Yvonne Estelle's

It's more than thread count!

2012-01-02T11:16:00.001-06:00

So many times when a customer comes into Yvonne Estelle's, they ask what the difference is between our bedding and that of a 'big-box' or discount store. The answer is easy ... its the quality of the fabric. The inevitable next question then is - Isn't it just thread count?

What creates a luxurious sheet is more than just thread count (a measure of the number of yarns woven into one square inch of fabric). Thread count is important, but it is only one part of the quality equation. The quality of a sheet is determined by three other key components:

The Quality of the Cotton

The world's finest cotton is grown on the banks of the Nile River. There, as the river recedes it leaves a particularly fertile swath that nourishes the very best cotton. Egyptian cotton is renowned because it yields the longest-staple cotton in the world (the staple being the individual cotton fiber). Once the raw cotton is selected, it is cleaned and spun into smooth, silken yarns by master craftsmen in Italy. The quality of the yarn is largely a function of the length of the staple. This is because long-staple cotton can be spun into a smoother, stronger, much finer yarn, so that it is possible to weave more threads per inch into the fabric, resulting in a higher thread count. Certainly, many short-staple cotton yarns can be jammed into a square inch to create a high thread count, but the resulting fabric will feel heavy and coarse compared to a long-staple Egyptian cotton.

The Weaving of the Fabric

Thanks to generations of experience and expertise, Italian weavers understand yarns the way a vintner understands grapes: what type and fineness of yarn to choose for each weave, and how to fine-tune each technical factor, from the number of picks sent through the shuttle to the diameter of the yarn, to create the desired hand: chamois-soft or crisp percale, silken sateen, lustrous jacquard. How the world's finest cotton percales, sateens and jacquards are created are trade secrets passed down to generations.

The Finishing of the Fabric

After the world's finest cotton has been selected, spun and woven into cloth, the process doesn't stop there. Attention to detail continues into the fabric finishing and sewing, which can also dramatically affect the feel and the quality of the final product. Luxurious cotton sheets are mercerized - a process that helps plump the fibers, giving the fabric greater luster and strength. Sheets are properly sized to fit mattresses. Fitted sheets have elastic all the way around the perimeter and are designed with a 3-inch tuck (fitted sheets should never end on the side of a mattress). Flat sheets have a cuff (the turn down part of the flat sheet) that is generous and well constructed. Pillowcases are generous and cover the entire pillow insert.

The next time you're searching for bedding, consider these factors in addition to thread count and you will select quality bedding that will last longer and give you a better nights sleep. Afterall, you spend a third of your life in bed ... shouldn't your bedding be a dream!

what is: Eiderdown?

2011-12-30T10:32:00.001-06:00

Eiderdown is down that comes from the Eider, a large sea duck that lives on the northern coasts of Europe, Asia, and North America. The Eider's nest is built close to the sea and is lined with the eiderdown. This soft and warm lining has long been harvested for filling duvets and pillows. Although eiderdown comforters and pillows are now a rarity, eiderdown harvesting continues and is sustainable, as it can be done after the ducklings leave the nest with no harm to the birds. Eiderdown is exceptionally soft and has insulating properties far superior to any other down.

Eiderdown is such a unique plumage. Fill power cannot accurately be measured because of the way each cluster clings to the other. Typical goose and duck down tends to sit loosely in a duvet or pillow and "flow." Eiderdown tends to hold together and is generally more resilient. This clingy behavior also makes it better at trapping air and, therefore, a better insulator.

as seen in: I'm Obsessing Over

2011-12-08T16:27:00.001-06:00

Treehouse Living in I'm Obsessing Over. A modern twist on traditional linen, cotton, oh and bamboo bedding. Get this look ...

Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts Under $100

2011-12-06T09:54:00.001-06:00

We've selected our favorites from our Holiday Gift Guide - Gifts under $100 to share with you.

An Erin favorite - Juliska Ruby Cocktail Set (set of 4 plates)
A Marge favorite - Dash and Albert Stone Soup Tote Bag
A Yvonne favorite - Pine Cone Hill Sheepy Fleece Robe
A Kurt favorite - Michael Aram Vine Wine Coaster Set

as seen in: I'm Obsessing Over

2011-12-05T15:01:00.001-06:00

We can't get enough of this table setting from I'm Obsessing Over. A perfect play of color for the winter entertaining season combined with the simplicity of white dinnerware! Get this look ...

Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts under $50

2011-11-28T21:52:00.005-06:00

We've selected our favorites from our Holiday Gift Guide - Gifts under $50 to share with you.

Sferra Monogram Cocktail Napkins (Yvonne's favorite)
Eucalyptus Stoneware Oval Biscuit Basket (Kurt's favorite)
Le Jacquard Francais Bistrot, Metropolitan, Paname Towels - (Lisa's favorite)
Thymes Frasier Fir Candle - (Erin's favorite)

Order any of the "Gifts under $50" above through Wednesday, November 30th and receive 10% of your order; enter code GIFT-50. Promotion ends Wednesday, November 30th at midnight and applies only to the items shown above. Sorry, promotion can not be applied to previous purchases or combined with any other promotion.

Stylish Settings -- Turkey Platters

2011-11-11T16:40:00.002-06:00

On the hunt for the perfect platter for serving the Turkey?

as seen in: September 2011 Southern Lady

2011-09-14T10:40:00.000-05:00

Inspirational Autumn table settings featured in Southern Lady add magic to the season!

Get the look: Juliska Pewter Stoneware Octagonal Charger, Simon Pearce Cavendish Dinner Plate, Juliska Pewter Stoneware Salad Plate, Simon Pearce Cavendish Petite Bowl.

Get the look: Juliska Pewter Stoneware Octagonal Charger, Simon Pearce Cavendish Dinner Plate, Juliska Emerson Pewter Small Goblet.

