Creating Comfort

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire… Jack Frost nipping at your nose… the holidays are here, along with all of the comforting nostalgia that comes with these cold winter months. Whether its your favorite fuzzy socks, recipe you can only get when your mom makes it, or the feeling when you’re listening to classic Christmas carols- winter is the season for comfort and soul nourishing warmth.

On this weeks blog, we want to talk about the art of being cozy, calm, and comfortable, and how to achieve your own personal level of hygge.

-Maelyn

The Art of Hygge

Hygge (pronounced HOO-gah) is the Danish word for cozy. It is also a national manifesto expressed by the Danes as the constant pursuit of homespun pleasures involving candlelight, fires, fuzzy knitted socks, coffee, nourishing food, and loved ones. Winter is considered the most hygge time of year, with its warm hearth in your hyggekrog — a.k.a. “cozy nook”—, wrapped in a blanket, drinking a cup of hot cider and watching your favorite nostalgic Christmas movie with your most cherished people.

Personally, hygge is my definition of happiness. It can be used as a noun, adjective, verb, or compound noun-like hyggebukser, otherwise known as that shlubby pair of pants you would never wear in public but secretly treasure (my $9 sweatpants from Target). Danes agree that it is a combination of three factors: the space you’re in, the people you’re with, and the intention “to create a sanctuary.” It’s wholesome and nourishing, like fresh baked bread; Danish doctors often recommend “tea and hygge” as a cure for the common cold.

Here are some of my favorite ways to reach hygge bliss:

Tame the clutter- Spend a few minutes tidying up. When you finally sit down for a moment to yourself, the last thing you want is to find ourself looking around your home and finding things to do. Pick up the dog toys from the floor, fold the laundry that has been sitting in the chair, wash the cups that are in the sink. Put in the effort now so you can relax later.

Lighting is essential- In order to create the perfect atmosphere, you must have dim, warm lighting. That means there should be several light sources, scattering pools of amber light throughout a space. When in doubt as to how to achieve that, just add candles.

Start making your favorite warm beverage- This can be tea with some honey and lemon, coffee, a hot toddy… my favorite winter drink is a cup of homemade apple cider. When it starts to get cold at the beginning of the season, I make a big pot of cider and store it in mason jars so I can drink it for days or weeks to come. In order to reach my hygge heaven, a cup of this magic liquid is a necessity. I’ll put my favorite recipe below so you can experience true bliss.

Put on something nostalgic- Your favorite movie, Christmas album, or even a 4 hour fireplace ambiance youtube video- whatever strikes the feeling that brings comfort to you. When Harry Met Sally usually does the trick for me. Classic. Nostalgic.

Get cozy- put on your favorite sweats and fuzzy socks, then wrap yourself in a blanket. Let your soul warm in the comfort that is hygge.

A few recipes to help you achieve hygge…

An important component of winter comfort is food. I wanted to share 2 of my favorite recipes that nourish and warm me.

Chicken Noodle Soup with Homemade Chicken Stock

What you’ll need:

For the stock:

  • 4 Stalks Celery

  • 4 Carrots

  • 1 Yellow Onion

  • 2 Garlic Bulbs

  • 2 Parsnips

  • 1 Turnip

  • 1lb Chicken Wings

  • Fresh Thyme

  • Fresh Parsley

  • Whole Peppercorns

For the Soup:

  • 4 Stalks Celery

  • 4 Carrots

  • 1/2 Parsnip

  • 1/4 Turnip

  • 1 Yellow Onion

  • 3 Garlic cloves

  • Olive Oil

  • Parsley

  • 2 tsp Fresh Ginger

  • 1 Lemon

  • 2lbs Boneless and Skinless Chicken Thighs

  • Fresh Dill

  • Salt

Directions

Stock:

Skin carrots, parsnip, and 3/4 of a turnip. Roughly chop celery, carrots, parsnip, turnip, and onion. Chop garlic halfway through the bulb, horizontally. (Leave skins on garlic and onion on, we are straining later)

Over high heat in a large soup pot, brown the chicken wings, let them sit undisturbed until you can lift without any sticking. Throw in veggies, add thyme, parsley, and peppercorns. Add water until everything is covered.

