Step inside any stylish home and you're likely to spot the newest craze in interior design—Moroccan-inspired poufs. Endlessly versatile for both indoor and outdoor use, they can function as an ottoman, stool or side table. We've spotted them all over town, often at approachable prices, in styles ranging from sleek metallic at Z Gallerie to fun, summer-ready stripes at Carriages Ladies Store.
A little greenery goes a long way toward beautifying a room. Terrariums are a hot item, and hanging vessels have elevated the trend. The contents can be varied to suit any taste, and maintenance is minimal. We’ve spied these graceful adornments at many garden shops, including Harb’s Oasis and Red Onion, where this hanging terrarium and air plant sell for $68.
Red Door Interiors has done some late spring cleaning, which means big savings for shoppers at its annual Warehouse Sale. The warehouse, located in the Port Allen Industrial Park at 221 Allendale Drive, is stocked with quality furniture and accessories. The inventory is a mix of overstocked items and antique architectural pieces. In addition, merchandise with slight damage will be sold at attractive discounts, so keep your eyes open for that diamond in the rough. Most items are priced up to 75% off, and the sale runs Friday through Sunday.
Take in some of the regions's most inspiring yards this weekend during the 14th annual Pond & Garden Tour for Charity, slated for Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. This year's tour will benefit Brave Heart Children in Need and Yelp! Baton Rouge. To purchase tickets, call 756-2720 or visit Harb's Oasis on Coursey Boulevard. More information can be found here.
Are you a homeowner on the hunt for new furnishings? If so, take note: right now at Dixon Smith Interiors, you can save big on popular upscale pieces. The store is offering 35% off all Lee Industries Furniture through the end of May. This special applies to in-stock items and custom orders, so the possibilities are endless. Stop by the showroom to view the offerings.
It may be time to throw in the towel on standard terrycloth. Turkish towels—also called peshtemals—are the newest trend in linens, and it's no wonder. The flat-woven towels, traditionally used at Turkish baths, are highly absorbent and dry quickly. They've become popular stateside as the towel of choice in bathrooms and kitchens. Other creative uses include repurposing as a beach towel, shawl or tablecloth. Find them locally at Custom Linens, LD Linens & Décor, or Pottery Barn.
Don't miss a moment of the LSU Hilltop Arboretum's second spring garden tour, A Pastiche of Garden Styles. This alfresco event takes place Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. The collection features numerous styles and design elements from around the globe. Tour the course at your leisure with the map provided—and don't forget to bring a camera to capture inspiring images! Adult admission is $20, but students with ID pay only $5 each to enter. For more information, call 767-6916.
The day to honor moms is around the corner! Execute an easy brunch with a little help. inRegister contributor and trim&TERRIFIC cookbook author Holly Clegg has created a delicious and healthy menu with our readers in mind: Mexican Breakfast Casserole, from her book Too Hot in the Kitchen; Sweet Potato Pancakes with Apple Topping, also from Too Hot in the Kitchen; and Blueberry Muffins with Tropical Streusel Topping, from her Gulf Coast Favorites. For added panache, Clegg says, whip up a batch of fruit smoothies for your group—even tossing in some spinach for an extra antioxidant boost! To read the full feature from the May issue, click
Adults and children alike will gain perspective on how everyday staples arrive in their kitchens at AgMagic! Held Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Parker Coliseum, this LSU AgCenter event will illustrate the fascinating transitions of Louisiana crops through various displays and interactive demonstrations. Exhibits such as "World of Wonder" and "Farm Gate to Dinner Plate" will introduce attendees to the journey of Louisiana agriculture from the fields to their homes. The event is free and open to the public.
Greet the new season with a garden-fresh aroma. Sea + Sparrow hand-poured soy wax candles and vegan soaps contain fragrant essential oils in varieties such as cinnamon and orange and rose clay. These planet-friendly products feature recycled wrapping and are handmade right here in Baton Rouge. Through the end of the month, website shoppers can get 15% off. Find all of the details here.
This weekend, glean some Earth Day inspiration at the Garden District Civic Association’s annual Tour of Sustainable Homes and Gardens. The tour takes place Saturday from 2 until 5 p.m. and will include six homes of various styles, including bungalows, a craftsman and a cottage. Each home was selected to highlight the owner’s efforts to minimize environmental impact and increase efficiency—by conserving energy, growing their own food, and reducing waste. In addition to hearing from the residents themselves, tour participants will have the opportunity to learn from industry professionals including Jeff Shaw of Gulf South Solar, energy auditor Mike Thibodeaux, and organic gardening expert Carl Motsenbocher, professor of horticulture at LSU. Compost bins and rain barrels will be raffled off and up for sale at select tour homes. For more details, visit the association website
The annual spring sale at HOME Rogers & McDaniel has been extended through Saturday. This can't-miss event encompasses items from across the showroom, including upholstery, antiques, lighting and garden accessories. Some of the inventory is discounted 70%, so hurry in for the best selection. Shoppers can also find savings this weekend at Red Door Interiors, as the entire store inventory is 20% off through Sunday.
LD Linens & Décor has done some spring cleaning, which means shoppers stand to benefit in a big way. The Southdowns Village store is hosting a Sidewalk Sale Friday and Saturday. Come take a close look at wonderfully discounted merchandise from around the store, including unique home accents, gifts, fabric and luxurious bedding.
Is your backyard in shape for spring and summer? If not, we've spied a noteworthy sale on outdoor accoutrements. Currently, Sabine Pools & Spas is offering a 20% discount on outdoor furniture. The price reduction applies to Sabine's entire stock—dining tables, chairs, umbrellas and accent pieces, to name a few—in materials from cast aluminum to wicker.
Fun will be had in spades at the East Baton Rouge Master Gardeners Annual Plant Sale, slated for next weekend at Burden Center. The sale is open April 13, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., and April 14, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Choose from hundreds of plant and flower varieties—daylilies, hibiscus, hanging baskets, figs and blueberries, to name just a few. Browse the sale, glean information from LSU AgCenter master gardeners, and help your children pot their very own plant. For more information, click here.
Set your spring table with panache. Swap Tabletop dishes include five colorful yet coordinating patterns, allowing you to create tablescapes appropriate for a wide range of gatherings. The Swap Tabletop line is available at Lemon Tree Gifts and Paper.
The onset of spring weather leads us to consider our patios afresh. Revamp your patio or porch with custom outdoor furniture from Lane Venture, available at mint.HOME. Lane Venture's stylish WeatherMaster line offers pieces made to resist harsh weather and protect from mildew and water damage. Removable slipcovers assist in draining and allow for easy cleanup. Choose from a variety of sofas, lounge chairs and dining chairs in many custom and upholstered fabric options.
HOME Rogers & McDaniel is currently offering spring savings on furniture and accessories by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Through May 5, customers will receive a 20% discount on orders including upholstery, tables, storage pieces, rugs, bed linens, and lighting. With hundreds of options for upholstery, leather and fabric, this sale is an excellent opportunity to update your abode.
