Inspired Home Omaha

Holiday Style Issue!

Nov./Dec. 2012

inspired A n O m aha W o r l d - H e r a l d P u b l i c a t io n

Turn Yourself into a Bar Code

HOME Omaha

52 ideas under $50 decorating

(from the experts)

The Revitalized 100 Block of Downtown Council Bluffs

PLUS How to Be a (Good) Wine Snob

before & after An Easy Fireplace Update (that only took two years to complete)

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Inspiration • Innovation • Design Ideas In the Design Gallery at Nebraska Furniture Mart, our designers understand that a house should be glamorous, comfortable and easy to live in. It should also reflect your personality and lifestyle. Working with you in our store or in your home, our design professionals can help you transform your rooms into a fitting expression of your style.

Our design professionals are not only innovative, but have access to and extensive knowledge of our eclectic selection of home furnishings — from living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms to window treatments and more.

Bernhardt • Century • Drexel Heritage Hancock & Moore • Lexington Home Brands Henredon • Thomasville and more...

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700 South 72nd St • Omaha, NE 402-255-6327 800 – 359–1200 ©2012 Nebraska Furniture Mart, Inc.

One-shoulder metallic lace print gown. Silver, 2-16, $178.

november/december 2012

Volume 9 Issue 6

Editor in Chief Chris Christen 402-444-1094 Chris.Christen@owh.com

Local Sales Manager Carrie Kentch 402-444-1448 Carrie.Kentch@owh.com

Creative Director Ananda Spadt 402-444-1351 Ananda.Spadt@owh.com

Account Representatives Cathleen Vanhauer 402-444-1209 Cathleen.Vanhauer@owh.com

Imaging Specialist Patricia “Murphy” Benoit Copy Editor Amy LaMar

David J. Williams 402-444-1416 David.Williams@owh.com Events and Custom Publishing Manager Tam Webb 402-444-3125 Tam.Webb@owh.com

Writers: Pat Waters, David J. Williams, Tina King, Heather Winkel, Olivia Grigg, Chris Wolfgang & Marguerite Happe Photographers: Jeffrey Bebee, Krista Leigh Hurst, Amy Lynn Straub, James R. Burnett, Chris Machian, Ryan Soderlin & Daniel Johnson

Proudly published by

1314 Douglas St., Suite 600 Omaha, NE 68102 402-444-1094 InspiredHomeOmaha.com

local food | local fashion | local homes | local inspiration Inspired Home Omaha (ISSN 7447026659) is a publication of the Omaha World-Herald. ©2012, Omaha World-Herald Co. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the specific written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed by those interviewed are their own. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information, no responsibility can be accepted by the publisher for content, opinions or practices, or how the information herein is used. All materials submitted, including but not limited to images, logos and text that appear, are assumed to be the original work of the provider, and the publisher is not responsible for unintentional copyright infringement.

Stay connected with us between issues at Facebook.com/Inspired Home Omaha Gift us! Subscribe at www.inspiredhomeomaha.com

6 November/december 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

Editor's Note

COVER PHOTO BY daniel johnson; front door PHOTO by JAMES R. BURNETT/THE WORLD-HERALD

Scholz Images Inc.

W

e’ve had a magical year thanks to you.

Last January, we set out to reinvigorate this magazine. We gave our pages a total makeover and crossed our fingers. Would readers like us? Would advertisers join us?

We’re tickled that 2012 is ending with a resounding “Yes!” Readers often ask where we find our inspiration. It is the result of a fun, collaborative process. Creative Director Ananda Spadt designs our beautiful pages, and is a boundless source of fresh ideas.

Check out her own fireplace update on page 8.

Interior designers, architects and builders lead us to many homes. But several features this year came about simply by driving down an interesting street, seeing a house that begged a closer look and knocking on the door. It’s not quite as exciting as the late Ed McMahon showing up with a giant check, but my appearance does draw interesting reactions!

All of the homes we feature are grand – but they are not necessarily chosen by their square footage. Last Christmas, Cheryl Bedell welcomed us inside her cozy bungalow in the Ak-Sar-Ben neighborhood.

See her warm traditions and original touches on page 56.

Seasonal inspiration continues with “52 Decorating Ideas Under $50” (page 12).

Contributing writer Heather Winkel (yet another talented collaborator) includes suggestions from local interior designers Lester Katz and Anita Wiechman, among others.

May you find so much to love in this issue that you dog-ear nearly every page.

And if you get a knock on the door and spy me through the peephole, I hope you'll give me the pleasure of bringing the story of your home to our readers.

Joy to All,

Chris Christen Editor in Chief Inspired Home Omaha

TIP inviting entry

Your front door sends a message about the holiday warmth inside your home.

We love the simple beauty of garland and bows on this home near 52nd and Cuming Streets.

So welcoming!

On the Cover A ho-hum hearth gets a makeover, page 8.

Gift us Put Inspired Home Omaha on your gift-giving list.

Six issues for only $9.99 at www.inspiredhomeomaha.com or call us at 402-444-3125.

Like us Facebook/InspiredHomeOmaha

P.S. We love hearing from you. One of our favorite requests of the year came from a woman who was in “hot water” with her husband because she had thrown out our July-August 2012 issue, "Summer Oasis.'' "You have to send me a replacement copy," she pleaded. We happily obliged!

We welcome your feedback and your story suggestions. Email inspired@owh.com

inspiredhomeomaha.com 7

departments Omaha Contents

We're more than fiercely local.

We're passionate about Omaha.

Our mission is squarely centered on local people, local businesses and local ideas.

Look for the neighborhood icons to see places near where you live and areas of town you need to visit.

holiday style 38 pattern play 45 Fashion directory 46 the breakdown 48 5 trends 5 ways

12 52 ideas under $50

Decorating tips from the experts

18 sweet season

Secrets from the cookie jar

20 visions of sugarplums

home

Children's books worth gifting Benson

douglas & sarpy counties

5 before & after The Paint Debate: A fireplace makeover

11 curbwise

High-end home market makes a comeback

22 Holiday gift guide

Special promotional feature

28 Celebrating friends

Get the look, page 48

Entertaining at home

Omaha & Council Bluffs

council bluffs

benson

8  November/december 2012  inspiredhomeomaha.com

32 wine snobs At home with three big wine lovers

50 at the heart Historic 100 block of Council Bluffs

54 art

The barcode artist, Scott Blake

56 twinkle, twinkle little home

Retiree brings a shimmering touch to her cozy bungalow

60 Beyond the basic bow

Mark Maser, holiday host extraordinaire, shares decorating and entertaining tips

Custom Design Home Technology Echo Systems provides custom design for audio and video products ranging from home theaters to a complete lighting control system, as well as automated window shades for the home. Our superior quality, service and design are what set us apart from the competition.

systems 4315 S. 120th Street

402-334-4900

www.echosystemsomaha.com

Before & After

benson

The Paint Debate

Go ahead and paint your wood and stone.

Before

By Ananda Spadt

I

thought it would be the first thing we would change after we moved into our home. Without question, the pink crayon-colored, mantel-less fireplace in the living room was ugly. I was sure it would be a quick project. We’d just slap on a coat of paint and add a salvaged wood mantel. Boom. Done!

If you've ever contemplated painting interior stone or woodwork, you probably know where this story is going. I ran my plan past my husband, and was surprised that he disagreed. No way, no how were we painting any of the natural elements in the house. Not the pink stone, not the mismatched windowsills and not the scratched-up door. Nothing.

Why? Because you don’t do that.

End of conversation.

So the fireplace sat untouched for two years. At first, I apologized to guests for the fireplace’s offending presence, but that just continued the debate. While half of our guests urged me to paint it – and quickly – the other half protested, “No! It's natural stone so leave it alone.”

"But don't you think it's ugly?"

I'd ask.

"Well, sure," they'd respond. "But that doesn't matter."

While I respect the opposition's opinion, I did eventually convince my husband that this particular case was extreme, and therefore, he needed to make an exception to his painting ban.

In the end, it was a quick project to prime and paint the fireplace. With help from a handy relative, we made our own mantel just in time for the holiday party season.

Now I can't wait to show off our beautifully painted fireplace to our friends. your photos

after We invited interior designer Julia Russell to dress the newly updated hearth for its grand reveal. She went traditional with a modern twist in a generous mix of evergreen swags and boughs under the mantel, and clear vases filled with ornamental balls, berries, greenery and pinecones.

Above the mantel: Squirrel Scroll wallpaper from Osborne & Little and four sections of metal lattice.

Paint: Behr Pebble White, semigloss finish. daniel johnson

How do you transform your living space for the holidays? We want to see! Email a photo of your favorite decorating project along with a short description of how you did it to inspired@owh.com. Your home may be featured in a future story.

10 November/december 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

Calendar of Events November and December are the "warmest" months of the year in the Midlands. That's because there's so much goodwill in the air, nobody has time to notice the cold.

Assistance League of Omaha Christmas Caravan Nov. 8 Skyline Ranches & Champions Run Holiday-themed tour of four homes in Skyline Ranches, 210th Street and West Dodge Road. Boutique, bake sale and luncheon at Champions Run. Proceeds benefit Operation School Bell and other Assistance League programs.

Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Admission: $15, advance; $20, at the door Information: 402-342-4288

Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday.

Information: www.modernartsmidtown.com

Jingle Bell Run Dec. 1 Shadow Lake Towne Center, Papillion 5K run/walk to benefit Papillion-La Vista Health Systems Academy. As if a winter run isn't crazy enough, this event includes a Reindeer Run category, in which 3-4 participants race tethered together, plus a Fruitcake Challenge. in which participants eat gobs of fruitcake at points along the route. Costume contest as well.

Miracle on Farnam

Check-in: 8 a.m.-8:45 a.m.

Nov. 15 Midtown Crossing "Miracle on Farnan" takes its cue from New York City's beloved tradition of sidewalks dressed in holiday style. Local arts and cultural organizations create 14 festive window displays for the public's enjoyment. Be the first to see the display at a gala preview party Nov. 15.

