'ALMOST 101 CHRISTMAS TABLE DECORATING IDEAS....WE LOVE! OUR NEW ERMENEK URN ARRIVALS AND MORE!...OUR WEEK IN PICTURES...THE FINAL MOBROS OF 85 TALLY AND THE SHAVE OFF....OUT AND ABOUT AT THE BELVEDERE DEAR BOY....THE EASIEST CHRISTMAS FINGER FOOD RECIPE EVER!...OUR CHRISTMAS SNOWBALL COCKTAIL RECIPE....AND WHAT BUDDHA SAID....ENJOY!

ALMOST 101 CHRISTMAS TABLE DECORATING IDEAS

credit djpalmer via flickr

Is it just me freaking out about Christmas once again this year?  Every single year I tell myself somewhere around September to get the Christmas act together early so I am super organised and ready to not only dazzle but be the secret envy of my friends with the amazing decorations, gifts and food that I have loving prepared in my kitchen (with apron)...etc...etc....etc.....

It all works so well in my mind, but unfortunately has not translated into reality as yet.  

Well, there is always next year......

Cath taking a final look over last years Christmas setting before the hoards arrived.

Out on the new back deck for Christmas dinner...we joined two tables together to make room for everyone.

For now, heres a collection of our best Christmas Table decorating ideas, that are achievable and easy to do.

1. Candles!  Candles set the mood, bring a sense of occasion to the table and look sensational.  Whether it be huge pillar candles or little glowing tealights in an assortment of colourful turkish tea glasses, candles are a fave of ours.

2.  Fresh flowers.  Keep the rest of the table reasonably simple in white, with sparkling clean crockery and tinkling glassware, then grab a large glass vase and a bunch of tiger lillies for the centrepiece...its a no brainer this one and looks beautiful.

3.  Bon Bons!  If youre very handy you can make your own, or if youre like me...buy them from the shops at the last minute.  I like to buy the middle of the range ones and then poke my own little treats in the ends.  Make name tags out of recycled card and tie them to the ends...everyone will think youre just so clever and Martha Stewart-ish!

credit Julietteculver via flickr

4.  Candlesticks!...or Candleabra as some call them.  Make it big and bold for dramatic effect. (see ours above on the family table setting)

5.  Theme the table in Black and Silver on a white tablecloth....stunning!

6.  Start at the beginning and give your table the VaVaVoom factor with a beautifully textured fabric piece as the tablecloth....dont have one big enough, but perhaps enough to make a statement...no problem, just layer it over the top of a plain colour.  

via houseandhome.com

7.  A rustic plank of wood looks spectacular as a table runner and creates a foundation for all kinds of additions.  The rustic textures against beautiful crockery and glassware adds another dimension to your table setting.  

8.  Grab your best clear vase and fill it with beautiful Christmas decorations....we love the combo of Antique Silver, Gold and Black.

9.  A sprig of green rosemary on each plate....simple, yet classic and a nice way to remember those who didnt get to the table this year.

10.  Olive branches (the spindly peripheral ones) with the leaves attached are great to use for napkin rings.  They are super flexible, so just snip the shoots from your tree, wrap around the napkin and just twist and intertwine into itself so theres no need for tying....snip off the protruding ends...add a little card made from recycled product either with your guests name, or a special message to personalise..just tuck under the ring.

.............enjoy your table decorating!  We would love to see your table setting photos, so be sure to share.

Oh...and did I say 101....???...must have been a typo!  Oh give me a break....I can barely organise Christmas drinks this year!

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WE LOVE....

Our new urns have arrived this week.  From Large Turkish Ermeneks to smaller vinegar jars crafted traditionally...all authentic and completely divine.  Available for sale now and a great Christmas gift idea.

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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OUR WEEK IN PICTURES

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MOBROS OF 85

Well, its finally the end of Movember and no more Freddie Mercurys..Tom Sellecks or Salvador Dalis walking the streets for another year, although I do know of some guys keeping their moustaches much to the disdain of their wives/partners!

The final total raised thanks to you was $1548.  Not bad for 4 guys who are mostly used to raising a glass...not funds!

Bye bye Mo.....

Trish does the honours.....

We had our shave off last Saturday at The Grove Bar Ashgrove.  Pete the Greek was the only one game enough to shave in front of a crowd...here's the pics!

Congratulations to the team and we look forward to garnering more funds next year.

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OUT AND ABOUT

at 

THE BELVEDERE HOTEL

I love a Sunday drive and after our stint at The Grove which went on into the night, I particularly like a drive that is going to end in a meal cooked by others and a quality hair of the dog.