This weekend, venture north to Oakland Plantation for a feast that features farm-to-table cooking at its best. The third annual Dinner in the Field and Farm Tour, presented by Slow Food Baton Rouge, is scheduled for Sunday beginning at 10 a.m. The public is invited to tour various farms and producers in nearby Gurley. From 3 until 5 p.m., a ticketed hors d'oeuvres and cocktail reception will take place at Oakland. Live music and a mini-market of fresh foods will accompany the event. The day ends with a 5 p.m. five-course meal prepared by local culinary talents. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Helana Brigman's blog, "Clearly Delicious", offers readers recipes daily that live up to the title claim. Now, thanks to LSU Press, Brigman's recipes have been gathered in a book, The Fresh Table: Cooking in Louisiana All Year Round. A native of Maine, Brigman has divided her book by season, so local, fresh ingredients can easily be found. This LSU alumna can dish up everything from crawfish to coastal lobster, and, with her guidance, you can do the same. On Saturday at 12:15, Brigman will prepare fare from her book during a complimentary cooking demo at Red Stick Spice Co. on Jefferson Highway. Call 930-9967 to reserve seating.
This weekend, venture down River Road for the 22nd annual Spring Arts & Crafts Festival at Oak Alley Plantation. Attendees will relish shopping the handcrafted wares of more than 170 artisans, while simultaneously enjoying the beautiful sights and sounds of this Greek Revival-style antebellum home. Delicious local food and a children’s petting zoo add to the fun. Find more information here.
Ready to accent your home for Easter? Happily, spring motifs have popped up at stores all over town. Our favorites include elegant wreaths at Red Onion, fine art by local talent Lauren Barksdale Hill at Mint.Art, serving pieces at Highland Gifts, and thoughtful notions for children and adults alike at Queen Bee Invitations.
The Royal Standard is doing some inventory clearing in honor of springtime. A major one-day sale is slated for March 9 at both of its stores, where shoppers will find deals on all manner of gifts, home décor items, furniture and more. And for multitasking moms, Kleinpeter Photography will be on hand with live bunnies at the 16016 Perkins Road location, just off Highland Road—an ideal opportunity for creating adorable Easter portraits. For full details, visit the Facebook page.
Next week, craft a beautiful bouquet to greet the spring season. Fleur Du Jour is offering a floral arrangement class that's suitable for beginners and experienced attendees alike. Professional floral designers at the downtown shop will educate students on basic care of flowers as well as on techniques for designing bouquets and arrangements. Tools and materials are included in the $75 class fee. The first class takes place March 14 from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. Additional sessions will be offered throughout March and April. Click here for more information.
Going once, going twice, sold! At the live auction slated for Saturday at Brian’s Furniture, those words will seal many a deal on fantastic furniture purchases at low-end prices. Plan a trip to the Port Allen store to snag some of the choice items up for bid, available for viewing at 9 a.m. in advance of the 11 a.m. auction. The wide selection includes aluminum patio sets, loveseats, living room sets, accessories, coffee tables, bedroom sets and original artwork, to name just a few. For more information about this fun and interactive shopping event, click here.
Beginning tomorrow, McMillin Interiors is hosting its annual spring tent sale. The designers at McMillin are clearing out the showroom to make way for new finds, which means it’s an ideal time to check out the outbound selection. Gathered for your perusal are select items marked up to 75% off, from stylish and comfortable furniture to accessories that serve as the perfect finishing touches. Diverse quality brands include Mrs. Howard Collection (pictured), Hickory Chair Furniture Co., Theodore Alexander, and Jonathan Charles Fine Furniture, along with exclusive artworks and other items found nowhere else. The sale runs through Saturday.
We've discovered two classes that will enhance any home chef's repertoire. “Cooking Healthy For Your Kids” takes place tomorrow from 10 a.m. until noon at Young Chefs Academy. The class will teach techniques that any parent can use to create a wholesome menu for the whole gang. On Saturday, a complimentary class at Red Stick Spice Co., Exploring the spices of India, runs from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Sumita Roy, Southern University professor and a native of Kolkata, will give a talk that's equally entertaining and informative. Topics include the health benefits of Indian spices and ways to incorporate them into dishes you already love. The lecture is free, but space is limited, so be sure to call and reserve your seat.
As early signs of spring appear, take time to beautify your garden during the growing season. Beginning on March 9, the 11th annual Baton Rouge Spring Garden Show will host vendors showcasing a unique array of flowers and greenery at the Parker Coliseum off Highland Road on the LSU campus. Browse dozens of plant varieties and yard, garden and patio fixtures during the two-day event. For additional information about the garden show, contact Amy Blanchard at 578-2222.
Draw inspiration from the latest trends in art, floral designs and table settings at the Art of Fine Dining, an event slated for next weekend at the Baton Rouge Garden Center, located within Independence Park. A joint effort between the Louisiana Art and Artists’ Guild and the Baton Rouge Garden Club, the show will feature theme-related floral designs and place settings, as well as paintings by guild members. The show takes place Feb. 23 from 1 to 4 p.m., and Feb. 24 from noon to 3 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door, and the $5 entry fee will benefit a scholarship fund for landscape architecture, urban forestry or horticulture students. For more information, contact Cindy Moran at 806-5377.
Make plans now to attend Burden Center’s Arbor Day celebration, rescheduled for Feb. 23 after being rained out last month. Wind your way through a 5K hike on some of Baton Rouge’s most beautiful trails, partake in a tree scavenger hunt along the way, visit with Smokey Bear, and even plant your own seedling on the grounds. Trail mix and beverages are included in the $5 admission fee. For more information, call 763-3993 or visit the website.
Greet the spring season—and your Easter guests—with a handmade wreath. Red Door Interiors is currently taking reservations for its Feb. 17 Easter Wreath Workshop. For a $30 fee, participants will receive two hours of hands-on instruction and a complimentary grapevine wreath with which to ply their craft. In addition, attendees will get 15% off all materials used in their projects. Space is limited, so the Corporate Boulevard store recommends calling for reservations.
A bit of Barcelona or Bangkok is just the ticket to spice up bland décor. Luckily, overseas travel to buy worldly goods is not a necessity for local homeowners. Capital Region boutiques and vendors are stocking global finds aplenty. Think Ikat fabric on pillows, hand-woven baskets and exquisite rugs. One or two exotic elements can make a colorful impact in any home—check out the latest issue of inRegister for our favorite finds.
In a few short weeks, azaleas will be blooming and grass will begin to green. If you’re already thinking about this year’s garden, you can put those thoughts into action by adding a bit of chic décor from a sale at The Courtyard Gifts and Interiors, where outside pots are currently 20% off.
Calling all estate sale enthusiasts! A can’t-miss sale is slated for Feb. 8-10 on McConnell Drive in the Bocage neighborhood. The wares include a collection of rare books; sterling Gorham pieces; a 19th-century armoire; porcelains and china sets by Meakin, Spode, Bavarian and Haviland Limoges; and glassware by Fostoria, Waterford, Lalique and Imperial. The sale runs Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Click here for more information.
The Royal Standard is adding to its inventory as a new shipment of duvet covers, pillow shams and draperies arrives at the Perkins Overpass location. The selection includes several sizes and styles. Its mostly neutral color palette makes it easy to integrate these pieces into existing décor while adding refinement and textural interest.
Stoma's Furniture is clearing the way for new inventory, which is good news for those with homes in need of an update. The four-day Clearance Sale begins Jan. 30 and lasts through Feb. 2. Savings at the Perkins Road store include bedroom suites, dining room furnishings and living room furniture by Century, Henredon Furniture, Hancock and Moore, Sherrill Furniture and more. In addition, markdowns will be taken on accent and occasional pieces, rugs, mirrors, lamps, wall art and pillows.
