MERRY CHRISTMAS! CATHS SECRET FISH RECIPE...WHAT ARE YOU DOING ON CHRISTMAS DAY...OUR CLIENTS TELL! CHAMPERS ANYONE AND MORE...HO HO HO! xx

Only one more sleep....Father Christmas has already been spotted this afternoon just over Brisbane!  First we heard the sleigh bells and looked up and just caught sight of the back of his red coat flying in the breeze before he and the reindeer flew behind the cityscape....this was after a few glasses of Champagne!

Sighted in Paris this week by the Sass and Bide girls....

Translates to: 'Black is the Hiding Place of Colour'

How are you spending Christmas Day?  My immediate family live in Adelaide and will be having a big get together at Mum and Dads.  I am going to miss not being there amongst the chaos and fun, but will be partaking in my own little piece of madness when Pete the Greek and I host dinner for the Venardos side of the family.  There will be roast pork, baked fish (see Caths secret recipe below...but shhh..its a secret), Turkish pizza, roast chicken, prawn and mango, pesto pasta and fresh garden salads and more...cant wait and the adjustable pants have been removed from the cupboard and freshly laundered so I can fit in as much food as possible!

  We have a great community of followers on our Charcoal Interiors Facebook page from all over the world...Germany to Chile, London to Central Queensland and more...

Here's a snippet of what some of our friends are going to be doing on Christmas Day...

Tania (Brisbane):

Christmas Eve at Renee's - we are doing a joint function (I think because I don't have enough friends to do one on my own LOL) so that will be fun with champagne, many plates of nibbles and the children playing Christmas songs on various instruments.

Crepes and fruit for Christmas breakfast, opening Santa presents with my 9yr old, my brother and my ex husband.

Christmas lunch at my house, Turkey, red onions stuffed with well with stuffing LOL, sausage meat wrapped in bacon, potato bake, undecided greeens, gravy and bread sauce and probably cranberry sauce. Home made baked cheesecake for dessert because it will also be birthday celebration for my brother.
Guests - Isla and I, my ex husband, my brother and my parents.

yes, well...... LOL

then the evening meal will be..... KAHLUA LOL

Margaret (Germany)
My daughter and I will be spending the day opening our presents. One in the morning, one at lunchtime and one at dinner time.  We are having a special chicken dinner for Christmas night.

Catherine (Brisbane)
We are off to my sister-in-laws and brothers for a big Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings.  There will be heaps of family and its always fun and noisy.  I cant wait!

CATHIES SECRET FISH RECIPE...OOPS...NOW YOU HAVE IT, WE WILL HAVE TO KILL YOU...

Ah, of course we are joking about the murdering, but no kidding about the divulgement of this weeks recipe which up until now has been kept top secret.

Its Caths Steamed Coral Trout with Sweet and Sour Sauce!  We are having this as part of our huge gourmet extravaganza on Christmas night.  Procured by Cath under the dead of night a few years ago (and we wont go into too many details only to say that there was a balaclava and a large baseball bat involved...but not necessarily in that order...)...she now can make the recipe public, but only after years of it being under lock and key.  Ah well, she went to Spirit House and did a cooking school alrighty!...but the previous story is so much more intriguing. Here's the recipe:

INGREDIENTS

1 Coral Trout or similar reef fish weighing 1kg...Cath uses Snapper

2 tablespoons oyster sauce

Banana leaves for wrapping fish - Cath uses foil if she cant find banana leaves

12 red shallots finely sliced

200gms palm sugar

100mls rice vinegar

100mls of tomato paste

50mls of light soya sauce

25 mls of fish sauce

50gms of pickled ginger

4 large red chillies, seeded and cut into julienne

500mls chicken stock

100gms snow peas, blanched and julienned

1 red capsicum, julienned 

Half continental cucumber, peeled, seeded and julienned.

METHOD

Wipe fish inside and out with paper towel to dry completely.  Score lightly with a criss-cross motion and rub with oyster sauce.  Wrap in banana leaf or the alfoil then place in preheated 180 degree oven 20-25 minutes.

Sauce: heat a small quantity vegetable oil in wok and stirfry red shallots a few minutes.  Add the palm sugar, vinegar, cook for a few minutes.  Add tomato paste, soya sauce, fish sauce, chllis, ginger and stock.  Cook for 5 - 10 minutes until sauce has thickened.

Remove fish from wrappings, place on platter, pour over sauce and garnish with remaining ingredients.

...CHAMPAGNE FRIDAY... 

There's no Cocktail Recipe for this week, because as far as we're concerned, its Champagne all the way for Christmas Day.  We're indulging in some Veuve, but there's also some terrific less expensive options around.  Basically, anything that has 'Methode Champenoise' on the label is going to be 'A-OK!' 