Registration: $27

Hours: 5 p.m.-9 p.m. cocktail party, Marcus Midtown Cinema, reservations required; 9 p.m. fireworks, open to public General viewing: Nov. 16-Jan. 1. Free.

Information: www.midtowncrossing.com

Holiday Poinsettia Show Nov. 23-Jan. 6 Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha's Botanical Center, 100 Bancroft St. More than 5,600 poinsettia plants are grown in Lauritzen Gardens' greenhouses starting as early as July for this annual holiday show.

Holiday-themed trees, antique sleighs and model trains enhance the display.

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission: Adults, $6; children ages 6 to 12, $3. Free to Lauritzen Gardens members and children younger than 6.

Visit on a Sunday between Thanksgiving and Christmas and get in free.

Holiday Under Glass Nov. 28-Dec. 21 Joslyn Art Museum Meet friends for lunch in the cafe, or bring your laptop (free WiFi) and work against a backdrop of holiday music performed live in the atrium by high school and college ensembles. Afterward, tour the museum.

Hours: Lunch, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; music, noon-12:45 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Admission: Free to museum members; $8, non-members.

Edwin Carter Weitz, "A Tempered View" Through Nov. 30 Modern Arts Midtown, 3615 Dodge St. Lincoln artist E. Carter Weitz exhibits oil paintings dealing with memories of familiar places at particular times of day.

Information: www.jinglebellfunrun.com

Holiday Lights Family Festival Dec. 2 Enjoy a day of family fun at the Omaha Children's Museum, The Durham Museum, Joslyn Art Museum and other downtown Omaha locations, courtesy of Wells Fargo. Family activities galore. Free trolley service between locations.

Hours: Noon-5 p.m.

Admission: Free Information: www.holidaylightsfestival.org

Tablescapes For Your Holiday Table Dec. 5 Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha's Botanical Center, 100 Bancroft St. Mary Carol Garrity of Nell Hill's in the Kansas City area is guest speaker at a holiday luncheon presented by the Lauritzen Gardens Guild.

fresh.

beautiful.

you.

unique.

Hours: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Reservations: 402-392-0538

Jane Pronko, "Streets of NYC" Dec. 7-29 Modern Arts Midtown, 3615 Dodge St. Oil paintings by Jane Pronko pay dramatic homage to the Big Apple. Meet the artist at an opening reception from 6 p.m.8 p.m. Dec. 7.

Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday.

Information: www.modernartsmidtown.com

Shine the Light on Hunger Dec. 14-Dec. 31 ConAgra Foods Ice Rink Skate to your heart's delight at an outdoor rink on the ConAgra campus.

Bring a non-perishable food or household item for the Food Bank for the Heartland.

Hours: 1 p.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 1 p.m.-midnight Friday, Saturday; 1 p.m.5 p.m. Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Admission: $5, includes skate rental Information: www.conagrafoods.com

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fireworks you’ve every night eArned it

AffordAble luxury 1-, 2- AnD 3-beDrOOm COnDOS frOm $169,900 tO $500,000

You deserve a luxurious home filled with character and comfort; “your place” with plenty of room to relax, enjoy - and live.

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Schedule an appointment today.

This is not an offer to sell, or solicitation of an offer to buy, real property. Purchasers should review the Federal Property Report prior to signing a contract. No federal or state agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. Prices, plans, products, and availability are subject to change without notice. Artists’ renderings are shown for illustrative purposes only. Designated Broker: Sandra S. Lent, Shoreline Marketing, Inc., 833 N Orleans, Ste. 400, Chicago, IL 60610, 312.475.9800. ©2009 Midtown Crossing, a Mutual of Omaha Mixed-Use Development. All Rights Reserved. All contents herein are copyrighted and may not be used without permission.

402-934-6450 www.midtowncrossing.com Sales Center 200 South 31st Ave., Omaha

Curbwise

Curbwise.com investigates

Healthier High-End Home Sales

L

uxury homes – generally those over $650,000 – are starting to trend up in the Omaha area after a few slow years.

High-end homes are catching the eye of buyers looking for a place they're proud to show, says Cindy Cawley, a luxury homes specialist with CBS HOME. "People are entertaining at their homes rather than going on lots of vacations," she says.

"When they're buying these homes, people typically stay put. Enjoy. Raise their families."

Changes to the area may also have helped make more expensive homes look all the more attractive, she says. Years ago, people would shy away from homes in far west Omaha.

But now, the Dodge Expressway has made the commute more palatable. In addition, Fortune 500 companies and medical centers

and hospitals are bringing in talent from around the country. To people moving to the area from California or the East Coast, Cawley says, Omaha's prices are extremely affordable.

All in all, the market is on the right track, she says. "It's coming back. People feel confident about our market being steady. We're not jumping by huge percentages, but the arrow is definitely pointing up."

Here are the top three sales from the past year, as recorded by their respective counties.

Douglas County #1

#2

#3

$3,000,000

$1,300,000

$1,225,000

14349 Hamilton St. Neighborhood: Linden Estates Square Feet: 7,974

3502 S. 228th St. Neighborhood: The Sanctuary Square Feet: 3,512

25022 Farnam Circle Neighborhood: West Shores Square Feet: 4,866

on June 4

on June 7

on March 30

douglas & sarpy county assessors' offices

Sarpy County #1

#2

#3

$1,069,999

$829,999

$769,999

1902 Mallard View Circle Neighborhood: Walnut Creek Square Feet: 3,459

1903 Wood Bridges Circle Neighborhood: Walnut Creek Square Feet: 5,307

708 Bailey Drive Neighborhood: Tara Hills Square Feet: 4,034

on May 30

on May 31

on May 31

Information provided in partnership with Curbwise.com, your one-stop shop for the latest on real estate in Douglas and Sarpy Counties. Track housing sales (weekly updates). Look up your property valuation.

See how your property compares with nearby homes. All at Curbwise.com.

inspiredhomeomaha.com 13

1. Flourish It Crisscross wide ribbon, stretching from corner to corner, on cabinet fronts. Add paper medallions where the ribbons cross for an inexpensive dash of holiday cheer.

by iled compwinkel her h e at

o wo w t y fif fift as ideas r unde

s ks k c u 50 b by phy ogra h hurst t o h g P a lei krist

Pro pointers for DIY-ing your way to a winter wonderland on a budget With a little time and imagination you can give your home a festive look for less. So don’t let the pressure of creating a home fit for the holidays stress you out. A strong color scheme, clever updates and a dash of creativity go a long way. When in doubt, take advice from Lester Katz of LK Design: “Just keep things simple and the results will be beautiful and elegant.”

14 November/december 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

2. Bright is Right Shake things up with the season’s hottest colors: trendy purples, greens and blues, suggests Anita Wiechman of Interior Design Group. Make an impact with a simple branch chandelier garnished with crystals and ball ornaments in bright colors.

9. Handmade to Last Buy a solid-colored pillow and lay doilies of varying sizes in a pattern on one side of the pillow.

Carefully stitch doilies together with matching thread. Attach the doily blanket to the pillow front.

Presto! You have an item that looks homemade (and can be used well past the holidays, Wiechman says).

10. Line the Walkway Fill round balloons with water and food coloring and place balloons in the freezer. Once frozen, remove the balloons and line your sidewalk with giant ice marbles.

3. Glitter, Glitter, Glitter Mix craft glue and glitter to paint glitz on stemware. Use different stemware pieces for an eclectic look for display or toasting.

4. Bring the Outdoors In Find a large log that fits in the center of your coffee table. Bore several tealight-sized holes into the top of the log and place tealights in each space for a oneof-a-kind accent.

5. Door Decor Skip a wreath and decorate your front door with an oversized red bow that can stay up all winter, right through Valentine’s Day. 6. Pick a Color Select a color that you love or that inspires you for the season and use that hue throughout your room, suggests Katz of LK Design. If your theme is white, create abstract snowflake decorations by covering Styrofoam spheres with toothpicks and then coating the spheres with spray-on snow.

7. Snow Day Create a snow globe to display winter memories. Place fake snow in the bottom of a vase, add a photo you love and accent it with green sprigs, cranberries and trinkets. Use different-sized vases to make a mantle display.

8. Made You Look Turn an inexpensive bristly doormat into a reason to look down. Using stencils or tape, spray geometric patterns, stripes or a message to guests straight onto the rug.

11. Wire With a Twist Wrap moldable craft wire around varying sizes of Styrofoam cones to form the shape of a tree. Remove the wire from the cones and make a wire tree forest for your mantle. Fill out the mantle display with vases filled with colored balls, cranberries, pinecones, apples or candy.

12. woven Weaving ribbon is the "must do" of the season. Dark plum and red ribbons basket-woven on a dark green dried wreath gives this old tradition a new and fresh look.

Add some white berries to contrast the dark colors, suggests Julia Russell, ASID. 13. Beautifully Adorned Wrap white candles with ribbon.

Attach the loose ends of the ribbon with two pearl-headed pins.

14. Blue Is the Hue “Blue is hot in fashion and in home decor,” says Wiechman. Spray-paint ceiling rosettes in shades of white, teal and blue. Arrange rosettes on your wall to look like snowflakes.

Switch them out for sunny yellow rosettes in the summer.

2.

14.

32.

7.

inspiredhomeomaha.com  15

19.

15. This Old Sweater Upcycle an old sweater into a stocking. Turn the sweater inside out, lay flat and trace a stocking pattern onto the sweater. Pin right sides together – do not cut yet – and using a sewing machine, stitch along traced lines. Cut around the stitches, turn sweater right-side out and you have a darling stocking for the mantle!

16. Texture Wins Find several tall, clear vases and give them a good cleaning.

Slip rubber bands onto the vases. Arrange bands into a fun pattern, and spray paint all of the elements for a beautiful, textured stripe.