Local home and garden shops are clearing their shelves for spring arrivals, which means that it's time for savvy shoppers to stock up! All items in the gift shop at Harb's Oasis on Coursey Boulevard are currently on sale, with some items up to 70% off. Also making way for new inventory with a sale are the four Louisiana Nursery Home and Garden Showplace stores in town. Trimmings for inside and outside the home are going for a fraction of their original prices.
If you're eager to spiff up your living space, the sale happening until the end of the month at Christian Street Furniture may serve as an excellent prompt. Shoppers can score 15% off upholstered pieces such as sofas, accent chairs and sectionals. The savings can be applied to fabrics by Rowe and Robin Bruce. In addition, the Corporate Boulevard store is currently marking down several other items, from teak TV cabinets to bedroom suites.
Louisiana's nearly year-round growing season means there's no rest for backyard gardeners. According to the LSU AgCenter, January is a busy time for home growers who have the green light on planting first or second crops of turnips, radishes, potatoes, spinach, English peas, peppers and other vegetables. It's too early, of course, to plant the mother of all backyard veggies, tomatoes, but it is the right time to seed them, especially if you're into heirloom varieties, says AgCenter horticulturist Kiki Fontenot, who recommends ordering seeds now from reputable companies such as Johnny's or Burpee, but cautions consumers that these companies run out of heirloom stock as the winter progresses. Moreover, be sure to order heirloom varieties that perform well in the Deep South, such as Cherokee Purple and Black Cherry. —Maggie Heyn Richardson
Have you resolved to revamp your home? This weekend, two stores are hosting furniture sales too good to pass up. Up first is an event at HOME Rogers & McDaniel, which happens tomorrow and Saturday. Shoppers will be treated to 30% off one item, plus 20% off the rest of their purchase. Also kicking off this weekend is the January warehouse clearance at Dixon Smith Interiors (pictured). The savings begin with special Saturday hours from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., and continue through Jan. 18.
Nothing can instantly transform a space like cozy candlelight. For a worry-free way to enjoy soft, flickering light, turn to flameless candles. Mint.HOME has an enticing option: a three-candle set that is remote-controlled, for convenience at your fingertips. Custom settings abound, including a daily timer and a dimmer. Lighting up your living space has never been so easy.
Add a piece of Lucite furniture and quickly brighten up any room in your home. Mixed with traditional furnishings, this piece of modern, sleek furniture is transparent, giving your home a clutter-free feel with a hint of attitude. Many furniture stores now offer a variety of Lucite options ranging from coffee tables to end tables. See how local designer Ty Larkins incorporates Lucite into this living room space.
Is your home looking bare now that the holiday decorations are down and the guests gone away? A piece of new furniture just might be the pick-up your home needs. Right now, Olinde’s Furniture on Airline Highway is offering $400 off select leather sofas and love seats. Also on offer at sale prices are recliners, mattresses, and dining and living room sets.
Ethan Allen Design Center is moving into new digs come spring, which means fantastic savings for shoppers. The Florida Boulevard store is currently marking down furniture and accessories as part of their Relocation Savings Event. Home textiles, dining sets, bedroom furniture, lighting and artwork are all part of the haul.
BD Kitchen Co.—one of the city's few locally owned kitchen stores—is closing its Towne Center location at the end of the month. Management is clearing the shelves with a closeout sale worth noting. Premium brands such as Arthur Court, Breville, Krupps, All-Clad, Wusthof Knives, LeCreuset, Tyler Candle, Arthur Court and Beatriz Ball are all 20% off. Complete your collection, stock up on gifts or simply drop by to discover something new.
Holiday trimmings of all kinds are currently 40% off at Harb's Oasis. The sale encompasses everything necessary for a welcoming, holiday-ready home. For outdoor décor, find lighting and front door wreaths; for indoors, Nativity sets, faux Christmas trees and the ornaments to adorn them. Stop by the Coursey Boulevard store and indulge your holiday spirit while taking advantage of seasonal discounts.
For a Christmas gift that’s sure to spark creativity, check out the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Gift Set, available at LD Linens & Décor in the Southdowns Village Shopping Center. The recipient will take a basic technique class and learn how to combine paint and wax to create unique finishes of all kinds. The kit also comes with an informative workbook and sample paint, so she can try her new skills at home.
Before friends and family fill your home for the holidays, prepare your guest bedroom with an easy update. Through Dec. 24, Custom Linens is hosting a 20% off sale on all Yves Delorme bedding and bath accoutrements. The French designer is known for sophisticated patterns, luxurious sheets and plush bath towels—the very linens a hostess needs to create a welcoming abode. View available styles at the Jefferson Highway store.
Stock up on hostess gifts, create custom stationery or find that perfect finishing touch for your holiday table—all at The Keeping Room today. Through 7 p.m., the Jefferson Highway store is welcoming shoppers for its holiday open house, with savings of 20% on all store merchandise. Wine and light bites will be available beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Enjoy an Old-Fashioned in a charming old house! Tomorrow evening, the Foundation for Historical Louisiana is hosting Classic Homes & Cocktails, a benefit tour that will showcase four homes and two condominiums. These residences, nestled in the Spanish Town Historic District and the heart of downtown, have been beautifully preserved. The respective homeowners will open their doors to guests and proffer signature cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Wear your tackiest Christmas sweater for a chance to win an overnight stay at the Hotel Indigo. Learn more here.
Fabulous furniture at bargain prices: going once, going twice, sold! That’s what you’ll hear at Brian’s Furniture Live Auction on Saturday. Plan a trip to the Port Allen store to snag some of these deals, available for viewing at 9 a.m. in advance of the 11 a.m. auction. The wide selection includes aluminum patio sets, loveseats, sugar kettels and original artwork. For more information about this dramatic sale, click here.
Tomorrow and Saturday, McMillin Interiors will host its annual open house, giving shoppers an excellent opportunity to save on furnishings of all kinds. The Government Street showroom is offering customers a 30% discount on their first item, and the rest of their purchase at 20% off. The sale includes everything in store—sofas, lamps, coffee tables, artwork, rugs and chandeliers, to name a few.
Design your family’s Christmas card, select an ornament to commemorate the year, discover unique holiday gifts—you can do it all at Queen Bee’sholiday open house, happening Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. The Towne Center boutique will offer complimentary giftwrapping for every purchase, door prizes and a 10% discount on the entire store. Treats and drinks sweeten the deal.
For a charming hostess gift, look no further than handmade candles by Sea + Sparrow. Crafted in a Baton Rouge kitchen, these hand-poured soy wax candles feature essential fragrance oils. Each candle is unique, as Sea + Sparrow uses all recycled vessels—some come in teacups, some in decorative bowls, some in frosted glass jars. With aromas such as honeysuckle, antique sandalwood and red currant, there's a scent to appeal to everyone. The artisan behind Sea + Sparrow also makes handmade soaps, featuring garden-fresh ingredients without any harsh additives or preservatives. Find the products locally at Artvark Interiors.
Tonight from 5 until 8 p.m., combine shopping with a little R&R at the second annual Ladies’ Night at Harb’s Oasis on Coursey Boulevard. The stock includes unique gift items, like handcrafted jewelry by local designers, in addition to holiday décor. In addition to 20% off savings, attendees will be treated to refreshments and music while they enjoy mini-massages and facials.
