Redefining Style Here: The RSH Catalog Blog

Still creating the life you love...Refining Style Here...

Summer is upon us! 2012, can it be!  Where does the time go? 96 in the shade today in north Texas!  wow!  The good news -- a lot of Texas homes have a big hole out back, filled with cool water... a cement pond!  Which brings up a certain beauty...on page 20 of our RSH Summer catalog!  Check it out!  The Triple Beverage Dispenser(p20)... something for everyone.  I think it’s actually an oasis ~ and it calls for a party!  Lemonade, teas both Southern sweet (as we like it down south!) & unsweetened... with tons of icy ice! .... by the way, if you aren’t signed up yet for the hard copy catalog, do so now, add your address at the RSHcatalog.com site.  You won't want to mis an issue ~ they each contain so many dreamy items and ideas and wish-list wonders...and things that make us dream of places to go...anyone up for some sunny Italian?  mai abbastanza!   Travel opens up a whole new world of color, fashion, and furniture trends... you might come home wanting to re-do the kitchen from new paint down to lovely new things to update your living spaces ~ add some cozy rugs, a chair here or there, the sky is the limit, and so much can be found right here on our pages.  Si....a Tuscany yellow sounds very Italian at the moment!  mmmm...warm crusty breads with oils... serve them up in our luscious Italy Pasta Bowls (p20) and our Italy Kitchen Towel(p21)... and that Burlap Runner(p21) for your table is all Italian countryside ... bring your travels back home with you...wherever you go!  Spoil yourself with so many of the lovely items offered here at RSH... you’ve earned them!  Fill your world with things you love ... your memories can come home with you... create the life you love!

 

A Memorial Day moment..and thank you

....for the heroes of our lives and of our nation.  For the men and women who serve - mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, husbands, wives, sons and daughters - and for the friends we know and will never know ~ a grateful nation is indebted to you.  Thank you for your service.

 My father served in WWII (Army)... at Anzio.  He spoke often and with great pride of his service, very often with tears in his eyes.  I can only imagine the hell war is - and he had chosen it.  Years later while living abroad, my husband and I became friends with a German family just about our ages.  They had children as we did, worked in the same business; they were living a life very similar to our own.  Mike's Dad had also served in WWII - obviously on the other side.  His Dad spoke too - proudly and often and with tears in his eyes - of this most significant time in his life: fighting the Americans.  Mike and I often wondered what our fathers might think of our friendship...we realized with gratitude that we, who called each other friend, who sat down to dinner often together, and whose children played together...were able to do so because of the sacrifice of our fathers, and of soldiers who fought in the trenches beside them.  

The world is not at peace and may never be.  Thank God there are men and women who stand up to put their lives on the line daily for our peace, for our comfort, for our freedom.  Just yesterday the WSJ published an opinion about those who serve.  Entitled, "If Not Me, Then Who?"  writer Tom Manion, himself a vet whose son was killed in Iraq, tells of the serviceman's noble soul. Such is the spirit of the serviceman, whether living or dead, serving presently or not - ever a soldier.

 America today enjoys the freedom to celebrate Memorial Day in any way we choose.  Thank a soldier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The sand is in sight...

Headed to the beach in a week, Gulf Coast this time... beach is beach!  Can't wait!  The annual girl trip (now 'lady' trip, to be perfectly honest :), going on 20 years now!  Not the Ya Ya sisterhood, but very down-south close!  A chance to relax, catch up with friends,  take a breath, leave work and worry (and husband and kids) behind... and recharge.  Always fun to se the latest beach styles and trends ~ colors, dress, home fashion.  Will report!  Stay tuned!  Bringing a bit of the beach back home... that's the plan.

The love and lore of lavender...