Get the look: Juliska Pewter Stoneware Mugs, Juliska Emerson Pewter Footed Goblets, and Simon Pearce Cavendish Pitcher.

Plant Delights ... Germinator 3

2011-08-15T13:26:00.004-05:00

It's mid-August, that time of year when the garden is fading fast (especially after this summer's bouts of extreme heat and hurricane rains) and you start thinking about how sweet Spring and its bulbs are. With that, the catalogs are piling up waiting on decisions to be made. Which variety of tulip this year, which color alliums, do I really need more daffodils. And then, there is the Plant Delights Fall catalog with it ever comical spoof on the cover. Hortville in the Spring of 2011 was a laugh, but Germinator 3 you'll have to see to believe. I hope you enjoy!

as seen in: September 2011 House Beautiful

2011-08-08T15:17:00.002-05:00

As featured in 'the BEST' from House Beautiful Juliska Country Estate Cocktail Plates $89.00 for the set of 4.

from My Garden ... hello mr. wren, durandii knocking

2011-07-31T16:43:00.003-05:00

In the east border, there is a vintage windmill with a wren house attached to it. This year's residents are being greeted by the flowers of clematis durandii. Getting ready to bloom in profusion, there are not many azure blue blossoms this time of year, so this is always an anticipated show. Right now, the wrens have the best view. I wonder if they even notice?

from My Garden ... they brought two friends, who brought two friends, who also brought two friends

2011-07-30T11:54:00.005-05:00

This morning when I went outside I gasped at the site of the branches of the Pagoda dogwood bent down to the ground. As I walked closer to determine what disaster had struck overnight (afterall, it didn't storm last night) a marauding herd, 20 or so, squirrels ran from the branches. Fortunately, the branches bounced back with no damage. This year there's a BUMPER crop of berries on the Pagodas and with it has come a bumper crop of squirrels. The feeding frenzy is on and in a few days there won't be a berry left on the trees. Hopefully the squirrels move on to greener pastures in someone else's garden!

Trending Now ... the Country Estate Collection

2011-07-29T10:47:00.003-05:00

Juliska's newest introduction is a perfect fusion of age-old decorative techniques with unrivaled modern functionality. The Country Estate Collection celebrates the English countryside. Each piece of this distinctive dinnerware features a different element of English architecture, landscape, or activity. This dinnerware can easily be layered with other dinnerware to create a unique table setting and is sure to be a must have for the stylish entertainer.

With every course, you take a step further on a charming narrative of English country life, with a different enchanting scene on each piece illustrating its romantic architecture, bustling activities, and grand vistas.

The Country Estate Platter is a stately show-stopper and conveys the virtues of home and hospitality. Use it to proudly display your culinary adventures, from the casual Friday night chicken for two, to your famous Christmas roast for ten.

ENJOY!

New Inspirations from Bella Notte Linens

2011-07-26T08:21:00.004-05:00

Now trending ... Satin, Linen & Lace. Bella Notte Linens has created some amazing inspirations in their new collection. With a focus on the femininity of satin, lace, and linen and a touch of retro 50's glamour, this collection will inspire your romantic side.

Who can resisted the seduction of Quilted Satin embellished with Venise lace and the allure of Olivia with an embroidery of blossoms on Point d'Esprit? Get the look: Quilted Satin with Lace Coverlet and Shams, Olivia Coverlet with Olivia Pillow Shams, and Colette Euro Shams with a luxurious gold floral jacquard on satin.

Linen embellished with lace creates a new statement in the bedroom. A heavy linen mesh embellished with crochet lace is where opposites attract and a perfect marriage begins. Get the look: Homespun Coverlet and Bolster with Linen with Lace Sheets.

Introduce your little one to the glamour of satin, linen, and lace with a stylish Quilted Silk Velvet Bumper, a Satin Crib Sheet, and an Allysa Crib Blanket.

as seen in: May 2011 House Beautiful

2011-05-27T08:59:00.003-05:00

Desserts never looked so good! Juliska Thread & Berry Cake Plate.

as seen in: Our Traditional Home Ad

2011-05-26T10:48:00.003-05:00

Get the look for this season's outside entertaining with Le Jacquard Francais Venezia Purple tablelinens, Juliska Amalia champagne glasses, and Juliska Pewter Stoneware.

creative inspiration: Silhouette Easter Eggs

2011-04-20T14:22:00.002-05:00

Our friend and neighbor Vana Chupp of Le Papier Studio has created an updated version of Easter Eggs inspired by her charming designs. Personalize your Easter Eggs this Sunday with your own silouettes or her's.

Directions: Start by tracing the silhouettes on the contact paper. Once you have all the silhouettes traced, start cutting their outlines with x-acto knife or scissors. Next, peel off the back and stick the silhouette on the egg. Burnish the outside edges with your thumb. This will keep the dye from penetrating - resulting in a sharp silhouette. (tip: I find warm eggs work best with the stickers)Once you're done sticking all the silhouettes on the eggs, start immersing them in the dye. Allow them to sit for about 2-5 minutes until you get a nice saturated color. Remove the egg from the dye and pat it dry with a paper towel. Start to peel the stickers and violá! You just made silhouette Easter eggs!

Ready, set, go ... the Easter Egg hunt is on. Enjoy!

Really(!) More Snow

2011-04-18T09:56:00.004-05:00

Today's post was going to be 'The March of the Daffodils' to kick of the garden season. Yesterday with the sun shining, the daffodils finally raised their sunny faces to show off. This morning Chicago awoke to SNOW! Yes, Mother Nature has played a cruel trick on us. Really, it is April 18th. Mother Nature, please look at the calendar!

Spring Sneak Peek

2011-02-16T15:04:00.006-06:00

It's warming up outside. Here's an early look at what's to come. ENJOY!

