Willow House Weekly Deals

Harvest Colors 7 Piece Dish

Need a hostess gift for Thanksgiving? This is a deal not to be missed! This 7 piece set is only $16.96 this week in the outlet, and would be a great hostess gift, or just a little treat for yourself!

Like a still life of autumn leaves, this stunning ceramic set will enliven any table it alights upon. Includes a slender serving platter in walnut brown, a trio of sculpted bowls in a pumpkin orange and cabbage green, and three tiny serving spoons. Microwave and dishwasher safe. Platter: 17.5" * 5.25" Bowls: 6" * 4.5" and 5" * 4.5" Spoons: 4.5" L.

Santorini Candlestands

These candlestands are beautiful! At only $9.96 for the set of two, I'm going to pick up some for gifts as well! Warm colors and clean lines make these display pieces perfect any time of year. Candlestands have indentions for 3" or 4" pillar candles. Candles not included. Line candlestands for use with food. Set of two; one of each size. :: 5" diameter x 4" tall; 5" diameter x 6 3/4" tall.

Below, the French Wire Tiered Stand is great on its own for fall treats, but take it apart and pair with the candlestands above to make a fabulous fall tablescape!

Don't leave the outlet without adding this little gem to your cart! This Textured Metal Decorative Tray is a great accent for any time of year in your home. Use it on your kitchen table, the mantle, or on your cocktail table or ottoman. Line it with parchment paper or a napkin and serve treats!

Happy Shopping!

My first "Market Day"

Well, this past weekend was my very first experience having a booth at a craft fair. I learned a lot, and thought I would share a few photos, and some of my "growing pains" with you!

This was a photo of my "display" that I took Friday night while I was setting up. Not everything is finished here... I had not yet hung the burlap banners and no candles were lit, but you get the general idea. I built that backdrop. It was 2 x 4's and a piece of foam insulation. The tabletop is a hollow core door I use as a desktop at home, and I stapled the burlap to it to form a skirt. It was heavy and nearly impossible to transport...

This was the picture I took after it fell out of the back of the truck and I somehow (by myself) got it back in, as my neighbors are driving by rubbernecking... it was NOT a fun experience!

I worked really hard to get enough hand-made items ready for this event, and afterwards, I was totally exhausted! I'm guessing that since this was my first one, as time goes on, I will have a better stock to pull from, and won't have to work my lil fingers to the bone right before!

I am working on getting everything photographed, and listed on my etsy page. So that hopefully I can generate some sales there too! :)

I've also updated some albums on my Classy Columbus Designs Facebook page.

I also set up a table for my Willow House business, and made a lot of great contacts with that!

I was set up in my own classroom and was able to really spread out and have a few tables instead of just one or two. I think though, next year I will request to be in the main worship center where most of the vendors were and activity took place.

I even had enough room for an all Halloween table!

So, what lessons did I learn?

1. Get more portable displays. That backdrop was beautiful but did not stand up well to being transported and was heavy and akward.

2. Utilize vertical display more! I loved my shelving, but didn't take into consideration hanging my wreaths very well. They didn't show like I would have liked them to.

3. Try to keep everything eye-level and above. I noticed that the memo boards I had sitting on the floor didn't get much attention.

4. Network with other vendors! (I made some great contacts and learned a lot from the other ladies there!)

5. Do a giveaway for Willow House. I did this, and collected a lot of email addresses to use in marketing in the future!

6. Go in with no expectations, and you won't be disappointed!

I plan on doing at least a few more of these this fall, but am going to try and coordinate it a little better with my husband's schedule. I ended up having to pay a babysitter which was a little costly, considering that this was an all day event, and I paid her from 7:30am to 4:30pm!

Hope you enjoyed my photos and maybe you can learn a little from my "growing pains"! Have you done any market days? What was your experience?

Weekly Willow House Outlet Deal

It's been a while since I've posted anything about Willow House, but after taking a little break, I am getting back to selling again! I was checking out my Willow House Outlet just now and found a few deals that I'm not going to pass up, and thought you might want to check them out too!

