Happy New Year from Gatewood Hall Gracious Home!

I always love the start of a new year! While I am not big on "resolutions" I feel it is important to reflect back on the previous year, make plans and set goals for the new year. What a year this has been!! This time last year we were planning and organizing our move, so it's hard to believe that we have already been in our new location for nearly nine months.

Shawn and I want to take this time to give some thanks for what has been a very great year for our beloved little store.

First, we want to thank our families! Especially our parents who have been some of our biggest believers, they saw the Gatewood Hall Gracious Home that we dreamed of and they helped us with physical, and loving, emotional support to get us open in our new location. Another part of our family that we are extremely thankful for is our GH Team, Becky, Brenda and our honorary team member Layne Prather who have worked so hard in making GH2.0 successful.

We also have had great support from some vendors and vendors representatives. While we have a few great reps there are two that have been with us since the very beginning, who have protected us, and helped us so much along the way that we have come to think of them as dear friends...Jill Collson and Anne Jarboe thank you for being AWESOME Reps and wonderful friends too! We appreciate you more than you know!

Finally, we owe thanks to you, our loyal customers. Thank you for following us to our new location, thank you for telling your families and friends about us, and thank you for buying from us. We never forget that you always have the opportunity to shop at other stores, or even online yet, you choose to visit us and buy from us and for that we are very, very grateful. Because of you not only are we able to follow our passion and have our store but we have won awards, been recognized by our peers and been able to make local charitable contributions to Paws in the Park/Blue Ridge Humane Society, Light Up Blue Ridge, Project Open Arms, the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association, and The Sunny D Children's theater.

We look forward to what 2011 brings. We are excited and committed to be the first to bring you new and unique product lines that you will not find anywhere else in our market. We promise to continue to look at trends and for new ways to inspire you in your decor and gracious lifestyle. We will continue to look for great quality and well priced items for you and your home. And we will make sure to have more fun events like block parties, trunk shows and celebrations...really just any reason for us to gather together and enjoy ourselves in beautiful Blue Ridge, Georgia!

HAPPY NEW YEAR & THANK YOU!

Sincerely,

Corky & Shawn

New Furniture This Week at Gatewood Hall Gracious Home

We received a shipment of furniture this week that you are going to LOVE! These pieces are not only great looking but they have many practical options. Check out the media easel above, unusual and versatile too! The finish is so great it is called "whiskey barrel"!

This console with casters could be used in almost any room. You could use it as a sofa table, sideboard, or entertainment center.

This sideboard looks vintage but has some great convenient, modern and practical storage areas!

The photo just doesn't do this desk justice. It is so good looking and the little details are unbelievable!

Some great new chairs, we have mixed them at a tasting table and it is a great look. Come in this weekend to see all of our new arrivals. We can't wait to see you!

Gatewood Hall Gracious Home Featured in Home Accents Today Magazine

Gatewood Hall Gracious Home is in the press again! We are very honored to have been featured in the November 2010 issue of Home Accents Today Magazine. Yes, that is our Autumn table on the cover!!

The article from the magazine is above (not sure if it will be legible from the jpeg file, but once it is posted in their online magazine I'll include the link). The beautiful photo images were created by Chris Hefferen owner of Foundry Digital (Chris is so awesome, what that man can do with light is unbelievable! Thank you Chris for making us look so good!)

Gatewood Hall Gracious Home Presents Trunk Shows and Specials This Weekend!

To help you get you ready for the Holidays we will be adding even more fun to Light Up Blue Ridge this Saturday November 27, 2010!!

We will be hosting Trunk Shows and special friends from some of our favorite lines like Beloise, Waxing Poetic, Pure Sanctuary, and Lenny & Eva Jewelry. Steve the owner/designer from True Riches will be here with some of his wonderful new one-of-a-kind crosses and we will be showing some cool belt buckles from a great line called Princess & Butch.

We are the place for Gracious Gifts and we can't wait to see you this weekend!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Join Gatewood Hall for Blue Friday & Light Up Blue Ridge!!