Keep at bare simmer for minimum 6 hours, up to 12 hours. Remove brown scum if it forms at the top.

After the desired amount of time, strain. This broth is great by itself if you dont use all of it for the soup.

Soup:

Prep veggies by chopping celery, carrots, 1/4 turnip and parsnip. Turnip and parsnip should be chopped finely. Chop onion and garlic, set aside.

Heat olive oil in soup pot (preferably a dutch oven) and add onions and garlic. Sauté until tender. Add the rest of the veggies and warm through. Add chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Grate in 2 tsp ginger, bring to a boil. Add chicken thighs and let cook for 20 mins. Remove chicken thighs and shred. Add shredded chicken back to stock. Add salt liberally and taste- adjust to your wanted level of umami.

Add desired amount of pasta (I use fine egg noodles).

Just before serving, add juice of 1 lemon and fresh dill.

Enjoy!

Homemade Apple Cider

What you’ll need:

  • Lots of different varieties of apples- you’ll need about 10

  • 1 Orange

  • 3 Cinnamon Sticks

  • 1 tsp Allspice

  • 1 Whole Nutmeg

  • 1 tsp Cloves

  • 1/3 c. Brown Sugar

Directions:

Quarter apples and orange, put in large stock pot along with spices and sugar.. Cover with water and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover for 3 hours.

Remove oranges and mash apples with a wooden spoon, return to a simmer and cook uncovered 1 more hour.

Strain through a fine mesh strainer at least 2x, pressing on solids to get all of the juice out.

Serve warm.

I store my cider in mason jars and put in the fridge. Good for 2 weeks.

Enjoy the hygge you are about to experience!

Bruno Lamy and the Art of Hand-Block Printing


Bruno Lamy and the Art of Hand-Block Printing

Bruno Lamy is the founder and exclusive designer for Couleur Nature. A distinguished and classically trained French artist, Bruno came across the time-honored technique of handcrafted woodblock printing while traveling through India. Inspired by the unique beauty and intricacy of this venerable art form, Bruno began designing the array of captivating French table linens which became the Couleur Nature collection.

While traveling through India, the Paris-based designer was introduced to the technique of hand-block printing, an art form passed from generation to generation. Impressed and inspired by the unique beauty of hand-made textiles, Lamy returned to Paris and began creating a visually-enticing array of Provencal-inspired linens that has become known as Couleur Nature.

The art of hand-block printing is an intricate and extensive process with over 100 studied movements. In Jaipur, India, local craftsmen, who have preserved this ancient tradition for centuries, use hand-carved teakwood blocks to carefully apply layers of rich shades of dye reflecting the myriad of colors found in nature. Once all of the colors have been applied, the fabric is cut and stitched accordingly. Inherent to this artisan process, tones and finish vary, thereby guaranteeing a unique and beautiful collection of linens.

Mr. Lamy has been designing textiles for over two decades and is continually inspired by the response to his work. His style has been used on countless French tablecloths, tea towels and table runners. As a result of their high demand, two new prints are introduced each season in a variety of hues and are interchangeable with previously introduced patterns.

His designs are inspired by the French traditions of Provence and the French countryside, embracing the beauty of various floral, fruit, and fauna in a variety of vibrant styles with a touch of whimsy. Couleur Nature linens are then made by hand in India using the tradition of block printing; hand-carved blocks made from teakwood are used to apply a range of designs and colors with more than 100 movements for each cloth. The cloth is then cut and stitched, creating a uniquely beautiful appearance.