So, we took off in the convertible to somewhere cool with water views...and ended up at Woody Point.  I had seen the signs for the Belvedere Hotel enroute and at the time had no idea we would end up there for lunch.  The billboard beckoned with sunsets and cool looking people gazing into the distance at the water...it looked too unattainable, but before you knew it there we were driving right past the place.  I said...STOP!...so we did.

Its not often that all boxes are ticked for me, but I found the Belvedere to be a great place to stop for lunch.  First off we were greeted by the nicest lady with a Santa hat and tinsel earrings who just made us feel so welcome...and it was packed on this day too, but she took the time to explain the menu, where to order..even where the loos were!  She gets 10/10 for being so bloody marvellous and the hotel should be very proud to have staff such as her....anyway....

I ordered the fish and chips because my hangover was screaming for that...and Pete had the steak, smoked style (yes, there are two types of steak..normal or their house smoked style...how awesome) with the seafood accompaniment.  We both had a glass of red, sat back and watched the world go by.  Our food was excellent, with beautiful presentation, fresh and clean...wine list is small but serves the purpose and you get some suggestions for meal pairing that are easy to follow.

So, thats service, ambience, food and wine boxes all ticked....I really liked it here and will be back..even if its just to say hi to the jolly waitress who really made the experience.

The Belvedere Hotel

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Rest In Peace Daniel Morcombe 

Finally laid to rest today

7/12/2012

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MORE CHRISTMAS FINGER FOOD TO DAZZLE YOUR GUESTS AND GIVE YOU TIME TO REST........

Family crisis this week, with my darling cousin Lanie sending out a Facebook S.O.S to friends and relatives for finger food suggestions.  It had to be fast...and it had to be easy.

Fortunately for Lanie I had the perfect recipe already under my little Santa belt.

This would have to be THE simplest recipe ever...in fact its not even a recipe...its just a four step process.

via everdaygourmet.tv

What you need....

Enough ready made pikelets (Coles bread aisle) for your guests.

Same with the smoked salmon...a little goes a long way.

Cream Cheese

Dill Sprigs

What to do...

On each little pikelet spread some cream cheese, top with a slice of smoked salmon and twirl it slightly as above so it looks pretty.

Top with a sprig of dill

Serve on a pretty platter...stand back and watch them get devoured!

YOU are a star entertainer...right there!

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THE CHRISTMAS 'SNOWBALL' COCKTAIL

Well, if youre going to make cocktails at Christmas time you may as well create something really dazzling...and if the presentation criteria includes a candy cane, then this cocktail is the one for you.

You really do need to don the Santas Little Helper outfit though when serving these up...theyre just soooo much fun.

via chuckumentary at flickr

WHAT YOU NEED...

1 shot vodka

1 shot Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

1/2 shot candy cane infused vodka

1/2 shot cream

Peppermint Syrup to taste

Dollop of ice cream

WHAT TO DO...

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with some ice.

Strain into a Martini glass and garnish with a candy cane for a true Christmas Cocktail.

Important Note:  Too many of these at the Christmas Party may result in you never being able to show your face back at the office....

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OUR BUDDHA THIS WEEK

Until next week have a brilliant weekend...dont get too flustered at the shops.  See you next week and be sure to pop into the showroom for a quiet retreat from the insanity, plus some beautiful gift ideas to boot....

Love, Light and Laughter....

The Charcoal Team

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

HAWAIIAN ARCHITECTURE ON A GRAND SCALE....MOBROS OF 85 WRAP UP...WHATS NEW....BEAUTIFUL BENCHES FOR DAD AND MORE....FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM!....CHRISTMAS PARTY FINGER FOOD....THE BEST LIME MARGARITA RECIPE EVER!....

ISLAND ARCHITECTURE ON A GRAND SCALE

The very grand Honolulu Airport

Although I did not recognise Vladimir Ossipoffs name, I have unknowingly admired his work at Honolulu International Airport.  Funny because Pete the Greek mentioned that the terminal had not changed for years and years (he’s been to Hawaii a bit over the years). ...I was too busy marvelling a the open air corridors between terminals that allowed me,  the traveller to experience Hawaii’s temperate breezes either whilst waiting for a flight...which was delayed...no problem..sitting with the breeze on my face, or immediately upon disembarkation (and what an introduction to this marvellous island of Oahu).  The Architecture is quite though provoking really, as there are no walls between terminals.  Overhanging roof lines which extend way over the average combined with the use of local materials and very careful and thoughtful regard to the environment for brilliant effect, which is as I have since found out is to be Ossipoffs trademark.