This Estate Basket is a great deal at just $9.97

With the Holidays coming up, I am going to grab this great deal for all of my fall tablescaping!

The Old Taylor Tiered Stand is a great value at 40% off!

For all of that entertaining, space on my buffet tables is at a premium, so I think I'm going to add this to my order too!

The Double Dish Casserole Stand at $21.96 is over 50% off and is something that you will use for years to come!

And, last but not least, at this price, I'm going to get a few to have on hand as gifts for holidays!

$7.96? What a great deal on the Napa Rectangular Trivet!

I hope you will visit my Willow House Outlet and Website and take a look around!

Email Me if you have any questions!

Outlet Shopping at its Best!

I just love my new Willow House Outlet Store! Each week, on Monday, the items that are marked at outlet pricing are updated, and this week is very exciting!

Check out all of the awesome items at over 70% off!

6 QT Stainless Steel Stockpot with Lid

$157.96    $34.96    78% off!

Don't let the smooth, gleaming exterior fool you. Our exclusive stainless steel collection can stand the heat of the kitchen!

With its unique 5-ply construction, our cookware combines the superior heat-conducting properties of pure aluminum and aluminum alloy at the core with 18/10 stainless steel interiors and exteriors for beauty and ease of cleanup. The result? Even and consistent heat through the bottoms and sides of pans-perfect for browning, braising, boiling, sauteing, steaming-even flambeing! Stainless steel will retain its beauty and luster. Stay-cool stainless steel handles are permanently riveted to the pans.

Stainless steel lid fits snugly. Ideal for gas, electric, or ceramic cooking surfaces. Saute pans have "helper" loops for easy lifting. Oven and dishwasher safe.

Panini Grill & Press

$99.96    $28.96    71% off

Focaccia with roasted peppers, mozzarella, and basil. Ciabatta with chicken, fontina, and aioli sauce. In Italy, passions run high about what makes the perfect panini.

Whatever fillings your family favors, everyone will agree that our panini grill and press make the most delizioso sandwich they've ever eaten. The enameled cast iron exterior is tough - safe for gas, electric, and ceramic-topped ranges. The easy-care matte black interior requires no seasoning and is terrific for preparing chops, grilled veggies, and more!

11" x 11" grilling surface.

Italian Planter Set

$89.96     $24.96     72% off!

To think of these as simply planters is to seriously sell them short. With their distressed, faux leather finish they make a spectacular centerpiece filled with flowers and greenery. Lined with a napkin, they're the most extravagant breadbasket imaginable. Of course, you could just use them as planters! (Not watertight, so please make sure plants are appropriately potted.) 10", 11.5", and 12.5" diameter. (set of three)

Abingdon Wine Rack

$79.95     $19.96     75% off

This piece really shines on a buffet! Serve bread and wine to guests, or use stove-side as a rack for olive oils and vinegars. The brushed stainless steel of our Astoria and Windsor Collections coordinates perfectly. Holds up to six bottles of wine. (14 1/4" x 7 1/2" x 14" tall)

Jackson Square Mirror

$129.95    $34.96    73% off

Jazz up traditional décor with our unique mirror, inspired by the creative community of New Orleans. We chose a square shape so you can have some fun: hang it as a diamond or a square, display several mirrors side by side, or add a ribbon and a wreath of greenery at the center. Hanging hardware allows for display as a diamond or a square. (23" square x 1 1/2" thick)

These are just a few of the amazing deals going on this week at my Online Willow House Outlet!

Don't miss out on these great products!

Yummmm.... French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup is one of my hubby's favorite dishes, and ever since I recived my Willow House Gail Pittman Alfresco Small Servers I knew that these were perfect for the soup!

I got the recipe from Pam at The Thrifty Things and you can see her original post HERE.

