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

 

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!)

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!)

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

Sansaba for Your Summer Pantry

This week we are highlighting a perfect product for your summer pantry. A longstanding GH Favorite... Sansaba Preserves! The original Peach, Pecan & Amaretto has been a top selling product for us since we opened and we still love it! All of the flavors are great over cream cheese and served with crackers for a great appetizer. One of our customers loves to make special sundaes with Breyer's vanilla ice cream, and I love to (O.K. I know this not a heart healthy recipe) pan fry homemade pound cake (from the freezer) in butter and then top with any flavor, add some whipped cream...YUM!

Try this recipe for a easy yet fantastic pie that everyone loves!

One of our customers made this pie for a church social and everyone went crazy over it. She was so excited because she isn't much of a cook so she is usually asked to bring paper products however, after this pie everyone asks her to bring dessert. She bought a case of Sansaba to have on hand, and get this she won't give out the recipe as it is now her "secret". While this recipe calls for peach, pecan and amaretto it really works well with any of their flavors.

It is great on pancakes, or waffles on slathered on a biscuit (another customer told me last week that she eats it straight from the jar! I'll mention no names, we don't judge!)

Finally, one of my favorites is to grill chicken and then baste it with the peach, pecan and jalapeno serve on rice and it is AWESOME!! Come try it out if you haven't already! A must have for your summer pantry.

Summer Entertaining is Simple With a Well-Stocked Summer Pantry

It seems like during the summer unexpected guests can drop in at anytime, but that doesn't have to catch you unprepared. The key to successful entertaining on the fly is the idea behind the Gatewood Hall properly stocked “Summer Pantry”. Below is an extensive list of items a gracious host or hostess could keep on hand. Please don’t be overwhelmed. Rather than store them all just select a few that suit your tastes. Pick items that you love and that are versatile (for your needs) and then keep them in supply. Convenience products are not all the same. I have a few of my favorites to keep in the pantry and freezer during the summer for last-minute appetizers, snacks, quick meals or to dress up leftovers. I will share those with you over the next few weeks.

As I have mentioned, I believe the key to the successful Summer Pantry is to stock up on versatile, shelf-stable ingredients so you can knock out a tray of hors d'oeuvres at a moment's notice.

Must-have options for the cupboard:
o A good quality mild cracker or crisp bread
o Cheese straws- (A true southern expectation. There are so many great store-bought versions there is no need to make them, most are foil sealed which gives them a long shelf life, or you can even freeze them.)
o Pickled veggies— For serving as antipasto or garnishing a Bloody Mary or Martini
o Canned dolmades- (stuffed grape leaves), a Greek treat stuffed with rice.
o Jarred roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes— Items like these plus a little fresh garlic dress up a jarred pasta sauce, or can be used atop crackers in hors d'oeuvres
o Jarred pesto- Spread it on crackers or slices of crusty bread. (Pesto just tastes like summer to me and while I love to make it from scratch there are so many great jarred versions you can’t go wrong.)
o Nuts- Pistachios, smoked, mixed- (My favorite is Marcona almonds from Spain. They are sold at many specialty stores, but the best buy is from Costco. Marcona almonds are flat and crunchy, and have a more delicate flavor than American almonds. They're simple, classic, satisfying and healthy too.)
o Stuffed olives— keep a few jarred or canned varieties on hand, preferably good quality ones with a twist such as stuffed with garlic, jalapeno, or even almonds. (Sometimes I’ll buy a mixed jar of olives, drain and refill with a hearty red wine, but be sure to refrigerate if you do this)
o Unique or special salsa- (I usually keep a regional peach or fruit version and a great traditional flavor)
o Olive tapenade
o Jarred eggplant appetizer
o Wonderful fruit jam or chutney

o Good local honey
o Really great mustard
o Your favorite mayo (you can add things to it to make it a great spread)
o Dry salami, pepperoni or other cured meat
o A can of quality Italian tuna in oil for sauces or topping salads and crackers- (Truthfully I never keep this on hand this but I have a friend who swears by it!)

Beverages

o Champagne or Prosecco— Serve alone in the evening or mix with juice and garnish with a strawberry for mimosas at brunch
o Sparkling water
o Soda
o Beer
o Red wine
o White wine

Seasonings, Stocks & Spices

o Extra virgin olive oil
o Balsamic vinegar and a flavored dipping oil- (like garlic, basil, or lemon)
o Sea salts ( I love the flavored versions like lavender or citrus)
o Chicken, Beef & Vegetable stock
o Garlic powder- (I prefer the jarred crushed garlic)
o Canned Italian tomatoes and paste (I love good canned tomatoes!)
o A good pre-made canned sauce (You can add some spices to give them a bit of flare. Without question an unusual pasta and a jar of sauce + added fresh garlic and herbs to brighten the flavors create a no-fuss dinner.)

Rice & Pastas
Boil, drain and pour your favorite sauce and you are good to go.

o Arborio ( aka: Risotto)
o A couple varieties of pastas (I like the idea of Penne, Linguini and Tri-colored Fusili)
o Jasmine or Brown Rice

Crusts, Bread & Shells in the Freezer
These are great to have in the freezer. Just thaw and fill with just about anything for a last minute appetizer or dessert.

o Frozen puff pastry
o French Baguette
o Ready-made pizza dough
o Pie crusts

Cheese in the Fridge
Most cheeses last for a really long time in the fridge, and can be a valuable addition to your Summer Pantry

o Cream cheese
o Goat cheese
o Wedge of Cheddar
o Chunk of Parmigiano- Reggiano
o Brie

Desserts

o Vanilla ice cream (a really good one, I prefer good ole Hagen Daz)
o Cookies (I have a friend who makes a big batch of their favorite cookie dough and freezes them for an easy quick sweet end of a meal sometimes they make ice cream sandwiches. Take your favorite cookie, put a spoonful of ice cream and top with another cookie. Keep in the freezer until you are ready to serve. A simple & fun treat!)
o Pound cake
o Frozen fruit
o Chocolate or Caramel (I love a really great jarred chocolate or caramel sauce, in the summer there is something about a really great sundae or ripe fresh fruit dipped in chocolate or caramel simple yet decadent!)

Miscellaneous Items
o Beautiful or fun paper napkins & plates
o Easy melamine plates, trays and service ware
o Nice looking tooth picks & bamboo skewers

You don't want to be caught with nothing to serve when people drop by and your well-stocked Summer Pantry (and freezer) will ensure that you always have fun, party food available without much prep required. I will spotlight some of my favorite products, where to get them and what to do with them over the next few weeks. I know we have some really great entertaining friends out there…Have I missed something that you love to keep in your Summer Pantry? Please share your ideas! I love hearing from you!

Happy & Gracious Summer Entertaining!

Corky

The Summer Pantry- Fine Provisions by Gatewood Hall

It’s the official kick-off of summer and with that we are rolling out something fun at GH! Welcome to The Summer Pantry- Fine Provisions by Gatewood Hall.

We love gracious entertaining! Summertime in the north Georgia Mountains is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, friends and family in our beautiful part of the world. Some people find entertaining effortless it just comes naturally but, others find it daunting and often overwhelming. It concerns us because those that fall into the second group often say forget it because they feel it is just too much hassle, especially in the summer when they’d rather be out having fun instead of worrying about “party details”. That is where we at GH come in with The Summer Pantry.

The Summer Pantry at Gatewood Hall Gracious Home is a great corner of our store where we will stock some wonderful, fine provisions that are unique, special and most of all VERSATILE and EASY! These provisions include wonderful gourmet food items that can dress up anything from cream cheese to your favorite dish, great books on entertaining, beautiful napkins and accessories, to the perfect CD for the soundtrack of your get-togethers.

As I said I love to entertain, I know that I am my mother’s son because she has always loved to entertain and decorate. (My parent’s home is always in season, they especially love this time of year decorating their lake home getaway in North Carolina. I am telling you from Memorial Day to Independence Day and into the fall, everything…even down to the boat dock and boat house will be “all done up” and this is a place where wonderful memories have been made!) But sometimes mom and I tend to get carried away with details, we keep adding to the menu, or stressing over that one extra “thing”…(ask Shawn about the time I bought a baby grand, player piano the day before a holiday party for 80 guests…It did turn out to be a hit albeit, a bit expensive however, I love that piano to this day). This extra stress can be dangerous when entertaining because it can take all of the joy and spontaneity out of your event.

We are also fortunate because we have some friends who are great at entertaining. We can tell you one in particular can pull together a fabulous dinner party for 10 people in an hour! (We are talking Sunday evening, at his second home in Cherry Log Mountain…just on a whim!). Again, this is where the Summer Pantry idea came from. What we have come to learn is that if you have a well-stocked pantry with the right provisions great entertaining can be easy for anyone. So for this wonderful summer season we at GH will be sharing and posting ideas and tips as well as new products and recipes for your personal summer pantry. In the store we will be offering more weekend tastings and maybe even a mini-workshop event and some block parties to get you inspired! If you have some great ideas or tips that you’d like to share we’d love to hear from you! In the end our goal is that we want to help you be able not only to relax and enjoy your time in the mountains but, also be able to create some wonderful memories with your family and friends with some easy and gracious entertaining.

Have a wonderful Memorial holiday as we remember all of those who have fought for our freedom in this wonderful country. Come in and see us this weekend and check out “The Summer Pantry”.

Egg Cups...There Not Just For Breakfast Anymore!

We're bringing Egg Cups back! Although they are becoming more and more collectible, I started thinking about these handy little things almost three years ago when I was planning the Spring tablescape at our old location. Kelli and I had come across a photo in a magazine where someone had used them at each place setting and we loved the idea but our Easter merchandise had already been ordered and egg cups were not on the list. This January at the Atlanta market I ran across some and knew GH had to have them.

Sure you can use the egg cups in the traditional way for a hard boiled egg.

Or even to display some beautiful decorated Easter eggs (love these above by Martha Stewart!)


How about egg cups as flower vessels? I love this idea, so much that I recreated it using permanent flowers and faux eggs for our newest tablescape.

Clever as a place card holder!

I love the idea of using a collection in the photo above!

Add to a pedestal for a big bang for your buck, especially when utilizing a variety of flowers in the same color (Very French...oh la la!)

Another great by Martha and crew! Use them with tea lights for candles!

Probably one of my favorite ideas, with petite servings of salads, or in this case pimento cheese or you could do some fancy egg salad with some smoked salmon or caviar! YUM! Let me know what else you come up with! See you in the store!

Photo credits Martha Stewart & Southern Living