Vladimir Ossipoff

Born in 1907, and raised in Japan, educated in California Ossipoff completed over 1,000 buildings, all in the Hawaiian Islands.  Lauded as one of the most influential architects of the 20^th Century, Ossipoff’s strikingly beautiful structures can be found throughout Honolulu and the outer islands.  He combined elegance with functional simplicity, free flowing floorplans, courtyards, comfortable shady verandas and exposed beam ceilings being his trademarks.

Pete the Greek driving on route to Waimea Bay

We hired a car to explore the island and in particular I wanted to see if we would be fortunate enough to spy one of his creations on the coastal drive.  We left Waikiki and decided to follow the coastal roads as opposed to the highway, taking in the beauty of the Oahu coast.  High up on the hill overlooking Diamond Head and Honolulu is the Heritage Listed residence Lijestrand.  Owned by Bob Lijestrand and built by Ossipoff for Bob’s parents on a lot high above the city with spectacular views of Downtown and Diamond Head. 

Credit with thanks for photos via Liljestrand House website.

Ossipoff was responsible for every aspect of its design and construction, including all of the furniture.  Even the rugs are original and were provided by the architect.  The residence is a true time capsule and listed on the national Register of Historic Places.  As we were heading along the coastal road, and with no extra time permitting, we didn’t get the chance to book a tour of the home, however this experience is now going on the ‘Bucket List’ of must see and do’s.

Thank you to the Liljestrand House Website and proprietors for providing us all with such fabulous information, and you can find more on the website.

http://theliljestrandhouse.com/home.html

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LOOK WHAT WE FOUND!!

The super sleuths of finding amazing pieces are Colette and Cathie.  Whenever I go away, half the fun is being on a holiday and the other half of the fun is knowing I will be coming back to work and not really knowing what to expect in regards to their latest 'finds'.  This week they have truly excelled with possibly a couple of the most unique old Antique Workbenches I have ever seen.

These benches are circa 1900s and have all the original vices and quirky hand forged attachments.  One even has the original hand made drawers with little compartments.  

Rustic and handsome, carefully restored without detracting from their original beauty these benches would make the absolute perfect gift for the man who has everything and wishes to reminisce on a by-gone world when his Grandfather taught him carpentry....to perfectly suiting a high end mens boutique space as a shop counter.  I could go on and on and know that your creative minds will take over with ideas, but for now, they are available on the showroom floor and of course being 'one-off' pieces will not last!

Speaking of benches, we also have this absolute beauty that came into the showroom this week and promptly sold (gotta love that)...however, the good news is that we can stock more into the showroom on request. 

 Rustic, solid and super versatile this console has extensions at the sides and back, so it would suit an entrance, kitchen or even work as a small dining table.  We think this console would also work well in a boutique.  Once again, your creative minds can go crazy with the options.  We love the zinc top.  

All enquiries for this console/bench and Antique Workbenches can be directed to us here at Charcoal Interiors.

Ph 07 38526002

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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MOBROS OF 85

Today marks the final day of Movember and we say 'seeya later' to those hairy mo's that some of us women have had to endure the annoyance of over the past month.  Pete the Greek had a full beard and moustache overnight it seems!  He also got some silicone stuck on his top lip and moustache this week while doing some very handy things around the house.  He walked around oblivious to its existence for hours, unknowingly allowing the paste to set into a rock like blob.  So, after chiselling away at it without success, he went for the scissors and now has a very wonky looking mo.  

Heres a pic of the Mobros of 85 Team.  

The total as it stands at this moment is $1373 raised by the team for Prostate Cancer research and Mens Health issues!

Its not too late to donate!

Click the link below and any donation of $2 or more is tax deductible.

We look forward to bringing you photos of the boys 'Shave Off' this Saturday.

Thanks so much to everyone who has supported and donated.

http://au.movember.com/team/586105

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OUR WEEK IN PICS

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INSTAGRAM ADDICTION

We are now on Instagram!  All you need to do is click on the follow button below....Voila!..and be instantly connected through to us for daily updates and all photos!

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CHRISTMAS FINGER FOOD SPECIAL

Over the weeks leading up to Christmas we are going to be sharing with you our top fave Finger Food recipes, keeping in with the seasonal produce theme, so it will be fresh, fun, colourful and most importantly super dooooper easy.

Due to the over supply of fresh Basil in the herb garden at the moment, heres a fantastic Sweet Basil Pesto Tapenade recipe that just requires blending!

photo credit to prideandvegudice via flickr with thanks

SWEET BASIL PESTO TAPENADE

What you need....

3 cups fresh basil leaves

150g walnut pieces 

2 - 4 cloves garlic

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/3 cup maple syrup

1 tsp grated fresh lemon zest

1 and a 1/2 tsp salt or to taste

Black Pepper

What to do....