CHEERS!

Well, its Christmas Eve, and I am sitting here reflecting on all the blessings to have been bestowed upon us this year.  Our celebration is even more special this year with the inclusion of Colettes husband 'Big Pete' at the Christmas table.  He has had some health issues and there were times this year when we were not sure if he would be able to celebrate with us.  But, not only is he fully recovered, but also ready and raring to get stuck into the festivities with the best of us!  

There will be food on the table and I will be surrounded by loving family, which for some is just a dream and a wish that will not come true for them.  So, there is definitely a lot to be grateful for.  I informally decree this to be the best Christmas ever!

Merry Christmas to all from us 3 Charcoal Girls and see you in 2011 for a fantastic year, more fun and lots of laughs.

Cathie, Colette and Jen xxx

CHRISTMAS TABLE SETTINGS TO STUN!!...FORGOT YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE?...NO WORRIES...OUR GREAT NON-TRADITIONAL TREE IDEAS...CANDY CANE COCKTAILS AND CHRISTMAS DAY FARE...CHEERS!

Well, the countdown is on.  Not long to go now before the big day.  Do you have all your Christmas shopping done?  Presents wrapped?  Christmas menus all sorted?....please say no, as we do take comfort in the fact that there are a lot of people out there who are as completely disorganised as us!

This week we have some fun with Christmas trees.  Got friends and family coming over for Christmas Day, and the house is completely barren of decorations and seasonal embellishments?  Well, dont panic, as we have a quick and easy fix that will look super stylish.  Its the Claytons Christmas Tree...you know...the tree you have when you dont actually have a tree?  Intrigued??..then read on....

We love the idea of a Christmas Tree, but sometimes there just isnt time to put it up and decorate, or you may have limited space.  Perhaps you just feel like a change from the traditional tree?  The answer can be as close by as your backyard!  We love these very non-traditional looks.

These silver twigs (sold separately at Charcoal Interiors) can be used either en masse to create a great display in an urn or pot, or you can mount them individually to create a quirky, modern Christmas look.

Grab some branches from a tree at home.  Strip the leaves from the branch if necessary.  Branches with interesting angles work well and provide lots of vantage points for your decorations. 

This looks is easily achieved.  Grab a fancy urn or pot from home and create your own masterpiece with branches and some favourite decorations....the key is to not add too many.  You can also paint the branches white, black or silver.  Voila!  A Christmas Tree in minutes.  Easy, unique and fun.

TABLE SETTINGS SET TO MAKE YOU THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTEST

This year we are having Christmas Dinner at my place.  We are a family business here, so our Tuesday meeting this week consisted of menu planning and suggestions on how to decorate the ever important Christmas Table.  We have decided on white tablecloths with a silver theme and will incorporate some beautiful greenery.  Along with our gorgeous candelabras for dramatic effect it should look great!  We are going to take heaps of photos for you, so stay tuned.

In the meantime, heres a selection of ideas that we really loved.  We have decided to take something from each setting.  I especially love the pine sprigs in the glasses...adding a really festive touch, yet crisp and modern.

A stunning blend of decorations, fresh flowers and candles on a neutral tablecloth, with the drama of a gorgeous chandelier, makes such a glamorous Christmas setting.

Add a touch of greenery to your traditional table setting this Christmas by creating mini collars for your serviettes out of greenery from the garden. In this instance hydrangeas have been used, which is quite widely available in the Southern States of Australia, or you could use anything from mock orange sprigs intertwined, to banana leaves in the Northern States.

We love the rustic urn filled with Christmas gifts!

Got some special glasses that you have had hidden away because you are too scared to use them?  Well its time to dust them off and create a unique table display.  Just add water and a sprig of pine from the tree, or similar from the garden.  Too easy!

We would LOVE to see your Festive Table Settings!  Please contact us when you have some pics to share and we will post them on the blog.

WEDDINGS, WINE AND S.A.

Last weekend, Pete the Greek and I went down to Adelaide to finalise arrangements for our upcoming nuptials in February.  We are getting married in my brothers vineyard, so theres a lot to organise as we are doing all the catering.

  As always, when we visit my brother, his beautiful family and his farm (he also runs sheep and produces his own olive oil as well as premium grapes for high end wine makers) we end up indulging in the wonderful array of fresh produce that is so abundantly available in the Adelaide Hills.  Gone are the days when Adelaide was a little backward town where not much happens.  These days its full of quality restaurants and bars, farmers markets, wineries and more.  We love the place. 

So whilst on our little sojourn, the Greek and I were treated to a BBQ dinner on the farm.  We sipped red on the front verandah overlooking the Lake Alexandrina in the distance and chomped on the most amazing lamb skewers.  My brother, after much arm twisting coughed up the recipe and here it is to share with you.  It makes a great appetiser on Christmas day before the big guns are brought out!  Enjoy!