17. Curtain Call Give your curtains a holiday update. Hang candy canes from the rod or tie curtains back with ribbon, evergreen sprigs and glittery pinecones.

18. Ready to Read Frame children's Christmas books collected over the years and hang them from ribbon on a display wall. Remove the frame glass so you can easily take down the books to read.

16.

19. Chalk It Up Chalkboard paint is your friend.

Use a stencil to paint gift tagshaped labels on craft paper packages and write friends’ names in chalk.

21. Set the Table Keep the table set. “A mix of solid-colored dishes on a tabletop is so inviting,” says Wiechman.

Katz suggests creating volume on the table by raising the height of decorations. Turn a baking dish or a bowl upside down and hide the dish by wrapping it in fabric.

22. Instant Antique Make old things new again.

Weichman likes giving everyday objects a silver patina with mirror paint. The result? Mercury glass cylinders and mirrors costing pennies.

23. Paint the Unexpected Fill a large vase with silk leaves, such as elephant ears, or split-leaf philodendrons, stems or twigs painted silver or gold, suggests Katz. And by all means, mix and match metal colors.

24. Make It Edible Lay red and white or green and white round peppermint candies close together on parchment paper and bake in a 350-degree oven for 10 minutes. The candies will melt together in whatever shape you create. This makes a great tray for gifting or displaying, says Wiechman.

25. Not-So-Cookie Cutter Back cookie cutters with embellished paper or foil, string up with ribbon and use as ornaments.

20. Wrap and Roll Make your own bows out of ribbon. Cut ribbon into a total of nine strips: three 10-inch, three 9-inch, two 8-inch and one 6-inch. Starting with one 10-inch strip, make a loop on one end with the tail meeting in the middle. Do the same with the other end, and secure the two loops with glue. Repeat with remaining strips (except the 6-inch strip). Layer each section, starting with the largest loops, by crisscrossing them and adding a dab of hot glue at the centers to secure. Make one simple loop with the 6-inch strip and secure to finish your bow.

16 November/december 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

26. Run the Table Repurpose place mats into a table runner by adding rivets to the sides, stringing them with ribbon and tying them together in a chain pattern.

33. Word Search Make your own wrapping paper.

Print a word search using the names of everyone on your gift list. Circle the appropriate recipient’s name for each gift.

27. Make It Snow String cotton balls or marshmallows onto fishing line or silver string and hang in a doorway or a window for decoration.

34. Recycled Lights Use vintage outdoor holiday bulbs to create a mini wreath. Lay bulbs in a circular shape, with tips facing out, and glue bulbs together with a hot glue gun. Use to adorn packages. Leftover bulbs will look pretty in a decorative tabletop bowl.

38.

35. Colorful Coasters Brush one coat of Mod Podge onto 4.25”x4.25” square tiles (yes, the ones at the home improvement store!). Place a piece of 3.75”x3.75” decorative paper on each tile and brush with another coat of Mod Podge. Allow 15 minutes to dry; repeat two or three times. Spray dry tiles with a clear acrylic sealer.

Add 3.75”x3.75” pieces of felt to the backs if desired.

28. Not Your Ordinary Votive Jazz up votives with evergreen sprigs, cinnamon sticks or twigs. All you need is multi-surface craft glue and your imagination.

29. Inventive Advent Hang simple gold ornaments from burlap with pins, and transfer each decoration to the tree as the days count down to Christmas.

30. Keepers of the Yard Create snowmen posts from banister spindles. Paint the spindles white and add a hat, scarf and coat buttons with a hot glue gun.

31. Garland Potpourri Turn dried fruit into festive garland. Cut apples or oranges into thin slices and make a small hole at the top of each slice. Store fresh fruit slices in a cool, dry place for 24 hours. String dried slices onto twine and hang as garland.

32. Whimsical Wine Not drinking the whole bottle?

Use wire and mirror rosettes (available at home improvement stores) to make adorable wine cork decorations.

36. Put a Skirt On It Craft a colorful tree skirt of felt balls. Start by stringing together strands of felt balls. Create a length that fits nicely under the widest part of your tree. Sew consecutive strands in diminishing lengths until you reach the foot of the tree. (We found felt balls at feltandyarn.com.)

29.

37. Warm Things Up Punch holes in old cans and use as lanterns. (TIP: Fill cans with water and freeze, then use a nail and hammer to punch holes.) Display lanterns with candles in your front windows. The glow will create a warm feeling inside and out, says Wiechman.

38. Upside Down Fill a wine glass with small ornaments. Turn it upside down using a spatula or strip of clear tape and put a candle on top. Your guests will be impressed with your clever candlesticks.

39. Hey, That’s Mine Personalize expensive mugs as party favors for your guests. Using a Sharpie, decorate each mug with your guest’s name and a simple motif. Bake mugs in a 350-degree oven for 30 minutes. Display the mugs at a hot chocolate bar or place them at each place setting.

inspiredhomeomaha.com 17

40. Going Up Give overlooked stairs a focal point. Place a jar of cranberries, beautifully wrapped gifts or ornaments on each stair. Hang ornaments, boughs of holly or even photos, cards or stockings on the banister.

DRESS UP YOUR HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

We offer: One-on-one design services • Installation of all types of hardware, custom closet systems, fireplaces, insulation, mirrors and more!

41. Function on Display Make herbal fire starters by wrapping small toilet paper rolls with newsprint and filling them with pine cones and dried herbs (such as rosemary, sage leaves or cinnamon sticks). Twist ends of newsprint, close with twine and store fire starters in a basket by the hearth. You’ll have fragrant kindling for your fire and a great display.

42. Cards on Display Head out to the yard and gather three sticks of similar lengths. Lay the sticks equal distance apart and wrap ends of sticks with twine. Tie remaining stick ends together with the twine. Hang on the wall and attach holiday cards with mini clothespins.

42.

November 2 - 30

A Tempered View oil paintings by

Edwin Carter Weitz December 7-29 Streets of NYC oil paintings by

Jane Pronko Opening Reception Friday, December 7 6 - 8pm

MAM

MODERN ARTS MIDTOWN

3615 Dodge OPEN Tues-Sat 11-6 / 402.502.8737 / MODERNARTSMIDTOWN.COM

18 November/december 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

43. Pops of Color Add pop art to your kitchen with decorated dish towels. Add one part fabric medium to two parts craft paint and mix. Use foam sponges to decorate prewashed flour sack dish towels. Allow 24 hours to dry, and set with heat before washing.

44. Boring Be Gone Dress up plain pillows by repeatedly wrapping yarn or string until a pattern is formed. (This works for gift wrapping, too!).

45. New Life Breathe new life into an old tabletop with a festive stencil.

Simply tape-out your stencil design and paint. Once dry, sand lightly and stain if desired.

46. Trim the Tree Get the kids involved and make all of your tree decorations with paper and ribbon. Pick a theme or color and go to town. “Do not stray too far from the theme,” Katz says.

Move from light to dark as you decorate, adding accent colors for interest.

47. bountiful buffet Class-up your buffet table by adding a full-length tablecloth that touches the ground, suggests Russell. Add further detail by adding long fringe to the outline of the table and again on the ends. A dramatic pattern and color can add a striking feel without a lot of fuss.

48. Toys as Decor Gather small plastic animal toys, paint them and cover them in glitter of the same color while the paint is wet. Once dry, line the trinkets in windowsills for an unexpected view from the inside or out.

51.

49. Keep It Fresh Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean fresh flowers can’t be a part of your decor. “I love cut orchids in arrangements or in bud vases. Orchids add a big punch of color and style for a minimum investment,” Katz says.

50. Cross-Stitched Use colored embroidery thread to cross-stitch a design or phrase to the screen on your front door (work from the outside so your design doesn’t look backward from the street!).

51. Tape it Up Create simple art with craft tape (available at Michaels) on white canvas or craft paper.

From left: Kevin Welsh, Financial Advisor; Dawn Bonacci, Registered Client Service Associatee; Patrick Friesen, Financial Advisor

52 . Ornaments, Ornaments Everywhere!

“Let the color scheme guide you,” says Katz. “I love bowls of ornaments all the same color.” Take identical ornaments, string them with varying lengths of fishing line and hang from the ceiling as a divider between two rooms.

For Life’s Most Important Goals With an experienced professional and the right resources, reaching your most important goals can be less challenging and more rewarding. We are ready to help you meet your goals, by combining our insight into your needs with the resources of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney.

The Welsh Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

13625 California Street, Suite 400 Omaha, NE 68154 tel: 402-399-1541 fa.morganstanleyindividual.com/thewelshgroup/ © 2012 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC

inspiredhomeomaha.com 19

icon

Sweet Season

Secrets From the Cookie Jar

“C

hristmas is all about the cookies,” says Amy Chin, owner of Sweet Magnolias at 40th and Cuming Streets.

Bite-sized jam thumbprints, chocolate oranges, macaroons and Linzers usually find their way into her neighborhood bake shop's 15-piece holiday sampler.

Sweet Magnolias may be more widely known for its whimsical cookie cutouts. “We have traditional gingerbread, of course, but we also have hedgehogs and mice.”

The fanciest cookie, however, is nothing without a knockout taste.

Chin fondly recalls the oatmeal raisin cookies her grandmother baked for Thanksgiving. The cookies were stored in a bright Dutch girl cookie jar that was kept high atop the refrigerator.

Now as an adult baking cookies daily, Chin anticipates the tastes of the changing seasons. “It’s really fun when the cool weather hits, with the pumpkin, maple and apple flavors,” she says.

As a special treat, Chin shares her recipe on the next page for a Sweet Magnolias best seller: Orange chocolate pecan cookies “with incredible flavor.”

-Chris Wolfgang

cathedral neighborhood

Amy Chin, owner of Sweet Magnolias bake shop has fond memories of raiding her grandmother's Dutch girl cookie jar on Thanksgiving.

buy it

20 November/december 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

chris machian

Bring home a dozen orange chocolate pecan cookies, Linzers or coconut macaroons from Sweet Magnolias, 813 N. 40th St., Omaha.

