridge and it is WONDERFUL!!! Susan Catron and Nikki Gribble opened this great place a little while back and shame on us, we just now got a chance to visit. You probably know both of these ladies as they have been very involved in our community for awhile but lucky for us they have decided to share this side of their talents with us in their new Sweet Shoppe! The space itself has never looked better, it reminds you of a little French Patisserie, so quaint and cozy! Filled with beautiful confections including home-made cookies, hand-made artisan truffles, premium dipped north Georgia apples, berries and cherries UNBELIEVABLE!! They also have some very, very special gourmet cupcakes. In fact they have so many flavors you can visit their website (www.sweetshoppeblueridge.com) for their entire menu or friend them on FaceBook (facebook.com/sweetshoppeblueridge) for the daily menu. Today we had Tres Leche (my favorite!!), Chocolate Cream Pie (Shawn's favorite), Key Lime Pie & Blond Bombshell (my second favorite)!! They are as beautiful as they are delicious. We can't wait to try Banana's Foster, Mississippi Mud, Orange Dreamsicle...oh who are we kidding...we want to try all of them. We hear that their new fall menu is coming out soon.... Heaven help us! Wonder how many Weight Watchers Points are in these babies??? Oh who cares, they are worth it!

Above a skewer of blueberries, hand-dipped in luscious, premium chocolate! Susan told me that Nikki is the "Chocolatier" and I am telling you each treat is like a beautiful, ittle work of art!

Above handmade artisan truffles, in flavors like Thin Mint, Oreo Cheesecake, Orange Melt, Coconut Cherry, and Irish Cream! What a beautiful gift these would make!

The Sweet Shoppe Blue Ridge is located in the courtyard below Harvest across from Christy Lee's (576 East Main Street, Suite D Blue Ridge, Georgia) and get this they are open late on Friday and Saturday so you can stop in after dinner for a little dessert treat. Also great to know they will ship their speciality items!! Treat yourself, go in today...Tell them Corky & Shawn sent you...you will probably see us there. ENJOY you are gonna love it!!