CHRIS'S CORIANDER & CHILLI MARINATED SKEWERS

Chris used lamb for this recipe, but you can try chicken or beef too.

                                           

                                  Makes 24                                  

Ingredients

• 2 brown onions, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 cup roughly chopped fresh coriander leaves and stems
• 125ml (1/2 cup) fresh lemon juice
• 125ml (1/2 cup) light olive oil or vegetable oil
• 2 tbs ground coriander
• 1 tbs garam masala
• 1 tbs chilli flakes
• 1 tbs ground turmeric

Method

1. Place onions, garlic, fresh coriander, lemon juice, oil, ground coriander, garam masala, chilli flakes and turmeric in a blender. Blend, scraping side of bowl occasionally, until coarsely chopped and well combined. Thread lamb, beef or chicken evenly onto skewers. Transfer to shallow glass or ceramic dish. Pour marinade over and turn until well coated. Cover and place in the fridge for 1-2 hours to marinate. (To freeze, see note.)
2. Preheat barbecue grill on high. Reduce heat to medium. Cook skewers, turning occasionally and brushing with marinade left in dish, for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.
   
   WELCOME TO COCKTAIL FRIDAY!
   
   
   
   How fabulous that someone would think to make a cocktail especially designed around Christmas!  This week we bring to you the Candy Cane Cocktail.  Its so much fun and looks terrific...tastes great too and really we invented this one to get you all in the mood
   
   THE CANDY CANE COCKTAIL

Ingredients

Makes one cocktail

• 1 candy cane, crushed, for garnish
• 2 ounces strawberry vodka
• 4 dashes white creme de menthe
• 2 1/2 ounces cranberry juice
• Ice cubes

Directions

1. Place crushed candy canes on a small plate or saucer. Wet the outside rim of a chilled martini glass with water. Holding the glass by the stem, rotate the rim to coat with candy.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, creme de menthe, cranberry juice, and ice; shake until well combined. Strain into prepared glass; serve immediately.

And so we wish everyone a wonderful weekend....shop til you drop..then put your feet up, take a deep breath and remember that its only a few more days until Christmas.  Then it will all be over and we can start thinking about New Years!....'til next week!  

Well, the countdown is on.  Not long to go now before the big day.  Do you have all your Christmas shopping done?  Presents wrapped?  Christmas menus all sorted?....please say no, as we do take comfort in the fact that there are a lot of people out there who are as completely disorganised as us!

This week we have some fun with Christmas trees.  Got friends and family coming over for Christmas Day, and the house is completely barren of decorations and seasonal embellishments?  Well, dont panic, as we have a quick and easy fix that will look super stylish.  Its the Claytons Christmas Tree...you know...the tree you have when you dont actually have a tree?  Intrigued??..then read on....

 

We love the idea of a Christmas Tree, but sometimes there just isnt time to put it up and decorate, or you may have limited space.  Perhaps you just feel like a change from the traditional tree?  The answer can be as close by as your backyard!  We love these very non-traditional looks.

These silver twigs (sold separately at Charcoal Interiors) can be used either en masse to create a great display in an urn or pot, or you can mount them individually to create a quirky, modern Christmas look.

Grab some branches from a tree at home.  Strip the leaves from the branch if necessary.  Branches with interesting angles work well and provide lots of vantage points for your decorations. 

This looks is easily achieved.  Grab a fancy urn or pot from home and create your own masterpiece with branches and some favourite decorations....the key is to not add too many.  You can also paint the branches white, black or silver.  Voila!  A Christmas Tree in minutes.  Easy, unique and fun.

This year we are having Christmas Dinner at my place.  We are a family business here, so our Tuesday meeting this week consisted of menu planning and suggestions on how to decorate the ever important Christmas Table.  We have decided on white tablecloths with a silver theme and will incorporate some beautiful greenery.  Along with our gorgeous candelabras for dramatic effect it should look great!  We are going to take heaps of photos for you, so stay tuned.

In the meantime, heres a selection of ideas that we really loved.  We have decided to take something from each setting.  I especially love the fern leaves sprayed silver and also the pine sprigs in the glasses...adding a really festive touch, yet crisp and modern.

A stunning blend of decorations, fresh flowers and candles on a neutral tablecloth, with the drama of a gorgeous chandelier, makes such a glamorous Christmas setting.

Add a touch of greenery to your traditional table setting this Christmas by creating mini collars for your serviettes out of greenery from the garden. In this instance hydrangeas have been used, which is quite widely available in the Southern States of Australia, or you could use anything from mock orange sprigs intertwined, to banana leaves in the Northern States.