…since the dawn of man there's been a place of prominence for the color purple in any shade or tint… lavender poetically lines and colors the country fields of France, has been used for medicines and perfumes for a millennium, and has been the color of kings.  If you are a lover of lavender, some features through our RSH Summer 2012 catalog, pages 18 & 19 await you ~ with a passion!  Our color specialists inform us that purple will be the rage of Summer 2012 (the world over, not just here!) ~ a key color, in fact, so remember ~ we told you so! ~ take it indoors or out, for casual, formal, and any room of the house….from the ground up!  Tip: Don't forget that the family of yellow complements the violet range.  So from there, use a palette of colors in the yellow family as a foil to all accoutrements lavender, violet, and purple. 

From sunny yellow and soft buttercream whites, to mustards and the colors of Tuscany, they light the way to the star, and…  the star is violet!  

Our Lavender Scroll Rug is timeless. It's 100% wool and couldn't be cozier anywhere it goes. (psst! think first bedroom of your special princess! Daddy may be her first love, but purple is her second!)  Next take a peek at our Lavender Pottery.  Imagine the rough-hewn weight of it in your hands.  If you've seen pottery prettier than these pieces, please let us know!  You'll be delighted to see how often this gorgeous hue acts as the perfect neutral for an array of natural colors ~ any flower would be a fool not to love its lovely last days in the Tall Cachepot, a perfect 10.5"h.  Such exquisite pottery makes a worthy trio of wedding gifts for your favorite new family ~ surely there's a Summer Bride in your life this year! It will be their first of family heirlooms!  While you're at it, decorate a love nest with these luscious L'Amour Pillows!  In a down-filled ramie/flax blend, and delicate artwork covering, they speak of love with a French accent, mon cher!  

 

The summer wind...came blowin' in... from across the sea...

Frankie famously sang those lovely sunny words, and how true ~ the days that never end ~  summer comes, and summer goes, let's enjoy it while we may.  Eventually, the summer sun sinks, and sends us indoors... but that's no reason to leave the beach outside completely!  RSH has maintained an array of items and colors that we simply can't live without, whether we have to leave the beach till next holiday.... or just go indoors till tomorrow.  Our Chiavary Ghost Chair does double duty (sold as pair), whether outside on the patio or deck, or inside for a look that lends itself in almost any style direction.  Made of clear, durable resin, it has a slight blue effect that just barely announces a color presence.  Cushion is removable, of course, for easy cleaning.  Nothing is as relaxing as the beach; make sure your life indoors doesn't break the magical spell. Ghost Chair can be washed down, so no problem having it outdoors ~ now that is fresh style! 

  Ever an RSH favorite, our Malibu Fish Plates are made to hang on the wall by holes on the backs...and they are food & dishwasher safe, so, enjoy the whimsy along with the kids while you serve up today's surf catch... we're having fish on fish, kids ~ catch yourself a plate full!  How often does your artwork double as your dish ware ~ talk about money well spent, right!  They're fired in colors of sea and sky, and we guarantee they'll bring a smile to young and old, on wall or table.  Totally food- and dishwasher safe.  We woudn't have it any other way ~ leave more time for sun and sand. 

 What's more curious about the sea than the humble Seahorse?  Behold our beloved Seahorse Stand Bowl! He hovers in silver-plated silence (as usual!) below a glass bowl bearing all the colors of the seaside ~ turquoise, sand, and glittery gold. This out-scale piece has a commanding character, and you'll find more uses for it than you can imagine!  Just lovely. Seahorse is right at home ~ (and of course, he's ever a favorite with the ladies, cuz he carries their young!).

Ever wonder why blues and browns are stunning together?  Their color families are directly opposite on the color wheel, that's why.  See the handsome browns of wickers and woods on pages 16 & 17 of our Summer 2012 Catalog, debuting just this week.  Soft sandy colors and these browns are the perfect foils for aquas, turquoises, and sky blues.  Remember the designer's secret ~ 3 colors ~ see last post.  Another designer's secret to create a warm room, try soft pink bulbs... the light is warm and flattering, your BFFs will love you for it ~ and they'll have no idea why!  