Le Jacquard Francais Spring 2011 & Giveaway

2011-02-15T13:44:00.006-06:00

The Le Jacquard Francais Spring 2011 Collection has arrived on the scene. Inspired by the sun of Provence and the mud cloths and batiks of Northern Africa, this collection encourages you to lay your table on the balcony, the terrace or the grass and enjoy the outdoors. You can just feel the sun filtering thru the olive branches.
Tell us your favorite Le Jacquard Francais Spring 2011 pattern on our Facebook page or below and you're entered to win a Le Jacquard Francais Graphic Aqua Runner. Giveaway closes February 18th at 6 p.m. CST.

Inspired Bedding ... Inspired Dreams

2011-02-09T09:57:00.002-06:00

Easy care, sophisticated elegance meets romantic chic. This inspired bed design comes from Bella Notte Linens. Natural fabrics in soft neutrals with just a pop of color for inspired dreams!

Sunshine and warmth from HortVille

2011-01-22T09:50:00.008-06:00

It's January in Chicago ... -3 degrees outside, an inch of ice on the ground from last weeks ice storm (that's on top of the 6 inches of snow already on the ground), its been gray for weeks and no hopes of sunshine in the 7 day forecast. Just when you think all is lost, the mailbox brings warmth and sunshine in the form of the Plant Delights Nursery 2011 Florabook.

Every year I look forward to this catalog with anticipation. Not only is it a great resource for plants that are not easily found elsewhere, it is also A TERRIFIC READ! This year Tony Avent has outdone himself with Hortville and a spoof on Facebook ... who doesn't want to be friends with Jack in the pulpit (after all I grow 6 varieties in my own garden) and visit HortVille?

I now have a Spring in my step as I plan this year's acquisitions and where I am going to squeeze them in. Then there's the wish list of 'If only I could grow this in my zone'. And of course, planning the annual pilgrimage to one of his open houses.

Check out Plant Delights and let me now what's on your wish list ... Spring is only 6 weeks away. Hope you Enjoy! -- Yvonne

from My Garden: A Year in Review

2010-10-01T13:21:00.004-05:00

The garden is quickly winding down, the leaves are changing and there is a crispness in the air. Frost is not far away. As I am planting the spring bulbs and putting the garden to rest for the winter, here's a look back at the garden. When the snow if a foot deep and winter seems like it will never end, there will always be the dream of Spring. ENJOY!

Eye Candy: Ilee Paper

2010-09-30T07:56:00.003-05:00

There is an intrinsic beauty in letterpress paper ... the craftsmanship and hand-made nature ... the fact that no two are exactly alike. In this digital age of iPhones and computer printers, letterpress paper is eye candy.

I recently came across Ilee Paper and their 2011 letterpress and silkscreen calendar. This calendar includes 12 monthly cards with creative and original artwork. January is inspired by the Chinese Zodiac, 2011 is the year of rabbit ... it was the rabbit that sold me! March features a blind embossed rooster. For October the moon in the design is silk screened with non-toxic glow in the dark ink. November has the most beautiful rendering of vegetables. An of course there is April showers brings May flowers. This 2011 calendar will definitely bring eye candy to my desk in 2011. ENJOY!

from My Garden: Autumn Clematis

2010-09-14T08:48:00.002-05:00

With the hottest summer on record for Chicago this year (weeks and weeks of 90's+, humidity that never ended, and rain the came in multiple inches at a time or not at all) the garden did not fair well. Plants either bloomed early or not at all. And to add to the misery, Japanese beetles dined all summer ... this will result in grubs next year. So now its time to cut back, begin the fall cleaning, plant the spring bulbs and dream of next year. But even in the worst garden year there are still surprises ... this morning an Autumn Clematis which self-seeded itself and grew up the gutter is in full bloom. It's spicy honey scent filling the early morning cool air. An ah! moment for a weary gardener. ENJOY!

A Victoria Magazine Favorite Thing!

2010-06-30T08:18:00.003-05:00

This month's Favorite Things from Victoria Magazine includes Pine Cone Hill Bedding ..."A sumptuous piling of toile and gingham-patterned pillow shams creates a landscape of enchanting motifs for the French-country boudoir. Lyall Claret sheet set and Herringbone Claret matelasse coverlet provide cheerful splashes of red."

Want to get this look for your French boudoir? Yvonne Estelle's is a Pine Cone Hill Partner store and has this ready for you. Visit our Pine Cone Hill department or come see our display beds in our store and start dreaming!

Yvonne Estelle's 2010 Tabletop Design Contest

2010-06-29T10:15:00.002-05:00

Can’t wait for the latest copies of your favorite design magazine or today’s RSS feed of your favorite design blogs? Do you inspire the moment with a well dressed table that encourages your guests to stop and savor the moment? Is the table your stage where you use your personal taste and style to the fullest? Then, spark your imagination, be creative and show us your stuff in our 2010 Tabletop Design Contest.

RULES
Submit three images of the tabletop you’ve designed via the Yvonne Estelle’s Facebook Page by July 18th. Please, only non-professionals should submit their work. Our panel of 3 judges will then review each design for originality, functionality and ambiance and will select three finalists. The three finalists will be posted to the Yvonne Estelle’s Facebook Page on July 23rd where our fans will be able to vote for their choice. The design receiving the most votes by 11:59 p.m. CST on July 31st will win a prize package from Garnier Thiebaut (valued up to $600).

PRIZE PACKAGE
This year our Tabletop Design Contest is sponsored by Garnier Thiebaut. The winner will receive their choice of any Garnier Thiebaut tablecloth and 12 napkins.

on the Menu: Fresh Pesto

2010-06-27T14:23:00.003-05:00

What do you do with a bumper crop of basil and fresh garlic? ... You add pine nuts and olive oil and make pesto. This is quick and easy and keeps well in the refrigerator and freezer. Just think about what to use it on ... chicken, pasta, a garnish in soup. Let your taste buds run wild on this one. And, come winter, when you're knee deep in snow and dreaming of summer, pull it out of the freezer and drift back to summer. ENJOY!