We love the rustic urn filled with Christmas gifts!

Got some special glasses that you have had hidden away because you are too scared to use them?  Well its time to dust them off and create a unique table display.  Just add water and a sprig of pine from the tree, or similar from the garden.  Too easy!

We would LOVE to see your Festive Table Settings!  Please contact us when you have some pics to share and we will post them on the blog.

Last weekend, Pete the Greek and I went down to Adelaide to finalise arrangements for our upcoming nuptials in February.  We are getting married in my brothers vineyard, so theres a lot to organise as we are doing all the catering.

  As always, when we visit my brother and his farm (he also runs sheep and produces his own olive oil as well as premium grapes for high end wine makers) we end up indulging in the wonderful array of fresh produce that is so abundantly available in the Adelaide Hills.  Gone are the days when Adelaide was a little backward town where not much happens.  These days its full of quality restaurants and bars, farmers markets, wineries and more.  We love the place.  So whilst on our little sojourn, the Greek and I were treated to a BBQ dinner on the farm.  We sipped red on the front verandah overlooking the Lake Alexandrina in the distance and chomped on the most amazing lamb skewers.  My brother, after much arm twisting coughed up the recipe and here it is to share with you.  It makes a great appetiser on Christmas day before the big guns are brought out!  Enjoy!

CHRIS'S CORIANDER & CHILLI MARINATED SKEWERS

Chris used lamb for this recipe, but you can try chicken or beef too.

                                           

                                  Makes 24                                  

Ingredients

• 2 brown onions, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 cup roughly chopped fresh coriander leaves and stems
• 125ml (1/2 cup) fresh lemon juice
• 125ml (1/2 cup) light olive oil or vegetable oil
• 2 tbs ground coriander
• 1 tbs garam masala
• 1 tbs chilli flakes
• 1 tbs ground turmeric

Method

1. Place onions, garlic, fresh coriander, lemon juice, oil, ground coriander, garam masala, chilli flakes and turmeric in a blender. Blend, scraping side of bowl occasionally, until coarsely chopped and well combined. Thread lamb, beef or chicken evenly onto skewers. Transfer to shallow glass or ceramic dish. Pour marinade over and turn until well coated. Cover and place in the fridge for 1-2 hours to marinate. (To freeze, see note.)
2. Preheat barbecue grill on high. Reduce heat to medium. Cook skewers, turning occasionally and brushing with marinade left in dish, for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.
   
   WELCOME TO COCKTAIL FRIDAY!
   
   
   
   
   How fabulous that someone would think to make a cocktail especially designed around Christmas!  This week we bring to you the Candy Cane Cocktail.  Its so much fun and looks terrific...tastes great too and really we invented this one to get you all in the mood
   
   THE CANDY CANE COCKTAIL

ngredients

Makes one cocktail

• 1 candy cane, crushed, for garnish
• 2 ounces strawberry vodka
• 4 dashes white creme de menthe
• 2 1/2 ounces cranberry juice
• Ice cubes

Directions

1. Place crushed candy canes on a small plate or saucer. Wet the outside rim of a chilled martini glass with water. Holding the glass by the stem, rotate the rim to coat with candy.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, creme de menthe, cranberry juice, and ice; shake until well combined. Strain into prepared glass; serve immediately.

FESTIVE FASHION...OUR VANISHING TABLES...SUBLIME CHRISTMAS FARE...THE WORLDS MOST EXPENSIVE COCKTAIL AND SO MUCH MORE..ITS GETTING CLOSE TO CHRISTMAS!

Welcome to the Charcoal Interiors Style in the City blog.  We have had a lot of interest in the blog this week, and we welcome our new readers.

This week, we have something for everyone...Fashion, Food, Beautiful Homewares and Christmas Gift Ideas, Christmas Cocktail Recipes and more......so read on and we hope that you find something to inspire.  If its not the great Christmas Prawn Recipe with Lime Mayo, then it may be our Christmas Frock feature.

The week started on a bit of a sour note with the theft of my purse.  And so I thought it might be fun to start off today with some of our recommended torture methods...to be used once we get our hands on the thief! 

Our number one favourite is to sit him down and make him listen to a womens group discussion on feelings....or perhaps worse still, sit him in front of the telly and replay the Celine Dion concert of 1996 DVD over and over and over again....we welcome other suggestions.

Festive Frocks...what's a girl to wear?

When I was a little girl, the thrill of Christmas was always enhanced by the knowledge that you were going to be wearing something new and shiny for the whole day.  I always got a new dress for Christmas, and although I look back on the hideousnes of it now, I can remember the feeling of having something special to wear on the day.  My kids would joke that this was around the time that clothes werent even invented yet, so how could I possibly even remember, as I am just so completely ancient.  But even though it was quite a few decades ago, I still feel excited when I know that I have something new to wear for Christmas Day....preferably with buttons that can be undone around the waist area for easily release of the Turkey laden belly.

