I have always been amazed by the sheer number of good, interesting folks that populate our world; they are there at every turn.  What's hard is finding time to get acquainted.  Don't be shy, ask them over and share the wealth that fellowship offers!  Stir them into your mix of friends and assume the best.   Easter is upon us - what better time than this to make room for one (two or seven) more at your table?

First, forget about the limitations of your dining table.  Plan to pull out your light weight folding tables and chairs.  If you don't already have some, they are inexpensive and well worth storing for occasions like this. Yes, they are less than lovely, but are just the ticket for an expanded guest list. Then call around to your favorite people, and get the guest list rolling.  Plan a menu of spring time favorites:  spiced iced tea, excellent cheeses, deviled eggs, a Mexican shrimp and avocado dish, carrot salad, and a nice ham from "Ham I Am".  I usually ask my guests to bring desserts or finger food to keep things Interesting. 

Next, get out the brooms and brush down the entire porch, ceiling to deck, eradicating all signs of red wasps and winter webs! Fill planters and vases with potted plants (be sure to select plants that will later grace your garden like dianthus and lilies) and lively bouquets.  Line the tables end to end on the porch or in your garden and dress the them with your favorite textiles- a variety of style and texture can be fun on a day that is traditionally celebrated with so much color. 

 Set a buffet with some of your family treasures.  I am particularly fond of the hand finished pewter that I received as wedding gifts.  Pewter gets a lot more use at my house than almost anything else, as it requires almost no care, and looks so beautiful.   Mix your colorful ceramics into the equation to add to the fun.

When guests arrive, oversee or delegate introductions for new comers, an all important feature of broadening your mix of friends, for sure.  Before you know it, the afternoon is full of good conversation, good food, and good fun.    Enjoy!

For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to the beautifully hand painted majolica pottery from the Gorky Gonzales family of Guanajuato, Mexico.  Traveling with my family to San Miguel in the late 50’s, I was dazzled by  the beautiful  designs in Mediterranean colors of cobalt blue, green, rust and yellow painted over oyster-crème colored glaze – so very different from the rather dull porcelain “everyday” china that I was accustomed to at home.  These plates had colorful leafy borders with rabbits, foxes and deer in the centers; I could not believe my great good fortune that even kids were allowed to use it!   Little did I know then that Mr. Gonzales, widely known as just “Gorky”, was a world famous ceramicist, or that I would collect his work for most of my life!

Today, Americans have wised up to the wonderful offerings for our tables from abroad.  We have come to value that which our eyes see day after day and are willing to deviate from the usual big box store fare to seek out something different and special for our families.   The good news is that the Gonzales family is still producing the high quality pottery that it was known for way-back-then.   When I was shopping a few years ago for my store, River House in Wimberley , I visited the Gorky studio in Guanajuato to verify their standards for myself.  This company, now managed by Gorky Gonzales Jr., is still decorating and firing its terracotta clay to the highest standards on the market - all food safe and FDA approved for sale in the US.  While they now have some modern designs, the wonderful traditional Gorky designs are still my favorites.  Whether you like a motif with charros, birds, deer or simply floral designs, Gorky’s artisans can put various borders and center designs together to delight each person at your table.  Seeing a table laid with delightful Gorky dinnerware continues to make me hungry (for Mexican food!) and warms the cockles of my heart!

"Delightful" is the word for the switchable/changeable features of some of today's most creative ladies' accessories. Spatial and financial economy may be what initially draws customers to these products, but "fun" is what keeps them coming back for more.  With our Lindsay Phillips shoes and Miché bags, River House customers are having a blast!

Lindsay Phillips’s great looking Switchflops evolved from a highschooler’s art project into a ridiculously comfortable line of thong sandals with colorful, switchable straps; she also offers cute ballet flats and heels with a wide variety of switchable snaps.  From tailored to the blingiest of bling, there are styles for all tastes.