Pair pumpins with crotus and flowering kale to create a warm welcome when the weather gets cooler. At the home of Paul and Candi Ferachi, owners of Capital City Produce, a grapevine garland trimmed with seasonal elements surrounds the front door. Fresh pumpkins, gourds and Indian corn from Fresh Pickens adorn the steps. As seen in the November issue of inRegister. (Photo by Melissa Oivanki)
Stop by Louisiana Nursery's Perkins Road location tonight for holiday trimmings aplenty at their Christmas Open House. From 5 until 8 p.m., shoppers can explore several showrooms full of decorating ideas for indoor and outdoor spaces, plus enjoy a 20% discount on select items. Door prizes as well as cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will add to the festivities. Can't make it? Another open house is slated for Nov. 18 from noon until 5 p.m. For all of the information, click here.
A stunning centerpiece is the easiest way to add panache to your dining room table. Learn to craft one of your own at Wine and Design with Fleur du Jour, an event happening Nov. 14 from 6 until 8 p.m. at Blend which is located downtown on Laurel Street. The complimentary class will give attendees a hands-on lesson in centerpiece design, in addition to tips on floral care and more. Check out Fleur du Jour's website for more details.
Thanksgiving is mere weeks away, and if you'll be playing hostess, it's time to ensure that your home is in top form. Fortunately, two local furniture stores are holding sale events worth noting. First up is the tent sale at Olinde's Furniture on Airline Highway, which has been extended through the weekend. Media centers, dining tables, ottomans, plush seating and side tables are just a few of the finds, all marked at a fraction of their original price. Another option for the smart shopper is the sale currently happening at Discoveries Furniture and Finds on Highland Road, where pieces already on clearance have been marked down even more. For a preview of the available stock, click here.
The Mr. and Mrs. Howard line for Sherrill Furniture is a study in Southern charm, and design buffs are captivated by this collection. Shoppers can peruse the offerings locally at McMillin Interiors on Government Street. Made for every room of the house, the furnishings combine traditional roots with fashionable flair. Beds, buffets, desks and sofas are just a few of the selections, and custom options are available.
The Foyer, on Perkins Road at Acadian Thruway, has a new addition in SoHaus Lifestyle Collection. Launched this week, the line of home décor, furnishings and accessories will be displayed just within the store's front doors. On Saturday, owner and interior designer Rachel Cannon Lewis will be on hand to greet shoppers and offer advice. One lucky attendee will win a stunning lamp, so don't miss out on this opening.
As the focal point of a room, on which everyone tends to congregate, your couch has likely weathered its share of spills and rough treatment. Christian Street Furniture can't reverse the signs of aging on a sofa, but it can offer you a new one, now at a discounted price. Until the end of the month, you can snag a new sectional sofa for 15% to 25% off. Whether you select a slipcovered or fully upholstered variety, Christian Street has a delightful array of sectional shapes and sizes. Stop by its Corporate Boulevard location, or its website.
Currently, HOME Rogers & McDaniel is the site of an interiors sale too good to pass up. Through Oct. 28, all orders for Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams furnishings are 20% off, including tables, rugs, lighting and bed linens. The discount also applies to special order upholstery with innumerable combinations—more than 360 fabrics are available, ranging from leather to velvet, linen to cotton.
Baton Rouge Green’s annual Fall Tree-for-All happens this Saturday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Burden Center, giving homeowners an excellent opportunity to stock up on trees large and small. All trees are locally grown, and many are species known for their resiliency during storms. Experts will be on hand to offer assistance with tree selection—whether you’re looking for flowering, fruiting or shade varieties. A list of all trees and shrubs being sold at the event is available online. Baton Rouge Green members can even reserve their selections through Friday and receive a 10% discount on their purchase.
Interior design buffs know that all eyes are currently on North Carolina’s High Point Market. The world’s largest interiors trade show begins Saturday, and local interior design talent Stacy Naquin has been tapped to forecast trends nationwide. Naquin is one of nine designers from across the country who have been named Style Spotters: They’ll comb through millions of square feet of furniture, textiles and accessories, curating their favorite pieces to create a report of what’s next in interior design. Follow along on Pinterest by searching Stacy Naquin Interiors.
Chalk Paint devotees are nothing if not fervent. If you’ve yet to try the shabby-chic technique, find a class at LD Linens & Décor. The store, located in Southdowns Village shopping center, is hosting an Annie Sloan Chalk Paint class on Wednesday, Oct. 17, from 9:45 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. The session will teach the basics of chalk paint and various waxes, as well as offering tips about painting anything you can think of: lighting fixtures, cabinets, credenzas and more. Learn more here.
Is your yard autumn-ready? If not, no worries—the 29th annual PlantFest! happens Saturday and Sunday at the LSU Hilltop Arboretum. More than 600 species will be on offer, including trees, shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses and more. These plants will come from near and far, as some are grown locally and others are imported from Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, Florida, Tennessee and North Carolina. Beyond the botanical buys are craft booths offering books, tools, ironwork and woodcrafts. The entire event is tax-free, and Friends of Hilltop members get a 10% discount. Click here for more.
The Southern Garden Symposium returns to St. Francisville next weekend. In its 24th year, the event is an annual tradition drawing garden enthusiasts from across the region. Featured speakers include J. Dean Norton (pictured), director of horticulture at of George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate, and Mississippi State University floral design instructor Lynette McDougald. Learn how to incorporate edible plants into your garden, discover the ins and outs of tree care, and more. Gardening lectures and workshops share the agenda with social events and tours of historic venues. For ticket information, click here or call (225) 635-3738.
Raise your home décor IQ with a free interior decorating workshop. In celebration of Women's Week, hosted by the Women's Council of Greater Baton Rouge, two free instructive sessions will be held within the next week. The first is Saturday at the Renaissance Hotel from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., and the second takes place at Blend Wednesday, Oct. 3, at 5:30. Jeanette Turk of Decorating Den Interiors will offer tips and answer questions, giving guests useful tools to take their living spaces from ordinary to extraordinary. To register for either event, call 755-7970. Editor's note: This story has been changed since its original publication.
Stately wares are available to all at the latest event offered by NL Estate Sales. Taking place tomorrow and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the Plantation Trace subdivision, this estate sale includes fine pieces and furnishings of all kinds. Those who show will be able to inspect—and acquire—Royal Doulton china, Gorham crystal stemware, vintage fine jewelry, marble-topped occasional tables, antique armoires and a claw-footed oak dining table. For full details, click here.
As the Tigers hit the road this weekend, fans are preparing for game day their own way. Whether you're hosting an all-out party or just a few friends, be sure that LSU serving essentials are in place. Both Baton Rouge locations of The Royal Standard are stocked with charming hand-painted glassware, while BD Kitchen Co. in Towne Center has tea towels and ceramic platters aplenty. Other stores to check out include Sanctuary Home and Gifts on Highland Road and Lion's Gate Centre on Lobdell Avenue.
Draw inspiration from dozens of beautiful garden photos, glean gardening tips and keep track of important plant-tending tasks with the LSU AgCenter 2013 Get It Growing Calendar. Produced especially for south Louisiana gardeners, the calendar is peppered with useful pointers by LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill. And with convenient clues about when to fertilize your lawn and plant seasonal fruits and vegetables, those forget-me-not jobs are top of mind. Get your green thumbs on a copy now. You can order this special calendar directly from the AgCenter by calling 578-4646 or by clicking here. Also, look for it this fall at your favorite garden center.