Also on page 17, don't miss the stunning, multi-purpose Seashell Ottoman.  With hand-hooked wool as its upholstery and a compelling, large-scale design of seashells, it's a show piece in itself.  Perfect in front of the fireplace on wintery nights.  It also makes a unique coffee table ~ magazines, beautiful books, a lovely plate. Show off your stuff!

 

Create the Life You Love!

Oh, the sweet life! Happy Mother's Day to our fine friends of RSH who revel in the joy of giving!  For the Mothers we are and the Mothers we love, we know in our hearts that Mother's Day lasts all year long ~ all life long!  Mother makes the world a sweeter place, that's all there is to it.  

And speaking of a sweeter place!  We've been in the full swing of Spring for a few weeks now, and... what a relief!....ahhhhhh! Breathe in, breathe out....relax! There's a definite breath of fresh promise in the air! Exams are behind us, a few diplomas are in hand, the weather is kinder, and the news we all look forward to:  Summer is upon us! Life itself seems to relax. The beach awaits. The leisure of life is now.  And as each Summer of life comes and goes... it seems to make more and more sense to surround yourself with whom you love, and what you love; there's no reason not to. Leave behind that which does not enhance life's experience, create the life you love. 

Which brings us to the latest delectable collections here at RSH... they will absolutely come under the heading of Things You Love. Our buyers spend their days ~ and literally travel the world over ~ hand picking the most alluring, lovely, and luscious pieces you treasure ~ in your home, in your gift-giving, in the beloved things that are destined to be heirlooms for generations, or simply treasures for a season...les accoutrements de la vie...the treasures of your life and in the lives of those you love. Don't hesitate; luxuriate in them, gift them...create the life you love, starting today, starting now, starting here...at RSH.    

And so we begin with the soft sea breezes of Summer.  The colors, the smells, the water, sea, and sky. The great exhale! Sand beneath feet, the beach that lives in a heart all year long. The season that beckons outside, whether it's poolside, seaside, or inside!  Beach lovers know one thing...the beach is a state of heart ~ it's anywhere you are! 

Our Shell Appetizer Plates are the first earthly cache.  For your first entertaining of summer, it's family and friends and an array of sea colors you love, from deep marine blue to the iridescent translucence of the Caribbean.  Add to them a table centerpiece of a delightfully oversized, heavy glass fish!

 

 

 

 For snacks and themed-decoration they are one thing, but expect the delight of young and old if your table centerpieces are Nemo Fish Vases filled with...a real goldfish!

 

 

 

Bringing the beach indoors for a value you can't afford to miss, our Shell Mirror and Chandelier are the funky fun that always brings a smile. It's a reminder even in your town home ~ that the beach is just a few smiles away. The mirror should hang so that the center is just about 5' off the floor.  This point gets the most reflection, thoughtful and otherwise.   

 

Now, we have it on absolutely reliable authority ~ the coming summer will highlight the most classic casual of all sophisticated colors, beloved navy blue. Find a special array of delicious navy blue features in our Summer 2012 catalog, Refining Style Here. Spotlighting navy blue are seashells, starfish, and silk...for walls, furniture, and flowers.  Remember, you heard it here: navy blue for Summer 2012, and a designer's best-kept secret:  3 colors begin a palette for a fabulous room or home.  On pages 6-7, see navy, cream, and the dark woody browns...utter sophistication with a touch of casual charm. Begin here to add dots and dashes of other strong highlight colors (think deepest, darkest red!), but remain true to the blue!

Summer officially begins June 21st; perfect timing to begin now ~ plan a first annual extravagance ~ Summer Solstice party, complete with every lovely thing that makes it a memory to cherish a lifetime. Or be the first master gardener to host an extravagant garden party to show off your finest; kickstart that chain of gatherings for your gang!  Whether it's poolside daily or for special event, don't miss our Art Glass Drink Dispenser. Lemonade never had it so good! The art of handblown glass does delicious duty, at your service!

