Time to Yourself

Carve out a Reading Nook. Forget summer reading lists, fall is the time to pull out your favorite titles and lose yourself in a good book. Pick a well-lit corner of your home, either by natural light or a lamp, and shove a comfy armchair in it. Place a table nearby, like our Cordova Nesting Tables, a scrollwork throw for chilly days, and a scrollwork pillow for extra comfort.

Product Spotlight: Italian Stitch Ramekins

Maybe we're biased, but we think everything looks better in a ramekin. They're perfect for individual portions of breakfasts, snacks and desserts — and our Italian Stitch Ramekins are even better because they're beautiful AND bakeable! Part of our Mario Batali collection, they have his attention to detail and style. That's what makes them our Product of the Week! $24.96 set of 2, or as a Customer Special for $12.48.

Shop online for them by Clicking Here

Fall Alfresco

Enjoy the last few warm days of the season outdoors in style. Dress up your patio table with an outdoor tablecloth in autumnal tones. Top the table with Italian Stitch dishes, pumpkin place cards, and Hemingway Hurricanes with orange candles or flowers.

Product Spotlight: Hawthorne Hurricane

The Hawthorne Hurricane is so stunning! Fill your silent night with sparkle. Classic column-like shape is great for showcasing everything from desserts to displays. Food safe and great for organizing! Catalog page 59, $39.96 (or $19.98 as a customer special)

How would you use it? Here are some inspirations shared at http://www.plateandpattern.com/

Kim: This time of year, I like to fill up a hurricane about 1/2 way with candy corn. Wiggle in a black candle -- then get ghost Peeps (those marshmellow candies that really aren't fit to eat :) and then circle the candle with them so they look like they're looking out. Very cute!

Nikki: Remember the old "punch bowls" Grandma used to entertain with? Think outside the box: you've seen centerpieces made with over-sized martini glasses--how about a mix of those and this Hurricane--looks like a great (large)wine glass--have a variety of drinks for your friends--wonderful for sangrias or daiquiris! Just have ladle for each (or just add a few large straws for you and your friends!) Or think how great this will look with lemonade or water with fruit floating... Think fun!

Cheryl: I'd probably force some Amaryllis bulbs in it for a festive holiday display.

Lacie: I would fill it halfway with pumpkin seeds and fall colored leaves and then push in a pumpkin scented pillar candle! Then I would tie some pretty fall themed ribbon around it to make a centerpiece or an accent piece to go on the mantle (or anywhere!)

Susie: I would add 4 or 5 "cuties" to the Hurricane top off with a bit of water. Find a branch from my neighbors' tree (it's not stealing, it's pruning) that was filled with acorns or fall leaves, snip it and nestle it in between the cuties. Perfect color, perfectly simple fall centerpiece.

Elizabeth: I would add 4 or 5 "cuties" to the Hurricane top off with a bit of water. Find a branch from my neighbors' tree (it's not stealing, it's pruning) that was filled with acorns or fall leaves, snip it and nestle it in between the cuties. Perfect color, perfectly simple fall centerpiece.

Kim: I think this would make a cute centerpiece for July 4th. Layer red, white, and blue jelly beans in the hurricane. Then add one of those patriotic spray centerpieces to the middle.

Denise: Build a sweet tradition with this piece. Have pretty scrapbooking cards close by for family members and friends to write what they are most thankful for this Thanksgiving. Place cards in the hurricane and later read aloud...also a great tradition for Mother's Day and birthdays. Finish off by tying a big, fat burlap bow at the base for contrast and texture.

Helen: This is a favorite piece from the catalog! I would take it somewhere to have it monogrammed and put it in the bathroom with guest soaps and goodies!

Kyna: For a great tailgate centerpiece, toss pom poms with your team colors around the base, and have 2 window flags or pennants hanging out the top. Fill with layers of popcorn and jelly beans in your team colors and have a snack filled centerpiece that says GO BRONCOS!!!! had to fit Boise State in there somewhere :)

Suzanne: layer dried beans of various colors, pinto beans, black beans, white beans, split green peas, and stick a candle in the middle...looks striped, looks great and easy on the budget!

Niki: It would depend on the season - I would either fill it with seashells and a blue candle for summer, pinecones for the fall, and glass ornaments for the holidays!

and the winner was...
Lynn: Everyone's ideas and comments are great-love this inspirational opportunity! Let's decorate the outside of the hurricane for fun - use fun festive theme colored paper/ribbon/rafia, depending on your themed event or season. The vinyl cling stickers work great too-just attach to the outside of the glass, then remove & wash when done. For example, as a baby shower gift, use the cling on stickers with baby feet, congrat's, pacifiers, then fill the hurricane with diapers, receiving blanket, binkie, & onsies - present it as the actual gift instead of using wrapper paper or gift sack.

Share how YOU would use it!

A short break...

Hey friends - I have to confess to some stupidity. I did NOT back up my computer and when the power blinked out the other night, it fried the hard drive. Five years of files GONE. So I'll get back on track next week with posts and ideas, but for the time being, I need to work on rebuilding some of the stuff I'd worked up to share.

Go back up your files. Right now. Not later. I was going to do it later. Didn't have time. Hmmmph.

Product Spotlight: Villa Footed Server

Don't you love the way this Villa Footed Server showcases everything beautifully, from this season's pears to colorful gourds for the upcoming autumn holidays. That's why it's the Willow House Product of the Week! We love it for serving and decorating — how would you use it? Find it on page 42 of the catalog, a BEAUTIFUL addition to your Villa Stoneware Collection. Retail Price $59.96. Hostess half price $29.98 (or FREE with Hostess Dollars). Customers - get this piece and add the Appetizer Tray for 50% off - only $19.96 when you purchase the Footed Server. Holds 6 cups.

Product Spotlight: Eyelet Ribbon Plate

Yum! Don't you love the look of hummus and spicy dip served on our Eyelet Ribbon Plate, today's Product of the Week? Heavy glass means you can use it as a plate or tray. Willow House tied on a fun herb bouquet here, but you could also run a ribbon through the plate's eyelets to add a pop of color.

This has been a customer favorite this fall, several of you have purchased it as your Customer Special. At $39.96 retail ($19.98 as a Special), you'll get your money's worth back out of it at every occasion. How would you use it?