Recipe

Everyy Stylee & Price E P Pr e o of Or Original rigina al Art rt Accessories Gifts Unique U niq e A niqu Ac ccessorie cesso ess ries ies es & G Gif ifts ts Lamps Furniture Custom Framing Lam am mpss & Fur urn rnitu tur ure • C Custo stom tom Frami Fr min ing

8600 860 8 86 600 0 Ca C Cass ass as ss St Str S Street tre tree eet ee et

Orange Chocolate Pecan Cookies

402.391.7733 402.3 391.7 7733 • www www.LewisArtGallery.com ww.Lew wisAr ArtGalllery.ccom m

Sweet Magnolias shares the recipe for these best-selling cookies, also known as Divine Moments.

2 (1-ounce) squares unsweetened baking chocolate 4 (1-ounce) squares semisweet baking chocolate ¼ cup butter ¼ cup all-purpose flour ¼ teaspoon baking powder 1∕₈ teaspoon salt 2 eggs ¾ cup sugar ½ teaspoon grated orange peel 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1 cup chopped pecans Heat oven to 350 degrees. Melt unsweetened and semisweet baking chocolate and butter in a 1-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth (5 to 6 minutes). Cool slightly.

Meanwhile, combine flour, baking powder and salt in a small bowl. Place eggs in large mixer bowl. Beat until thick and lemon-colored (2 to 3 minutes). Gradually add sugar, mixing well after each addition. Stir in cooled melted chocolate and orange peel. Reduce speed to low; add flour mixture. Beat until well-mixed (1 to 2 minutes). Stir in chocolate chips and pecans by hand.

Drop dough by heaping teaspoonsful 2 inches apart onto greased cookie sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until set. Cool 5 minutes; remove from cookie sheets.

Nutrition Facts (1 cookie) Calories 100; Protein 1 g; Carbohydrate 10 g; Dietary Fiber <1 g; Fat 7 g; Cholesterol 15 mg; Sodium 30 mg

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11710 Standing Stone 402-332-0090

www.roedermortuary.com inspiredhomeomaha.com 21

Library

Visions of Sugarplums Gift ideas: Old and new favorite reads for the kids in your life.

I

t can be difficult to select a children's book for a gift when you have hundreds of choices at your fingertips. When in doubt, consult the pros. Our friends at The Bookworm and Jackson Street Booksellers put together this starter list of toddler delights, classics with a twist and highly readable young-adult thrillers.

Each has "stocking stuffer" written all over it.

- Olivia Grigg, Momaha.com

TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS

"Charlie and the Christmas Kitty"

Written by Ree Drummond; illustrated by Diane deGroat HarperCollins, $17.99 A follow-up to the New York Times’ best-selling picture book "Charlie the Ranch Dog," Ree Drummond tells a story about finding good in everyone around the holidays. Charlie may not have wanted a kitty for his Christmas present, but he learns that having an open heart can lead to new friends when least expected.

"The Sniffles for Bear"

By Bonny Becker Candlewick Press, $16.99 Bear has a terrible cold, and Mouse does everything she can to make him feel better, from playing her banjo to singing. A great book for children ages 3 and older.

"Press Here"

Hervé Tullet Chronicle Books, $15.99 Keep your toddler entertained by pressing dots that cause an array of colors to splash across the pages as they're turned.

Also

•"Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad," Jacky Davis •"A Dog's Life," Caroline R. Sherman •"The Splendid Spotted Snake: A Magic Ribbon Book," Alexander Wilensky •"Pete the Cat Saves Christmas," James Dean •"I Want My Hat Back," Jon Klassen

Transform Handmade oriental rugs are decorative and functional elements adding warmth, elegance and excitement to any decor.

Visit our showroom for a great selection of quality furniture and unique accessories for your home or office.

Whether intricate, simple, traditional or contemporary, we have your style.

Rugs • Furniture • Accessories • Cleaning • Repair • Appraisals

980 S 72nd St. Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 390-1122 • www.orientalrugpalace.com 22 November/december 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

Renew your cabinets for a fraction of the cost to replace!

Call and schedule your free in-home estimate.

402.884.9600

EARLY READERS

YOUNG READERS

"Where the Sidewalk Ends"

"The Strange Case of Origami Yoda"

Written and illustrated

by Shel Silverstein Harper and Row, $18.99

Come in … for where the sidewalk ends, Shel Silverstein's world begins.

You'll meet a boy who turns into a TV set and a girl who eats a whale.

Unicorn and Bloath live there, and so does Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout, who will not take out the garbage.

The silver anniversary edition includes a CD of highlights from the author’s Grammy Award-winning album.

Also

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid," Jeff Kinney "The Mysterious Benedict Society" series, Trenton Lee Stewart

Series by Tom Angleberger Amulet Books, $12.95 Dwight, a clueless sixthgrader, makes an origami finger puppet of Yoda, who is so smart that he prevents an enormously embarrassing event from happening to a classmate.

Also

ALL AGES

"The Lemonade War"

By Jacqueline Davies Houghton Mifflin, $16

In order to see who can sell the most lemonade before school starts, brother-sister duo, Evan and Jessie, start a war that seems like it may never end. "The Lemonade War" is the first title in the series. "The Lemonade Crime" and "The Bell Bandit" follow.

"Harry Potter" series, J.K. Rowling "Percy Jackson & the Olympians," Rick Riordan "The Hunger Games" series, Suzanne Collins

“Wolf Story”

By William McCleery Illustrated by Warren Chappell The New York Review/Children’s Collection, $14.95 First published in 1947 but out of print for decades, this easy read is about a father, his story-loving son, Michael, and the lad’s best friend, Stefan. The author, a native of Hastings, Neb., builds his plot around a succession of tall tales about a hen escaping the clutches of a wily wolf named Waldo.

This book is perfect for the kid who clamors for bedtime stories (like the lead character), and the animated adult who loves reading aloud.

inspiredhomeomaha.com 23

Holiday

gift guide b r o u gh t t o yo u b y t h e s e spo n so r s

"The Three Graces," $3,000

An original oil painting on gesso panel by Omaha artist, Dan Boylan, inspired by the character and spirit of the artist's three sisters.

Price includes frame.

Image size: 30" x 38"

The Frame Service

3564 Farnam St., Omaha, 402-346-6130 rebecca@boylan.com

Wine-Making Kit, starting at $99.50

It’s darn near impossible to feel stressed out when engaged in the Zen-like experience of making your own wine – and the results are delicious. Try your hand at the fine art of vinification in a wide selection of wine-making kits mirroring the ancient craft that predates recorded history. Beer-making kits are available for the suds-inclined artisan.

Fermenter’s Supply & Equipment

The

Yamaha Disklavier Player Piano, $18,999

Yamaha, the world's first choice in pianos, has unparalleled beauty. It’s a statement piece of art, a family heirloom to be handed down by generations. Even a novice can enjoy the live music from this fine instrument with its hightech interconnectivity. This limited-time holiday pricing includes a savings of $5,000 off MSRP.

man of substance

8410 K Plaza #10, Omaha, located behind Just Good Meat 402-593-9171 www.fermenterssupply.com

Keyboard Kastle

Canfield Shopping Center, Omaha 402-593-9400 www.keyboardkastle.com

Feed his passion for life with a feast for the senses: touch, taste, sight and sound.

The Big Green Egg Package, $1,140

The ceramic Big Green Egg is the Ultimate Cooking Experience™, so it deserves to be the focus of this, the ultimate grilling package. Includes a large Big Green Egg, nest, shelves, plate setter, ash tool, fire starter and 20 lbs. of lump coal – just about everything you’ll need to fire up a memorable feast for your bowl game or holiday party.

Outdoor Kitchen and Patio 12100 West Center Road #707, Omaha 402-333-2282 www.outdoorkitchen.com

24 November/december 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

promotion

Portrait Session, $265 and up

An increasing number of their subjects fly into Omaha to sit before this celebrated duo of photographers, but you’re only a short drive away from your own session with Laurie and Charles, whose work has appeared in such publications as Condé Nast, and who count such notables as Tiger Woods among their celebrity clients.

Laurie and Charles Photographs Sliced Sapphire Earrings, $495

Presenting the sliced sapphire collection.

Beauty knows no shape or form. Natural diamonds and sapphires cut in a unique pattern to give you a sensational piece of art.

1412 Howard St., Omaha 402-391-3471 www.laurieandcharles.com

The

Georgy Collier

GC Gems at the Style Bar, 8420 West Dodge Road #109, Omaha gcgemsomaha.com 402-210-9091

trendSetter At the intersection of timeless and trendy, these gifts are sure to stop traffic.

Brunello Cucinelli Satchel, $2,300

Brunello Cucinelli is a collection that strikes the perfect balance between timeless and modern.

Handcrafted in Solomeo, Italy, this handbag is made available in the area exclusively at Nan C., Omaha women’s luxury apparel destination for over 25 years.

Ultimate Beauty Package, $350

Pamper her with a facial; a fresh haircut from Kontempo.’s team of award-winning stylists; and a gift basket of goodies: a collection of the best in medspa quality products, including Medik8 One Cleanse and Hydr8 Day Moisturizer, along with moisturizing shampoo, conditioner and 7 Seconds leave-in conditioner from the high-fashion hair care line Unite — all from the salon founded

by Kirby Keomysay, the second-season winner of the Oxygen Channel’s “Hair Battle Spectacular.”

Kontempo.

695 N. 132nd St., Omaha 402-714-3888 kontempoomaha.com

Wool/Cashmere-Lined

Nan C.

4911 Dodge St. 402-551-4831 www.shopnanc.com

VC Signature Boot, $350

Meticulously structured and clean-lined, this boot is a classic.