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us and we are celebrating in Beautiful Downtown Blue Ridge!! The fun starts early on Friday November 26th. You've heard of "Black Friday"...well, we will be celebrating "Blue Friday". It will be old-fashioned shopping at its best! Stores will be opening early, and staying open late!! There will be early bird specials and strolling holiday entertainment!

The fun continues into Saturday, November 27th, for Light Up Blue Ridge!! Santa and Mrs. Clause will arrive by train, there will be entertainment by Bartlee Norton and 64 Highway, and Maxwell Taylor. (Maxwell is WONDERFUL! We discovered him a few years ago when he performed at our friend Marlis' birthday party in Atlanta and we have enjoyed him ever since!). At dusk the lighting of the great tree is always loads of fun!! Please be sure to come downtown and see us! Remember our customers are welcome to park in our private GH lot behind our building!! (Please be sure to come in and get a parking pass)

We can't wait to see you! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Gatewood Hall The Place For Gracious Gifts & Holiday Decor

We've been busy elves this week finalizing our all of our Christmas decor and goodies for you! This year we are telling three holiday stories!

The first is "Shiny, Silver & Bright", our main tree is decorated in silver, platinum and mercury glass. I love the silver, glitter and bejeweled butterflies & dragonflies. What really makes this tree pop is the way Shawn layers everything. The silver glitter fern fronds, berries and leaves just add that dramatic, sparkling touch!

The second story is "Vintage Christmas". Think vintage look chocolate molds, cloaked Santa's, glitter snowmen, ornate holiday cards and beautiful canvas holiday journals! Don't you love the cloche ornaments above? In the Victorian days industrious mothers used old jars and would make similar ornaments using bottle brush trees and holiday toys.

The third story is "Redefined Rustic" in our Lodge Lounge we have decked the tree with beautiful mercury glass fish, acorn and pine cone ornaments. We have some beautiful bird ornaments and great looking bird nests to hide in the tree! Add in some hand blown and painted hunting (complete with the ATV), boating and fishing Santa's and as usual we have redefined Blue Ridge rustic! We also have some great looking deer statues, and stag heads that are in a natural finish. I love the artificial magnolia leaf wreaths, they look so real!!

Just arrived new Swedish "good boy & girl soaps" that are so fun and they smell like gingerbread cookies! They will love to wash their hands when it is with Gingerbread Soap! "When the kids are good and wash their hands, they deserve a treat, and one that's really neat! Like a warm bath to give them dreams of yummy gingerbread cookies and mugs of cocoa and cream". They make GREAT STOCKING STUFFERS!! We also just received some fun PEACE and JOY soaps for the older kids!

You will love the new Juliska Wreath and Boxwood pattern for the holidays. They also have some beautiful new gift-boxed items that are well-priced. The cheese platter and knife is sure to be a favorite gift year round!

Finally, just in time for getting your home ready for the holidays, we have received some furniture from our recent High Point market trip. This leather and one of a kind vintage prayer rug chair above is wonderful!

We have four new styles of dining chairs that can be covered in many different fabrics. All of them are very comfortable which we felt important so that you and your guests can linger longer after a special meal! Right now we are offering a 30% discount on these styles!

Come in today and see us!

Cucina Rustica Is Always A Treat!

This past Saturday night we enjoyed dinner at Cucina Rustica and as always it was OUTSTANDING! Cucina is always consistent, since they opened we have never had anything but excellent meals there. I have tried most of the items on the menu and you can't go wrong with anything. It is always a perfect choice to take your visitors.

Cucina features Italian country cuisine with definite highlights of chef Isabella's northern Italian heritage (her father is a well known chef also). The emphasis is on light, flavorful but not overpowering sauces and fresh ingredients. To add a special touch, a wood-fired oven is used to prepare baked dishes. The main entrees and pastas include favorites such as: Crespelle al Forno, Baked Spinach and Ricotta Crepes (heavenly!), Fillet Mignon with Porcini sauce (Shawn's Favorite), Tortellini All Nonna which is Meat-filled tortellini tossed in a rich cream sauce with prosciutto, peas and parmigiano (my favorite!) or even a traditional Pizza Margherita. They usually have daily specials that are out of this world. The dessert choices include several wonderful delights including the Tiramisu Della Mamma (it is absolutely the best Tiramisu that I've ever had). The separate dining areas allow for seating of private parties. For those who enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer with their dinner, Cucina Rustica is one of the first restaurants in Fannin County to receive a pouring license.