As you know, Cathie, Colette and I have our 'Happy Place' (aka Sass and Bide).  We are fortunate to have some amazing frock shops in just metres of the showroom.  Here's a few tempters that we found this week.  Now we just have to make a decision on which frock.  

This is a great time to pop into the Doggett/James Street precinct of Fortitude Valley.  Shop till you drop, grab a bargain or two from us and then lunch with friends....go on...you deserve it!

Sass and Bide...loving this jumpsuit look.

Scanlan and Theodore...Style after our own hearts

Alice McCall thanks to the wonderful Jules and Roc store on James Street

Jules and Roc Sequin Dress in neutrals....Merry Christmas to Me!

Our Beach House Tables are selling quicker than we can custom make them.  This one arrived at the showroom this morning and voila!...sold!  More to come into stock soon.  We make these tables to your customized measurements and they look incredible.

More Previously Sold Out Stock Has Arrived!

We have more Stone Based Hurricane Lanterns in stock, plus a new Tapered Style in varying sizings.

Our Stone Candlesticks make a fabulous feature to the Christmas Table Setting and the price will surprise.

FEED ME!

Stuck for food to dazzle the rellies this Christmas?  Well, we are featuring a selection of sumptuous recipes in every 'Style In The City' blog leading up to Christmas.  This week we feature a gorgeous prawn recipe that has been rated by the 3 of us 5 Star Fare.

BUTTERFLIED HERB PRAWNS WITH LIME MAYO

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 750g green prawns, peeled, tails intact
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 slices white bread
• 1 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
• 1/2 cup dill sprigs
• 1/2 cup oregano leaves
• olive oil cooking spray
• rocket salad and lime wedges, to serve

• Lime mayonnaise

• 3/4 cup whole-egg mayonnaise
• 1 lime, rind finely grated, juiced
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 3 teaspoons worcestershire sauce

Method

1. Using a sharp knife, cut prawns along back from top to tail (do not cut all the way through). Remove vein and open prawns flat. Place prawns and oil in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Turn prawns to coat.
2. Place bread, parsley, dill and oregano in a food processor. Process until finely chopped. Transfer to a large plate. Coat prawns, 1 at a time, in herb crumbs, pressing on with your fingers. Place on a tray lined with baking paper.
3. Make lime mayonnaise: Place mayonnaise, lime rind, 1 tablespoon lime juice, garlic and worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Preheat a barbecue plate on medium heat. Spray prawns with oil. Barbecue prawns for 2 to 3 minutes each side or until golden and crisp. Serve with lime mayonnaise, rocket salad and lime wedges.

 Perfect as an Entree on Christmas Day, and this light dish works in well with the obligatory glass of Champagne to toast in Christmas, Family and Friends.

Did you know that the worlds most expensive Christmas cocktail can be found in one of Londons most ritzy clubs, well frequented by the elite and uber rich at a cost of $71,000AUD.

“Ingredients in the costly cocktail include a large measure of Louis XII cognac, half a bottle of Cristal Rose champagne, some brown sugar, angostura bitters and a few flakes of 24-carat edible gold leaf, according to The Guardian,” the Mail said.

“But the real extravagance is an 11-carat white diamond ring - which can be found at the bottom of the glass.

Fortunately for Cocktail Friday lovers, we offer up a recipe this week, that is just as deliciously indulgent, but at a fraction of the price.

THE CLASSIC CHRISTMAS CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL

This easy Cocktail recipe serves 4 people

It's worth getting good champagne for this celebratory cocktail. Add the champagne just before serving so you get the dissolving sugar cube effect in each flute. There should be enough left in the champagne bottle for a little top up!

Ingredients

4 Sugar Cubes

 2 - 3 dashes of Angostura Bitters

 1 Bottle of good quality Champagne and that doesnt mean it has to be expensive either.  We like Grandin, or for something special try Veuve Clicquot.  Anything Australian with Methode Champenoise on the label should be good drinking.

 Method

 1. Drop a sugar cube in the bottom of each champagne flute and add a couple of dashes of bitters to it.

 2. Add 1/2 a nip of brandy/cognac to each glass.

 3. Fill with Champagne....Toast..Clink and Drink

Next week on the Style and The City Blog: Christmas Table Setting Ideas, More Great Christmas Recipe Ideas and more.... 