French Onion Soup

Ingredients

4 Large White Onions, thinly sliced
1/3 Cup butter
24 oz Beef Broth
1 cup Chicken Broth
12 oz Water
3 Tablespoons Flour
2 Tablespoons Ketchup
2 Teaspoons Salt
2 Teaspoons Ground Black Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon Thyme
1 Large Clove Crushed Garlic
Dash of Cayenne Pepper

Extra ingredients for Toppings-

Asiago Cheese and Parmesan Cheese, either thinly sliced or shaved. Large croutons either homemade, or purchased.

(Here's what I used- Smoked Provolone Cheese, Publix brand sliced and a loaf of pumpernickel bread that I cubed and toasted in the oven - photos below)

Directions:

In a large saucepan,on medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and saute until dark brown and caramelized. Next add the remaining ingredients, and stir until well combined. Bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered, for 20-30 minutes. Stirring occasionally. Serve topped with the croutons and the cheese.

Makes approximately 2 quarts.
I ladled the soup into the small servers and added the bread cubes and then topped with 3 slices of cheese. I know that sounds like a lot, but we like it cheesy! I then put them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes at 350 to melt the cheese. They turned out perfect!

Yummy onions sauteing in my stockpot (and yes, it only has one handle, but it's such a perfect size I can't get rid of it!)

Starting to simmer with all the ingredients added

Pumpernickel loaf - had I thought about it ahead of time, I would have cut out the middle and made a bread bowl, but it was too late, I cut off the end. Note to self for next time!

I toasted these in the oven at 350 for about 5 minutes or so. They were pretty hard when I pulled them out, but they were perfect to put in the soup. I didn't want them too mushy.

This is after I topped them with the three slices of Smoked Provolone and popped in the oven at 350 for 10-15 minutes.

We enjoyed this on a cold, rainy Sunday afternoon, and they were delicious! I am going to get myself a few more of these small servers and plan this as the first course for my next dinner party. Stay tuned!

Start your own business for just $99!

That's right! Willow House has just announced that they will offer the Mini Starter Kit this Spring for just $99! This is an amazing way to start your own home-based business that offers not only beautiful items for your home, but also gives you the power of e-commerce!

Our parties have never been larger or more fun, and we’ve never had more exciting news to share. With our first online Boutique right around the corner and our community style sharing sites soon to follow, we’re filled with excitement and can’t wait to share our enthusiasm with you!

We’ve included several of our most popular products — they never fail to draw ooh’s and aah’s from customers, and they’ll look great in any home!

With Willow House, YOUR future begins today!

EMAIL ME for more info!

Ring in the New Year with some Fresh, New Decor!

I can't tell you how excited I am about all the new Willow House products! Here is a little sneak peek, and btw, the month of January is DOUBLE Hostess Rewards, so let me know if you want more info on earning FREE and super cheap beautiful goodies from Willow House!

Here's my favie new scene from the Spring Catalog

There are some amazing products in here that will give your room this look, and here they are:

Lady Jane Bottleneck Vases: Small & Large

I'm addicted to these statement vases, modeled after classic demijohn bottles used in wine making. Fantastic with flowers or branches, they can’t be beat as stand-alone pieces. Our stylists love adding them to every room for extra shine and a hint of color — bring them into your home and explore the possibilities

Next, the Coronado Stone Pedestal

Bring the outdoors in by adding bright sea glass or rustic driftwood to the hurricane, or display the pedestal outdoors to add a bit of sophistication to your outdoor garden party. Pedestal is made of real stone with a textured whitewashed finish. Removable glass has a bottom and can hold water.

Embroidered Scroll and Stripe Pillow in Khaki and Sky

Stripes on one side, gorgeous crewelwork scrolling on the other — you’ll love this pillow! Coordinates with our Scrollwork Oversized Throw. Included insert is removable.

Scrollwork Oversized Throw: Chocolate and Sky

Snuggle up in style — soft chenille comes in rich chocolate accented by cool sky blue. We designed this to be a foot longer than standard size to be extra cozy. Plus, it’s reversible, so you can have fun with the color!

Last, but certainly not least, is the brand new, Chancellor Mirror

Simply gorgeous. Our French-inspired, hand-finished mirror boasts a distressed pewter finish with silver foil accents that add just the right amount of shine. Can be hung vertically or propped against a wall horizontally. 23" x 31"

Thanksgiving Table: One Stop Shopping!

