SICK OF THE USUAL STANDARD CHRISTMAS DECORATING...??...TRY SOMETHING NEW THIS YEAR!!...ANOTHER WEEK...ANOTHER HAPPY CLIENT...SALT AND PEPPER BBQ PRAWNS WITH LIME MAYO....YUM!...CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS...WATERMELON SANGRIA!..MADONNA AND MORE!!...HAPPY FRIDAY TO ALL!

CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN....DECORATING IDEAS TO IMPRESS

Last year, we all got together at my place for Christmas Dinner.  Everyone brought along a dish and some wine to share, and Cath decorated the table on the deck.  She never does anything by halves, so it was grand and just so beautiful......

The Table Setting had a bit of a theme, with white tablecloth and then two of our huge candlesticks as the base, then lots of silver....and a Reindeer for the little ones.

Cath checks out her handiwork before the hordes arrive 

All 'prettied' up and ready for the family to arrive!

With Christmas Day creeping up on us, its time to start thinking about how you are going to decorate your space this year.  We have some great ideas for the Christmas Table Setting, using urns to display in many ways and more....

What a great use for that rustic plank of wood you may have lying around in the backyard...I know we have plenty from 'gonna-do' home projects at home.  Make sure you give it a good clean up, as you wouldn't want any bugs infiltrating Christmas feasting,  cut to size if necessary, but a rustic wooden plank makes a fantastic table runner and amazing contrast with stark white as in this photograph.

WAYS WITH URNS.....

Almost everyone has an urn in their home in some way, shape or form.  You can bring in the rustic one from outside that once housed the plant you managed to kill, or perhaps there's the urn you use as an ice bucket for special occasions?...anyway, have a hunt around and you are certain to find an urn or an urn style piece that will be perfect for the following ideas below!

Fill the urn to half way with tissue paper and then top up with Christmas baubles for a cute display in a corner, and then transfer to the Christmas Table as a centrepiece on the big day!

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

Cath filled one of our silver urns from the showroom with silver Christmas Foliage as an alternative to a tree for this year....we love it!

We love the use of an urn as a stand for the Christmas Tree...the usual stands are always pretty ugly looking...the urn does the rest of the tree justice.

Forgot the baubles and tinsel??...not to worry....just wrap your tree!  How effective with the little fairy lights underneath shining through!

...And finally...why not take the festivities outside (weather permitting) on the big day.  This is a great idea for those with kids, who can run around and play while the adults sit back and relax.  Necessities for the day when planning an outdoors feast are...lots of shade, insect repellent and loads of good food and wine...not to mention a hat...just because you can :-)

The candelabra chandelier gives the space an air of grandeur and occasion.

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ANOTHER WEEK...ANOTHER HAPPY CLIENT

Colette and Cathie: "The client brief was minimalist, good quality, sophisticated styling."

"Longevity of the pieces but also the quality and style were of the utmost importance."

"They felt we had taken them on the journey with us throughout the process", says Colette...

"Every time something new came into their home from us, we would get excited phone calls."  

  "During this small renovation we were able to work with the clients and assist in their selections."

 "This was a thoroughly enjoyable project," says Cathie.  We think the photograph with our happy client says it all....

Artworks 'Circle of Life' by Dean Reilly 

 Chairs and Solid Oak Parquetry Top Dining Table - All Custom Made by Charcoal Interiors.

We will have more on this project in the coming weeks of Style In The City blog.

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

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SALT AND PEPPER BBQ PRAWNS WITH LIME & LEMONGRASS MAYO

We have a 'fisho' who visits every Thursday/Friday.  I bought a stack of freshly caught Green Prawns for this recipe....a long standing fave in our household.

Perfect summer fare and a great recipe for Christmas Lunch, because you can pre-prepare the night before.

We also use the Seasalt with Desert Lime and Rosemary from Port Willunga Fine Foods

Ingredients (serves 8)

• 24 (about 615g) medium green king prawns, peeled leaving tails intact, deveined
• 2 tsp ground Sichuan pepper
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp sea salt flakes - we use our Lime and Rosemary Gourmet Salt from Charcoal Gourmet Provisions.
• Lime wedges, to serve

• Lemon-grass mayonnaise

• 125ml (1/2 cup) water
• 2 stems lemon grass, pale section only, coarsely chopped
• 1 tsp finely grated lime rind
• 235g (1 cup) reduced-fat mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh Thai basil

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CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS.....WATERMELON SANGRIA! - AMOR!!

