Mona Thompson and Talena Ray, owners of Providence Design, will host an anniversary party celebrating six years in business on October 24. The event is 5-8 p.m. and will feature live music and refreshments. “We’ve really enjoyed growing the business over the past six years and our relationships with our customers and clients,” Talena says. Join the party at Providence’s showroom, 2314 Cantrell Road. providenceltddesign.com
Providence Design: It’s Spring and Time to Get Outside!
‘Tis the Season with Providence Design
[photo credit: http://traceryinteriors.com/
It is the time of year when we are all well into our holiday festivities. Shopping, parties, wrapping, and traveling are all going on as we speak. We decided to dedicate this post to the last minute details that can help take your holiday gathering to the next level. Easy recipes, tablescapes, and last minute decor all really help to make for an unforgettable event.
We all spend so much time and effort decorating our homes for the Holiday Season, and everyone has his or her own unique take on decor. Here at Providence Design one of our favorite touches is incorporating fresh greens into the decor. We usually start with a faux base and decorate it to completion with ribbon, ornaments–the whole nine yards. Then just before the event we plug in some fresh stems to take it over the top. Nothing beats the smell of fresh Christmas greens.
The arrangement in the above picture was done with real poinsettias and dried moss, mixed with faux red kalanchoes from our store. How nice all you have to worry about is the poinsettias! In the next photo we started with faux christmas greenery and berries mixed with the sugarcones. Then we added a few fresh stems in and what a statement without fear of it all being dried out in a day or two!
Our next tip is for your table. You may be having a sit down dinner or a buffet setting, but you always want your table to be a statement. Let’s start with a buffet setting. Try to find some serve ware that have varying shapes and sizes, even heights. Varying the pieces will add visual interest to your tablescape.
The above photo shows many different serving pieces, as well as some placed on stands. Once you add a fabulous centerpiece (here we went back to our fresh greens) you are well ahead of the pack in having a gorgeous tablescape.
[photo credit: http://beechtreephotography.
Its important to try to make each placesetting special if you are having a sit down dinner. We love using the stockings made from antique fabric, each one being different really makes each setting special. You could even use them as the placecard holders, or place a small gift inside for your guests to take with them.
Another tip! Candles, Candles, Candles! If you ask us, you can never have too many candles. Right before the guests arrive light the candles. It might seem small but candles automatically set the tone for a lovely event.
[photo credit: http://boards.weddingbee.com/
[photo credit: http://www.diynetwork.com/
[photo credit: http://www.houzz.com/photos/
Lastly, what is a great party without great food? You certainly don’t have to spend a fortune or all your time dedicated to cooking, however making some special dishes really makes the event personal. Pictured below our some quick and easy dishes that really are delicious and will have your guests talking. For more yummy dishes and the recipes, head over to our blog.
[photo credit: http://slimpaley.com/
[photo credit: http://www.foodnetwork.com/
[photo credit: http://www.foodnetwork.com/
Hope these little tips will help take your party to the next level.
Have a wonderful holiday and Merry Christmas from Providence Design!
[photo credit: http://hative.com/fun-
Providence Design is Mona Thompson and Talena Ray, a sister duo who are antiques dealers and interior designers. Learn more about them on their website, providenceltddesign.com.
Round Top Ready with the Ladies of Providence Ltd.
It’s that time of year again: the sisters are off to Round Top to find all kinds of things, both for our retail store and for clients!
This time we are asking YOU to give us YOUR shopping list and let us search for you.
Let’s take a look at some of the awesome finds from past trips.
We always find really unique, cool, old doors. Many of which we have built into clients’ homes as fully functional doors.
We love when we stumble across any old architectural elements.
We use them in our designs all the time. Hanging on a wall, sitting on a console; we even take fragments and make them into a one-of-a-kind piece. Like these shutters, for instance:
Now look how awesome they are hung on a wall as a base for layering objects on top!
The above shutters were recently purchased from our store and graced the cover of the newest issue of At Home in Arkansas! How much fun to imagine all the places these old shutters have been before.
Maybe you are in need of a new piece of furniture for that special spot in your home?
We found this piece at Round Top and it ended up in a client’s Breakfast Room.
We find some great pieces for that small spot, like benches for extra seating.
Maybe you don’t need furniture, but you’re still in luck: we find some of the coolest accessories and wall hanging pieces!
We are packing our bags and making our list, but there is still time. Send us your shopping list and you never know what we might find! HAHA
To contact us…
Providence Design Store (ask for Zac) – 501-372-1886
or email [email protected]
Be sure to come and check out our finds on October 23rd from 5-8 at our Anniversary Party, located at our retail store…
Providence Design
2212 Cantrell Road
Little Rock, AR 72202
Are you Round Top Ready?