New Orleans-based Leontine Linens are a custom affair from start to finish, and next week is your chance to see these elegant yet versatile designs up close, right here in the Capital City. Thursday and Friday, Sept. 20 and 21, Home Rogers & McDaniel will host a Leontine Linens Trunk Show. The store, located in the Southdowns Village Shopping Center, will display linens for every area of the home, from bed to bath to table. Trunk show guests will learn about the Leontine process firsthand, from selecting the style and fabrication of linens to adding the final appliqué or embroidery. For more information, click here.
Shoppers can now find more than their next investment piece at Fireside Antiques. The Perkins Road store has launched a custom furniture line. Fireside Handmade will operate out of its own workshop and create bookcases, end tables, dining room tables, headboards and more. Consider the advantages of being able to specify the size, style and finish of each product you purchase; and view examples of Fireside Handmade craft here.
The holidays aren’t far off, and prudent shoppers are already formulating their gift lists. Arm yourself now with a stock of charming gifts for hostesses, friends and family. Check out the selection at Rickey Heroman’s Florist and Gifts in Towne Center for 25% off giftware: pewter serving trays, fragrant candles and decorative throw pillows, to name a few. Another option in Towne Center is the Queen Bee, where gift options include elegant frames, fragrant candles and stationery.
A new store has popped up on Corporate Boulevard in the Mansur's shopping center, and we've got the scoop. Mint welcomes patrons Sept. 13 to a grand opening party from 4 until 9 p.m., and this locale is a family affair that will combine three stylish concepts. Mint Art will become the exclusive gallery space of local artist Lauren Barksdale Hill. Hill's sister, Shannon Mahon, will operate Mint Home, where the aesthetic will lean toward neutrals and whites, with a blend of traditional and modern furnishings. To round out the space, future sister-in-law Rachel Kazibutowski is launching Mint Shoes, which will offer footwear, accessories and jewelry. For all the details, the Facebook page here.
Check any home décor source, and you're likely to spot the resurgence of ruffled linens. This design element is equal parts pretty and sophisticated, showing up on everything from drapes and duvet covers to throw pillows and dishtowels. Find this trend at LD Linens & Décor in the Southdowns Shopping Center, at Custom Linens on Jefferson Highway, and at Urban Outfitters in Perkins Rowe.
Here at the start of the new football season, you can extend your purple and gold décor beyond your tents and vehicles on campus game days. There are plenty of ways to show your Tiger pride at home. Consider stylish flags, wreaths or hand-painted signs to hang outside your place. Inside, serve appetizers on purple and gold melamine serving pieces. Check out Red Door Interiors on Corporate Boulevard, Highland Gifts on Highland Road, and Etsy—among others—for innovate ways to demonstrate your team spirit.
Choosing artwork to display in your home is a truly personal endeavor, as is the act of creating artwork. Why not blend the two? Adorning your abode with artwork of your own making is a viable (and beautiful) option, thanks to Baton Rouge’s Work/Shop. Right now, beginner and intermediate-level artists may enroll in Work/Shop’s six-week watercolor class, which will be held every Tuesday from Sept. 18 until Oct. 16. Instructor Yvette Creel (pictured) will familiarize the class with the wide variety of paints, brushes and paper available to watercolorists, and will also teach the basics of color theory, composition and technique. Enroll in Work/Shop’s watercolor class or learn more by clicking here.
Psst—when it comes to custom holiday stationery, the early bird gets the worm right now at The Keeping Room on Jefferson Highway! Big discounts are in the cards for those who plan ahead, as all in-stock holiday stationery is half-off. Myriad options are available, from charming invitations for children’s parties to holiday cards for the family. No photo yet? Not to worry. Cards can be printed now, and photos attached later. The sale runs through the end of the month. Check this holiday chore off your list early, and savor the savings in doing so.
Calling all estate sale enthusiasts! A can't-miss sale happens next weekend in the Glenwood subdivision, between College Drive and Jefferson Highway. The haul includes midcentury sofa beds, a circa-1950s mahogany bedroom suite by Huntley, Staffordshire porcelain, vintage lamps, Waterford crystal, a Lester spinet piano, a dining room suite, and many more treasures. The sale runs Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Click here for more information.
Prep your patio now, and you’ll be ready to enjoy pleasant fall weather as soon as it breezes into town. Currently at all four Louisiana Nursery locations, prices are falling on outdoor accoutrements. Four-piece patio sets, benches, bistro tables and shade umbrellas are all 20% to 40% off. Plenty of accessories are attractively priced as well: among them, imported glazed pottery, cast-iron fountains, plant stands, arbors and birdbaths. Naturally, you’ll want to scope out the nursery’s selections of trees, shrubs, and hearty fall plants that might work well in your yard.
Eclectic home décor aplenty is on sale at Artvark Ltd. The Jefferson Highway store is slashing prices from top to bottom, on in-stock pieces both vintage and new. Upholstered sofas and chairs, table lamps, repurposed furniture, and accessories are all part of the haul. Also included are a teak midcentury modern dining room table, a circa-1930s teak and cane chair, and furniture by respected names such as Marcel Breuer and Herman Miller. Best of all, the sale has just been extended and runs through next Friday, with even more markdowns coming next week.
Plant vegetables now for a bountiful garden come cooler weather. According to the experts at the LSU AgCenter, many seeds and transplants should be put in the ground soon so that they can thrive in fall temperatures and yield delicious, recipe-ready results. Transplant crops like tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, bell peppers and eggplants will do well in the coming months. If you're starting fresh, be sure to plant seeds for broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collards, cucumbers, lettuce, turnips, squash, tomatoes, lima beans and snap beans.
Is there some project around the house that you’d like to do yourself? Now is the time to learn. The LSU Student Union is offering a variety of leisure classes to brush up on old skills or add new ones. Sign up this week for a home improvement or landscape and gardening class to learn how to perfect your interior or outdoor space. Instructors teach small classes in order to provide ample, hands-on assistance. Class fees are reasonable and discounts are also available to LSU students, their parents and Leisure Class members. Visit www.lsu.edu/leisureclasses register.
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is addictive. Just ask anyone who has purchased a quart of this oh-so-easy-to-apply-and-oh-so-forgiving paint and used it to refurbish an old furniture piece, a funky mirror or an outdated brass lamp to painted-chic glory. People are quitting their day jobs, redoing old cast-offs with this paint, and selling them for a premium. No sanding, no fumes, no hassle. Of course, you can keep your job and simply update a few of the things in your house that have seen better days. Learn how to work with the paints and waxes at the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint class Breakfast & Brushes Saturday morning at LD Linens and Décor, in the Southdowns Village Shopping Center. Check out the store Facebook page and sign up for a class by emailing [email protected].
Garden District Nursery is shutting its doors for the season, but not before offering great deals during their Summer Closing Sale! Through this weekend, shoppers at the Government Street shop will have the opportunity to scoop up green goods aplenty. One of the best coups to be had is a $5 price on all 3-gallon passion vine, Pandora vine and honeysuckle plants. In addition, all hanging baskets, pottery and garden statuary is 30% off.