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French Country Design

 Think of French countryside as places where you’re sure to see bright sunshine and lavender fields. Nowhere is this more obvious than on French aprons or tablecloths, which are perfect displays of French Country design. Rustic farmhouses, old-world and welcoming, contrasting textures – flooring of stone, clay or brick, pale plaster walls, ceilings punctuated with dark rough wood beams. And think color. The colors used for French Country decorating come from the entire color wheel and are based on the gardens of Provence. Sunny yellow, soft gold, cobalt blue and soft ocean tones, fiery red and burnt rust, bright grass green and dark hunter green – each has a place in this very versatile decorating style. Colorful Provencal printed fabrics are best set off against light-toned natural walls and floors and rustic furnishings. 

We are proud to carry Mr. Lamys beautiful napkins, runners, and placemats on our shop. Below are some of our favorite pieces.

Holiday Entertaining in 2020 - A Stellar Recipe + Tabletop Gifts

Entertaining this 2020 Holiday Season

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To say that the holidays will be different this year might be an understatement. While we may be navigating through smaller and more intimate gatherings this holiday season, we can still enjoy the nostalgic pleasures that tradition often brings.

We wanted to share new French linens we've added to our shop, beautiful olive wood serving utensils, and our favorite entertaining utensils and a few recipes that will be sure to wow even the skeptical mother-in-law.

A recipe for you…

Meet the star of this holiday season: Brie

Savory? Sweet? Whatever you want, baked brie can deliver. I’ve made both of these recipes for friends and family, and it has been the star of the show every time. Quick prep and bake time, this delicious combo of flavors is an easy way to keep your guests happy. Great with wine as an appetizer or an afternoon snack to hold you over till Thanksgiving dinner, this gooey cheese will appease the most picky eater.

Savory Baked Brie

1 Wheel of nice brie, I use a wedge of Supreme Brie from Trader Joes

2 Tbs nice olive oil (it really makes a difference, I promise)

2 Cloves of garlic

Fresh cracked black pepper

Fresh rosemary

Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375F

Place brie in oven safe dish, cover with olive oil, minced (or using a press) garlic, pepper, and a few sprigs of rosemary. Red pepper flakes optional if you want a bit of spice.

Place in oven for 12 minutes, let rest for 5

Serve with your favorite meats, crackers, bread, or pretzels.

Sweet Baked Brie

1 Wheel of nice brie, I use a wedge of Supreme Brie from Trader Joes

1 Apple

1/3 cup Pecans (you can use your nut of choice, I love the praline pecans from… you guessed it, Trader Joes)

4 Tbs Honey

2 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375F

Chop apple and pecans finely. Place apple and pecans in a bowl, mix in honey and cinnamon until all four ingredients are well combined.

Place Brie in an oven safe dish, top with apple and pecan mixture.

Bake for 12 minutes, let rest 5

Serve with apples, crackers, pretzels, or bread

This season, and year round, we are loving the beauty of exotic olive wood for the kitchen and home. Our favorites are the olive wood modern salad serving set, the olive wood rectangular tapas dish. Durable, chic, exotic and organic - these pieces are great gifts!

OLIVE WOOD PIECES:

-Olive Wood Modern Salad Serving Set

Add Italian modern chic to your table with these beautiful handcrafted set of salad servers.

This olive wood serving set that included a fork and paddle is perfect to toss salad or serve any amazing homemade recipe.

-Olive Wood Square Dish

This perfect Olive wood square dish made by artisans will be used all over your home. 

Perfect to serve nuts or olives, it can also be used as a soap dish or as a place to toss your rings or change.

-Olive Wood Small Vase or Utensil Holder

Display beautifully all your olive wood spoons in your kitchen with this beautiful hand crafted utensil holder, it is also perfect to use as an elegant vase for your dry flowers.

-Olive Wood Salad Tongs

Beautiful Italian that looks nice on the table and being passed around the table.

-Olive Wood Rectangular Tapas Dish 14"

Originally designed as a spoon rest, it can perfectly be used to serve olives or nuts, and can also be used as a Charcuterie or cheese slices dish

-Olive Wood Large Spoon 14"

Beautifully handcrafted, this large spoon made with the finest olive wood will be perfect to cook or serve.