Swichflops          Ballet 

The Miché bag is great because you can change the entire style of your hand bag by simply changing the magnetic “shell” (or outsides) of the bag.  Forget all of the time and hassle of transferring your things for one bag to another; with Miché you can have a new look in 3 seconds or less!  Three sizes of Miché “base” bags and over 50 shells in every style imaginable are available to our customers. Even the stylish bag handles are switchable!

   

The reasonable price-points and space-saving qualities of both lines make Lindsay Phillips and Miché shoes and accessories perfect for avid travelers and fashion plates of all ages!  Check out selections at SWITCHFLOPS.COM  and MICHEBAG.COM.  Call (512-847-7009) or email us ( info@riverhousewimberley.com ) and River House will be happy to send you any items that suit your fancy from either line.

With our wedding chapels, rivers and glorious hill country views, folks are flocking in for a visit.  Yes, living in God's country means being a favorite destination for friends and niňitos, and I love it. However, with busy schedules all around, planning ahead for a good time to visit can be challenging.  And as much as we may revere old fashioned hosting ways, and enjoy romping around this blessed countryside, the prospect of inserting 2-3 days of entertaining into the calendar can be overwhelming.  From their perspective, friends and kids often find a few days open, but hate to "impose on short notice".   Ah, a dilemma!  Perhaps it is time to move away from the traditional vision of what having house guests means.  Rather than looking at the prospect of guests from an antiquated perspective- which means that we should clear our schedules completely in order to spend every minute entertaining and squiring our guests- why not adopt a more user friendly attitude?  Why not put everyone at ease?  Think about your own comfort zone, and plan accordingly. 

Rather than miss a chance to visit, I have issued a standing invitation to my own crew. All they have to do is call, and if I have a free bed, it is theirs.  If this sounds like a bed and breakfast, it sort of is. It works very well for me, and sets the tone for the visit itself, saying- relax, take it easy, and welcome to a self-serve little piece of heaven. If this approach sounds appealing to you, then as the scouts say- be prepared: 

• Stock as many staples as you can, including bottled water, and other beverages.  We have an extra fridge in the garage for this purpose.
• Freeze caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees and some great bread or rolls, just in case as breakfast is likely to be your first meal together.
• Keep guest rooms, baths and daybeds ready, with clean sheets towels soap etc. Doing this just after the space is vacated works best for me.
• Make time for the Grocery or farmers' market right before arrival.
• Keep directions handy to restaurants, shopping destinations, golf courses and scenic hill country venues.  Send them off on a fun adventure- they will have many tales to tell over dinner.

And last but not least, be sure to keep a table on the porch clear of debris and ready for company.  Relax, and enjoy your visit!

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Life feels so much greater when there is a spring in our step.  It is time to wake up, get moving, and let ourselves be gratified!  We all have tasks that are MUSTS, so let's take care of these first, and quickly. Keep things simple and forward moving.   Put the things that you like to do least at the top of the list, dispatch them with haste and feel great about it.  Tidy up the house, file all those tax papers, ready the porch for company and move on. Success is the ticket!

Nothing feels better or gives one more energy than lending a helping hand: let ourselves be relied upon.  Offer a few hours each week to others.  Talking heads promise that "getting out of ourselves" by helping others can bring great rewards, and I can see that it's true.  I have never met such delightful people as those who serve so generously here in the Texas Hill Country, and they have so much fun doing it!  Our community offers myriad opportunities to keep things moving in a positive direction.  Helping at The Village Store on behalf of The EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens, for example, generates real dollars to the heart of our community.  The Crisis Bread Basket and our library's literacy programs also come to mind. Sign up, suit up and show up.   Just do it if only for a few hours- we can see that every little bit truly does help.

And lastly, enjoy this gorgeous Spring with folks you have been meaning to ask over.  Pick up the phone and get things rolling.  Maybe start (out of doors, of course) with a tangy martini or tart lemonade. Salty almonds and tomato-basil pesto brochette might be tasty.  Serve a generous, crunchy shrimp salad (there are some great, quick recipes available online), sour dough toasts with aged gouda cheese, and fresh grilled mixed squash with fresh dill.    Top it off with lemon meringue pie.  Yes, let's step right up to life this Spring - we'll all be glad we did!