John and Kyler Selser's Hundred Oaks area home has garnered both local and national attention. The graceful Southern raised cottage appears in the summer 2012 issue of Renovation Style magazine, along with an account of how the Selsers chose to renovate this 1950s-era house instead of allowing it to be razed by developers with an eye on the property. In the article, the Selsers reveal the meticulous renovation process, a tenuous balance of modernizing the never-updated abode while still retaining the charm that sold them on the home in the first place. Joel Fazende of Dixon Smith Interiors oversaw the years-long project, which expanded the kitchen and created a family den out of an ill-placed bedroom, among other improvements. Striking design elements such as nine-foot windows, a sweeping staircase and intricate iron railings on the porch—all original features—now mix harmoniously with contemporary comforts. Through the national magazine, this...
If your linen closet is in need of midsummer restocking, stop by Custom Linens. Right now, the entire store is 20% off. These savings encompass the many luxury labels carried at the Jefferson Highway shop, from Italian pottery and tableware by Vietri to deluxe candles and home fragrance accessories by Nest. Other highlights of the sale include sheets by French company Yves Delorme, stunning vases by Juliska, Sferra towels, gifts by Lady Primrose and glassware by Simon Pearce. The sale wraps up this weekend.
Sit back, relax and unwind accompanied by the enticing scent of a Rewined candle. Each handcrafted candle is fashioned out of a repurposed wine bottle, cut in half with wax poured in the base. Using soy wax, the flavors and scents are borrowed from favored Cabernets, Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. While the line is specially crafted in South Carolina, you can purchase yours locally at The Courtyard Gifts and Interiors. Uncork the aroma of your fancy, and don’t forget to pour a glass of your own.
In our semitropical climate, which allows for outdoor leisure nearly year-round, yard and patio enhancements are wise and useful investments. A water feature can serve as a source of tranquility and refreshment to almost any outside living space. Right now, fountains of all kinds are on sale at Harb’s Oasis. The Coursey Boulevard nursery and store is running discounts of 25% off on concrete fountains and 30% off on glazed pottery fountains. These prices are good through Saturday, which might make this an ideal weekend for a yard beautification project.
The Capital City is home to a healthy crop of orchid enthusiasts, and none more zealous than the members of Baton Rouge Orchid Society. This weekend, the organization is staging an event that all lovers of floral beauty will enjoy. The 33rd annual Baton Rouge Orchid Show and Sale takes place Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Baton Rouge Garden Center, on the grounds of Independence Community Park. Galleries of numerous orchid species will be on display, experts will be on hand to answer questions, and attendees will be able to purchase directly from commercial growers. For more information, check out the website here.
Furniture from around the world awaits at Discoveries Furniture & Finds. And right now, the store is trimming prices on items large and small for its annual summer liquidation event. With pieces originating from the far corners of the globe, the selection at Discoveries is always interesting. Sale discounts range from 20% to 80% off retail, and they apply to intricate headboards, outdoor mosaic furniture, stately armoires and coffee tables, to name just a few. The store’s sale event coincides with the arrival of a shipment of new designs, including bright end tables and accessories. Sweep up a few discount pieces from Indonesia, China, India and Morocco to enhance your home with eye-catching global chic.
Venture across the river to Port Allen for an excursion to Brian’s Furniture & Appliances that won’t be the least bit taxing. Now through Saturday, the Court Street store is offering all purchases sans tax. On the floor you’ll find reclaimed Louisiana cypress furniture, bedroom sets, living room sets, dining room pieces, barstools, mirrors, recliners and more. The stock even includes lagniappe like cast-iron garden accessories, lamps, and works by Louisiana artists.
Calling all gardeners! This weekend, join other plant lovers for good green fun at the Burden Center Garden Fest. The event takes place Saturday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., and numerous events are planned for garden enthusiasts of all ages: guided tours of the grounds, a plant and vegetable sale, and hayride trips for children, to name a few. In addition, experts from groups such as the LSU AgCenter and the East Baton Rouge Master Gardeners will be on hand, dispensing advice and diagnosing the problems of your plants. Fresh watermelon sampling and a visit from an ice cream truck round out this event in tasty ways. Admission is $5; children under 5 enter free. Find more information here.
Now is the time to update your household furniture for less. This weekend, make your way to Corporate Boulevard for two significant sales on interior furnishings. The current sale at Red Door Interiors marks down prices 20% on all chairs (left). Maximize your seating arrangements with additional pieces, or energize your space with a new set. Styles range from bold and modern to traditional and elegant. Down the boulevard, Christian Street Furniture welcomes you to its buy one, get one 20% off sale. The floor is full of upholstery items, beds of all sizes and dining room pieces to refresh your home décor.
Be art-smart and get your fix now. Through the end of June, a summer clearance sale is on at Gilley’s Gallery, and the Florida Boulevard shop is offering notable discounts on a big selection of framed and unframed pieces. Works by the likes of Clementine Hunter, John Gould, Caroline Durieux, Emerson Bell and Harvey Harris, among many others, are marked 10% to 20% off. Even bigger savings—up to 50% off—can be had on select Amsterdam edition Audubon prints, and custom framing orders are 20% off during the sale as well. View the stock of sale items at Gilley’s website.
Give your yard beds a boost, nosh on a farm-fresh brunch, or have diagnosed the problems of your struggling houseplant: just a few of the things you can do at next weekend’s Garden Fest at Burden Center. Saturday, June 30, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., make your way to the Burden Center midway, off Essen Lane, for all this and more. Various activities include an outstanding tomato contest, Bloody Mary samples from the city’s finest mixologists, live music, and hayride tours of the grounds. In addition, experts from groups such as the East Baton Rouge Master Gardeners, the Herb Society and the Camellia Society will be on hand to offer tips and answer questions. Rounded out with a plant and vegetable sale, children’s activities, and a visit from an ice cream truck, this is an event you don’t want to miss. Admission is $5; kids under 5 enter free. Find more information
Lagniappe Frame Shoppe & Fleur deSign Studio is marking its second anniversary with discounts aplenty this month. The sale includes a 20% discount on all unframed art and custom framing orders, in addition to a 15% discount on all gift items, apparel and framed pieces. Shoppers can take advantage of these savings plus a few extras during tomorrow evening’s Open House Sale. From 6 until 9 p.m., several artists will be on hand at the Jefferson Highway store to discuss their work over light refreshments. For those who can’t make it to the open house, the deals last until June 30.
Spiff up your home with this savvy shopping tip: Through Saturday, both Capital City Kirkland’s locations will be hosting a furniture closeout sale with attractive discounts. Each store location—Towne Center and the Mall of Louisiana—has a different mix of items, but the wares are said to include ottomans, patio furniture, decorative mirrors, accent tables and lamps. With up to 60% savings on these items plus framed art, gifts and accessories, just about everything is on sale through Saturday.
Ottoman style
Step inside any stylish home and you're likely to spot the newest craze in interior design—Moroccan-inspired poufs. Endlessly versatile for both indoor and outdoor use, they can function as an ottoman, stool or side table. We've spotted them all over town, often at approachable prices, in styles ranging from sleek metallic at Z Gallerie to fun, summer-ready stripes at Carriages Ladies Store.
Living art
A little greenery goes a long way toward beautifying a room. Terrariums are a hot item, and hanging vessels have elevated the trend. The contents can be varied to suit any taste, and maintenance is minimal. We’ve spied these graceful adornments at many garden shops, including Harb’s Oasis and Red Onion, where this hanging terrarium and air plant sell for $68.