-Classic Dough Bowl

The classic dough bowl is hand-carved from solid Spanish oak and makes a rustic statement.

NEW FRENCH LINENS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON…..

Having a beautiful cloth runner and napkins on your table can tie your holiday gathering together.

-Jardin Runner Red & Green

Bring the romance of Southern France to your home with our richly colored, hand-printed cotton linens.

-Jardin Napkins Red & Grey, Set of 6

The bright watercolors in these table linens, runner and tea towels are ideal year round for family dining, a picnic or the breakfast nook.

-Renne Placemats, Set of 6

These beautiful placemats elevate your table with wintery watercolors and soft cotton.

-Renne Tea Towels, Set of 3

This charming pattern reveals enchanting reindeer and playful children sledding through snow will give your table a jovial look for the winter season.

-Pomegranate Placemats

The Pomegranate Collection invigorates a neutral room or a chilly evening’s candlelit supper. Jewel tones of ruby red and citrine yellow highlight these linens.

Sustainable Comfort

Sustainable Comfort

In the last few years, sustainable consumerism has gained national traction. At Ashley Meier Interiors, we take pride in making an effort to reduce the size of our chemical and carbon footprint. For those who don’t want to sacrifice their wallet for the greener option, we wanted to write this blog to show the intersection between sustainability, affordability, and comfort of the textile industry.

When shopping for sustainable and organic fabrics, there are a few things to keep in mind- we made a breakdown of the most popular green materials, their effect on the planet, how soft they are, as well as our favorite brands just for you.

-Maelyn

Organic Cotton

Cotton is lightweight and breathable, making this fiber one of the most popular in the world. But growing cotton can be problematic: conventional cotton is one of the thirstiest and most chemical-intensive crops to grow. It requires the use of pesticides and, as a result, has a negative impact on the planet, the people who grow it, and potentially the people that use it. Organic cotton is a more sustainable alternative to conventional cotton, and has grown on consumers in the last few years. Growing organically aims to minimize the environmental impact of cotton production by removing harmful pesticides and other chemicals from the production process. Check if your organic cotton is GOTS-certified to ensure high standards in production. 

If you’re looking for the most sustainable cotton, however, go recycled. Recycled or upcycled cotton is made using post-industrial and post-consumer cotton waste. It helps reduce water and energy consumption, as well as help keep fabric out of landfill – which is why we consider it one of the most sustainable fibers on the market.

Bamboo

Bamboo itself can be a highly sustainable crop, if grown under the right conditions. It usually requires no pesticides and fertilizers, and is drought tolerant so it does not use massive of amounts of water for irrigation. Bamboo fabric is antibacterial, hypoallergenic, and made from all natural plant materials meaning that when the product is worn beyond use it can be composted. Lastly, the material is so soft some compare its luxurious feel to silk.

Hemp

Hemp is grown all around the world, requires very little water, no pesticides, and naturally fertilizes the soil it grows in – making it better for the environment than other crops. One of the oldest fibers in the world, hemp helps keep you warm in winter and cool in summer, and gets softer the more you wash it. For all these reasons, we also consider hemp one of the most sustainable fabrics out there.

Linen

Linen is another natural fiber that has been grown for centuries. Similar to hemp, it’s derived from a very versatile crop: the flax plant. Linen requires minimal water and pesticides, and even grows in poor-quality soil. Plus, every part of the plant is used, so nothing is wasted. Linen is strong, naturally moth resistant, and when untreated (i.e. not dyed), fully biodegradable. In addition to being good for the planet, it is also light, can withstand high temperatures, and absorbs moisture without holding bacteria.


Here are some other great ways to buy and use consciously:
+ MEND: mend old fabrics rather than replacing them, whenever possible.

+ REUSE: up-cycle old and unworn clothes to create something new and unique!

+ THRIFT: if you have access to thrift stores, check to see if they have fabrics (including sheets!) that suit your style.

+ BUY: purchase the highest quality and most sustainably produced fabrics that fit within your budget.


Here are our favorite sustainable bedding brands: