It's been a while since I've given decorating tips and I thought while everyone is taking down their Christmas decorations and getting things back to normal, it might be the perfect time to refresh your decorating style. I happened across Traditional Home's (TH) web site and found that they're spotlighting tablescapes by various designers this month. Perfect timing, I'd say. (I won't be able to get through them all in this issue, but will revisit for our next issue.  )

The tablescape to the right is from designer Gary McBournie’s home. TH says: The sculptural quality of the branches sets off this starry vignette. If you click on the image to enlarge, you can better see that it appears  the lamp shade is just sitting on top of a clear vase and is obviously for effect only. How clever is that?

TH: An interplay of textures adds intrigue to a grouping of objects d’art.
I do not care for the lighting in the photograph at all, however; the art work is intriguing and it shows you how a grouping of different types of art objects seem to work together.

TH: Fuchsia orchids pop against the neutrals of the picture hung above the table. This is an easy enough change. The picture in the background doesn't have to be in black and white. Any muted color scheme would do.

TH: A group of multiples of the same item can be eye-catching. Try candlesticks, tiny boxes, even balls of yarn. 

Speaking of balls of yarn, another idea and one that I did:

• Buy several Styrofoam balls either all in the same size or in varying sizes. (Mine are all one size)

• Fabric of your choice-color, design, etc (Instead of throwing out something made of fabric; could it be reused?)

• Tear fabric into 1/2 inch strips (quantity of strips depends on size of Styrofoam balls.

• Wrap the fabric around the balls at different angles and use either a glue gun, sewing pins or both to keep the fabric in place.

• Display in a wicker basket or other container.
   

TH: As shown in this bedroom suite, one palette-enhancing item on a table can be enough.
 

Look for more decorating tips in our next newsletter.

Something to think about:

A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the word you first thought of. (Boy do I know that!)

Recipe:

Power Salad

This recipe is from Eating Well and is a take on a traditional chef's salad, which is anything but light fare when it's heaped with meats and cheeses. Eating Well’s version keeps the satisfaction factor with lean turkey breast and reduced-fat Swiss cheese - and adds plenty of colorful vegetables to the mix.  

2 servings, about 4 cups each

Total Time: 10 minutes 

Ingredients

• 6 cups mixed, salad
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 tablespoons red onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup dressing, such as Creamy Dill Ranch Dressing
• 10 cherry tomatoes
• 4 slices roast turkey breast, cut up (3 ounces)
• 2 slices reduced-fat Swiss cheese, cut up (2 ounces)

Preparation

1. Toss greens, carrots, onion and dressing in a large bowl until coated. Divide between 2 plates. Arrange tomatoes, turkey and cheese on top of the salad.

Nutrition

Per serving: 180 calories; 4 g fat (1 g sat, 0 g mono); 27 mg cholesterol; 19 g carbohydrates; 21 g protein; 6 g fiber; 757 mg sodium; 956 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (290% daily value), Vitamin C (70% dv), Folate (55% dv), Calcium (40% dv).

1 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 3 vegetable, 2 very lean meat, 1/2 fat

And to once again remind you of our Name Your Price Sale....

Also, I still think our Layaway program combined with the Name Your Price Sale are the two greatest tools anyone could have who is looking to save money.