If you haven't been to Cucina Rustica you really are missing out! I promise you will love it. Owners John and Isabella along with their excellent, well-trained team will take great care of you, and you will leave in happy bliss! Located only about five minutes from downtown Blue Ridge at 76 Forge Mill Crossing in Morganton. It is best to make a reservation by calling 706-374-7474. Go treat yourself and tell them we sent you!!

Cool New Stuff This Week At Gatewood Hall!

We have received so much cool new stuff this week at Gatewood Hall. We have the best new line of ceramic fire pots and fuel gel...just perfect for this time of year. They add such a warm, cozy touch to your outdoor living spaces! Come in and let us show you how they work!

So many of you have asked so we have also brought out all of the seasonal and holiday fragrances from Votivo, Paddywax and Caldrea, you are going to love these new scents. Great gifts for the holidays. Remember these are all seasonal, limited reserves so be sure to get them before they are gone.

Several great new mirrors have arrived (Shawn is crazy for the French door with shutters pictured above). You'll love some of the great new French look pillows (that are great prices), and we have some wonderful vintage goodies from one of our favorite vendors we brought back from our recent trip to the International Home Furnishings Mart in High Point, North Carolina. Come in and see all of our newest goodies! Shawn, Brenda and I look forward to seeing you!!

Don't forget to "Help Us Help Them"... We will be donating 10% of our regular sales this Saturday to Paws in the Park and the Humane Society of Blue Ridge, so come shop while feeling great that you are also helping out such an important and worthwhile cause.

Paws In The Park...Help Us Help Them!

This Saturday October 23rd is the Fourth Annual Paws In The Park Fall Festival. Sponsored by the Humane Society of Blue Ridge, and the Arts Center the mission of Paws in the Park is to focus on awareness and development of animal advocates through education and championing the treatment of pets with respect and kindness.

All leashed pets are welcome! You can participate in the Pet Parade featuring pet participants in their best Halloween costumes. Which is followed by the Blessing of the Pets and the Pet Halloween Costume Contest. Past participants and winners have been pot belly pigs, alpacas, lamas, puppies and dogs!

This year’s event will be larger than ever with exhibitors, arts and craft vendors, various demonstrations, food and prizes! Bring your pet for LOW COST rabies injections and micro chipping between 12noon and 2pm.

The event will conclude around 2pm with a raffle drawing for many gifts donated by local merchants and event supporters. Raffle tickets will be sold throughout the event. Participation in the raffle will automatically enter you into the grand prize drawing. Pet adoptions, sponsored by participating pet rescue groups, will be available throughout the event as well.

We at Gatewood Hall Gracious Home would like to ask you to "Help us Help Them". In honor of this wonderful cause we will donate 10% of our Saturday October 23rd regular sales to Paws In The Park! So come in a shop and feel great knowing you are also helping out such a worthwhile cause! As always we look forward to seeing you

For more information about Paws In The Park email pitp@tds.net

GH in the Big Canoe Newspaper Smoke Signals!

Gatewood Hall Gracious Home was recently featured in a special High Design section of the Big Canoe newspaper called Smoke Signals. Click on the above photo to read the article!

Bienvenue à la maison Shawn! All Is Forgiven.

Shawn is home from Europe! In light of today's heightened security threat level seems like timing couldn't be better. He told me that he had a great time and while he thoroughly enjoyed the trip he is happy to be back home. He loved the "Shawn's Away Sale" because he is inspired from his travels and ready to go to the International Home Furnishings Market in a couple of weeks and find more new and wonderful things for Gatewood Hall Gracious Home!

Of course I have enjoyed playing the martyr but truth be known I was all for Shawn taking this trip, it just wasn't a good time for me to go. But let me add this...when he returned with several of my favorite French shelter magazines, gorgeous, fresh macaroons from Ladurée- Paris (that he had picked up on his way to the airport) along with my favorite tea and a tin of shortbread from Harrods in London all was definitely forgiven.

If you have never had a French macaroon you are missing out. Not to be confused by our American coconut version the French version is actually small, round cakes, crisp on the outside, smooth and soft in the middle, and they are made every morning in Ladurée’s "laboratory". With each new season, Ladurée pays tribute to this its most famous creation by creating a new flavor. We are talking flavors like Chocolate, Vanilla, Coffee, Rose, Pistachio (one of my favorites), Raspberry (Shawn's favorite), Blackcurrant Violet, Caramel with salted butter, Red Fruits, Orange Blossom, Liquorice, Lemon and Ginger. They are sooooo delicious and I think Ladurée’s are the best. www.laduree.fr/

Today I enjoyed the beautiful Autumn weather, had tea and cookies while I read (well looked at the pictures) in my new French Magazines (HEAVEN!!). Thank you Shawn and bienvenue à la maison (Welcome Home!). I will share some inspiration from these mags in a future posting. Have a great week!

Wonderful Things!

It has been a very busy week at Gatewood Hall, as many of you know Shawn is in Europe so I can't thank Becky and Brenda enough for helping "hold down the fort" while he was away. We have received so much new inventory (a bunch of Holiday arrived this week...Oh just wait until you see!!!)

One of the new items we have just put out is a limited edition fragrance by Archipelago called Black Forest. It is the soothing scent of Douglas Fir and Ebony wood and a subtle hint of Black Currant so perfect for the mountains especially this time of year. We have the 8 oz. diffusers and the hand poured, soy wax blend candle (which will burn for more than 50 hours). The packaging is beautiful and would make a very nice gift. Come in and smell for yourself.

A few weeks ago artist Ande Cooke turned me onto this blog called Honey and Jam and I have to tell you I love it. Here is the kicker...the writer and food photographer is local, she along with her mother and the rest of the family are said to make some of the most wonderful artisan breads that they sell locally, usually at the Blue Ridge Farmers Market. Well I fell in love with the blog the young lady is named Hannah, and her photography is absolutely beautiful! I probably sound crazy but I believe she captures the essence and feeling of the food with such simple nuance. Twice while at the farmers market I have looked for her so that I could introduce myself (I know...now I sound like a stalker!) unfortunately Hannah and her family haven't been there.

This past Sunday I arrived late to the store and Becky is helping some folks and I just jump in to do my usual wrapping with tissue and bows and the customer says these things are for my daughter she is a food photographer...(Ping, my ears perked up) I said who is your daughter because I think I am one of her new groupies...and sure enough it was Hannah turns our that she and her family have been in a few times and she buys some of her photo props from GH! The entire family (her sisters were there also, I think they thought I was nuts because I was so excited to meet all of them) were so very nice. Turns out they have been really busy with other stuff and that is why they haven't been at the market. Hopefully they will get back there before the season ends. In the meantime grab a cup of tea sit back and enjoy Hannah's beautiful, mouth-watering blog http://www.honeyandjam.com/ you will enjoy it and you deserve it!

Finally, while Shawn is away Becky and I decided we'd have a sale (teach him to leave us behind!!). Handbags and wallets are 15% to 50% off, all in-stock jewelry is 20% off, Cat Studio is 25% off, and we are still marking down. It is almost time for the High Point market so we need to make room for more new things! Stop in and see us this weekend, the fresh autumn weather has been AWESOME!

This Week at Gatewood Hall

It has been a busy week here at Gatewood Hall Gracious Home. If we missed you last Saturday or Sunday we were at a linen and gourmet show in Atlanta. We felt productive and got a bunch accomplished. Mostly re-orders but a few new things and a couple of new lines. If you haven't been in recently please do...we have the store already for fall and a ton of new merchandise.

The furniture pictured above arrived this week. I love the bar stools and dining chairs! They have that Jenny Lind look that I am crazy for and the ticking and burlap make me sing!!! Come in and see for yourself!

