Watermelon: A Slice Of Summer

Watermelon: A Slice Of Summer

“When one has tasted watermelon he knows what the angels eat.” ~ Mark Twain

Bonnie Plants

The watermelon is the symbol of summer, especially in July. When taking a bite into a fresh juicy slice instantly you know it’s that time of year for barbecues and beach time. The perfect way to stay hydrated as the temperatures rise… this delicious favorite summer fruit is a healthy snack. It’s loaded with vitamins plus citrulline and lycopene, two amino acids linked to lower blood pressure, improved metabolic health, and decreased muscle soreness after exercise. If you’ve ever wondered about learning how to grow watermelons in your backyard… with all the home gardening being done at home now a days. We’ve linked an online source for you here at Bonnie Plants.

Kelly Golightly

One thing that is quite easy to see with watermelon is its bright crimson pinkish red color. A great way to create a unique color pop in any room, this kitchen is the perfect example.

In our search for all things watermelon we’ve sourced some fun and inspired furniture, wall art, pillows and accessories. Like this graphic bar stool and watermelon seed credenza from Deny Designs. These pieces are both fun and splashy with a touch of out of the box thinking.

WALL ART

Evoke a summer seasonal vibe by adding watercolor or abstract art to a bathroom or children’s room. A lighthearted way to say “We like bold color without taking ourselves too seriously”.

Chango & Co.

Decorative throw pillows can easily be swapped out with summer themed accents in a subtle or more obvious way. We’ve sourced three examples below for you.

THROW PILLOWS

Create the unexpected with watermelon removable wall paper or cute wall sticker decals.

Etsy [ShopMejMej]

WATERMELON DECOR & ACCESSORIES

watermelon dishes // raffia earrings // zipper pouch // laundry hamper // tumblers // colorful doormat // kitschy sandals // tea towel set // throw picnic blanket

SUMMER COCKTAIL RECIPE

spiked watermelon punch

~ Soak watermelon slices in Citrus Vodka, chill
~ Mix equal parts 4 oz. of Watermelon Juice and Citrus Vodka with a shaker and chill
~ In the bottom of a glass pour together 1 shot each of Melon Liqueur and Kiwi Syrup
~ Fill the glass with ice and 4 oz. of Lemonade
~ Pour the watermelon infused juice over the top and place a slice of the vodka soaked watermelon on the edge of the rim of the glass

SIP & ENJOY!

See how this drink was made in this video.

While entertaining for your summer soirées consider one of these watermelon inspired recipes. Click the sorbet and snack bite images to view the flavor-filled recipes. Your guests will be delighted to taste these sugary sweet combinations.

Now that the kids are out of school for the summer it’s time to frolic and play a while. We hope your porches and family picnics are filled with laughter and fruit-filled touches of the season.

Happy Summer!
Melissa Mathe

Contact us for all your Interior Design and Decorating needs @mathedesign.com

Make It Match Holiday Decorating

make it match holiday decorating

“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day.”
~ Andy Rooney

Better Homes & Gardens

It’s the holiday season… the time of year to make all things merry and bright! From the top of the tree to the center of the Christmas dinner table. You can find pictures of beautifully decorated rooms and you end up with visions of candy canes dancing in your head dreaming of ways to make your home seem just as picture-perfect. But how does this happen?! The approach to making your home feel festive is to ensure your holiday decorations are in the same design style and similar color palette with your everyday interior decor. Bringing these styles together will bring a sense of harmony and flow to your living space. We’ve gathered up ideas for you on ways to achieve this look in your holiday decorating.

rich and bold

An elegant combination of purple and green — from the furniture fabric to the ribbons and ornaments — is brought throughout the wrappings to keep everything looking lively and magical. The simple hanging greenery wreath and table floral arrangement add an element of nature that accents the rich and bold garden inspired color theme.

Southern Living

golden glow

Pops of color with a golden glow delightfully blend with this rooms glam furniture, window coverings and fabrics. Dripping icicles, natural pine cones and simple paper garland are what makes this room sparkle and shine.

Traditional Home

neutral nature

The natural textures in this neutral color scheme bring a sense of the woodlands indoors. Owls, feathers and natural fabric — effortlessly used as a tree skirt — help make the space feel fresh and woodsy sitting upon the large pine boughs. This grand tree is sure to be the center of guests attention.

Traditional Home

snowy winter white

A light filled neoclassical interior is the perfect clean backdrop for simple holiday touches such as fresh cut sprigs. While the traditional use of bold reds and greens can be busy this space feels bright and airy.

Traditional Home

smart style in black and white

Creative yet sophisticated black and white design makes a striking statement. Stripes, polka dots and plaids layer in pattern to enhance the neutral gray decor. Bringing this space to life for those special family moments.

While the merry bells keep ringing Happy holidays to you!

Cheers,

Melissa Mathe

Contact @mathedesign.com for all of your Interior Design needs.

3 Looks To Dress Up Your Thanksgiving Table

3 looks to dress up your thanksgiving table

"I come from a family where gravy is considered a beverage." ~ Erma Bombeck

As the leaves have changed and the air becomes crisp it's clear that Thanksgiving is upon us. In planning for the holiday one can be mindful of a well dressed table to make surroundings warm and inviting. Whether you are having friends over for a casual "Friendsgiving" or you look to impress your guests for a large feast. We've come up with three different looks to help you complete your tablescape. So step away from the burlap and fake leaf garland...we're going shiny and fresh this season.

Our first look is "Elegant" and it includes all the bells and whistles you can think of for setting a table. Including things like a beautiful fresh floral centerpiece, colored mercury glass pumpkins and candles...lots of candles. Using a variety of seasonal flowers to arrange such as mums, sunflowers, and eucalyptus adds a rich and vibrant element of bounty to the table. Golden chargers create an jewel effect to add a shiny pop...and don't be afraid to mix metals with your table decor too.

Candle sticks and lanterns are a great way to do this and using varying heights of candles creates added ambiance. Make unique hand-made napkin rings with fresh rosemary and copper wire for an added natural element.

The second look is a more "Casual" inspired table setting using decor items you may already have around your home like a throw blanket and real mini pumpkins. Using low candle lighting with simple hurricanes lined up gives a clean and modern table center where conversation can easily flow. This look is great for having friends over or for that last minute soiree.

Natural paper tags are a simple way to combine a napkin ring and place card element for guest seating with this look.

Let's include the little gobblers in the table looks with a "Kids" tablescape that's fun for everyone. Line the table with inexpensive craft paper as a runner or tablecloth to keep the youngsters occupied while pulling together the final dishes to serve. The kids can draw their own version of a turkey or play games like tick-tac-toe with their neighbor. We've carved out a mini pumpkin to add a pop of color and usefulness for storing crayons on the table.

Cute thanksgiving day inspired paper napkins, plastic forks and paper tag napkin rings complete this easy-does-it look.

We hope you have a wonderful time sharing great food and warm conversation around your table with family and friends this Thanksgiving! We're incredibly grateful to each and every one of you for being a part of our design inspired world.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Melissa Mathe

Contact us for all your Interior Design and Decorating needs @mathedesign.com