Set aside about 25g of the walnut pieces.  Chop the basil, garlic and most of the walnuts in the food processor until chunky, stopping often to scrape the sides.  Add oils, maple syrup and the lemon zest and process until thick and creamy.  Stir in reserved walnut pieces.  Season with salt and pepper. Can be stored in a glass jar with a thin layer of olive oil on top until ready to serve.  

Pita Chips.

Once again you cant get much easier than this.  You just need a packet of Pita Bread....slice into triangles (I use a pizza cutter) then spray with olive oil, dust with rock salt and parmesan and then place on baking tray and cook in the oven until they are crispy and crunchy.

This is great party fare....more to come next week.

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THE ULTIMATE LIME MARGARITA....WAIKIKI STYLE

You know you're not in Kansas any more when Margaritas for breakfast are frowned up....sooo not fair and have hit reality and arrival back to Brisbane with a thud! 

The beauty of holidays is that you can throw the diet to the wind....eat what you like, drink what you like, and at whatever time the mood takes you.  Lunch at 4.30pm with those big waffle fries?...sure!....cake at 10.30pm?...of course!....Margaritas with your ham and eggs Miss??....no problem!  I found the perfect Margarita at The Shorebird restaurant and bar at Waikiki.  (see pictured).  The good side to this discovery is finally I had found Waikiki gold!...but the negative was that I then, due to being on holiday, considered it quite normal behaviour to have one for breakfast, lunch and a couple at dinner too!  Twas marvellous.  The staff there were just lovely too.  I think showing open appreciation of Margarita perfection every time they delivered one to my table helps with all-round employee mood.

Here's the recipe to the Ultimate Lime Margarita...take it from me...I'm an expert ;-)

Serves 4

What you need.....

1 cup Tequila

3/4 Cup orange liqueur, such as triple sec

1 cup fresh lime juice....mmmmmm.....limmmeee......

1 tbsp sugar

Ice

What to do...

Combine first 4 ingredients into a 4 cup measuring cup

For blended margaritas fill blender halfway with ice cubes.

Add half of margarita mixture

Blend until mix is thick and icy.

Divide between two glasses

Repeat with more ice cubes and remaining margarita mixture.

For Margaritas on the rocks (my personal fave)

Divide margarita mix among glasses and serve

For both recipes: before pouring the mix in glasses, coat the rims with salt....

Party Tip - Mix can be made up to 8 hours ahead and prior to being blended with ice...just cover, refrigerate and use when youre ready to parrrtayyyyy!

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WHAT BUDDHA SAID THIS WEEK

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Until next week.  Enjoy your Margaritas and the Party Season. 

Love, light and laughter....The Charcoal Team

xxx

WHATS NEW AT CHARCOAL INTERIORS....ART DECO MEETS THE HAMPTONS...SNOOZE YOU LOSE WITH OUR MEGA POD CHAIR SALE....OUT AND ABOUT AT OSCARS MCLAREN VALE...OUR WEEK IN QUICK SNAPS...JENS MEGA MARINADE FOR THE BEST BARBECUE CHICKEN EVER!!...JALOPENO MARGARITAS WITH A KICK!...

WHAT'S NEW AT CHARCOAL?

The Newport Round Table in Weathered Oak

French Farmhouse Style Table...Great dimensions for smaller spaces and in beautiful reclaimed timbers.

The Aztec Drum Stool...perfect to perch yourself on, or a book, glass of wine or both!

The Jolon seat in marvellous Natural Hemp

The Atlas Pendant Light in large.

Want to see more?  Pop into the showroom - Charcoal Interiors. 59 Doggett St. Newstead.

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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SNOOZE YOU LOSE....

If I had a $1 for every customer who rang or emailed us about a product they had seen a week or a month prior...loved it...left it....and then wanted to buy it and it had sold!!...........

And so, here's a real bargain for those who love casual living...LAST ONE!

..ps...these make excellent yoga chairs too for those who have trouble sitting cross-legged (like myself)...very comfortable.

Pod Chair in the Natural with Brian our Chief Salesperson.

Exclusively to our Charcoal Interiors Blog and Facebook readers, we now have our Natural Rattan Pod Chair ex floor stock reduced down by 40%....the price is too ridiculous to publish here on the blog, so contact us 

07 38526002 or you can send us a message via the blog.  Alternatively, pop by the showroom as we have just so much gorgeous stock available.

Charcoal Interiors

59 Doggett Street

Newstead.  Qld   4006

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....NEW AND LUXE....