Providence Design is Mona Thompson and Talena Ray, a sister duo who are antiques dealers and interior designers. Learn more about them on their website, providenceltddesign.com.
From Providence Design: Layering for Impact
Country French, Fall/Winter 2011
We love the idea of layering special objects together for even more impact. May it be a pair of old shutters with an antique mirror, or hanging art on bookshelves, the options are endless. Layering objects together really brings focus to the space, and the particular object. It is also a great way to add depth to an otherwise flat object. These images really get us thinking.
Design by Michelle Nussbaumer (from the book Domestic Art: Curated Interiors by Holly Moore)
Look at how much more interesting the art layered on top of the fabric is.
Design by Providence Design
In a powder bath we added interest, and dimension by layering the rock wall with an iron piece and mounting a mirror onto the iron. A starburst mirror on a wall of windows really turned up the volume in this living room, not to mention the fabulous architectural fragment attached to a wooden panel. Below an otherwise average mirror was taken over the top by adding a second mirror.
Design by Providence Design
House Beautiful magazine
House & Home magazine
A simple yet awesome idea is to hang your favorite art on your bookshelves. What a great way to get a fabulous and personal look.
Elle Decor magazine
So what do you think? Are you as excited about layering objects as we are?
from the ladies of Providence Design: things we love…outdoor spaces
Sunshine and fresh air energizes us. Everyone wants to spend more time outdoors and so these “outdoor rooms” as they are often called have become an important extension of our homes. This is no longer a trend…it’s the way we live.
From the first image that we designed ourselves through all the other images we’ve collected for future inspiration…we hope to inspire you as well to make the most of all of youroutdoor spaces from the front porch to the back…Enjoy!
Design by Providence Ltd.
Barry Dixon Traditional Home
Architectural Digest
How about a sleeping porch? Wouldn’t that be nice?!
Some of the very best “outdoor rooms” are only partially covered or not covered at all…
Trisha Troutz in At Home in Arkansas
Architectural Digest June 2011
House Beautiful
Architectural Digest April 2012
Don’t forget the front porch…or side yard…
House & Home Showhome 2010: Lynda Reeves, Gordon Ridgely, builder PCM and landscape designer Ronald Holbrook
Medfield Architects & Designers David Sharff Architect, P.C.
Outdoor living is the best…now is the time to start dreaming and making plans to expand your home by moving outside as well.
Any plans in sight? We would love to hear about them.
It’s your turn. Let’s talk!
Learn more about the ladies behind Providence Design by visiting their Website, providenceltddesign.com!
And the November cover winner is… 9.29.10
Thanks to all our friends and fans who commented on our blog and Facebook page and voted for their favorite cover for the November issue. Both of the lovely choices are from a feature on interior designer Mona Thompson’s (of Providence Ltd.) own home. And the winner is…..
Of the 157 votes we received, 94 were in favor of this option, noting how inviting the open doors and roaring fire looked. And since we’re in Arkansas, we can spend our Novembers on the patio!
Those is favor of the living room shot…no worries, we’re running a beautiful full page image as the story intro.
Thanks for voting!
At Home for the Holidays with Providence Ltd.
Our very talented friend and interior designer Mona Thompson of Providence Ltd. Interior Design continues to charm us with her casual elegance. (We featured her home on the cover of our November issue.) And her holiday style is just as we imagined: beautiful yet cozy. Below she shares a few design ideas, plus tips on hosting a holiday get-together and a delicious recipe to warm up a Sunday dinner party. All you have to do is add friends and family.
PS- Donât forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a year-long subscription to At Home in Arkansas magazine! Click here for details, and to see our month-long Holiday Guest Blogger Series schedule.
It doesn’t matter if you are dreaming of a White Christmas or longing for more traditional season colors to decorate your home, our Holiday Designs are always inspired by nature.
This table setting was featured in House Beautiful last year and is Drama Plus. The masses of white flowers artfully arranged in the carved out Birch is amazing. Actually this is a very simple idea that could be achieved using a variety of materials for a very different look.
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snowâ¦If only it would, I’d hunker down somewhere in this house and never leave. Lisa Luby Ryan of Dallas is one of our very favorite designers. Her shop is a must see when in Dallas. You can visit her here.
Obviously this entire home is drop dead gorgeous, but notice the small details in the holiday decorations that make it extra special. Many would not be that hard to incorporate somewhere in your own home, such as the jar attached to a tree limb with wire and filled with water and fresh flowers. How fun would this be to do for a special party? It wouldn’t have to be an entire tree either. You could add these to a wreath or garland.
Another example of a similar idea. I added these rustic wire lanterns filled with battery operated wax candles I found at Park Hill Home into my tree this year. They cast a magical glow along with the tiny white lights at night. You cannot tell that they are not real.
Entrances are very important. Simple but welcoming is the very best.