Sculpted from buttery leather in a gorgeous saddle ranch with a 3.3-inch stacked heel. This effortless style is a Nebraska staple and must-have for the winter.

PatTini Shoes & Accessories

Countryside Village, 87th & Pacific, Omaha, 402-502-5400

inspiredhomeomaha.com 25

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Tory Burch Bag, $100

Tons of storage packed into one compact, stylish bag – the Tory Burch messenger bag is for the woman on the move. Stop in to the newest specialty boutique in Omaha to see the variety of Tory Burch handbags and other gifts.

Arabesque Necklace, $165

Poets have written that the eyes are windows to the soul, but this vibrant Czech glass and acrylic necklace will capture the gaze of many an admirer.

Crafted in a rainbow of electrifying hues, this dazzler was recently featured on the pages of national fashion magazines and delivers a wallop of “Wow!”

Souq, Ltd.

1018 Howard St., Omaha 402-342-2972 www.souqltd.com

SPRUCE

5022 Leavenworth St., Omaha 402-952-4480 www.spruce-omaha.com

The

World traveler Never sacrifice style for practicality.

All-Inclusive Luxury Cruise, $4,299 and up Purchase a vacation of a lifetime on an all-inclusive luxury cruise line, featuring all suite accommodations, butler service, prepaid gratuities and more. Fares are per person.

1) Silver Spirit Cruise Transatlantic Ft. Lauderdale to Lisbon April 3-16, 2013; 2) Silver Whisper Baltic Cruise, Stockholm to Copenhagen with two nights in St. Petersburg June 21-28, 2013.

Custom Cruises & Travel

10914 Elm St., Rockbrook Village, Omaha 402-393-3436 www.ccruises.com

Betsey Johnson Watch, $69.99

Like the idea of borrowing from the boys? Betsey Johnson’s retro-styled timepiece makes it easy to follow the menswear trend without giving up your feminine flair. You definitely need to give this classic beauty the time of day. You'll fall in love with its handsome profile in a split second.

Dillard's oak view mall

3030 Oak View Drive, Omaha 402- 697-1323 dillards.com

Skin Rejuvenation Treatment, $150 special price Making your skin look young again! Beautiful skin begins here.

Looking for a fresh start and want to escape? Restore your skin with this anti-aging facial treatment for yourself or that special someone.

A $300 value.

Passer Medical Spa

4239 Farnam St. #809 402-552-2900 omahamedicine.com

26 November/december 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

Gianni Bini Hugh Jewel-Detail Smoking Slippers, $79.99

No longer for evenings only, shimmer makes a swank appearance in footwear for daylight hours.

Gold glimmer smoking loafer by Gianni Bini is equal parts 9 to 5 smart and after-hours sublime.

Dillard's oak view mall

3030 Oak View Drive, Omaha 402- 697-1323 dillards.com

120 REGENCY PARKWAY | OMAHA, NE | 402.343.9406 www.ChristianNobel.com

inspiredhomeomaha.comâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 27

promotion

Reinvisioned Antique Necklace, $395

With a pendant from the late 19th or early 20th century and a contemporary chain by local silversmith Levent Oz, this piece is truly a one-of-a-kind addition to her jewelry collection. The necklace incorporates carnelian, turquoise and pearls. The Central Asia pendant features carnelian and turquoise precious stones.

Hand-blown Ornaments, $25 each Every Who down in Whoville – yes, even little Cindy Lou Who – will be held in wide-eyed awe looking beneath any tree decorated with these luminescent orbs. Created by local artist Thomas Maras, these hand-blown instant heirlooms will cause any heart to grow "three sizes that day” when unwrapped.

silver of oz

13013 West Center Road, 402-558-1307 SilverofOz.com

Dundee gallery

4916 Underwood Ave., Omaha, 402-505-8333 www.dundeegallery.com

The

Professional Organizer Solution Session, $100/2 hours

Get her new year off to a fresh start with a twohour consultation and strategic organization session from Freshly Organized. It's the next best thing to cleaning fairies. Plus, she'll receive a free copy of "Outrageously Organized," a new book from the organizing pros. Sometimes the best gift is peace of mind.

freshly organized

Omaha, NE 402-670-3271 freshlyorganized.com

haute hostess For the woman who knows how to make everyone feel right at home.

Scrumptious Treats, $15/dozen and up Guaranteed to have a shorter lifespan than Frosty the Snowman, this collection of edible art is sure to be the hit of your holiday table. Available in a staggering array of artistically eye-popping designs, ingredients and flavors, these custom cupcakes will transform any holiday gathering into a feast fit for a fairy tale.

Gigi’s Cupcakes

16811 Burke St., Omaha, 402-991-9010 www.gigiscupcakesusa.com

Textile Art, $4,000

Nest Signature Holiday Fragrance, $14 and up From stocking-stuffer to girlfriend gift, NEST’s holiday candles and diffusers are sure to surprise and delight! The extraordinary scent combination captures the aroma of the sparkling winter season – blending pomegranate, mandarin orange, pine, cloves and cinnamon with a hint of vanilla and amber in a festive red velvet box.

The Linen Gallery

Regency Court, Omaha www.LinensandDown.com

28 November/december 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

Her woven tapestries hang in United States Embassy collections on three continents, and now you too can own a stunning work of timeless beauty by textile artist Mary Zicafoose. Rendered in the Ikat style – the Malaysian word for “bind” or “tie” – "Orange Triangles" is a graphically powerful, intricately layered work that measures 28" by 67" and comes complete with hanging bar already attached.

Mary Zicafoose Textiles

402-343-1590 www.maryzicafoose.com

Gran∂ MAKE A

ENTRANCE ENT SECURITY BEAUTY FUNCTION

G rabow L a n d s c a p i n g

402-330-7811

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Ha rdware a division of Johnson Hardware Co.

10635 Birch St (3 blocks north of Maple) • Omaha 402.445.2596 • www.MoreThanKnobs.com

NEW 2012 Rosslyn™ Jewel Collection™

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1426_AD_CKF_Inspired Home12-11_D.indd 1

10/16/12 3:44 PM

inspiredhomeomaha.com 29

Host

WEST OMAHA

Jeanie Carson broke her left fibula while hiking on Thompson Peak near Scottsdale, Arizona, last Thanksgiving.

For the party, she trimmed her cast with rhinestone bling.

Celebrating Friends

Toss aside the formalities and follow an Omaha couple’s recipe for cocktails, food and conversation.

By Chris Christen Photographs by Daniel Johnson

P

arty hour was closing in, and Jeanie Carson was feeling the pressure as she hobbled to her master closet and sized up her shoe inventory.

A fashion crisis was looming: What shoe does a stylish hostess wear when one foot is in a cast?

Jeanie nabbed a black stiletto, slipped it on her right foot and grabbed her crutches.

After a half-dozen steps, she faced a crushing truth: A high heel wouldn’t work.

"I've never worn flats with party clothes

30 November/december 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

in my life," she lamented.

A tall black boot with a slight heel saved the day.

Abandoning the crutches, she hopped on an electric scooter parked in the master bath and steered it toward the foyer. The doorbell rang, and she beamed as her first guests walked in, gave her a hug and then exclaimed, “Jeanie! What happened to you?”

It was a familiar refrain as Jeanie and her husband, Ron, welcomed 200 or so

guests to their home in The Ridges for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and conversation.

The invitation list for the mid-December party included longtime family friends, interesting new acquaintances and assorted business associates and colleagues, including those from Ron’s investment firm, Carson Wealth Management Group.

The eclectic mix made for a fun night of introductions. Inspired Home Omaha met the hosts’ landscaper, manicurist, hairdresser, housekeeper and interior designer in about the span of an hour.

"Jeanie always makes you feel welcome," said friend Cheli Hull as she leaned down to kiss Baylee, the family’s adorable and highly social Yorkiepoo.

The invitation specified casual attire. "I always want people to feel comfortable," Jeanie said.

She wore a sparkly one-shoulder black

The catered hors d’oeuvre buffet included Lemon Chicken Satay, oven-roasted shrimp, beef tenderloin, artisanal cheese platters and assorted sweets. The festive spread, prepared by Kathy Silvey and A Catered Affair, was anchored by a pair of fountain-like arrangements in glass cylinders from Beyond the Vine. The cylinders held fragrant white stargazer lilies, purple lisianthus, larkspur, heather, pepper berries and fresh cedar stems. Floral shop owner Rose McCormick described the arrangements as the “exclamation point” on a fabulous buffet.

continued on page 30

inspiredhomeomaha.com 31

continued from page 29

tunic with black leggings and silver accessories.

Ron wore jeans and a crisp button-front purple and white checked shirt.

While Ron positioned himself in the kitchen and hearth area, Jeanie worked the front room – from the seat of the motorized scooter. “It’s killing me to stay in one place,” she quipped.

“Jeanie definitely is the life of the party,” said Kathy Silvey of A Catered Affair, Jeanie’s go-to caterer.

Hairstylist Kathleen Victor and husband James, like several guests, arrived with a hostess gift.

Jeanie opened the box and found a crystal oyster.

"You're a pearl in my life," Kathleen told her.

Jeanie reciprocated with a hug.

And this December?

“Yes, there will be a party. We love getting family and friends together,” Jeanie said.

Who Did What Exterior holiday lighting: PDQ Landscaping Interior holiday decorating: Barbara Coffey, a friend of the Carsons

32 November/december 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

Floral arrangements: Rose McCormick, Beyond the Vine Catering: Kathy Silvey, A Catered Affair

how-to

5 Tricks for a Hitch-Free Party Jeanie Carson loves to bring people together for food, fun and conversation. The Carson family’s Fourth of July party is legendary among the 600-plus attendees each year. Here’s Jeanie’s recipe for success.

Food: Make eating easy and enjoyable for your guests.

A broad menu of bite-sized appetizers encourages guests to revisit the buffet for items they particularly enjoyed or still wish to try.