Big sale on Red Door goods
Red Door Interiors has done some late spring cleaning, which means big savings for shoppers at its annual Warehouse Sale. The warehouse, located in the Port Allen Industrial Park at 221 Allendale Drive, is stocked with quality furniture and accessories. The inventory is a mix of overstocked items and antique architectural pieces. In addition, merchandise with slight damage will be sold at attractive discounts, so keep your eyes open for that diamond in the rough. Most items are priced up to 75% off, and the sale runs Friday through Sunday.
Standout local gardens
Take in some of the regions's most inspiring yards this weekend during the 14th annual Pond & Garden Tour for Charity, slated for Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. This year's tour will benefit Brave Heart Children in Need and Yelp! Baton Rouge. To purchase tickets, call 756-2720 or visit Harb's Oasis on Coursey Boulevard. More information can be found here.
Spring sale on furniture
Are you a homeowner on the hunt for new furnishings? If so, take note: right now at Dixon Smith Interiors, you can save big on popular upscale pieces. The store is offering 35% off all Lee Industries Furniture through the end of May. This special applies to in-stock items and custom orders, so the possibilities are endless. Stop by the showroom to view the offerings.
Luxe trend in linens
It may be time to throw in the towel on standard terrycloth. Turkish towels—also called peshtemals—are the newest trend in linens, and it's no wonder. The flat-woven towels, traditionally used at Turkish baths, are highly absorbent and dry quickly. They've become popular stateside as the towel of choice in bathrooms and kitchens. Other creative uses include repurposing as a beach towel, shawl or tablecloth. Find them locally at Custom Linens, LD Linens & Décor, or Pottery Barn.
Gorgeous garden walk
Don't miss a moment of the LSU Hilltop Arboretum's second spring garden tour, A Pastiche of Garden Styles. This alfresco event takes place Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. The collection features numerous styles and design elements from around the globe. Tour the course at your leisure with the map provided—and don't forget to bring a camera to capture inspiring images! Adult admission is $20, but students with ID pay only $5 each to enter. For more information, call 767-6916.
Mother's Day meal
The day to honor moms is around the corner! Execute an easy brunch with a little help. inRegister contributor and trim&TERRIFIC cookbook author Holly Clegg has created a delicious and healthy menu with our readers in mind: Mexican Breakfast Casserole, from her book Too Hot in the Kitchen; Sweet Potato Pancakes with Apple Topping, also from Too Hot in the Kitchen; and Blueberry Muffins with Tropical Streusel Topping, from her Gulf Coast Favorites. For added panache, Clegg says, whip up a batch of fruit smoothies for your group—even tossing in some spinach for an extra antioxidant boost! To read the full feature from the May issue, click
AgCenter event for all ages
Adults and children alike will gain perspective on how everyday staples arrive in their kitchens at AgMagic! Held Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Parker Coliseum, this LSU AgCenter event will illustrate the fascinating transitions of Louisiana crops through various displays and interactive demonstrations. Exhibits such as "World of Wonder" and "Farm Gate to Dinner Plate" will introduce attendees to the journey of Louisiana agriculture from the fields to their homes. The event is free and open to the public.
Scents of spring
Greet the new season with a garden-fresh aroma. Sea + Sparrow hand-poured soy wax candles and vegan soaps contain fragrant essential oils in varieties such as cinnamon and orange and rose clay. These planet-friendly products feature recycled wrapping and are handmade right here in Baton Rouge. Through the end of the month, website shoppers can get 15% off. Find all of the details here.
Going green at home
This weekend, glean some Earth Day inspiration at the Garden District Civic Association’s annual Tour of Sustainable Homes and Gardens. The tour takes place Saturday from 2 until 5 p.m. and will include six homes of various styles, including bungalows, a craftsman and a cottage. Each home was selected to highlight the owner’s efforts to minimize environmental impact and increase efficiency—by conserving energy, growing their own food, and reducing waste. In addition to hearing from the residents themselves, tour participants will have the opportunity to learn from industry professionals including Jeff Shaw of Gulf South Solar, energy auditor Mike Thibodeaux, and organic gardening expert Carl Motsenbocher, professor of horticulture at LSU. Compost bins and rain barrels will be raffled off and up for sale at select tour homes. For more details, visit the association website
Sensational savings
The annual spring sale at HOME Rogers & McDaniel has been extended through Saturday. This can't-miss event encompasses items from across the showroom, including upholstery, antiques, lighting and garden accessories. Some of the inventory is discounted 70%, so hurry in for the best selection. Shoppers can also find savings this weekend at Red Door Interiors, as the entire store inventory is 20% off through Sunday.
Save on interior accents
LD Linens & Décor has done some spring cleaning, which means shoppers stand to benefit in a big way. The Southdowns Village store is hosting a Sidewalk Sale Friday and Saturday. Come take a close look at wonderfully discounted merchandise from around the store, including unique home accents, gifts, fabric and luxurious bedding.
Prime your patio
Is your backyard in shape for spring and summer? If not, we've spied a noteworthy sale on outdoor accoutrements. Currently, Sabine Pools & Spas is offering a 20% discount on outdoor furniture. The price reduction applies to Sabine's entire stock—dining tables, chairs, umbrellas and accent pieces, to name a few—in materials from cast aluminum to wicker.
Gather in the garden
Fun will be had in spades at the East Baton Rouge Master Gardeners Annual Plant Sale, slated for next weekend at Burden Center. The sale is open April 13, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., and April 14, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Choose from hundreds of plant and flower varieties—daylilies, hibiscus, hanging baskets, figs and blueberries, to name just a few. Browse the sale, glean information from LSU AgCenter master gardeners, and help your children pot their very own plant. For more information, click here.
Turn the tables
Set your spring table with panache. Swap Tabletop dishes include five colorful yet coordinating patterns, allowing you to create tablescapes appropriate for a wide range of gatherings. The Swap Tabletop line is available at Lemon Tree Gifts and Paper.
Perk up your porch
The onset of spring weather leads us to consider our patios afresh. Revamp your patio or porch with custom outdoor furniture from Lane Venture, available at mint.HOME. Lane Venture's stylish WeatherMaster line offers pieces made to resist harsh weather and protect from mildew and water damage. Removable slipcovers assist in draining and allow for easy cleanup. Choose from a variety of sofas, lounge chairs and dining chairs in many custom and upholstered fabric options.
Designer furniture savings
HOME Rogers & McDaniel is currently offering spring savings on furniture and accessories by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Through May 5, customers will receive a 20% discount on orders including upholstery, tables, storage pieces, rugs, bed linens, and lighting. With hundreds of options for upholstery, leather and fabric, this sale is an excellent opportunity to update your abode.
Feast on the farm
This weekend, venture north to Oakland Plantation for a feast that features farm-to-table cooking at its best. The third annual Dinner in the Field and Farm Tour, presented by Slow Food Baton Rouge, is scheduled for Sunday beginning at 10 a.m. The public is invited to tour various farms and producers in nearby Gurley. From 3 until 5 p.m., a ticketed hors d'oeuvres and cocktail reception will take place at Oakland. Live music and a mini-market of fresh foods will accompany the event. The day ends with a 5 p.m. five-course meal prepared by local culinary talents. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Meet a local culinary talent
Helana Brigman's blog, "Clearly Delicious", offers readers recipes daily that live up to the title claim. Now, thanks to LSU Press, Brigman's recipes have been gathered in a book, The Fresh Table: Cooking in Louisiana All Year Round. A native of Maine, Brigman has divided her book by season, so local, fresh ingredients can easily be found. This LSU alumna can dish up everything from crawfish to coastal lobster, and, with her guidance, you can do the same. On Saturday at 12:15, Brigman will prepare fare from her book during a complimentary cooking demo at Red Stick Spice Co. on Jefferson Highway. Call 930-9967 to reserve seating.