When I was a kid, we always spent Christmas lunch with my Dads family, who were very strict Christians and there was never a drop of alcohol to be had.  I always thought everyone in the family was keen on this idea, but when my Nan passed away and her home sold, we started taking turns as a family as to who was going to host Christmas Day Lunch....so, the first year of the new arrangement I turned up with my Orange Juice (I was an adult by then, and didnt mind a glass of nice red by that stage)...and there was the whole clan half cut on Sangria!  So, obviously everyone was just holding out until Nan passed before breaking out the booze!

And so...my love of Sangria began....sorry Nan xx

if you love watermelon, then this drink is perfect for a hot summers day....

Ingredients

• 12 cups cubed watermelon
• 1 (750 milliliter) bottle dry white wine
• 1 cup vodka
• 1/2 cup triple sec
• 1/2 cup simple syrup
• 3 cups cubed seeded watermelon
• 1 medium lime, quartered
• 1 orange, cut into wedges
• 1 cup fresh blueberries

Directions

1. Place 9 cups of watermelon cubes in a blender; blend on high until very smooth. Strain juice through a mesh strainer into a large pitcher. Pour the wine, vodka, triple sec, and simple syrup into the pitcher. Stir to combine. Mix the remaining 3 cups of watermelon cubes, the lime quarters, orange sections, and blueberries into the sangria. Chill for 4 hours before serving.

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                              "EVERY ONE'S ENTITLED TO MY OPINION" - MADONNA

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Oooooooohhh....not too many sleeps to go until Christmas.  Until next week we wish you a marvellous weekend, full of fun, love and just a little bit of mischief!

...The Charcoal Team xxx

www.charcoalinteriors.com.au

PORT DOUGLAS SOJOURN...THE DIVINE VILLA EMPAT PULUH DUA...OUR COMP WINNER ANNOUNCED...MOROCCAN JAM FROM SPICE GIRLZ...PALM COVE MANGO TANGO AND MUCH MORE!!

PORT DOUGLAS SOJOURN

Last weekend Pete the Greek and I took ourselves away for a couple of indulgent days up in Port Douglas, which for those 'out-of-towners', is in Norther Queensland Australia.  It's a tropical paradise and I can tell you that even with the temptation of whiling away the days swimming in the resort pool, whilst sipping umbrella drinks it was still very hard to drag ourselves away from the 5 teenagers, cooking, cleaning, ironing and washing etc......yeah right??

Ah...Port Douglas.  White sandy beaches that stretch for miles and miles....beautiful.

Port Douglas is only just over a 40 minute drive from Cairns, the capital.  The drive in itself is stunning as the road hugs the coastline for nearly the whole trip, and so you start feeling relaxed and on holidays straight away...theres nothing like the ocean to bring about instant serenity to body and mind.  And so, even though we were just missing the kids and the new non-housetrained puppy (Harry) and all the housework so very much, we still managed to wind down.

The Rising Sun Bar on the Esplanade at Port Douglas.  BEST cocktails and fish so fresh it almost flip flopped off the plate....yum!

Our first stop was Palm Cove, which had been highly recommended as a place to stop along the way for a drink and lunch.  It exceeded all expectations with its quaint esplanade lined with boutique hotels and restaurants with anything from a Burger at Petes Place, to fine dining by the ocean.  We are most definitely going back there to linger longer on our next trip up North.  We made friends at The Rising Sun Restaurant and Bar.  Our delightful waitress went out of her way to look after us.  We ended up with 2 'Mango Tango' Cocktails, and shared a plate of freshly caught local fish....gosh my mouth is watering just thinking about it.  See below Cocktail Friday recipe for the Mango Tango.

Pete the Greek about to hold my hand and set off on our quest to find 'that' beach house on the hill.

And so, once fed and watered it was off to Port Douglas, where we spent the weekend, swimming, eating and drinking and not in that particular order either.  When we did feel energetic however, we took ourselves off for walks along the beach, and it was then, that we found the most amazing house nestled on the hill in Port Douglas looking right over the ocean.

'The' House

The View.....'sigh'...

  I just HAD to find out more about this place.  I could see people out on the balcony having a beer....and darn it..I just wanted to be there too.  So, I did my research and found that this amazing home is called Villa Empat Puluh Dua (which I think stands for really, really opulent house overlooking the ocean).  And guess what?  Even more exciting is that its an executive retreat for holiday rental!....and only at $1250 per night (gulp).....

The Massage Cabana....every girl should have one...

Just one of the many bedrooms with views to take your breath away

Pool area with infinity design that hangs over the rainforest

Sandstone stairs leading up to the magnificent entrance and what is to be a stay of a lifetime.