Buffet setup: If possible, set up food stations throughout your home. This helps control congestion and creates anticipation among your guests for that next delectable hors d’oeuvre or dessert.

Beverages: When serving wine, the Carsons have found that fruit-forward varietals please the widest range of palates. For their 2011 party, they poured

Altamura Sauvignon Blanc, Altamura Cabernet Sauvignon, Chateau Montelena Zinfandel and 94574 Brand Sauvignon Blanc. Beer drinkers had their choice of Lucky Bucket, lager and Bud Light. Jeanie encourages at least one nonalcoholic signature cocktail for non-drinkers in the crowd.

Serving help: Do not allow yourself to be tied to the kitchen. Your No. 1 job as host is to visit with your guests and make sure they have a good time. Hire or recruit helpers to take coats, serve drinks, replenish food stations, etc. The Carsons’ caterer operated with a staff of five on party night.

Vibrant living, today and tomorrow.

Ambiance: Candles are a must. They help create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Background music is important, too. The Carsons prefer smooth jazz or soft rock for cocktail parties.

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402.331.1333 inspiredhomeomaha.com 33

At Home With Three

wine SNOBs (and how to be just like them)

a RED wine state

34 November/december 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

The cellar in the Carsons’ west Omaha home originally was a swimming pool changing room. It was converted several years ago and updated in a basement remodel in 2011.

WEST OMAHA

both pages: daniel johnson

Nebraskans love California reds. "We'll always be a red wine state," says wine consultant Matt Price.

Dianna Varozza of Varozza Vineyards in Napa County credits John Draney of Omaha Wine Company for having a "huge influence" on Omahans' awareness of reds, particularly from small producers like herself. "We've had great experiences with Omaha," says Varozza, who comes here at least twice a year to promote her old vine Cabernet and old vine Petite Sirah.

Her vineyard hosts more guests from Omaha than from anywhere else in the world, she says.

Karen Fahden says her family-run Hans Fahden Vineyards in Sonoma County has "always had strong sales in Nebraska.

Our Cabs have done especially well, probably because Nebraska is a beef state." Varozza concurs. "You have the best beef in the world."

R

on Carson’s wine expertise evolved from a gaffe. He mispronounced “Mondavi” in the company of "wine snobs" from Napa Valley.

As his wife, Jeanie, tells the story, the Carsons were at Lake Tahoe celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary over dinner when the California couple invited Ron to select the wine for the meal.

He ordered Mondavi with a long “a” (correct pronunciation: mawn-DAH-vee).

“The incident was quite embarrassing,” Jeanie says. “It left us wanting to expand our knowledge of wine.”

And so they did.

Twenty-five years later, the Carsons have evolved into savvy wine enthusiasts themselves with a collection of 2,800 bottles between cellars in their Omaha and Scottsdale, Arizona, homes.

The couple is partial to Cabernet Sauvignon, “but we do enjoy an occasional glass of Sauvignon Blanc,” Jeanie says.

In order to learn about wine, the Carsons became members of an established local wine club and the International Wine & Food Society. They also read a lot about wine and attended tastings.

“My best advice is to spend time with people who know wine,” Ron says.

The Carsons typically go to Napa twice a year, and make it a point to visit one or two new wineries each time. Most of their wine comes directly from places they visit.

Their favorite wine is from Altamura Winery in Napa, which is a small vineyard owned

by Frank and Karen Altamura.

“We have been fans of their wine for years,” Ron says.

The winery’s 2007 Cab was No. 5 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 in 2010.

Tips for wine collecting

W

ant to have a wine cellar? Despite the rather haughty, off-putting term suggesting a centuries-old catacomb, a cellar really is just a place to properly store wine so that its quality is maintained.

Matt Price, a private wine consultant who previously was with Mahogany Prime steakhouse and Quench Fine Wines, says a wine cellar makes sense if you have a passion for collecting. If you quickly consume the wine you buy, you don’t need a place for long-term storage.

Price, John Draney of the Omaha Wine Company and Dan Matuszek of Brix offer these tips.

• An unfinished basement with a constant, cool temperature and no exposure to sunlight can work just as well as a specially equipped cellar.

• Buy no more than three bottles of any one kind of wine. Enjoy one bottle so you have a base comparison. Three to five years from now, try the second bottle.

Keep the third bottle in reserve to enjoy even further down the road. "Then move on to another wine," says Draney. "Wine loses its luster when you have more than you really need."

• If you love a wine but your wine-tasting partner does not, you are both right, Draney said.

"Wine is that personal."

• Don't fret about food and wine pairings. "I have issues when people come in and ask, 'Will this go great with what I'm serving for dinner?' Who really cares? If you're trying to do a formal food and wine pairing, that's a different story.''

• Invest in the proper stemware to fully appreciate your wine. Different styles of glasses deliver wine to different parts of your palate, says Matuszek. "The wrong glass can kill your enjoyment of a wine." (Inspired Home Omaha became enlightened at a Brix-sponsored comparative glassware tasting in October with Georg Riedel, famed crystal stemware maker. Learn more with a free app, "Riedel Wine Glass Guide," from iTunes.)

- Pat Waters and Chris Christen

inspiredhomeomaha.com 35

council bluffs

36 November/december 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

Cigar Room Buffers Cellar’s Chill

W

hen Ed Shada of Council Bluffs built his dream wine cellar, he was certain of one thing: A wine room is a place to store wine, not to consume it.

“A wine cellar at 57 degrees is too cold to sit in. When you’re shivering, wine doesn’t taste good,” he says, laughing.

So as part of a whole-house expansion that nearly doubled its original living space, Shada told his architect and contractor that he wanted a cigar room adjacent to the wine room in the lower level of his home. The glass-enclosed cigar room now holds a farmhouse-style table, chairs and vineyard-themed artwork. A sophisticated air-handling system neutralizes the smoke, and guests can slip into the glassfronted wine cellar for another bottle of Cabernet without missing one play on the big-screen TV. Shada has been a collector and student of wine since 1986. A resident of Chicago then, he recalls a lesson learned during a visit to a neighborhood wine store. An employee stocking shelves offered to help,

Shada says, but he didn’t have the “wine snob” look so Shada declined. But the employee persisted, and Shada discovered that he had a wealth of knowledge.

“He taught me a lot” during successive visits to the store, Shada says, including that you can’t judge a person’s expertise by whether he looks the part.

Later, a move to San Francisco put Shada within an hour of Napa Valley’s famed wineries.

“I spent a number of years going to the wineries and drinking wine there. I met the owners and vendors; it was a great opportunity.”

Shada and his wife, Bailie, are world travelers, and their trips frequently are occasions to discover new vintages. For example, they just returned from Italy and a memorable encounter with a Reserve Chianti.

The Shada wine cellar holds 450 bottles and can accommodate another 450. Shada says 99 percent of the collection consists of reds. He prefers thick, full-bodied reds rather than whites, which he believes tend to be too sweet. Tastes evolve though, and that could change, he adds. - Pat Waters

stock the bar

The Shadas host an annual holiday party for 70 to 80 friends. Ed's wine recommendations for such gatherings: • A white. “Lots of people like Chardonnay. Women especially tend to like that.”

• A merlot. “It’s an inbetween wine that’s not as heavy as a Cab (Cabernet). It offers a nice, fruity balance between a Pinot and a Cab.” • A Cabernet. “You’ll have guys who want a Cab.” • A Sauterne. “A nice dessert wine to go with sweets.”

• When the occasion calls for champagne, Shada likes Perrier-Jouet from France, or, as a more economical choice, a bottle from J Vineyards and Winery in California.

both pages: jeffrey bebee

While some collectors have thousands of bottles, Shada is happy with his cellar, which is about 7 feet by 21 feet. “I look at (mammoth collections) and say, ‘How do you drink all that wine?’ For our purposes, 450 bottles is good.”

inspiredhomeomaha.com 37

happy hollow

The only feature the Burgesses didn’t make themselves was the countertop.

MileStone Local Services of Lincoln fabricated it from glass recycled from the couple’s empty wine bottles.

both pages: daniel johnson

time is everything

Wine is a living thing that changes over time. Some wines are perceived to be better with age. Talk with an experienced wine seller to find the product that best fits your short- and long-term needs. Cool temperatures will preserve the life expectancy of your wine more than anything else, says John Draney of Omaha Wine Company. "It's like cooking roast beef and putting it in the refrigerator to enjoy later."

38 November/december 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

DIY Cellar Yields Liters of Pride

S

teve Burgess has been an oenophile – a wine lover – for the last decade or so, but it was only recently that he built a wine cellar in the basement of his Happy Hollow home.

He did almost all of the work himself in his spare time, spending an estimated $5,000 to $6,000.

Granted, as an architect, Burgess has skills for which others might have to pay. “If I had contracted out the work, it probably would have cost three times as much,” he says.

But the project proves that a love of and a commitment to wine are the most important ingredients when creating a special space for it.

“I wanted a nice place to store it, and to enjoy the whole experience and world of wine,” Burgess says.

The home he and his wife, Julie, purchased about 11 years ago turned out to be perfect for a wine cellar. The basement has several rooms and thick brick walls that provide the dark environment and steady, cool temperature so essential to the preservation of wine.

Burgess sandblasted paint off the walls to expose the original brick. He painted the concrete floor three

shades of green in a geometric pattern that achieves a three-dimensional appearance. Illumination from track lighting shining through old wooden shutters suspended from the ceiling provides a muted glow.

Shelves hold 150 to 200 bottles, with room for another 400. Framed posters, a bar-height table and various other accoutrements decorate the room. Burgess also incorpoated an antique door with custom etched glass.

Burgess says he prefers and predominately collects red wine.

“You can cellar them longer. They have a longer life span ... Some reds are just started at eight to 10 years old.”

He currently favors full-bodied, Spanish reds made from Tempranillo, a variety of black grape.

Burgess says he, too, is just getting started on transforming his basement.

Up next: Redoing the area at the bottom of the stairs into a room with an underground jazz club vibe.

For now, though, the Burgesses are having fun sharing their wine cellar with friends.

“They’re pretty impressed,” he says. “They say, ‘You need to invite us more often. We want to come when there’s a tornado.’”-Pat Waters

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40â&#x20AC;&#x192; November/december 2012â&#x20AC;&#x192; inspiredhomeomaha.com

On Diana: crossbody bag $78; orange dotted top $72; skinny jean $104; plaid jacket $212, all from Kajoma's. Three Pebble necklaces, $1,250 from Borsheims. Orange brimmed hat $54 from Garment District.

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42â&#x20AC;&#x192; November/december 2012â&#x20AC;&#x192; inspiredhomeomaha.com

On Diana: Purple jean $82; Houndstooth coat $124; Longsleeved gray top $62; Cream/gray knit top $88; Gray leather ankle boot $224 all from Kajoma's.

Circle link chain necklace $575; Pebble drop earrings $175, both from Borsheims.

On Patrick: Robert Graham mixedprint shirt $198; Tommy Bahama orange sweater $110; Citizens of Humanity dark jean $189, all from Lindley Clothing; Silver spinning ring $295 from Borsheims.

On Nora: Neon damask dress $38 from Markoos Modern Design; headband $16; Pink tweed blazer $70 both from Janie and Jack in Village Pointe Shopping Center.

On Hudson: Plaid corduroy pant $46; plaid shirt $36; tweed vest $49, all from Janie and Jack in Village Pointe.

On Diana: Patterned dress $86, from Piper in One Pacific Place; Zuki Safari Kidskin jacket with mink collar $16,795, from Christian Nobel; Suede heel $165, from Garment District; Diamond cut bracelet $175; Pebble necklace $695; Graduated hoop earrings $195, all from Borsheims; colored tights $14.95, from Gap. On Patrick: Bugatchi black plaid shirt $149; Nat Nast black sweater $155; Citizens of Humanity black jean $189; aligator belt $125, from Lindley Clothing.

Fabric: Sanderson poppy print fabric from Textiles. Pricing varies.

XMI Platinum tie $115; Bugatchi light blue and white shirt $149; Citizens of Humanity dark jean $189, all from Lindley Clothing. Kenneth Cole black harness boot $138; Brown treated belt $54, both from Mesh. 18k ring $225; cable bracelet $250, both from Borsheims.

Fabric: Brunschwig & Fils: Zenobia in orange spice; Highland Court Suzani in fuschia, both from Textiles. Pricing varies.

44â&#x20AC;&#x192; November/december 2012â&#x20AC;&#x192; inspiredhomeomaha.com

On Patrick: Enro plaid shirt $85; Alashan Cashmere sweater $350; Alberto gray slack $225, all from Lindley Clothing. Rotating thorn ring, $325 from Borsheims.

On Nora: Ruffle crop cardigan, $19; bow stripe top, $13; rose floral short, $12, all from Janie and Jack in Village Pointe; Girls bow tights, $5, Old Navy.

On Hudson: Embroidered bicycle pinstriped shirt, $29; dark denim jean $37, both from Janie and Jack in Village Pointe.

All shoes are models' own.

Fabric: GastĂłn y Daniela from Textiles. Pricing varies.

inspiredhomeomaha.comâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 45

On Diana: Margaret reversible sweater $175; black and poppy patterned flowing top $112; Fire skinny pant, $88; snakeskin wedge, $178, all from Garment District. Thick hoop earrings, $195, from Borsheims.

On Patrick: Guess jean, $98; Seven Diamonds button-up, $104 both from Mesh at the Shops of Legacy. Patterned socks $7.50, from Gap. Home: Norwalk chair, $1,423 from Textiles.

Nesting boxes, $12.99, $18.99 and $21.99 from Hancock Fabrics.

46â&#x20AC;&#x192; November/december 2012â&#x20AC;&#x192; inspiredhomeomaha.com

fashion Resources

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Montclair on Center, 402-558-1307 13013 W Center Rd silverofoz.com

At Lindley Clothing, quality is at your service. Owner John Lindley (second from right), Jim Pogemiller, Dan Keim & Marlene Sullivan will help you with fine men's apparel.

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Didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t your mother always tell you to match your clothes? You now can banish that mantra to the fashion archives. Mixing and matching patterns is officially cool. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how to throw a little spontaneity into your wardrobe: Tip #1 Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about scale For a creative and workappropriate look, pair a large-printed top with a smaller-patterned skirt or pant. The contrast creates a perfect balance between fashion-forwardness and timelessness. It also is an interesting way to draw attention to your torso and lengthen the visual appeal of your legs. Ideal combinations are large polka dots mixed with thin pinstripes, or an oversized striped shift dress with opaque tights in a tiny chevron pattern.

Tip #2 Keep patterns â&#x20AC;&#x153;movingâ&#x20AC;? in the same direction For example, the diamond print in your shirt should flow in the same direction as the vertical stripe on your pants. Or try a vertical-striped shirt with a delicate pinstriped pant in the same color palette. Both looks create a slimming silhouette.

tip #3 Match colors Prints and textures in the same color palette are automatically more wearable. Any color palette in a related color family will create a cohesive look regardless of the variety of patterns or textures. Try black stripes on top paired with a navy, black and white geometric pattern on the bottom and a camel and black color-blocked jacket.

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The Leather Bottoms Not Your Daughter’s Jeans vegan leather pants, the look and feel of distressed leather, TERRA TAN, $150.

The Statement blazer Lisa International animal print blazer with colored lining, $59. Also featured: Leo & Nicole long-sleeved black tee, $26.

All from Dillard's Oak View Mall

inspiredhomeomaha.com 51

At the Heart

council bluffs

Historic 100 Block

By Tina King

Photographs by Daniel Johnson

N

eighborhood bars, trendy restaurants, a modern art gallery and retail shops are giving new life to the historic 100 block in downtown Council Bluffs.

The urban renaissance, in the making for about 10 years now, got its biggest boost last fall when two popular Omaha businesses relocated to the Hughes-Irons Building.

The arrival of Robert Gilmer’s trendy Dixie Quicks restaurant and edgy RNG Gallery almost immediately raised the 100 block to "destinationworthy" status among foodies and art lovers on both sides of the Missouri River.

Although Dixie Quicks’ former location on Leavenworth Street near downtown Omaha wasn’t much to look at on the outside, the restaurant’s loyal clientele enjoyed the intimate atmosphere.

Skeptics were easily won over upon seeing the Bluffs location.

The 100 block’s other offerings include unique retail spots and more than a handful of bars in buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. The new streetscape has a welcoming small-town look and feel with plenty of outdoor seating, brick-patterned sidewalks and handsome light poles.

For a longer stroll, nightfall brings a romantic glow to Bayliss Park a few blocks away in the heart of downtown Council Bluffs.

Dixie Quicks

157 W. Broadway, 712-256-4140; www.dixiequicks.com Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday brunch; and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday dinner. Closed Monday. Reservations recommended.

Loyal patrons followed Dixie Quicks here, and on our Tuesday night visit the dining room was almost full. The chalkboard menu lists Southern comfort foods blended with Cajun, Tex-Mex and Southwest flavors. We tried the crab cakes, the warm cornbread with honey, the spinach gorgonzola ravioli and the well-seasoned blackened salmon. For dessert, we had the apple almond tort. (It tasted like autumn on a plate.)

The dishes typically are so expertly prepared that you sit back happy, for this is the kind of experience that makes dining out satisfying. If you enjoy a brew with dinner, Dixie Quicks offers a selection of hard ciders and craft beers, including Rogue’s Chipotle Ale. The ambience blends former location favorites like state tourism trays and glittering light spheres with modern, industrial-style décor. The main space features concrete and exposed brick walls and open ductwork. Added kitsch-like toy dinosaurs and a “Little Shop of Horrors”-style plant add whimsy and make guests smile.

52 November/december 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

RNG Gallery 157 W. Broadway 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

The cozy, warm-toned Dixie Quicks gives way to the modern white-walled RNG Gallery, noted for a mix of local, national and international artists who enjoy pushing the envelope.

Chinese-born artist Ying Zhu presents a solo show of dramatic new media installations in December.

inspiredhomeomaha.comâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 53

Venue 162 162 W. Broadway 712-256-7768 Open 4 p.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

You’ll find live music on weekends at this local bar, which also features a small dance floor. If it gets too loud inside, you can take a breather in the outdoor seating area.

The bar often posts notice of concerts via Facebook and Twitter.

Lidgett Music 150 W. Broadway 712-322-0200; www.LidgettMusic.com Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday. Closed Sunday.

You can stand outside the window and dream of the Fender guitars inside, or you can go in and marvel at them up close. This music store has been around since 1988, but the inventory has grown to carry not just Fenders (master and team-built), but also hand-built Collings guitars. You’ll find tiger eye and ebony veneer pieces here that cost in the thousands, but also some well-made instruments for beginning and intermediate guitarists. Check the website for listings of used instruments.

54 November/december 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

True Wheel Bicycle Company 120 W. Broadway 712-328-0767; www.truewheelbikes.com Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. MondayFriday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Closed Sunday.

The vintage bike in the storefront window is enough to get anyone’s attention, but the modern bikes are what will lure serious cyclists inside this shop. You’ll find hybrid, touring, tandem and recumbent bikes, as well as cycling parts, clothing and other gear.

1892 German Bier Haus, Fiddlin’ Monkey, T’z Sports Pub and Club and Glory Days Sports Bar & Grill (clockwise) all on West Broadway If you’re looking to do a pub crawl, West Broadway has enough bars to fill an evening.

Expect to find lots of wood floors, exposed brick walls and big-screen televisions. On weekend evenings, some of the bars feature live music or DJs.

inspiredhomeomaha.com 55

Art

Benson

"Barcode Marilyn Monroe" portrait is composed of 1,944 bar codes. Blake used the UPC bar codes from DVDs of the 22 films in which the actress appeared.

Earning His Stripes Scott Blake’s scanable art is a study in black and white.

By David J. Williams

T

he bar codes found on myriad consumer products become art elements in the hands of Scott Blake.

“Few things in this world are truly black and white, but bar codes are,” says Blake, who incorporates the striped labels into Pop Art portraits of iconic personalities. “They are the ubiquitous symbols of a data-drenched society where almost everything in life is communicated in a series of digits.”

Blake’s art has been shown in solo and

group exhibitions worldwide, and has been the subject of stories on ABC’s “World News Tonight,” The Huffington Post and Salon.com, among other media outlets.

His works are held in public, private and corporate collections on four continents.

Actress Jane Fonda is among the celebrities who own his pieces.

Clever flip books with Blake’s creations have been dispensed from vending machines at New York City’s Whitney Museum of American Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. “In some respects I am responding to the commoditization of identity,” he says. “I’m saying that I am somebody, something more

56 November/december 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

Facing page: Scott Blake in his Benson home and studio space.

than the sum of the bar-coded products I consume.”

Blake was not yet born when the first UPC was scanned on a pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit chewing gum on June 26, 1974.

So the artist has never known a world without the familiar stripes that have for him become a creative obsession.

“We are surrounded by and defined by never-ending streams of zeroes and ones, so it’s comforting to know that some things can never be bar-coded,” Blake says.

“Falling in love, for example, cannot be expressed in bar code,” says the artist, who had been married only 13 days when he sat down to talk with Inspired Home Omaha about his work.

jeffrey bebee

Try it! Visit Scott Blakes's site barcodeart.com and enter your age, gender and other data points to generate, download and print your personalized bar code.

inspiredhomeomaha.comâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 57

Homespiration

58â&#x20AC;&#x192; November/december 2012â&#x20AC;&#x192; inspiredhomeomaha.com

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Home

Retiree turns her bungalow into a shimmering conversation piece.

both pages: daniel johnson

Y

ou can see the sparkle of the season in Cheryl Bedell’s eyes.

She lives for Christmas.

Actually, she lives for mid-October. That's when she carts her trees and tubs from the basement, contemplates her holiday vignettes and starts stringing lights and garland throughout her home.

By Halloween, her dazzling interior display is well on its way to completion.

“The neighbors can’t wait to see what I’ve done,” she says with some embarrassment. Ditto for friends “who haven’t even thought about getting their stuff out yet.”

Her home, built in 1943, has about 1,600 square feet on two levels. She bought the house in 1989, after nearly 10 years of apartment living as a divorcee with her young son.

“I drove around for three months looking for the perfect home in Dundee or the Ak-Sar-Ben neighborhood," she recalls.

This house, which is on a quiet block, was nearly perfect. “It didn’t need a lot of work,” she says.

Cheryl’s special touches – especially during the holidays – make the home cozy, comfortable and conversational. “I have a lot of treasures from family members.”

Uncle Glenn's handmade dresser and chest of drawers grace a guest bedroom; Aunt Sally's chalkboard anchors a wall in the hallway; Mom’s cloisonné jewelry box sits atop a chest in the master bedroom.

In the library, a homespun Christmas tree holds Aunt Laura's pinecone elves and other collected ornaments.

And then there's Mom's nativity set. The souvenir from Israel

ak-sar-ben

Cheryl has an especially busy schedule this year as president of the Assistance League of Omaha. The nonprofit organization sponsors Operation School Bell in October and the Christmas Caravan tour of homes in November (details, page 9).

continued on page 58

inspiredhomeomaha.com 59

Cheryl redecorated her living room with help from Dottie Toelle, an interior designer and good friend. They put a sideboard together as an anchor for a wall-mounted TV. The result is almost as good as having a mantel to decorate. Nearby electrical outlets allow for a lighted tabletop display next to Cheryl’s glowing 6-foot tree.

continued from page 57

Cheryl, retired since 1999, has decorated her upstairs bedroom and sitting area as thoughtfully as she has decorated the lower level. "It's a cozy space; I'm up here all evening in winter." She enjoys sitting by the fire, watching TV and reading.

60 November/december 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

both pages: daniel johnson

sits on a side table in the living room.

“They’re such sweet things,” Cheryl says of her keepsakes. "I'm so fortunate.”

Aside from a new couch and chairs in her living room, most of her furnishings are thoughtfully chosen gems from thrift stores, flea markets and estate sales. “Once you retire, you shouldn't be spending full price on anything,” she says.

Well, maybe one thing. Cheryl does indulge in an annual shopping trip with girlfriends to Nell Hill’s in Atchison, Kansas.

While interior designer Dottie Toelle is occasionally consulted, most of the home reflects Cheryl’s own strong eye for interior design and flair for DIY embellishments.

What stands out most about the décor, however, is how each element seems to have a story, a history, that enhances its purpose.

And that puts everything in a beautiful light.

-Chris Christen

that holiday glow Trees are Cheryl Bedell’s decorating specialty. Here are a few of her tried-and-true techniques for success of your own:

Two antique pieces give the illusion of one. Cheryl bought the sideboard for $125 at a flea market in the Chicago area. She found the bookcase for $75 at an antique mall in Fremont.

• Hang ornaments inside the tree, not just on the tips of the branches.

• Mix one-of-a-kind ornaments in between basic ball ornaments. For small trees, avoid matching ornaments. The tree will be more interesting if each element is different.

• For dramatic shimmer, use a color scheme of gold, copper, silver and white.

Glass and crystal ornaments are effective, too.

• Use remnant lamé and other festive fabrics for tree skirts. That way, your tree isn't totally themed from top to bottom.

• Display the tree in an area where it can be enjoyed from all angles.

• Put lights on first, followed by garland and fillers like berry sprigs and floral spikes and ornaments.

• Go for high wattage – the more bulbs the better. Start at the bottom of the tree and work upward. Weave strings of lights inside the branches, then outside the branches until you reach the top of the tree.

• Use satin ropes, beads and other trimmings to create fullness and to reflect light.

“None of the elements should necessarily match.

You want everything to look a little different.”

A n O m A h A W O r l d - h e r A l d P u b l i c At i O n

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Winter 2012

before anD after: a closet overhaul

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The Revitalized 100 Block of Downtown Council Bluffs

inspiredhomeomaha.com 61

gold coast

Beyond the Basic Bow

Mansion’s Victorian flourishes are easily interpreted in other decorating styles.

"E

veryone has their own aesthetic," says Mark Maser. "I love the overstuffed look."

His historic Brandeis Mansion at 38th Street and Dewey Avenue is grand by any measure – but gains extra layers of finery for the holidays.

Maser calls on designer Dustin Moorehead of Creating Atmosphere in Omaha to assist with decorating the mansion for a season of entertaining that starts with the Opera Omaha Guild's annual Victorian Tea in early December.

During the first week of November, 50 or so bins of decorations are hauled from the basement to designated rooms in the three-story home. Moorehead pours through the contents in search of garland, ribbons and ornaments that can be combined in new ways for key displays.

Built for the Arthur Brandeis family in 1904, the home opens from a central foyer to a paneled living room and a grand staircase flanked by two dark columns. Last year when Moorehead wrapped the fluted oak columns in garland, Maser gasped. It’s a cliché, but "I thought it would be too expected for my hyper-traditional house."

Moorehead proceeded to embellish the greenery with peacock feathers, iridescent gold, red and purple ribbon and glass peacock continued on page 62

62 November/december 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

Efficiency Counts • Store decorations in clear plastic tubs with lids.

Designate a tub or tubs for each room to make organization quick next year. Create a label for each tub, and note the room and its contents. Attach the label to the inside of the tub, facing out so it can be read at a glance.

• Don’t reinvent the wheel.

Snap a photo of each room and each display and put the photos in the storage tubs as a reference from year to year.

• Don't displace favorite objects on mantels and shelves. Simply decorate around them.

Keep greenery and other decorative elements in place with dark green pipe cleaners that won't harm surfaces.

When decorating your mantel, use heavier items to anchor the ends of the greenery to the shelf. Conceal any raw ends of wire with ribbon.

A formal place setting can pose a dilemma. If you don't know how or when to use a particular item or how to eat a particular food, simply watch your host for clues and cues.

Featured: Rosenthal Versace "Christmastide" 2000 millenium plate

continued from page 60

Place cards personalize an occasion and allow a host to strategically seat guests to facilitate conversation.

“I always separate couples,” Maser says. "They see each other all the time."

ornaments. Maser’s reaction: "Oh, my!”

The area popped to life.

The peacock theme is repeated in a corner garland for a gilded mirror in the main entry. An Oriental antique ginger jar on a decorative table, displayed year-round, is reflected in the mirror. For the holidays, Maser capitalizes on the effect by slipping an artificial evergreen wreath over the jar.

Decorations are kept to a minimum in the conservatory at the top of the staircase.

"It's all about what you see coming up the stairs," Maser says. Elaborate decorations would detract from the elegance and make it difficult for guests with plates of food to navigate the space.

Evoking Victorian times, artificial sugared fruit is used in the formal dining room's decor. “It's a sumptuous and delectable feast for the eyes,” Maser says with a sweeping gesture. He entertains with his finest china, silver and crystal.

"It's Christmas, so every bell and whistle is going to find its way to the table."

The centerpiece is as lavish as the table setting. The display runs down the middle of the table and includes artificial sugared fruits, statuary, base candlesticks and other decorative elements at varied heights.

You won't find a sprig of live greenery in Maser's home. "I gave that up 20 years ago.

You can still see my scars from handling real Christmas trees."

-Chris Christen

64 November/december 2012 inspiredhomeomaha.com

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in our next issue Kitchen and bath ideas galore. Peek into this home's kitchen, built to host a lifetime of family memories.

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