Our waterways are running at full tilt and spring buds are beginning to burst forth. How long must we wait to play in the fresh water rivers and creeks?  How many garden centers must we bypass waiting for the proper time to plant?   I can just taste the fresh lettuce, spinach and radishes that I plan to serve to my guests this spring!  While we wait for the waters and soils to warm, there is still plenty we can be doing.  Now is the time to plan and prepare our kitchen gardens and to clean kayaks and tubes.  It is the perfect time to think about what can be done to get our outdoor environments ready for warm weather fun!

The winter months were harder than usual on our outdoor living spaces, with winds whipping juniper pollen here and yon, and temperatures varying wildly.  Our furniture and fabrics have taken a beating, and many usually winter-hardy plants have been horribly damaged.  All in all, some action is definitely necessary before company comes!

Cleaning and shifting things around will work miracles in outdoor areas. Take the space down to bare bones, removing clutter and faded pillows. Put all pots off to one side and nurse or replace the damaged plants.  Be sure to prepare at least a few containers that could be used handily indoors when needed.  Clean everything from the top of the porch to the ground, then stand back and take a long look at the area.   Shift the furniture, even a bit, to give a fresh feel.  Look at your colors and freshen your fabrics.  Where would a blast of blue or another new color be a blessing?  Haul it, pot it and place it!  

Now that you have done your part, sit back and let nature do the rest; spring should be cherished for the sheer simplicity of it all.  Without any direction from us, the Hill Country blooms and this year may be a doozy!  Invest in some lovely teas, grow a little mint, and get ready for the magic of spring!

Do you have charm bracelets tucked away?  Well I do:  Mine, my mama's and my grandmother's.  I thought that collecting charms was a thing of my distant past, but as my oldest granddaughter approaches her teen years, I have occasion to think again!   Looking around, I am impressed by the innovative cable bracelets and bead charms on the market today (SilveRado is my fave) in sterling, gold, Morano glass and crystal.  They are a quieter and less likely to snag fabrics than the bracelets of old- huge plusses!   With my interest reawakened, I also became curious about where and why charm collecting  began.

 

Considered a necessity by the people of ancient Egypt, charms were collected and worn as protective talismans during life, and served as identity markers in the afterlife.  Around the world, people of different cultures have followed similar practices for health, religious and social reasons.  But during the Victorian era, as the public became more educated and superstition waned, charms began to be used in another way altogether- as decoration!  Queen Victoria herself set the style by wearing multiple charm bracelets laden with photo charms of her children, Prince Albert's watch fob, etc, and the fashion took off!  As the trend gained momentum, charms began to be mass produced in more affordable materials and were attainable by the general public in 14K gold, sterling silver and gilded pot metal.  During the wars of the 20th Century, soldiers searched for bracelets and commemorative charms for their sweethearts back home. Cities, vacation destinations, special events and popular icons commissioned charms for sale to the public, and collecting became a heartfelt pass-time for millions. One at a time, carefully chosen- what fun!

 

My original bracelet is loaded with charms signifying my birth, my teen loves and my early travels.  I love it.  Now I will collect for my new bracelet and for my granddaughter (yes one for you and one for me).  How fun is that?  Thank you, Charmed! 

Now that River House is well into Christmas, I turn my attention to my home - yikes - " the cobbler's children . . . !"  After looking the holiday décor in my retail store for several weeks, it is hard to think about more.  But grandchildren are coming and it's time to persevere! 

 

In an effort to rekindle enthusiasm for decorating at home, my mind wanders back to the family gatherings of my childhood.  I recall my childish awe:  the meaning of Christmas, heartfelt and warm, which still enfolds me every Christmas season. The beauty of it all was splendid  to my young eye!  Decorating began one week before Christmas, and the metamorphosis was astounding; I could not believe that so much effort went into something just for us!  Then there was the food: chili, spice round, divinity and fudge; what could possibly be more wonderful?