 

 

Don't leave out our picture-perfect place settings to adorn your table ~ Pink Napkins and Placemats, for an unforgettable delicate blush of summer.  

 

 

 

 

Each guest has a pampered setting with a Little Bird Bud Vase holding fresh flowers from your very own garden.  Add to your table lovely, crisp linens and your own fine sterling silver. Remember, no one said it better than Leonardo da Vinci himself: simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

Our Favorite Christmas Tradition

Santa Claus is coming to town. This we know. But have you ever wondered how he "knows if you've been bad or good"? It's Elf magic!

The Elf On The Shelf is a beloved Christmas tradition that sprinkles magic into every December day. The gift set includes a vintage-style elf doll and story book. The story reveals that once a family gives their Elf a name and places him on a shelf, he becomes magical. Every night, the Elf flies to the North Pole to deliver the "naughty or nice" news to Santa, then flies back home. Each morning, the family searches high and low for where their Elf has landed - it's a different place every day. So much fun for the whole family and a gentle reminder to children that being "nice" is important - and can be lots of fun!

For many years, RSH has been proud to offer The Elf On The Shelf to our customers. This year, our little Elf is going to be huge! CBS will broadcast The Elf On The Shelf: An Elf's Story on Friday, November 25 at 8:30 ET/PT. The holiday special is sure to become a classic and every kid or kid-at-heart in your life will love sharing in this beloved tradition.

We hear from our customers year after year how much they love their Elf and they have shared the tradition many times over with extended family and friends. Just ask your friends what they named their adopted elves - we've heard everything from Chauncey to Rudy to Elton to Artie! What is your Elf's name?

 

Peacock Crazy

Have you noticed the peacock trend in fashion and design this fall? We are seeing peacock images and peacock color inspiration everywhere. In fashion, we've seen runways loaded with feathers and saturated colors.

The influence spills over into everything from eye make-up and jewelry to wedding themes and tattoos! Who doesn't love a design element that is both playful and dramatic? We are wild about the color trends this fall and they just reinforce - and complement - our peacock obsession.

Add fabulous dishes, luscious pajamas, or just one new accessory to your life this fall and get in on the peacock craze.

Decorating With Mirrors

 

The best thing about decorating with mirrors? No rules! There are no rules but there are loads of options! We use mirrors everywhere - in every room and to great effect in these various ways:

On The Wall: The key to getting the most impact from wall mirrors is choosing an interesting shape and style to fit your space. It’s all about the frame. We favor large mirrors with elaborate  frames or groupings of small mirrors for an interesting gallery effect. They are true art pieces that draw the eye while achieving the magical effect of doubling the light and visual space in your room.

On Tabletops: The reflective quality of mirrors gives dimension to flat surfaces, doubles the visual impact of objects placed on the mirrors and if those objects are candles, all the better. Flickering light reflects off the mirrored surface like moonlight on a lake. Romantic, high-impact -- but so easy. 

On Furniture: Our favorite new piece to bring you this year is the Mirrored Chest. Hollywood Regency meets Versailles in this high-quality statement piece that has mirrors intricately applied to three sides, bringing life, light and movement to any corner of your home. Charming with any decorative style, it is a hallmark of effortless glamour.

 

Fall Color Trends For 2011

Source: pantone.com

Gold. Purple. Teal. Rich, deep, vibrant. This fall’s most important colors from the fashion runways are gracing our homes. No literal autumnal palette, this spicy combo is exciting enough to give those “changing leaf” colors a run for their money.

We love to add an accent to our living and dining spaces for a feeling of both warmth and adventure. Evoking the romance of Morocco, our textiles and vases mix colors and patterns while retaining a cohesive style. A little shimmer in everything keeps it fun. 

Celebrate the changing season with a refreshing update you can enjoy year-round.