Also just in is Ralph Kylloe's newest book, proving that he is the king of rustic, this is Kylloe's 20th book on the subject that exudes both luxury and comfort, history and innovation. This time Kylloe focuses on the work of Larry Pearson, AIA, who is recognized as a leader in rustic design; his work has been featured on the Travel Channel's Grand Castles of America and HGTV's Spectacular Homes, as well as in major shelter magazines, including Veranda and Metropolitan Home. Pearson Design Group was the recipient of Mountain Living Magazine's prestigious 2009 Home of the Year Award.

Fifteen rustic homes (Montana, Wyoming, Connecticut, Wisconsin, Minnesota and California) designed by Pearson are featured in this book. Sympathetic to regional conditions and using local materials, these homes showcase deliver solace and comfort to their inhabitants through a series of innovative spaces based on historic precedent and celebrated through the personality of hand craftsmanship. Ralph Kylloe, leading authority on rustic furniture, is the author of 20 previous books, including Cabins, Rustic Artistry for the Home, Cabin in the Woods, Cabins and Camp, Rustic Traditions, and The Rustic Home. We love his books if you don't own any yet treat yourself to his newest, you'll be addicted!

Finally, please don't forget about our block party on Saturday night September 18, 2010 6-9 pm. We will have some refreshments, prizes and a few specials so please bring your friends and come in and see us!

New Arrivals This Week At Gatewood Hall Gracious Home

We received a new line of jewelry this week and we are so excited. We are one of about five places in the state of Georgia that have this exclusive! You will love it! Each piece is hand made in the United States and it is just done so well. Not only is it unique but the prices are excellent. The Lariats are great! Wear them long and tied in a knot, or double it and wear it choker length. The lariats are gold plated chain or gold plated chain with stones or pearls. All of the stones and pearls are natural (no glass) and show natural variations. Come in and see these beautiful pieces.

We are also so proud to feature local artist Ande Cook's Blue Ridge series of Cards. Ande is a fine art painter and illustrator. She says that like many artists, she cobbles together a living however she can, but she insists on a creative path whatever the price!

Ande has illustrated several children's books including "Firefly's First Flight" and "The Merchant and the Parrot" as well as event posters, cards, and museum catalogs. If you are not familiar with her work come by for a taste in her cards. I promise they make you feel good and smile! She captures the essence of the north Georgia in The Blue Ridge series which includes; The Bear, Sugar Creek Church, Eva in the Creek, and my favorite Weekend at the Cabin.

We look forward to seeing you soon!!

The Cashiers Showhouse

This past weekend Shawn and I took off to Highlands and Cashiers, North Carolina. We were invited by our friends at Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Magazine to visit the Thirteenth Annual Cashiers Historical Society Showhouse. The 3+ Million dollar showhome is located in the Wade Hampton golf community and boasts some wonderful area designers.

I wish I had a better photo of this room (below) it was one of my favorites by Suzanne Kasler. Through this window is a picture perfect view of Whiteside mountain...the builder absolutely "nailed" the home's location selecting the perfect site on the lot. When you walk into the foyer you can only say WOW to see this amazing view framed by Suzanne's clean, yet inviting design. The showhouse ends soon if you can make the trip it is worth it, and the proceeds help support this wonderful organization. (Tickets are $25)

We were very fortunate because the weather was perfect. We visited some great shops in both Cashiers and Highlands. Sadly one of our favorite places Dovetail Antiques was closed but we were able to check out another favorite, Summer House and it was as fabulous as ever!

If you have never been to the Old Edwards Inn you are really missing out. The Inn is beautiful, the courtyard is so cozy and the food is delicious. We didn't have time to enjoy any Spa services but we hear that they are wonderful.

We love the wine garden patio! We had some wonderful gastro-treats like their housemade pimento cheese with spicy flatbread crackers, and a very unusual, yet delicious charcuterie plate that included a duck prosciutto and smoked salmon! My favorite sandwich is their grilled chicken with melted brie, applewood smoked bacon on this fantastic roll...YUM! Shawn is crazy about their burgers! Really...we love everything about the Old Edwards Inn, they know how to do it right! And you know us we absolutely love the details and boy do they watch the details from the complementary truffle-seasoned popcorn in the garden to the Frette linen napkins right down to the meticulous landscaping and grounds you won't want to leave!

