Chesapeake Home

Who doesn’t love chocolate? Even if you’re not a fan of cocoa, the annual Chocolate Affair to support Health Care for the Homeless is a worthy cause.

The event, which takes place this Thursday, February 2 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Marriott Baltimore Waterfront Hotel, feature’s the city’s best restaurants, caterers, and chocolatiers.

The hotel’s Executive Chef Carlos Gomez will create a chocolate-inspired dinner. And, of course, there will plenty of chocolatey desserts from businesses such as Mr. Charles Market and Moore’s Candies to enjoy. For more information on the chocolate affair, please visit chocolateaffair.org or call 443-703-1345.

With chilly temps in the air and (a little bit of) snow on the ground, sailing away from it all on your own boat may seem like a far-fetched idea. But the reality is closer than you may think. From January 19-22, the Baltimore Convention Center will be home to the Baltimore Boat Show.

The annual event, which is Maryland’s longest running and largest indoor boat show, gives water enthusiasts the chance to scope out the newest boats and technology.

There are boats to fit every need and budget–from luxury yachts to fishing boats. The Baltimore Boat Show also includes children’s activities, contests, challenges, and seminars from boating professionals.

Admission is $10 for adults 16 and older. Children 15 and under are free. For more information, please visit baltimoreboatshow.com or call 410-224-7633.

It’s no secret I love color. In my very humble, semi-professional opinion, I believe everything could use a pop of color…from your home to your closet. Purple shoes? Yes, please. Fuchsia tights? Of course! Although purple is my favorite color, I am very pleased to announce Tangerine Tango is Pantone’s 2012 Color of the Year.

If I had to pick a second-favorite color, orange…excuse me, tangerine…would probably be it. It could be because I’m a diehard Baltimore Orioles fan (yes, I know we’ve had too many consecutive losing seasons to count, but they’re the home team and as such, I must root for them). But I digress…

I especially love Tangerine Tango because, first of all, the name is awesome and the color is fun! How could you possibly be upset while looking at this color, seriously? “Tangerine Tango, a spirited reddish orange, continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward,” according to a press release about the color from Pantone. I couldn’t agree more.

Pantone describes Tangerine Tango as “a bit exotic, but in a very friendly, non-threatening way,” which makes it perfect for home décor. Not a fan of color? Try starting small with an orange vase in your kitchen for a simple, but vibrant look. Or you could add some tangerine-colored accent pillows to your living room sofa.

If you’re feeling bold, but working on a budget, paint an accent wall in Tangerine Tango for an inexpensive boost of energy. You can’t help but smile when surrounded by such a lively hue! For more information about Tangerine Tango and ideas for how to use it in your home, please visit pantone.com.

The unofficial start to the holiday season may be Santa’s arrival at the end of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. But the official sign in Baltimore is the 40th annual lighting of the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon.

Personally, I’ve never attended the ceremony, which takes place this evening beginning at 7, but this year, my sister and I are going to see what it’s all about.

I love absolutely everything about the holidays–from rocking around the Christmas tree to having a jolly good time with loved ones, and, of course, the merry spirit that just seems to spread all around.

Former Baltimore Ravens kicker Matt Stover will preside over tonight’s ceremony and flip the switch to light the monument at 7:45 p.m. But that’s not all A Monumental Occasion has to offer. Pre-event festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. and include musical performances by local choirs and refreshments. Everything takes place at Mount Vernon Place in the 600 block of North Charles Street. For more information on A Monumental Occasion, please call 1-877-BALTIMORE or visit goodtownbaltimore.com.

It’s been said necessity is the mother of invention and the creation of Urban Threads in Ellicott City, Maryland is no exception. Seeing a need for an affordable, quality bedding and drapery store in the area, interior designers Anne McDaniels and Jane O’Donoghue opened Urban Threads earlier this year.

“We’ve worked together quite a bit and we’ve learned our clients always wanted ready-made, inexpensive options,” O’Donoghue says. Bedding at Urban Threads is made from natural fibers, such as linen, cotton, wool, and cashmere, while the drapery panels include linen, raw silk, cotton organza, and much more.

Bedding brands at Urban Threads include Zicca Bea, Tourmaline, Violet Hill, and Cloud 9. “Our hot item is a tone-on-tone cotton damask duvet cover with matching shams from Villa, which are machine washable,” says O’Donoghue.

Together, McDaniels and O’Donoghue have 25 years of design expertise, which they are more than happy to offer to customers who need assistance pulling a look together. “Every project is different, so it’s kind of like a big puzzle,” says O’Donoghue. “We love solving problems and have the most fun creating innovative solutions.”

Contact:

Urban Threads: urbanthreadshome.com or 410-313-8485

Join Caroline Dalton and Brittany Carlson as they open their new fashion accessories and home furnishings boutique to the public this Thursday, November 10 in Washington, D.C. The shop includes unique items from Italy, New York, Atlanta, and more.

Dalton is a fourth-generation retailer (her mother owned Dalton Brody in D.C.), while Carlson has 20 years of retail experience, including 10 years as a buyer for Dalton Brody.

Together, they’ll bring luxurious home furnishings from manufacturers and brands such as Wayland Gregory, Arteriors, Bungalow 5, and more. The boutique will carry jewelry from Alexis Bittar, Lisa Cotton, Patricia Rabino, Siman Tu and more. Dalton Pratt will also have its own line of candles and gourmet goods.