Sleeps up to 14 people and this incredible home, besides having birds eye views of the ocean, 4 levels of Indonesian architect designed luxury, its own massage cabana, French imported furniture, personal meet and greet and spa indulgence package...its also got my all time favourite...the infinity pool, suspended over the rainforest.  A truly stunning and inspiring home dont you think?

Villa Empat Puluh Dua Port Douglas

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....AND THE WINNER IS..............??

Thank you to everyone who entered our 'Guess the Crystals on the Bella Chandelier' Competition.  We had loads of guesses with anything from 20 (that would make for quite a sparse look....) to 600!  In the end we met somewhere in the middle there with 289 and the winner is Kristy Sweeney, who was only a few crystals off of nailing it to the exact amount.  

Kristy wins a beautiful silver candlestick and also quality Danish flocked table runner by Villa Collections.  Congratulations Kristy and enjoy your prize, which we think will look amazing on the Christmas Table this year.

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Our Charcoal Gourmet Provisions Pantry is going so well, and it must be because we are trying just about everything that comes in....so its easier to promote the products....well someones got to do it!??

This week, instead of the usual recipe, we have decided to share our latest secret gourmet gem, that is now to become a kitchen stalwart with us girls....Moroccan Jam by Spice Girlz.  

This delicious combo of capsicum, garlic, chilli and spices is perfect as a dipping sauce, or mix it in with plain yoghurt as an accompaniment with meat...especially great with fish as I found out this week.  Smear it on chicken breast and marinade overnight for amazing flavour, or serve up to compliment your cheese platter.

Today we drizzled it over our open sandwiches at lunch time.  It was deeelish!...just had to share this pic with you.

Todays lunch....we do it pretty tough here :-)

We stock most Spice Girlz products here at our Provisions store, so you can either pop in and purchase, or we are happy to post to you.  

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COCKTAIL FRIDAY.....AND THE PALM COVE MANGO TANGO

Well, as promised, here is the recipe for one of the most unforgettable cocktails I have ever had....The Mango Tango.  After a few of these, if the music is playing...whether it be jazz, classical, rock or blues....you will be doing the tango no matter what!  With mangoes being so prevalent at the moment and the quality here in Brisbane is outstanding, theres no excuse not to try making one.  Trust me...lovers of mango...will LOVE this cocktail. 

Our Mango Tango and Marguerita at Palm Cove

 As in the pic, the bartender decorated the glass very simply with a palm leaf and a fresh slice of lemon/lime...I liked the simplicity and have popped that one into the memory bank for our next night of cocktail entertaining.

This is a photo of our Palm Cove Cocktails...we shared between the every dependable and delicious frozen Marguerita, and the Mango Tango...the mango tango won the fave pic on this day anyway....

Here 'tis!...enjoy.

Makes 12

• 6 mangoes, peeled, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups white rum
• 1 1/2 cups vodka
• 6 lemons, juiced
• 1 cup sugar syrup (see note)
• 6 cups crushed ice
• 
  

Just blend everything together and serve in a martini, or low ball glass.

....now close your eyes and imagine the lap, lap, lapping of the water on the shore.....zzzzzzzzzzz

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Mae West

Until next week...stay tuned for all the goss on Caths trip to the Hunter Valley, and I am off to source more

 yummy treats from down South...Happy Weekend to all!

xxxxx

Cathie, Colette and Jen...The Charcoal Team xxx

CHARCOAL GOES GLAM!...DAMIEN BREDBERG WORKS HIS MAGIC...FLOWERS!!...WE LOVE 'EM...GEARING UP FOR CHRISTMAS WITH ZUCCHINI & HALOUMI FRITTERS...PLUS!..LYCHEE AND MINT SPARKLING COCKTAILS...AND MORE!!....

CHARCOAL GOES GLAM!

Well, its not every day that you get the Movie Star treatment, and myself being a tad adverse to 'primping' and 'schooshing'...merely because I dont want to end up looking like a drag queen (had a bad experience years ago after being made up for the television show Wheel of Fortune where after an hour with a heavy handed make up artist and hairdresser with a penchant for 80's high hair.....I resembled more of a Anglo-Saxon 'Effie').

Cath casts a 'last minute' eye over the set.

And so it was with a little bit of trepidation and a whole lot of trust that we girls surrendered ourselves into the creative cosmos of photographic guru Damien Bredberg and his team of assistants, stylists, make up and hair artistes, for our latest advertising campaign with Belle Magazine.

Stylist Lucia handles the finishing touches on Colette, while Pete the Greek does his very best with the holding of the ladder......

The first dilemma in what has now been a process over a couple of months, was to find an appropriate theme for our ad and then give it the 'Wow' factor.  Having beautiful furniture to use is a great start, and so Cath and Colette began piecing together a setting, which includes our gorgeous 'Regency' Pedestal Table as the hero of the shot.