 

Now I know that to transform one's home into Christmas can be done with less fanfare than I imagined. Wreaths, tree, ribbon, and stockings are musts.  Keep everything else simple.  In your main room, select one color (red,white, gold, silver, copper, green) to mix lightly Into your regular décor.  Tie ribbon on candlesticks and tray handles - just enough to look festive.  It does not take much to transform the room when a beautiful tree is the focal point. 

 

Make a good pot of chili (put chopped garnishes in baggies) and some spicy pork posole a few days before Christmas, and save it at the back of the fridge.  After the tree, Christmas morning, a big breakfast of eggs, posole, sweet rolls and fruit is appreciated by all; good coffee and hot chocolate rule. Lounge out for the rest of the day, having chili and rice sometime midday, and enjoy all things Christmas!

 

PS - We are very grateful for our loyal patrons and friends, from near and far, who have called and/or come to shop with us at River House this year.  Thank you!

Summer is the time when many of us are apt to cut loose and seek out a little adventure.   I am no exception, and this summer’s adventures were full of surprises!   First, I found that I was scheduled to be half way around the world in Indonesia; yep, Jakarta, two days after the most recent hotel bombings.  I know it sounds crazy, but my youngest son (26), his sweetheart and friend were waiting for me- so what’s a mama to do?  My second surprise came at 3:30am at the San Antonio airport when I found out that the airline had not received payment from Expedia- so after a grueling bunch of phone calls and a day late, I began my journey.  Not knowing how we would be received on Java, my group took sensible precautions and stayed in locally owned, modest hotels. We were pleasantly surprised by how genuinely gracious the people were, Muslim, Christian, Hindu and Buddhist alike, and how clean and welcoming the hotels and public areas were everywhere we went. The bazaars, great (insanely inexpensive) savory meals, and the beaches of Bali made for a delightful adventure in spite of our initial concerns.

Back in Texas, I squired my granddaughters to the annual Wynne Family Reunion held at a lodge on Lake Buchanan.  On our first evening there, while milling around with her cousins and listening to a Cowboy Poet perform, granddaughter Kelsey (9) was struck by a rattle snake. Yes, bitten by a rattle snake, right there on the patio with 40 other people.  We raced to the hospital where anti venom was administered, and were medivaced to Dell Children’s in Austin.  Kelsey is a rock star patient, making a full recovery . OK, terrorist bombings, and rattle snake bites make for a bit too much adventure, even for me!

 Being raised a good Texas Woman, I believe that it is an honor to welcome guests into my home for a drink or a meal. However, many of us, who have moved from bustling big cities where entertaining was a more formal proposition, may now find ourselves on shaky ground when faced with the prospect of hosting friends in our new homes.  "My house is not.......", " I want to wait until I have............",  " I am not confident enough about my cooking".  Do any of these fears sound familiar?
 
Living in the Texas Hill Country affords us a new perspective on entertaining at home.  First of all, having friends in for a meal is a way of life here- not a rare opportunity to be scrutinized.  The purpose for getting together is friendship and conversation.  I have attended a small dinner around the kitchen table, innumerable tasty potlucks, picnics, drinks on the porch, dessert and coffee, dinner for anywhere from 3 to 25 people, seated and buffet.   I even had the pleasure of going to a party where you had to swim across the creek to the cooler for a soda or a glass of wine! 

The most important rule of hosting in one's home is to keep it simple (by your own standards).  Start with something familiar: make a beautiful cheese tray with pears, salty nuts and dried apricots for drinks on your porch; prepare an old family favorite served with a salad and a Wimberley Pie Co pie a la mode; put something beautiful on your buffet or new napkins on the table- something small that pleases you.   I find that the setting, simple or grand, is wonderfully satisfying when the host is in his/her comfort zone. This is a win-win situation for everyone involved!

Don't forget to check out all the fab items at our new webstore, RiverHouseWimberley.com!


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