Tablescapes are always a challenge. Your mantels and tree may not change much from year to year but it’s always fun to come up with something different for the table.
I opted to mix boxwood, pinecones and berries in my dining room this year. I plan to get creative with these wire napkin holders from Our Shop.
We usually host several small gatherings during the holiday season. I can attach a placecard or a small gift similar to the ornament shown here.
For larger gatherings, we normally choose to do a buffet setting rather than seated dinner. Guests always seem to enjoy this.
Speaking of Entertaining, for those of you who follow us, you’re already familiar with our Sunday Suppers. I’m sure we’ll do some Sunday holiday entertaining this year. Those dinners are always cozy and casual. A hearty soup is always a crowd pleaser, so we’ll try this recipe for Loaded Baked Potato Soup from my friend Yvonne over at Stone Gable. She tests, and retests, every recipe and they are always delicious.
STONEGABLE LOADED BAKED POTATO SOUP
10 baking potatoes
2/3 cup butter
3 ribs celery, diced
2/3Â cup grated carrots
8 green onions, sliced (use green parts too)
1 cup flour
12 cups milk
2 lbs thick sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
3-4 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese (I use 4)
16 oz. plain Greek yogurt
salt
pepper
freshly grated nutmeg, a couple of good grates~ dash
6 hard boiled eggs, cooled, peeled and chopped in medium pieces
Bake potatoes. Cool, peel and cut into medium size chunks.
In a large stock pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add celery and carrots and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add green onions and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
Add 1 cup of flour and stir. Cook and stir for 4 minutes. Add milk and whisk. Cook, stirring occasionally until it bubbles. Watch the pot so you do not scorch the milk. Add potatoes and bacon. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Add cheese, Greek yogurt, salt, pepper and nutmeg. When cheese melts and Greek yogurt is incorporated add hard boiled eggs. If the soup is too thick more milk can be added. We love it thick!!!!!
Garnish and serve.
Whatever your plans for decorating and entertaining this Holiday Season, I wish you the very best. As long as you include plenty of family and friends, whatever you do will be a huge success.
autumn is so delicious
There’s something about the way Mona Thompson (of Providence Ltd. Interior Design) writes and the images that she chooses that leaves us moved with every post! Thank goodness it’s finally almost fall, because we can’t wait to set an inviting table and share a delicious, warming meal with our friends and family a la Mona’s post today. These recipes (and tabletop decor) are to-die-for!
Sunday Supper is a popular series on our design blog.
Probably because we all love to share a good recipe… and an inviting table draws everyone in…
Everyone……
 Aren’t you ready for the new season…the cooler weather and all the changes that come with it?
Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.
~Albert Camus
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It’s time to change the menu too…
A great little appetizer…
Cheese Bread With Herbs
Or how about this?
Roasted Pears With Goat Cheese and Pine NutsÂ
Anything with pasta…
Farfalle With Mushrooms and Spinach
And the perfect ending…
You choose…
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Just need to set the table…
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The vines are loosing their leaves as the others are changing colors..Add some mums or a few pumpkins for the perfect fall setting…Will be gorgeous with the turquoise blue.
Just the simple things…autumn is sooo delicious!
It’s your turn. Let’s talk!
Images via Things That Inspire, Google, Country Living, Pinterest, A Book of Secrets
fall entertaining with providence ltd. interior design
The sisters at Providence Ltd. Interior Design, Mona and Talena, not only create spectacular interiors (We’re featuring one of their projects in an upcoming issue… Shhh!), but also have a thriving blog. As with their interiors, they always get it just right with their posts, using eye-catching imagery and inspiring plenty of ideas. One look at his month’s installment of their series with At Home and you’ll get the idea.
Fabulous fall fete, anyone?
At Home’s October issue (available here) is filled with gracious living inspiration. The Sisters are spending our days right now on the details that make a beautiful, yet comfortable fall transition. We’ve gathered even more inspiration to share with you…
So many fun things to do with pumpkins…
It’s also time to change the menu…
We’re craving some heartier fare…
Honey Butter Pork Tenderloin
 For the recipe click here.
Cheesy Corn Bake…
For the recipe click here.
Autumn Chopped Salad
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For the recipe click here.
And good old Texas sheetcake…
 For the recipe click here.
It’s time to ditch the pink flowers and bring in the mums…here and there we like to change out pillows too…
Pottery Barn has some really great inexpensive options..
If you follow us you know that we just love to set a pretty table…we try our best to please everyone…
Or maybe something a little less formal…
Life is busy…let’s not allow that to crowd out all the little things that define gracious living…
Until next time…
It’s your turn. Let’s talk!
Images via Decor de Provence, Splenderosa, Party Resources, Pretty Pink Tulips, Pinterest, Cuteoverload.com