                     

Until next week!  We wish you all a great weekend.  Dont stress while you shop...smile at that person who cuts in the queue in front of you.  Dont get hot and bothered when the sales person leaves the security tag on that purchase and you get all the way home before you realise...and then they question your purchase when you treck back to the shop...as happened to me this week....I just sent that 15 year old sales assistant with the bad attitude love and Christmas cheer...albeit it through gritted teeth :-)

Jen's off to Adelaide for the weekend to organise more wedding stuff.  This time she's dragging Pete the Greek with her.  I am sure there will be some stories out of this for next weeks entries.

ITS 1ST OF DECEMBER SO LETS BRING ON CHRISTMAS!...OUR LOUIS XVI KING AND QUEEN CHAIRS TRANSFORMED...CHARCOAL INTERIORS MEETS HOUSE & GARDEN...SUPER EASY SALMON AND FRESH HERB FRITTATA....CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS AND MUCH MORE...HAPPY FRIDAY TO ALL!

CHRISTMAS AT CHARCOAL INTERIORS

We have a bit of a pet peeve here at Charcoal....why do a lot of the stores bring out their Christmas displays too early?  For some its as early as September!  We think it detracts for the special time that Christmas is...so we have a rule: "No decorations until the 1st of December"!...after that its open slather.  Tinsel here...Baubles there...Holly, Candles, Reindeer, Silver, Gold...Sparkles and more!  We get right into it.  

Cath spent ages perfecting our beautiful Window Display.  Her displays are gaining Celebrity in Brisbane town as being one of the most creative and ground breaking.  This years is no exception.

The centrepiece of  this years Window Display is our stunning Louis XVI Fully restored King and Queen Chairs in luxurious French Velvet, black as a moonless night.

This pair was lovingly restored by our experienced upholsterer Adam.
Below...Adam gives us his best Blue Steel impersonation...

Before he laid his hands on them, they were a pair of chairs with sturdy bones that needed an update.  The fabric was removed and framework sanded back to its original timber.

Finished Product!

Adam gives a thumbs up to a job well done!  Thanks Adam...you're a magician when it comes to upholstery and furniture restoration.

CHARCOAL INTERIORS MEETS AUSTRALIAN HOUSE AND GARDEN MAGAZINE!

This month, Charcoal Interiors hosted 'Australian House and Garden Magazine'.

You can see the exclusive Charcoal Interiors styling and photo shoot via their Bumper Christmas Edition which is out now!

EXTENDED TRADING HOURS

Valued Customers Please Note:

Charcoal Interiors will be open every Thursday night of December until 7 p.m

Be sure to pop in to see all of our fabulous Christmas gift options, not to mention Christmas Dining Table options that make the perfect setting for the family Christmas meal and set up special memories for years to come. 

LET'S COOK!

SALMON AND HERB FRITTATA WITH ASPARAGUS

The cooking bug hit me on Monday, and with the abundance of fresh herbs in the garden going to waste, I figured a simple Frittata would do to feed the girls at Charcoal.

This Frittata took me 10 minutes to prepare and the results were visually and gastronomically pretty impressive (even if I do say so myself....hey I brag here, but dont ever ask me to bake a cake...I am miserable at cake making and have never had a success).  

Here's my recipe, and I am not one for exact measurements, but dont worry because with the Frittata you can be a bit slap dash and it still works out well.  Just dont overdo the cream because the egg wont set as well.

Preheat oven to 180 degrees.

Line a round baking dish with baking paper.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup pure cream
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1/4 cup crumbled fetta cheese
• Handful of chopped fresh herbs...I used chives, parsley, basil and dill
• 150g can of salmon
• Button Mushrooms (enough to line your baking pan)
• Asparagus spears, cherry tomatoes and capsicum
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Note: you can add some chilli flakes, bacon or ham

METHOD

Now here is the really easy part.  Simply combine eggs, cheeses, herbs, salmon, salt and pepper into a mixing bowl and whisk.  Blanch some asparagus spears and make sure they cool sufficiently.  Slice the mushroom and just line it in the baking dish (I used a round one and lined it with baking paper).

Tip egg, cheese, salmon and herb combo on top of the mushrooms and then decorate the top with the asparagus spears, thinly sliced capsicum and halved cherry tomatoes.

Bake in the oven for 20 - 25 minutes.

I served ours up with a fresh salad of greens, cubed fetta cheese, avocado, cucumber and tomato.

 This week marks the start of our Christmas Cocktail Feature.  For the next four weeks we will be showcasing exclusive Christmas Cocktail recipes for you to try.  We are keeping it simple so you can whip up a Cocktail masterpiece in a jiffy.

 This weeks recipe follows the Christmas Theme with the use of Cranberries and fresh lime...we do love the lime!

Cranberry Kick

1 part Vodka
4 parts cranberry juice
1 half lime, juiced

Half fill a highball glass with ice. Add the vodka, lime juice and cranberry juice. Stir well. Add lime wedges and serve.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend.  Here's to a great start to the Festive Season.  Its been a wet old week here in Brisbane with more rain to come, so please be careful on the roads...we all want you around for a long...long time.