Have you started thinking about your Thanksgiving table yet? I have, believe me! For those of you out there who want to have a fabulous table, and don't want to have to make a million stops, or spend a million bucks, I'm going to put it all together for you right here!

Visit http://www.alison.willowhouse.com/ to see full details on everything shown below, as well as to buy anything you just can't resist!

First, welcome your guests with a festive fall wreath, hung on our beautiful Mix and Match Wreath Hanger. The fantastic thing about this, is that the mix part is the reindeer shown in the upper left corner, and you can keep this up right through Christmas! Low maintenance, I love it!

Next, some goodies to keep your guests satisfied while you put the finishing touches on dinner. What better than a chilled glass of white wine and some bread with oil? Serve your wine in our Entertaining Bucket with Tray and your bread on our Napa Tray. And who doesn't love the smell of fresh baked bread? But who has the time? Especially with preparing Thanksgiving dinner! Add a few bread mixes to your cart to serve that day, and have on hand for other entertaining throughout the holiday season!

Napa Tray

Entertaining Bucket

For your centerpiece, try our Italian Ruffle Footed Bowl and fill it with Indian Corn, pumpkins and gourds, or leaves. You can also use it as a serving piece, because it's ceramic, you can throw this baby in the dishwasher! Yay for easy clean up!

For the main course, you'll want to serve it up on something absolutely divine, so why not go with our Tuscan Sage Tray and Stand? The sage green is perfect for the festive fall feel, and the handles on the side make transport from kitchen counter to table a breeze! This is also an outlet item, so at almost 50% off, you can't beat it!

Last but not least, serve up thost yummy pies in a dish that goes from oven to table to freezer with ease! The Alfresco Deep Dish Pie Plate is sure to work for all your dessert needs. I doubt it will even make it to the freezer once your guests get to dig into your fabulous treats!  Or, make ahead and freeze right in the dish! Time savings at its best.

As always, feel free to contact me to place an order for or ask questions about anything you see here!

Or, visit My Willow House Website to shop online!

Football Food gets stylish!

Yes, football season is now in full swing, and what better to do than hang out with some friends and watch a lil' football? And who says you can't make it stylish? I made some yummy jalapeno corn dip today in my beautiful Cinnabar Baker from Willow House. Look below for the recipe.

The Cinnabar Collection has several beautiful pieces and here are just a few:



Cinnabar Baker




Cinnabar Square Casserole

 This stoneware casserole brings a red-hot pop to your tabletop. Dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer and oven safe to 450°.



Cinnabar Footed Server

 A stack of apples looks festive in our ruffled-edge crimson server. It’s perfect as a countertop fruit bowl, and it’s a buffet-line favorite! This collection also includes Small, Medium and Large Canisters. Nothing spreads comfort and cheer like a hot cup of tea and pretty flowers. Use them every day for flour and sugar, coffee cookies or tea, and break them out for decorating and entertaining on special occasions. Our canisters come complete with air-tight seals and brushed metal fleur-de-lis finials.



Cinnabar Vase

You’ll be tempted to make this your go-to vase. The round shape, ruby color and hand-brushed ruffled edge make it special. Its size — large enough for a bouquet but pretty with a single stem — makes it convenient!

Ok, now for the recipe!

Jalapeno Corn Dip

2 cans of Mexicorn
1 cup of Mayo
1 shredded bag of Parmesean cheese
1 bar of Pepperjack cheese, shredded
2 jalepenos, chopped

Directions:
Shred Pepperjack bar and combine all ingredients. You can add even more peppers... up to 3-4 jalepenos and 1 cayenne. I also sometimes add some chopped sweet red pepper too!

Bake in oven at 400 for about 50 minutes. Serve with tostitos or corn chips.
 
Some prep photos:


Ingredients - Parmesean Cheese, Mayo, PepperJack Cheese, and Mexicorn



Ooooo! Jalapeno's!



Mix it all together - too easy!