While we did have a wonderful time as always it was great to get back home to our beloved and laid back Blue Ridge!

The Girl & The Fig Products at Gatewood Hall!

We are so pleased to be able to offer "the girl & the fig" products at Gatewood Hall. Created by Sondra Bernstein proprietor of the renowned Sonoma, California restaurants Estate, The Fig Cafe and The Girl & The Fig these products will make your mouth, heart and stomach sing for joy!

The fig and port vinaigrette is the signature dressing for the famous grilled fig & arugula salad at Sondra's girl & the fig restaurant. A perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Serve on a salad of arugula, toasted pecans, pancetta, grilled figs & chevre. (say it with me, HEAVEN!!!!). You can also use it as a marinade for pork or chicken.

The Apricot Fig Chutney is probably one of the most popular products from the girl & the fig. Plump apricots and calimyrna figs are a fantastic combination for flavor and texture. With a hint of ginger, spices and dried cherries, this chutney is a very versatile condiment that will add another flavor dimension to your favorite dish.

Serving Ideas:

The most popular box lunch sandwich from the girl & the fig is the house-roasted turkey, apricot fig chutney, fiscalini cheddar cheese on a baguette. (YUMMY!!) You can also...

- Add to a cheese and charcuterie platter.
- Marinate chicken or pork chops with apricot fig chutney and grill.
- Serve as a condiment for pork loin, roast chicken, turkey breast
- Serve on a Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Mix with Cream Cheese or Mascarpone and make Stuffed French Toast.

Mostarda is an Italian condiment made of candied fruit with a kick from mustard or mustard seed. Traditionally mostarda was served with boiled meats called bollito misto which is a speciality of northern Italian cooking. More recently it has become a popular accompaniment to cheeses. Subtle flavors of rosemary, cinnamon, coriander, and ginger add depth and create a nice balance in the multi-dimensional product. Serve alongside charcuterie or cheese, or even as a spread on a sandwich . We served a sample at our last block party and Brenda along with one of our guests agreed that it would be fabulous on a peanut butter sandwich..that is where Italian meets the south! I think a big tablespoon in Greek Yogurt or in oatmeal would be extremely satisfying. Also delicious as a condiment or sauce with grilled chicken, pork, lamb, and sausage. You will love it!

The red onion confit is a blend of red onions, red wine vinegar, red wine, sugar, thyme, salt, pepper. Serve with charcuterie dishes, grilled sausages, barbecued chicken and meats. Add to a turkey or cheese sandwich. It almost has a sweet and sour flavor and adds a nice addition of flavor to the most basic recipes.

Serving Ideas:

- Serve with charcuterie dishes, grilled sausages, BBQ chicken and meats.
- Add to a turkey or cheese sandwich.
- Use as a condiment for cheese platters.
- Warm gently and use as sauce for pork, chicken, turkey, or beef.
- Use as a sandwich condiment or on a burger. YUM!
- While braising, add a couple tablespoons to the pot.
- Add a few tablespoons to sautéed vegetables. (I do this and it really dresses up something simple!)

The salts are wonderful blends that include:

Fennel citrus herb blend - A blend of fennel seed, lemon and orange peel, sea salt, lavender, mustard seed and other spices. Sprinkle on fish, chicken or pork before pan searing or grilling. Add water to brine pork or chicken.

Lavender sea salt- Simple lavender flowers blended with grey sea salt. Subtle scent and flavor makes this a great addition to certain dishes for an unusual dose of flavor. (I love it on fresh heirloom tomatoes!)

Citrus sea salt- Oven dried lemon and orange peel mixed with grey sea salt. Sprinkle on fish, chicken or pork before pan searing or grilling. Toss with pasta or risotto. Serve as a condiment on the table.

We also have Sondra's outstanding cook book that is full of great recipes that promote her vision of country food with French passion.

Stop in this weekend we will be having tastings of some of the girl and fig products...we will get you hooked!! See you soon!