Helpful Tips -- For years I could never get the same amount of basil leaves when measuring packed basil leaves. It is best to measure by weight for this recipe; it provides more consistent results. Also, the better the olive oil, the better the pesto. Garlic can be mild or hot, adjust as you like.

Ingredients:

2 cups (4 ounces) fresh basil leaves, packed
1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup pine nuts
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
salt & pepper to taste

Place the basil leaves in the food processor and pulse a few times to chop. Add the pine nuts and garlic and chop until the mixture resembles course salt. With the motor running slowly add the olive oil until you get a thick paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pesto is concentrated and goes a long way. Divide pesto evenly between two small containers. Pesto will keep for about a week in the refrigerator or it can be frozen.

on the Menu: Summer Berry Tart

2010-06-18T08:14:00.002-05:00

Farmers Markets are in full swing here in the Midwest. This simple, fresh tart showcases the best of summer berries from the Farmers Market. This one has strawberries and blueberries, but you could easily use raspberries and currants. This also makes a refreshing dessert for the 4th of July ... add a little whipped cream and you have red, white and blue!

Get the above look with Garnier Thiebaut's Isaphire Quartz Tablecloth and Juliska's Cake Plates. The dessert set is vintage; visit Yvonne Estelle's brick & mortar store for more vintage dinnerware selections.

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed into 1/2 inch pieces
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons ice water

2-3 fresh mint leaves
2 cups whole milk
5 large egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons flour

1 ounce white chocolate

1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
1 pint fresh blueberries

Crust: Put flour, sugar, salt, poppy seeds and orange zest in food processor and pulse for a few second to mix. Add butter and process for another ten seconds until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Mix egg yolk with water. While processor is running, slowly add egg mixture until the dough just comes together. Turn dough out onto plastic wrap and press into a circular disk about an inch thick. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

Roll out dough to fit a 9" fluted tart pan. (This dough is tender and easily tears. It is easiest to roll this out on parchment paper and then transfer dough to the tart pan using the parchment paper. You can easily patch any tears by pressing them together.) Chill tart pan with dough in freezer for 15 minutes while oven preheats to 350 F. Bake tart shell in 350 F oven for 25-30 minutes until pale golden brown. Remove from oven and cool on rack for 30 minutes.

Pastry Cream: Heat milk to simmer in a large saucepan; remove from heat and steep the mint leaves in the hot milk for about 2-3 minutes (fresh mint can vary in flavor ... taste to make sure the milk is not getting to minty). Beat egg yolks with the sugar in a large nonreactive bowl until mixture falls in ribbons when the beaters are lifted. Beat in the cornstarch and flour. Remove mint leaves and slowly beat in the warm milk until the egg yolk mixture is smooth.

Return mixture to saucepan. Cook stirring constantly, until thickened and smooth (it should be the consistency of sour cream. Strain pastry cream into large bowl to remove any lumps. Rub surface with butter and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until very cold or up to 2 days.

Assemble the tart: Melt white chocolate in a double boiler. Lightly brush a thin layer of melted chocolate on the bottom of the tart shell. Set aside until chocolate is hardened (this is a butter shield layer that helps to keep the shell from getting soggy quickly and it adds and extra taste surprise). Spread one cup of the pastry cream (reserving the remaining pastry cream for another use) in the tart and top decoratively with the fresh summer berries of your choice. Refrigerate tart until ready to serve. This tart is best the day it is made. ENJOY!

from My Garden: A New Find ... Monches Farm

2010-05-31T20:51:00.004-05:00

How far is too far to travel in search of plants? Not Wisconsin. I spent the weekend driving the back roads of Wisconsin in search of new perennial sources.

Recently, a customer told me about Monches Farm located in southeastern Wisconsin. So, this became the first destination on my weekend trek. This perennial farm, located in the Kettle Moraine area of Wisconsin is a gem! Set in some of the most beautiful rolling farms of Wisconsin, Monches Farm grows most of its plants on site, has charming display gardens, and a gift/antique shop set in an old greenhouse/farm building. A strutting peacock greets you in the parking lot or in the display gardens, Sand Hill Cranes nest in the pond, and all types of sculpture (dinosaur and small) are on parade.

The old greenhouse is loaded with varieties of coleus and begonias intermingling with antique bird cages filled with fluttering, singing birds ... it stops you in your tracks! Just magical!

The cottage style display gardens wrap around the farm buildings with a jaw dropping assortment of bearded and siberian iris in full bloom. In addition, there are some plants that just beckon to come home with you ... an 8' grayish thistle with candelabra arms and purple flowers. There is also has an amazing selection of siberian iris (all in bloom this weekend) ... and if you see something you like that is not yet potted, they simply dig it from the field for you.

I could not leave empty handed. Today's acquisitions include: the 8' thistle described above (name unknown), Siberian Iris, Nicotiana langsdorffii and Salvia. Next stop, the Flying Pig in Algoma, Wisconsin.

June Featured Finds

2010-05-27T09:36:00.003-05:00

In June we kick off the shoes, open the windows, and dine and entertain outside. Our June Featured Finds celebrates the simple elegance of outside dining and entertaining.

Couleur Nature Cherries Tablecloth -- Cherries come into season for just a short time in June. This easy care tablecloth and napkins extends the season and adds whimsy to outside entertaining.
Global Views Concord Lantern -- Add soft light to evening dinners outside with the Concord Lantern.
Brahms Mount Linen Throw -- We've moved from the fireplace to the fire pit and June evenings can still have a chill in the air. Wrap yourself in a Brahms Mount Linen throw while sipping the wine and watching the fire.
Poterie Renault Square Bakers -- Who can resist cherry cobbler baked in a Poterie Renault baker? We can't!

from My Garden: The Return of the Purple Flying Saucers

2010-05-24T17:56:00.004-05:00

The purple flying saucers ... Allium 'Purple Sensation' hovering over the south parkway borders. These bulbs, planted in the Fall, come back year after year. Best of all, they're rabbit and squirrel proof!