Until next week.....

The Charcoal Girls xxx

CHRISTMAS WARM UP...NEW ARRIVALS THAT MAKE THE PERFECT GIFT...HOW NOT TO DECORATE...OUR 5 TIPS TO AVOIDING A DECORATING DISASTER...A SPICY TWIST TO YOUR BARBECUED FISH...AND OUR FAVE LIME COCKTAIL EVER!!...ENJOY xxx

Happy Friday and greetings to one and all.  Oooooh its warming up here in Brisbane town.  The people have started coming out of the woodwork and its been a week of catching up with past clients and also welcoming through new faces.  Everyone is just so happy...and its nearly Christmas!  Great to see.  I think we should all have the resolve this year to stay cool headed and just enjoy the lead up to the Festive Season.

Speaking of staying cool headed and keeping Christmas stress free, we are offering some amazing Christmas Gift ideas for our customers.  Pop into 18 Doggett street Fortitude Valley, and view our latest range of Lanterns (which make an amazing centrepiece to the Christmas Table), Natural Stone Candlesticks, Moroccan Lanterns, Asian Inspired Wooden Lanterns, Vases, Silver Candlesticks, Urns and pots, and other interesting and unique gift ideas.  It really can be hard to buy for loved ones nowadays, so we try to make the shopping experience a lot easier for you by carefully selecting our accessory range.

New Arrival!  Our Statement Arched Mirror...and dont you love the Antique Wooden Horse and Divine Black Candlesticks!

Our Belgian Urns Crafted from Zinc really do give the 'Wow' factor to a room.

Gorgeous Statement Agean Urn.  Perfect for indoors or out....

Our Giant Cathedral Lantern can be used in a Christmas Setting and then perfect for elsewhere in the house over the remainder of the year...Looks amazing in a bathroom setting, or perfect for the outdoor dining table, setting a romantic and relaxed mood light.

Our exclusive Narnia Hand carved Mirror from France is a gorgeous backdrop against our Rustic Filigree Candelabras, Urns and Church Candles.

What better addition to the Christmas Table Setting than a pair of Silver Candlesticks that would make Jack Jump With Joy!?

CHARCOAL INTERIORS FEATURE....HOW NOT TO DECORATE.

5 TOP TIPS TO SAVE YOU TIME, MONEY AND A WHOLE LOT OF HEADACHE.

We are big fans of the TV Show 'How Not To Decorate' starring the adorable Englishmen Justin Ryan and Colin McAllister.  These Interior Design Gurus and quite frankly...slightly mad individuals...venture weekly into homes that are desperately in need of a complete overhaul.  The boys, in their deliciously 'campy' style create a hysterical mix of humour and complete creative genius to come up with amazing solutions which eventually become a reality.  From 'Drab-ulous'...to 'Fabulous'.  

Tune in to 7Two Friday nights at 9.30pm for this really entertaining and inspiring show that is a must see for all lovers of Interior Design.

5 WAYS TO AVOID AN INTERIOR DESIGN DISASTER

There are those who can just put together a delightfully stylish home without batting an eyelid. You walk into the space and feel completely at ease.  The home cannot be classified to any certain era...no orange melamine benchtops in the kitchen teamed with pine cupboards and matching handles, no garish feature walls to be seen and not a trace of shag pile or oversized outdated 'trend' furniture and accessories.

And then, there are those clients who come into the showroom looking for direction, either for the reasons of time restrictions or perhaps their creative streak leans itself towards other endeavours, who just need some clear advice and professional assistance when it comes to creating a home that reflects their personal taste and style.

There are 5 main rules to adhere to when starting off the process of creating a beautiful home space, and we would like to share them with you.....

Dont...

1. Ignore the size of the room. Nothing looks more out of place than doll-house sized furniture in a grand living room, or a baby grand piano stuffed into a cozy den. The furniture that worked in your old house or apartment may simply be out of scale for the rooms in your new home, so take a deep breath, let go and replace those items with furniture that is a realistic balance.

This small sun room space is balanced and uncluttered with a medium sized round French Provincial Style dining setting, the addition of shutters in place of heavy drapery, giving this smaller sized room a feeling of spaciousness and light.

Dont...
2. Hang all of your pictures too high. For some reason, most do-it-yourself decorators hang pictures at a height that only works for NBA basketball players. The focal point of the piece of art should be at gallery level, which is generally considered to be at eye-level for an average person who is 5 feet 7 inches tall. If you are hanging a picture to act as an accent piece for a table or lamp, the elements should be within 10 or 12 inches of each other.

Nina with her collection of Owls...even she admits it scares away the boys and can be a teeny wee bit creepy...