Our latest 'must have' and 'must sit in'....this Cross Arm Chair is Art Deco meets Hamptons in luxurious French Crushed Black Velvet...and fully customised by the design team at Charcoal Interiors...of course...

....aaahh Brian..I had to show this pic because he once again insisted on being in the shot!

Art Deco meets Hamptons...and hows the plush French Velvet?...wait until you sit on it.

Available now and exclusively for sale....p.s dont forget that 'Snooze You Lose' rule! :-)

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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OUT AND ABOUT

Last weekend I attended the wedding of the year down in South Australia (my darling cuz Kristen married her prince charming Al)...and of course a visit to SA just wouldnt be complete without a trip to the McLaren Vale region.  Time was of the essence and with only an hour or so to kill, Pete the Greek and I were left in a quandry because we wanted to relax, have a glass of red and eat!...what to do..what to do?...and then we remembered a gem of a place we had discovered a while back that would tick all of our boxes...Oscars of McLaren Vale.

Oscars is in the main street of McLaren Vale and caters to groups big and small or your romantic lunch/dinner etc....we always sit under the vine canopy outside (weather permitting).  Mediterranean fare is the mainstay of Oscars and they do it will.  Our pizzas were full to the brim with fresh ingredients and being in the heart of superb wineland country, the wine list is well stocked and covers all bases.  We went for a local Shiraz that complimented the Greeks Spicy Meat Pizza and my Marguerita pizza.

Service was prompt and friendly.  On arrival we were the first in the courtyard but it quickly filled with groups and everyone seemed to be enjoying their experience there too.  We have dined here now 3 times and will be back due to the convenience, quality food and you know that you can always get a decent glass of wine.  Recommended for larger groups and for those who need to be fed and watered in a hurry.  Relax in the courtyard during the warmer months, or retreat to the fireplace inside in Winter....nice....

Like to visit Oscars and the McLaren Vale region?

http://www.oscars.com.au/index.html

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...OUR WEEK QUICK SNAPS...

Breakfast at The Gun Shop....Our Large Leaf Basil is plentiful...Jacarandas are in bloom in Brisbane....Sweet Coffee in and old home in Clarendon....

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JENS' MEGA MARINADE

I have recently discovered the beauty of marinating chicken for barbecuing...and a secret ingredient which is Pineapple Juice.  The juice gives it a real 'zing' but also helps with tenderising the chicken as pineapple has enzymes that assist with the process (and thats about as technical as I get...).  But, do try this recipe as its been lauded as one of the best ever by barbecuers around the world!

Photo credit to josh bousel via flickr with thanks

Marinating chicken not only gives additional interesting flavours but also helps the chicken keep moist while its on the grill.  We like to add a pot of natural yoghurt to the table and some freshly cut lemon wedges to squeeze over the cooked chicken too.....yum!

What you need.....

1 medium onion finely chopped

1/2 cup spring onion flinely chopped

1 hot pepper finely chopped

3 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon oil - we like to use Bon Haye quality Olive Oil

1 tablespoon cider or white vinegar

2 teaspoons fresh thyme leeaves

2 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon allspice ground

1 teaspoon black pepper, ground

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, ground

a dash of hot sauce.....Yowza!

What to do....

Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.  This marinade can be stored in the fridge for up to a month!

Add a few tablespoons of Pineapple Juice to the mix (optional)

We like to use this marinade for drumsticks, satays and also chicken breast pieces.  Can also be used on a whole chicken (we get ours butterflied) and I like to baste regularly during the barbecuing process.

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highrocketphoto via flickr credit with thanks

...JALAPENO MARGARITAS...

Photo credit to TheDeliciousLife via flickr with thanks

What better way to compliment a deliciously spicy barbecue feast than with a cocktail with a kick...but also refreshing!?

We bring to you this week...The Jalapeno Margarita.

A combo of delicious fresh ingredients...including the hero of the concoction which is our dear friend the Lime...

This recipe is cocktail making on a grand scale!

Muchas Gracias!

How to....

Make a BIG batch of margaritas with a twist!

Blend 1 thin slice of jalapeno, a handful of celery leaves, 6 ounces of fresh lime juice and a spoonful of sugar in a blender.  Mix with 16 ounces of Tequila and 8 ounces of orange liqueur.  Pop it in a large jug.

Serve up on the rocks in a salt-rimmed glass.

To be sipped with chicken drumstick in one hand and cocktail in the other....under the shade of your Sombrero...Areeeeebahhh....Reeebahhhh!!

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AAAAAMEN TO THAT!

Until next week....we hope that the week ahead brings you love, light and most of all laughter!

The Charcoal Team

xxx

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au