Five Easy Luxuries from My Home

2010-05-22T15:20:00.006-05:00

In these hectic, over-scheduled days with technology moving at the speed of light, I always make time for five little luxuries that help me pause, smile, and slow down to enjoy life.

Ironed and scented sheets. No, I don't have all the time in the world. When I launder the sheets, I just iron the pillowcases and the top half of the flat sheet. I use lavender linen water instead of starch. The 20 minutes or so that it takes me to iron is quiet and soothing. With the scent of lavender in the air, I find myself inhaling deeply and slowly as I'm ironing ... what a way to meditate while doing the bedding ... and that's multi-tasking at its finest! Then, just wait until you crawl into crisply ironed, silky, lavender scented sheet. You'll drift off to sleep easily and awake refreshed and ask yourself why you didn't do this sooner.

Fresh Flowers. I always have fresh flowers on the secretary in the living room, on the nightstand next to the bed, and in the bathroom. There is no need to constantly buy fresh flowers. Most of the spring, summer and fall I cut branches, leaves and flowers from my garden. OK, yes I have a large garden, but you can do a lot with a few hosta leaves and twigs; and they last for up to two weeks. I often make arrangements that strike my mood at the time. These days I strive for more of a simple look than a fussy vase. Today, it's mini vases full of blue pansies ... happy little faces just staring at you.

Cloth Napkins. In Europe they have an art and a love for dining. You can easily bring some of this to your table with cloth napkins. In my linen closet I have two stacks -- ironed and not ironed. Some are individuals and some are sets that have been collected from garage sales, flea markets, store sales and ones I just had to have to feed my addiction. Today, my favorites are still Le Jacquard Francais napkins. They are machine wash and come out of the dryer beautifully for a casual look; or, if I need a more elegant table, I take a few moments and iron them. No scented linen water here ... that would interfere with the scent of the meal and I don't use starch.

Scented drawers and closets. I have lavender sachets in all the drawers and on all the closet shelves. This provides another quick, meditative moment when you open a scented drawer or closet, take a deep breath, and enjoy the second or two. Think how often you do this in a day. I feel the stress just dissolving away!

Scented liquid soap. I have scented liquid soap at all the sinks. This is yet another quick, meditative moment when you take a deep breath and enjoy the second or two. And how often do you wash your hands? My current favorite ... Belle de Provence Waterlily.

Try one or all of these easy luxuries and let us know what you think. Have an easy favorite luxury, I'd love to know. Enjoy!

Yvonne

from My Garden: An Excursion to Northwind

2010-05-21T12:54:00.007-05:00

Since the mid-90's, Northwind Perennial Farm has been a destination for inspiration, the best of the newest garden plants, a little antique shopping, and overall just a day in the country. This gem, located about 90 minutes north of Chicago in the town of Burlington, Wisconsin, doesn't just sell plants, they grow them on site on their farm. In addition, they have large display gardens (sun and shade) that are both jaw dropping and inspirational. The display gardens wind thru the barn and outbuildings and around the sales area. Chickens roam the grounds constantly eating up bugs; a natural way to keep pests under control with the benefit of fresh eggs to boost ... wish I could do that in my Chicago garden. Occasionally you duck for a Barn Swallow dive bomber upset that you came to close to his brooding nest. A gift shop set up in the old barn has the most creative display of cut flowers in antique urns I have ever seen! My favorite is the antique urn display in the middle of the silo. A few years back I asked if I could purchase the urn, but alas, it was not for sale ... the hunt continues for that antique urn.

This year I went with nothing specific in mind ... just wanted to walk the gardens for design ideas on a beautiful sunny Spring day. Of course, I could not leave with an empty trunk, today's HAUL included:

Agastache 'Blue Fortune' (Giant Hyssop). I tried one of these last year and was impressed by its performance. For about 10 weeks from mid-June until early-September this plant had 2' tall purple flower spikes. It never stopped blooming thru heat and drought. In the fall, the foliage turned a shade of butter yellow that added to the fall display. This spring it came back twice as large and is already a good 2' tall with no flowers yet. With that kind of performance I had to have more ... now, where to put them?
Bronze Fennel and other herbs. With little room to grow fruits or vegetables, I grow herbs in pots to supply my kitchen with fresh herbs most of the year. In the summer the fennel fronds get used to season stocks, sauces and the occasional grilled sea bass. In the fall, I saute up what little bulbs I get and make a fennel tart. When I saw this bronze fennel I had to get it. Check back at the end of the summer to see its success.
Nepata Walker Low (Catmint). Another herb plant breed for the perennial garden. Starting in late May (this year) this perennial blooms with clouds of purple flowers for almost 4 weeks. It gets a little weedy after that, so I cut it back and let it send out new growth that carries it thru the rest of the season. Sometimes, it even re-blooms in September. This is a workhorse of a perennial, it needs little attention and manages well in heat and drought.

With the trunk loaded and little room for anything else, I head back to Chicago thru Slades Corners where there is a mushroom farm that is open 364 days a year. Wait until you see what I came out with?

Five Easy Steps to Growing Large Hosta

2010-05-05T08:32:00.006-05:00

Last year, you may recall, I had hosta that could have had a starring role in 'Little Shop of Horrors'. Some grew to over 5' in diameter with leaves up to 18" long. Many of you emailed asking ... how do I grow those hosta? And those of you that talked to Marsha may recall her humor that the leaves from the floral displays in the store could also be used as umbrellas. Below is what I believe is the success to growing large, healthy hosta.