Cath gets stuck into setting the scene for the photo shoot

It helps to have a big family and lots of friends who are willing to help out, and so we had plenty of volunteers to assist on the day, and a couple of lucky ones were even chosen to be in the shot.

The girls....Brooke, Colette, Cath and Sophia 

Stage is set... 

Assistant Josh and Pete the Greek hold Caths prop for the shoot...

Easy does it.....

 Steve works his magic on Colette

The talent gets a tweaking from stylist Lucia

Multi-Award Winning Photographer Damien Bredberg and all-round great guy works his magic on the day...they say never to work with children or animals?...well he had the whole circus, and was the perfect Ringmaster.

We think Brian was the star of the show.....but it will be up to you to judge for yourself once the finished ad is featured in Belle Magazines Jan/Feb edition....stay tuned.

Brian and Craig (our Maverick for the day) take a break from all the excitement.

....and it's a wrap!...and now to eat and drink the props!

We give a very big and humble thanks to Damien Bredberg and his team.  Everyone was so gracious and helpful on the day, and we couldnt have asked for more.
Award Winning Photographer Damien, can be contacted via his website.
Click!
Damien Bredberg Photography and Post Production

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FLOWERS FROM A CLIENT

Well...what a lovely surprise.  We love flowers and to get them from clients makes us feel special.

Click here to see more of Charcoal Interiors Projects, Unique Pieces and More!


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FOOD....GLORIOUS FOOD!

This week, we held a survey on Facebook, asking our followers what recipe they would prefer to see on this weeks blog.  There was a choice between Desserts, Finger Food or BBQ treats and so, we were thrilled when the resounding vote went to Finger Food, because we have been road testing a few different Christmas recipes, and will be showcasing them in the weeks leading up to the big day!

Zucchinis are one of those foods that you can get pretty much all year round at the grocers.  This is a very easy recipe and super delicious.  If you havent tried Haloumi before, it is yummy with a capital 'Y'.  Haloumi is great to break up and pop on a pizza because it crisps on the outside and stays soft on the inside.

  It's a cheese that you can fry.  We use it a lot in our house as its a fave of Pete the Greeks.
Follow the easy instructions below to make these lovely tasty fritters that will have your guests schmacking their lips and wanting more....

ZUCCHINI and HALOUMI FRITTERS

Makes

25

Ingredients

• 300g (about 6-8) zucchini
• 1 onion, grated
• 250g haloumi cheese, grated
• 75g (1/2 cup) plain flour
• 2 tsp grated lemon rind
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbs chopped fresh dill
• Light olive oil, to fry
• Sea salt, to serve
• Aioli*, to serve

Method

1. Coarsely grate the zucchinis, then squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Place in a bowl and add the onion, haloumi cheese, flour, lemon rind, eggs and dill. Season with salt and black pepper and stir to combine. Form the zucchini mixture into about 25 bite-size patties. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm.
2. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry, in batches, for 1-2 minutes each side until golden. Drain on paper towel.
3. Serve the fritters warm with the aioli and a little sea salt.

Notes

• * From gourmet food stores.
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  COCKTAIL ME!
  
  
  
  
  Cath loves Lychees...and she also LOVES Christmas (and cocktails too just quietly).  I have found the easiest and most delightfully delicious 'Lychee and Mint Sparkling Cocktail' recipe and I hope you love it.  I have never really been a fan of the strawberry plonked into the champagne...it just looks so 'obvious' to me.  Whereas the lychee with its elegant soft texture and colour is much more appropriate and inviting.  Just looking at the pic is making me drool just a little...I'm off to have another one now...Cath!!??
  
  

  Ingredients (serves 8)

  • 560g can lychees in syrup, drained
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 750ml sparkling white wine, chilled

  
  

  Method

  1. Divide lychees and mint between 8 champagne glasses.
  2. Top with wine. Serve.

  "Is that it??"....I hear you say??.....yes, yes it is...something so delicious and sooo pretty and just so easy as this...may as well have 2...or 3!

  
  

  More Christmas Cheer to come in the weeks leading up to to the big day that children love.....Turkeys on the other hand??...well thats another story...

  
  

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  ‎'A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart ♥ and sings it back to you when you have forgotten how it goes' ♥....anonymous

  
  

  
  

  We really are ready for one of those Lychee Cocktails right now...its been a BIG couple of weeks.

  Until next week......Its a Wrap!

  
  

  

  
  
  
  
  The Charcoal Team...Cathie, Colette and Jen xxx

  
  

  www.charcoalinteriors.com.au