Dalton Pratt is located at 1742 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20007. Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Holiday hours begin December 1 and the boutique will be open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, please visit daltonprattdc.com or call 202-333-3256.

A Public Safety Announcement for all of your bargain-hunters out there (like me): “Don’t buy something just because it’s a bargain.” So says Judith Carrig, owner of Capital Consignment in Bethesda, Maryland. Just because something is a good deal, that doesn’t make it right for you.

During Apartment Therapy’s design meet-up in Washington, DC last night, Carrig and three other panelists gave their advice on mastering the fine art of high and low when it comes to designing.

A question I often ask myself to justify discounted purchases is “would I buy this item if it were full price?” If the answer is yes, then in the cart it goes. And if not? Even if it’s a great deal, it’s still cheaper if I don’t buy it at all.

When buying new furniture, Carrig advises people consider whether the piece will last for a few decades. “You should buy things you really like,” she says. “If it’s worth it, put your all in it. Spend the money if it’s really good and it’s a good value.”

Carrig also suggested people buy fabric at wholesale prices to cut cost and finding a friend who shares your passion to tackle DIY projects. The other panelists, Kelley Proxmire, Leah Moss, and Jill W. Martin, shared similar tips.

Proxmire, an interior designer, told the audience to spend on lighting fixtures and save money by buying refurbished furniture. “You can paint a consignment desk and pull of the look for less,” she says.

Moss, a blogger, designer and self-proclaimed DIY-er, encouraged audience members to think outside of the box and find multiple uses for everyday items. She’s made curtains out of sheets, whereas Martin, owner of Gallery St. Elmo, a consignment store in Bethesda, recommended using drapery panels as slipcovers.

The best tip I took away from the event? Only buy what you love and make sure you really want/need it before you buy it. Also, don’t be afraid to get creative.

Yes, it’s only October. But it’s never too early to start thinking about the holidays. Appropriately enough, “Home for the Holidays” is the theme of this year’s Maryland Home & Garden Show, which is also celebrating its 30th anniversary.

The show, which will take place from Friday, October 14 until Sunday, October 15 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, features more than 300 exhibitors.

Additionally, members of the American Association of Interior Designers will create seasonal tablescapes to provide ideas and inspiration for holiday entertaining. Amateur chefs will also compete for prizes by making their favorite holiday recipes at the Ikea Kitchen Stage.

The home and garden show includes a craft show as well with more than 100 jury-reviewed artists. Original work includes painting and photographs, jewelry, custom-clay pottery, and designer homemade candles. Meanwhile, Better Living Exhibits will feature travel, gourmet food, health and beauty, family entertainment, and more.

Tickets to the Maryland Home & Garden Show are $9 for adults, $7 for seniors, $3 for kids ages 6-12, and free for children under 6 years old. Admission is also free for active military, police, and fire employees with proper ID. For more information and to purchase tickets online, please visit mdhomeandgarden.com.

You wouldn’t know it by the early summer temperatures outside, but fall is here and in full force. Fall is also the perfect time to start thinking about adding trees and shrubs to your landscape if you haven’t already.

To help you out, the folks at Scotts have provided some simple tips for planting trees and shrubs:

Give room to grow. It is a common mistake to plant trees or shrubs too close to each other or surrounding structures. Remember that fully grown trees may interfere with the foundation or wiring of a home or drop leaves into the gutter.

Start Digging. Dig a hole that is deep enough for the tree’s roots to sit on solid dirt, with the soil line slightly above ground level. If the tree is bare-rooted, dig the hole at least six inches below the soil line, keeping the roots surrounded by loose soil.

Fertilize and Plant. Trees and shrubs need a good home in the soil, with lots of nutrients. Mix one part yard soil with one part soil amendment, such as Miracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Trees & Shrubs. Make a small mound in the center of your hole and place your tree or shrub on it. The soil line should be slightly higher than ground level. If your tree has a root ball, untie and start filling the hole with the soil mixture. Tamp the soil gently as you go so that there is a slight depression around the base for catching water.

The experts at Scotts also suggest asking your local nursery for recommendations when choosing plants. Native plants are typically easy to grow and can help attract wildlife to your yard. You should also consider the climate, available space, and design of the landscape when making a selection. For more information, please visit scotts.com.

More than 250 acclaimed artisans, including some from Maryland, will showcase their works at the 35th Annual Sugarloaf Crafts Festival this weekend. The festival takes place starting Friday, September 30 until Sunday, October 2 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds.

One of Maryland’s featured exhibitors is Edwards Smith, of Lutherville, who will display his hand-carved bowls (pictured right), furniture and boxes made of found wood. The jury-selected artists will offer thousands of unique crafts, including functional and decorative pottery, sculpture, glass, jewelry, fashion, wood, metal, furniture, home accessories, photography, and fine art.

Interactive demonstrations with master craftspeople will also be available. Foodies will love the variety gourmet foods and seasonal favorites available at this year’s festival, including candies and chocolates, soups, artisan breads, jams and dips, syrups, and olive oils.

Admission is free for children 12 and younger. Adult tickets are $7 online and $9 at the door. The festival is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Parking is free. For more information, please visit sugarloafcrafts.com.