Dappled Shade. Yes, the plant tags say hosta are shade lovers and they are. However, in deep shade they do not perform as well as they do in dappled shade (filtered sunlight from high top trees or 2-3 hours or morning sun). The sun helps the plant produce energy. However, too much sun and they will burn up!
Spring fertilization. In early spring the hosta get a dose of organic fertilizer high in nitrogen. Nitrogen is used by the plants for leaf growth. This kicks off the early growing cycle for leaf production.
Mulch, Mulch, Mulch! Every spring after the garden beds have been fertilized, they are mulched with compost. I use mushroom compost. Mulch conserves water and feeds the soil. In addition, mushroom compost feeds the worms, which in turn feed and aerate the soil. Hostas (and many other plants) thrive in healthy soil.
Water. Hosta can be thirsty plants and perform best when they have adequate water. Don't let them dry out.
Fall fertilization. In early fall the hosta get a dose of organic fertilizer high in Potassium. Potassium is used to improve plant stength and I believe it helps the plant survive winter weather better.

These five keys to hosta growing can transform you hosta from small to large in a season or two ... or even into a hosta farm. Happy Gardening!

on the Menu: Grilled Trout with Baby Artichokes

2010-04-27T08:24:00.006-05:00

This is a quick, easy and fresh weeknight meal that is sure to please. Both fresh trout and baby artichokes are in season now and make a great pairing. Serve this with your favorite glass of Pinot Noir, dine on the patio and enjoy!

Ingredients
serves 2

For the trout: (cooking time - 15 minutes)
2 fresh trout, cleaned about 8 oz. each
1 lemon, sliced
1 small bunch fresh dill
salt and pepper to taste

Wash trout, pat dry and season inside with salt and pepper. Stuff trout with lemon slices and dill fronds and tie trout closed with kitchen twine. Refrigerate for about two hours. Place trout on hot charcoal grill and cook 7 minutes per side ... these cook quick so watch.

For the artichokes: (cooking time - 30 minutes)
12 baby artichokes, peeled, cleaned and sliced in half
3 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt

Heat oil in pan until hot. Add garlic and cook for about 60 seconds to soften ... do not let garlic burn. Add baby artichokes and thyme and saute for 60 seconds ... you should be able to smell the aroma from the fresh thyme. Add the wine, lemon juice and salt, stir and cook covered over medium low heat for about 30 minutes. If liquid is cooking out too fast, add a little more wine. You want about 4 tablespoons of sauce with the artichokes.

Remove twine from trout and plate the trout with the artichokes. Spoon the artichoke sauce over the trout. Enjoy!

from My Garden: the Annual Geranium Pilgrimage

2010-04-26T08:37:00.004-05:00

Every year at this time, I make a pilgrimage to Shady Hill Gardens to see what's new and to select this year's geraniums. Shady Hill specializes in geraniums and they grow varieties I have yet to see elsewhere; not to mention the selection of unique annuals that I use for hanging basket arrangements. In the still cool days of April, walking into the greenhouse awashed in all colors of pink, purple and white you take a deep breath, smile, and then ask yourself where do I begin. This year was no different. After about an hour of walking around and narrowing down my selections, I still came home with a trunk full of plants ... of course this is an addiction!

This year's geranium winner is 'Maestro Lavender Blue' ... a perfect shade of bluish rose that will line the pots up my back stairs. In addition to Maestro Lavender Blue, I came home with two large papyrus 'King Tut' which promise to get even bigger ... to 5' tall I am told. These are going to be part of a tropical planting in the front pots this year. And then there is a double wave petunia ... new on the scene this year. If this performs like other wave petunias, this will bloom it's heart out all summer and make for stunning displays in the hanging baskets.

Have a favorite geranium? Let me know, I'm always on the lookout for something new.

Down Duvets (the fluff and stuff)

2010-04-15T14:00:00.007-05:00

As light and soft as a cloud, yet as warm and enveloping as cashmere, down is the finest way to sleep. Goose down? Fill power? Baffles? Ticking? How do I choose?

The soul of every duvet is fill. Quality duvets are filled with goose down (the insulating fluff found under the chest feathers of waterfowl). These feathers are soft, nearly weightless clusters that radiate in all directions from a central point and interlock to trap air. It’s the air that keeps you warm and comfortable. Generally, the colder the climate and the longer the goose is allowed to mature, the larger and warmer the down clusters. Duvets are generally filled with one of the following four down types: White Goose Down (550 fill power), Hungarian Goose Down (650 fill power), Polish Goose Down (750 fill power), or Siberian Goose Down (800 fill power). Fill power indicates the number of cubic inches filled by each ounce of down. The more space an ounce of down takes up, the more warmth it offers per ounce and the fluffier the duvet will be.

The ticking and the methods used to enclose the duvet can enhance or undermine its ability to loft, insulate, breathe and last. Ticking is the fabric sack that contains the fill of a duvet. Quality duvets are made with down-proof, natural fiber ticking with a high thread count and a boxed-baffled construction. Baffles are interior walls that keep the two layers of ticking lifted apart to allow for greater loft of the down. The boxed construction prevents the shifting of the down. Beware, some duvets are sold with boxed construction but have no interior baffles. These duvets do not loft as high, are not as warm and have a tendency not to last as long. This is due to the fact that the two layers of ticking are sewn together through the down, which crushes the down and prevents loft.

Quality duvets will last 10-15 years if properly cared for. They should always be covered and protected by a duvet cover. It is the duvet cover that gets laundered as needed and keeps the duvet clean. You should never need to clean a duvet. If cleaning becomes a necessity, the duvet should be taken to a professional cleaners that specializes in cleaning down. Down duvets should never be washed in the washing machine. This process breaks down the down fibers and the duvet loses its warmth and loft abilities.

Shop Yvonne Estelle's for quality duvets.

from My Garden: The First Act of the Flowering Tree Show

2010-04-13T07:47:00.004-05:00

With this crazy warm weather, the Magnolia trees are in full bloom two weeks early. Early morning walks thru the neighborhood are filled with the the spicy scent of the Saucer Magnolias with their large pink blossoms. Their flowers are fleeting but the joy they bring for the few days (in good weather that is) they bloom is incredible ... it just lifts your spirits and puts a smile on your face. Last year I planted four magnolia trees which were suppose to spread out the magnolia bloom season. The first to bloom is the Leonard Messel ... alas last week's quarter size hail took the blossoms completely off of the tree; no blooms this year. Then comes the Royal Star (pictured below). This was planted to replace a 20 year old Pagoda Dogwood that died due to canker last fall. Somewhat protected by the brick wall, it managed to keep some of its blossoms intact after the hail storm. While the flowers are scattered, next year has the promise of a large white snowball. Then their is the Dr. Merrill Magnolia (pictured above). These baseball size flowers have the scent of jasmine. Planted outside the window, it is currently perfuming the house as I write ... oh, the joy of it!! And last to bloom with no blossoms thanks to the hail is Jane. She promises the beauty of large purple-pink blossoms in the future, hail permitting that is. Enjoy!

from My Garden: Crabapple Lace

2010-04-12T08:05:00.003-05:00

Last night while dining on the patio I looked up to discover Mother Nature had woven crabapple lace above me. The sun was almost set and the silhouette of the newly emerging crabapple leaves created the most amazing view looking up into the night sky. Spring is just bursting onto the science, just a few short days ago there was barely a leaf to be seen ... now in a couple of short weeks the crabs will be bursting with flowers and the scent of honey will be in the early morning air. Some years back I attended a seminar on the discussion of fractals and their explanation of Mother Nature's work ... sometimes the science can take away from the beauty. These are those ah! moments to be enjoyed. ENJOY!

from My Garden: The First Blossoms of Spring

2010-04-01T10:00:00.007-05:00

This will be our second season of from My Garden and it is starting off with a splash of color ... all shades of blue that is. The snow has melted, the leaves have been raked away, and a few days of sunshine and 70's has produced a carpet of Scilla by the hundreds if not thousands ... who can count. These little flowers bloom their hearts our in early Spring before the leaves burst onto the scene. The fuzzy bumble bees, in their glory, are busy from one flower to the next; and before you know it, thousands of seeds are produced waiting to fall to the ground in June and add to next year's bounty. Industrious little flowers and bees they are.

This patch, in the shade garden under the maple tree, has been ten years in the making and this year promises to be the best yet! By June these spring ephemerals will have died back and given the ground over to the hosta and ferns. And yes, that is a 5' red, white & blue rooster created from salvaged metal drums ... every garden needs some art!

Grilled Salmon & Asparagus

2010-03-15T10:01:00.005-05:00

Asparagus and fresh caught Salmon are coming into season and this recipe makes an easy week-night meal that takes little time to prepare. Marinate the salmon in the morning, let it sit in the refrigerator and its ready to go in the evening.

Ingredients
Serves 2

6 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
6 large fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
juice from 1 lemon
2 salmon fillets, 6 oz. each
8 oz. fresh asparagus, trimmed

Mix the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil, honey, mustard and lemon juice in a small bowl. This will be the marinade for the salmon and the dressing for the asparagus.

Place the salmon in a zip lock plastic food bag and pour in half the marinade over the salmon (reserving the other half for the asparagus). Seal the bag, flip to coat the salmon, and place the salmon, skin side up, in the refrigerator for 2-12 hours.

When ready, heat grill. Place salmon, skin side down, over the cooler part of the grill, close lid and grill for 10-15 minutes to desired doneness based on thickness of salmon. Do not flip salmon.

Drizzle one tablespoon olive oil over asparagus; salt and pepper to taste. When salmon is almost done, place asparagus on grill and cook for 2-4 minutes until crisp tender.

Remove salmon and asparagus from grill. When removing salmon, use a spatula to separate the salmon fillet from the skin; discard skin. Drizzle asparagus with remaining marinade, plate and serve.

ENJOY!

On the Menu: Pain De Mie

2010-03-08T10:04:00.002-06:00

Pain De Mie is a wonderfully versatile bread that is easy to make but does require a Pullman Pan. This specialty pan creates a close-grained, tender bread with a thin crust which is ideal for hor d'oeuvres, toast, sandwiches and especially French toast. For the best results, weigh the flour instead of measuring by volume. In this recipe the dough is made in a bread machine and then bake in the oven. Allow a total of about 3 hours from start to finish.

Ingredients

Makes 1 loaf

1 1/2 cups whole milk

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 1/4 teaspoons salt

1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

1 large egg, beaten

20 oz. unbleached all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon instant yeast

In a bowl weigh out flour, add yeast, sugar and salt and stir to combine. Scald milk and melt butter in scaled milk and cool to room temperature. Pour milk mixture into bread machine. Add flour mixture then pour in beaten egg. Set machine to dough setting and press start.

When the bread machine has finished, transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and shape the dough into a log to fit the Pullman pan. Butter the Pullman pan and place the dough into the pan flattening the dough to fit into the corners. Cover with plastic wrap and let the dough rise a room temperature until just below the top of the pan (about 45 minutes). Remove the plastic wrap and gently slid on the lid of the pan and let rest another (10-15) minutes.

Bake bread in a 350F oven for 20-25 minutes. Remove the lid (be careful as it is HOT) and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the loaf is golden brown. Remove loaf from pan and cover it loosely with a kitchen towel as it cools.

On the Menu: Beef Stew with Horseradish Mashed Potatoes

2010-02-22T14:16:00.002-06:00

This is an elegant and rich winter classic that is best made the day before and reheated the next day ... it only gets better overnight in the refridgerator. Also, remember the better the wine, the better the stew.

Ingredients
Serves 4-6

For the Stew:
8 ounces thick sliced bacon, diced
3 pounds beef chuck, cubed into 1-inch pieces
1 large onion, chopped
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups red wine (a Malbec is a great choice)
3 cups beef stock
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried thyme
8 ounces fresh wild mushrooms, sliced
4 large carrots, julienne

For the Mashed Potatoes
1.5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes (about 6)
3-5 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon butter
1-2 teaspoons, fresh prepared horseradish

Make the Stew: Preheat oven to 350F. In a dutch oven, saute the bacon until crisp. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Pour off the bacon fat, leaving about a tablespoon in the bottom of the pan. Over medium heat, saute the beef a few pieces at a time until the meat is well browned on all sides (don't skimp on the browning, this develops the rich flavor of the stew). Remove beef and set aside. Add chopped onions to the pan and saute until soft and beginning to sweat. Add flour, salt and pepper and cook over medium-high heat about 5 minutes constantly stirring so that the flour does not burn. Add the beef and bacon back to the pot and stir to coat. Add the wine to deglaze the pan, then add the beef stock, tomato paste, rosemary and thyme. Cover the dutch oven and transfer it to the hot oven for 2 1/2 hours.

While the beef stew is in the oven, saute the mushrooms with 1 tablespoon of butter for about 1o minutes until they begin to brown. Set aside. After 2 1/2 hours, remove the stew from the oven and add the carrots and sauted mushrooms, salt and pepper if needed. Return stew back to oven for another 30 minutes until carrots are tender. Serve with Horseradish Mashed Potatoes and a good glass of red wine. Enjoy!

from My Garden: Thoughts of Spring

2010-02-17T09:55:00.004-06:00

With all the snow on the ground, and the long winter we have had, it's hard to image that Spring is just a few short weeks away. Yes, underneath all that snow the snow drops and scilla are sending up shoots protected from the ravages of winter by that layer of snow. The first white and blue blossoms will begin appearing around mid-March. Also under all that snow in my front yard are hundreds of Maureen and Burgundy Lace tulips just waiting to burst onto the scene. With more winter behind us than ahead, I am eagerly waiting for Spring and the Tulipmania festival to begin! Need an early dose of Spring? ... view more images from My Garden.

On the Menu: Chocolate Truffle Tart

2010-02-15T13:04:00.008-06:00

This is one of the most decadent desserts for a special occasion and sure to please. This simple and chic dessert can easily be dressed up for over the top entertaining with fresh chocolate covered strawberries. Afterall, who can resist chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate.

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed into 1/2 inch pieces
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons ice water

1 Earl Grey teabag
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
9 ounces bittersweet chocolate (about 60% cacao), chopped
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
pinch of salt

3 tablespoons heavy cream
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon light corn syrup

6 chocolate covered strawberries (optional)

Crust: Put flour and sugar in food processor and pulse for a few second to mix. Add butter and process for another ten seconds until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Mix egg yolk with water. While processor is running, slowly add egg mixture until the dough just comes together. Turn dough out onto plastic wrap and press into a circular disk about an inch thick. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

Roll out dough to fit a 9" fluted tart pan. (This dough is tender and easily tears. It is easiest to roll this out on parchment paper and then transfer dough to the tart pan using the parchment paper. You can easily patch any tears by pressing them together.) Chill tart pan with dough in freezer for 15 minutes while oven preheats to 350 F. Bake tart shell in 350 F oven for 25-30 minutes until pale golden brown. Remove from oven and cool on rack for 30 minutes.

Filling: Bring cream to boil and steep the tea bag in the cream for about 2 minutes (remember, the longer the tea bag is in the cream, the stronger the tea flavor will be). Remove tea bag and pour hot cream over chocolate in a bowl and let stand 5 minutes (chocolate will melt gently in cream). Gently stir until smooth. Whisk together eggs, vanilla and salt and then stir into melted chocolate mixture. Pour filling into cooled crust and bake for 20-25 minutes (center will still be wobbly and will set as tart cools). Remove from oven and cool completely in pan (about 1 hour).

Glaze: Bring cream to a boil and remove from heat. Stir in chocolate until smooth. Stir in corn syrup. Pour glaze onto tart, then tilt and rotate tart so glaze coats top of tart. Decoratively arrange chocolate covered strawberries on glaze and let stand until glaze is set, about 1 hour.

A Touch of Summer ... Color is in the Air

2010-01-20T16:55:00.005-06:00

The call of the ocean or an escape to the country, Le Jacquard Francais' depiction of nature in its new collection of table linens is an invitation to spend as much time as possible around the table.

Lunchtime toes in the sand ... the sea has washed ashore a multitude of little treasures for the children to find before sitting down to eat at Escale Marine. Romantic nature inspired florals with birds, butterflies and snails in an ornamental lace-like border fancy Romance. Mint, Cherry, Apricot ... colorful large madras-style tiles tumble across the table. View the new Le Jacquard Francais 2010 Collection and dine in color.

New Arrivals from Company C

2010-01-09T10:18:00.004-06:00

Browse Company C's newest inspirations. Go ahead, mix and match to your hearts content to create the feeling you want. View the new Company C Spring 2010 Catalog at Yvonne Estelle's and let us know your favorite; or visit us online for coordinates to your favorite design.

Inspire others ... let us know how you live with color.

New Styles from Annette Tatum

2009-12-19T11:30:00.001-06:00

Annette has infused her Little House collection with new colors and patterns. Classic crib sets have been updated with new combinations. Velour bumpers have arrived in style with new poplin prints. New favorites are being talked about. View the 2009 Little House catalog and let us know your favorite. And, enjoy a gift from us ... receive a complimentary coordinating crib sheet with your Little House Crib Set purchase. No coupon code necessary, we'll just add it to your order when it ships.

http://www.yvonne-estelles.com/Little%20House/little-house.htm