Dont...
3. Display every nick nack you own. In home interior design, more is not necessarily better. If you own a large collection of porcelain rabbits (or in the case of Nina from Offspring...Owls), it can be visually overwhelming to display them all together.. My Grandmother collects spoons, which were displayed for all to see in the lounge room at one point...but now thankfully she has them in a drawer.  She can bring them out to show off when her art ladies come around, but then they fit nicely back in the drawer away from view.  Its ok to showcase a couple of special items or collectables, pop the rest away, and then swap them over to create a fresh look when you feel a change is necessary.  Collectables can definitely fit into a room scheme as long as they are not in numbers and added to give a subtle quirkiness.  I love Buddhas....Cath loves Antique Wooden and Stone Horses....but we only display one or two maximum in our home at one time....and dont get me started on soft toy collections......

Dont....
4. Match everything. Have you ever walked into a room where the flowered wallpaper matched the flowered tablecloth, which matched the flowered seat napkins and the seat cushions? Didn't it just give you a headache? If this scenario describes a room in your house, you may want to replace the busy flowered napkins with a complimentary solid color.  Remember...walking into a room that is easy on the eye and mind is the optimum goal here.

The same concept goes for furniture. It is better to have two matching pieces of furniture in a room, paired with a couple of complimentary single pieces. The very best room decor have been carefully collected over a period of years, rather than purchased at Super A-Mart in one fell swoop on a Saturday afternoon.  We have clients who sometimes take years to achieve the right look and balance to their home.  Choosing quality, interesting 

pieces that you feel a real connection with can save you financially in the long run also.

And lastly...Dont..

5. Make it precious. The last major interior design mistake occurs when home decorators try too hard. The result is a room that makes for a great photograph, but lacks any kind of warmth or human appeal. If your guests are afraid to move a sofa pillow for fear of upsetting the aesthetic balance, you need to reassess ideas. I have a friend who once gave me my own personalised pair of little slippers for Christmas, which normally would have been such a sweet gesture, except they were specifically for the purpose of bringing to her home every time I went over for a visit, so that I could slip them on and she wouldnt have to worry about me leaving any marks on her pristine tiled floor with my shoes or bare feet.  It certainly created an atmosphere that wasnt quite welcoming...lovely lady, but now we meet for lunch out instead of me visiting.  Being too precious with your home can actually defeat the purpose of 'home'...which is a space to be enjoyed by yourself and also friends and family.

SOMETHING FOR THE FOODIES.... 

BARBECUED FISH WITH SPICY COCONUT NOODLE SALAD

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 200g rice stick noodles
• 2 Lebanese cucumbers
• 165ml can coconut cream or milk
• 2 1/2 tbs fish sauce
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tsp caster sugar
• 2 long red chillies, deseeded, chopped
• 1 tbs finely grated ginger
• 3/4 cup roughly chopped coriander leaves
• 4 x 200g skinless blue-eye fillets (or other firm white fish)
• 1 tbs sunflower or rice bran oil

Method

1. Place noodles in a large bowl and pour over enough boiling water to cover. Stand for 15 minutes, occasionally stirring with tongs, then drain. Remove seeds from cucumbers, then cut into thin matchsticks.
2. Combine coconut milk, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, chilli, ginger, coriander and cucumber in a large bowl. Add drained noodles and toss well to combine.
3. Heat a barbecue or chargrill pan on medium-high heat. Rub the fish with oil and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the fish for 3 minutes on each side or until cooked to your liking, then serve immediately with the coconut noodle salad.
   
   
   
   Happy Friday and welcome...welcome to Cocktail Friday.  This week we invite you to kick off the shoes, put your feet up...play the so soothing tones Nina Simone and enjoy this weeks offering.  We do love Lime...the smell, the freshness of the colour, the delicious taste and the fact that Lime represents summer and warmth.  We couldnt go past this one for the Cocktail Friday celebration....Imbibe...Enjoy and most importantly....reeeelax...cos its Friday!
   
   
   Key Lime and Coconut Caipirinha 
   
   
   
   
   
   You will need.....
   2 oz. Cabana Cachaça (a very sweet Brazilian Rum..use other brand if you cant find this)
   1 tbsp. shredded coconut
   1 tbsp. granulated sugar
   1 lime, quartered
   Crushed ice
   
   Muddle (no muddle is to smash about the lime preferably using a mortar and pestle that is completely clean...really bash away at the lime and let the juices and rind meld together) lime with coconut and sugar. Add Cabana Cachaça, shake, and pour over ice.
   Yummeny Yummeny....refreshing and deeeelish...Enjoy!
   And so we bid you adieu for another week.  Enjoy family and friends this weekend and most importantly, be kind to YOU!