Seasons Blog

Welcoming Spring - Dutch Style

Have you ever seen more than 7 million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, all in bloom? Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, is the world's largest flower garden. It is situated near Lisse, Netherlands. In addition to over 80 acres of flowers, the spring garden offers 30 inspiring flower shows, 7 amazing inspirational gardens and 100 wonderful works of art. Keukenhof is world-famous and truly unique. I'm putting this trip on my bucket list!

 

Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs

After the Easter Egg Hunt is over and you are left with all those eggs, why not try a new recipe that elevates the 'same-old deviled eggs' into a dish you would be proud to serve your guests.

This recipe from Ina Garten, with a delicious addition of Smoked Salmon, will become one of your family favorites!

    

photo courtesy of Food Network

Ingredients

8 extra-large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
2 tablespoons good mayonnaise
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons minced fresh chives, plus extra for garnish
4 ounces good smoked salmon, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 ounces salmon roe

Directions

Place the eggs in a pot large enough to hold them in a single layer. Cover the eggs with cold water and bring to a full boil over high heat. As soon as the water boils, turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the eggs stand for 15 minutes. Drain the eggs and fill the pot with cold water. Set aside until the eggs are cool.

Peel the eggs and then slice them in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks carefully. Place the yolks in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and arrange the whites on a platter in a single layer with the cut sides up and sprinkle with salt.

To the egg yolks, add the sour cream, cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chives, salmon, salt, and pepper. Beat on medium speed until fluffy. With a small spoon, fill the egg whites with the egg yolk mixture. Cover loosely with plastic wrap (you don't want to flatten the filling) and refrigerate for 30 minutes for the flavors to blend.

When ready to serve, garnish with a dollop of salmon roe and some extra chopped chives. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve.

A New Season of Color

It is so exciting to see the rainbow of bright colors being featured in the Spring 2013 magazines for fashion and home decor. Last year's hottest color, Tangerine Tango, has been trumped this year by Emerald Green. Add a bit of sunny yellow and bubblegum pink, and you can't help but smile.

Crisp Linen Pillows detailed with pintucked pleats available in 6 bright, saturated colors.

 

Sofas, chairs and accent pillows in a mix of fun patterns and bright solids.

 

Flatweave wool rugs - the perfect way to give an instant update to any room.

 

 

Grecian Bangle Bracelets with bright colors and gold accents.

 

Scout Tote Bags in fun, fashionable prints.

 

 

Scout Totes & Accessories - New Patterns for Spring/Summer 2013

We are loving the new patterns and styles from Scout! Cheerful, colorful new totes and accessories that are perfect for so many occasions. Take them to the beach, the pool, camping, traveling or just shopping around town. They fold flat for easy storage and wipe clean.  F A B U L O U S !!

 

 

 

 

Stylish Picks in Pink & Green

Spring is the perfect time to feature a very popular color combination - pink and green! Here are some of our favorite personalized products that we offer from Boatman Geller.

The Beauty of Spring

New for Spring - Lots of COLOR!

We are back from attending the semi-annual trade show for the gift and home furnishings industry, and are happy to report that bright, vibrant COLOR has made quite a splash!

Manufacturers took their cue from Target's immediate sell-out of Missoni clothing and home accents that took place last September. Missoni, the Italian luxury design house, is famous for their use of bold color and their hallmark zig-zag patterns.

You will see this trend of color and pattern repeated in spring and summer fashion accessories, home furnishings and even stationery items.

 

Spring Is In The Air At Seasons!

We've been busy decking out the store for Spring and are so excited to be surrounded by all the wonderful things that springtime brings - Easter bunnies, painted eggs, floral arrangements and wonderful new spring accents for your home and garden.

 
 
 

'Forcing' Spring

As we sit here in the northeast experiencing yet another snowstorm, be assured that Spring is not that far away! I love walking through the snow on a February day, cutting some Forsythia branches, bringing them indoors and 'forcing' them to bloom. All you need is a pair of pruning shears or a sharp knife - once you do this, it will become your annual rite of Spring.

 

1. Cut the forsythia stems at an angle in lengths of less than 3 feet, and bring them indoors.
2. Strip enough of the side stems from the bottom of the branch so they will not be underwater when placed in a vase (generally about a foot).
3. Fill you kitchen sink with warm water. Submerge the stems in the water, and with your pruning shears or sharp knife, make a cross-cut in the bottom of the stem. This second cut, performed underwater where air cannot act as a drying agent, will promote water intake.
4. Allow the forsythia stems to soak up the warm water for a few hours.
5. Arrange them in a large container with warm water and display them in a cool, bright area of your home - not in direct sunlight.
6. Occasionally check the water level and add water as needed.

In a few short weeks the bright yellow flowers will blossom and fill your home with the feeling of Spring!