Homemade charm
This weekend, venture down River Road for the 22nd annual Spring Arts & Crafts Festival at Oak Alley Plantation. Attendees will relish shopping the handcrafted wares of more than 170 artisans, while simultaneously enjoying the beautiful sights and sounds of this Greek Revival-style antebellum home. Delicious local food and a children’s petting zoo add to the fun. Find more information here.
Easter updates
Ready to accent your home for Easter? Happily, spring motifs have popped up at stores all over town. Our favorites include elegant wreaths at Red Onion, fine art by local talent Lauren Barksdale Hill at Mint.Art, serving pieces at Highland Gifts, and thoughtful notions for children and adults alike at Queen Bee Invitations.
Photo op while you shop
The Royal Standard is doing some inventory clearing in honor of springtime. A major one-day sale is slated for March 9 at both of its stores, where shoppers will find deals on all manner of gifts, home décor items, furniture and more. And for multitasking moms, Kleinpeter Photography will be on hand with live bunnies at the 16016 Perkins Road location, just off Highland Road—an ideal opportunity for creating adorable Easter portraits. For full details, visit the Facebook page.
Floral arrangement 101
Next week, craft a beautiful bouquet to greet the spring season. Fleur Du Jour is offering a floral arrangement class that's suitable for beginners and experienced attendees alike. Professional floral designers at the downtown shop will educate students on basic care of flowers as well as on techniques for designing bouquets and arrangements. Tools and materials are included in the $75 class fee. The first class takes place March 14 from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. Additional sessions will be offered throughout March and April. Click here for more information.
Deals on the auction block
Going once, going twice, sold! At the live auction slated for Saturday at Brian’s Furniture, those words will seal many a deal on fantastic furniture purchases at low-end prices. Plan a trip to the Port Allen store to snag some of the choice items up for bid, available for viewing at 9 a.m. in advance of the 11 a.m. auction. The wide selection includes aluminum patio sets, loveseats, living room sets, accessories, coffee tables, bedroom sets and original artwork, to name just a few. For more information about this fun and interactive shopping event, click here.
Designer furniture fix
Beginning tomorrow, McMillin Interiors is hosting its annual spring tent sale. The designers at McMillin are clearing out the showroom to make way for new finds, which means it’s an ideal time to check out the outbound selection. Gathered for your perusal are select items marked up to 75% off, from stylish and comfortable furniture to accessories that serve as the perfect finishing touches. Diverse quality brands include Mrs. Howard Collection (pictured), Hickory Chair Furniture Co., Theodore Alexander, and Jonathan Charles Fine Furniture, along with exclusive artworks and other items found nowhere else. The sale runs through Saturday.
Weekend classes for aspiring chefs
We've discovered two classes that will enhance any home chef's repertoire. “Cooking Healthy For Your Kids” takes place tomorrow from 10 a.m. until noon at Young Chefs Academy. The class will teach techniques that any parent can use to create a wholesome menu for the whole gang. On Saturday, a complimentary class at Red Stick Spice Co., Exploring the spices of India, runs from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Sumita Roy, Southern University professor and a native of Kolkata, will give a talk that's equally entertaining and informative. Topics include the health benefits of Indian spices and ways to incorporate them into dishes you already love. The lecture is free, but space is limited, so be sure to call and reserve your seat.
Gardener gathering
As early signs of spring appear, take time to beautify your garden during the growing season. Beginning on March 9, the 11th annual Baton Rouge Spring Garden Show will host vendors showcasing a unique array of flowers and greenery at the Parker Coliseum off Highland Road on the LSU campus. Browse dozens of plant varieties and yard, garden and patio fixtures during the two-day event. For additional information about the garden show, contact Amy Blanchard at 578-2222.
Tabletop décor tips
Draw inspiration from the latest trends in art, floral designs and table settings at the Art of Fine Dining, an event slated for next weekend at the Baton Rouge Garden Center, located within Independence Park. A joint effort between the Louisiana Art and Artists’ Guild and the Baton Rouge Garden Club, the show will feature theme-related floral designs and place settings, as well as paintings by guild members. The show takes place Feb. 23 from 1 to 4 p.m., and Feb. 24 from noon to 3 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door, and the $5 entry fee will benefit a scholarship fund for landscape architecture, urban forestry or horticulture students. For more information, contact Cindy Moran at 806-5377.
A tree-centered outing
Make plans now to attend Burden Center’s Arbor Day celebration, rescheduled for Feb. 23 after being rained out last month. Wind your way through a 5K hike on some of Baton Rouge’s most beautiful trails, partake in a tree scavenger hunt along the way, visit with Smokey Bear, and even plant your own seedling on the grounds. Trail mix and beverages are included in the $5 admission fee. For more information, call 763-3993 or visit the website.
Create a personal statement
Greet the spring season—and your Easter guests—with a handmade wreath. Red Door Interiors is currently taking reservations for its Feb. 17 Easter Wreath Workshop. For a $30 fee, participants will receive two hours of hands-on instruction and a complimentary grapevine wreath with which to ply their craft. In addition, attendees will get 15% off all materials used in their projects. Space is limited, so the Corporate Boulevard store recommends calling for reservations.
Get the global look at home
A bit of Barcelona or Bangkok is just the ticket to spice up bland décor. Luckily, overseas travel to buy worldly goods is not a necessity for local homeowners. Capital Region boutiques and vendors are stocking global finds aplenty. Think Ikat fabric on pillows, hand-woven baskets and exquisite rugs. One or two exotic elements can make a colorful impact in any home—check out the latest issue of inRegister for our favorite finds.
Your spring garden vision
In a few short weeks, azaleas will be blooming and grass will begin to green. If you’re already thinking about this year’s garden, you can put those thoughts into action by adding a bit of chic décor from a sale at The Courtyard Gifts and Interiors, where outside pots are currently 20% off.
Antiques aplenty
Calling all estate sale enthusiasts! A can’t-miss sale is slated for Feb. 8-10 on McConnell Drive in the Bocage neighborhood. The wares include a collection of rare books; sterling Gorham pieces; a 19th-century armoire; porcelains and china sets by Meakin, Spode, Bavarian and Haviland Limoges; and glassware by Fostoria, Waterford, Lalique and Imperial. The sale runs Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Click here for more information.
Brand new bedding
The Royal Standard is adding to its inventory as a new shipment of duvet covers, pillow shams and draperies arrives at the Perkins Overpass location. The selection includes several sizes and styles. Its mostly neutral color palette makes it easy to integrate these pieces into existing décor while adding refinement and textural interest.
Nice prices on furnishings
Stoma's Furniture is clearing the way for new inventory, which is good news for those with homes in need of an update. The four-day Clearance Sale begins Jan. 30 and lasts through Feb. 2. Savings at the Perkins Road store include bedroom suites, dining room furnishings and living room furniture by Century, Henredon Furniture, Hancock and Moore, Sherrill Furniture and more. In addition, markdowns will be taken on accent and occasional pieces, rugs, mirrors, lamps, wall art and pillows.
Savings for indoors, outdoors
Local home and garden shops are clearing their shelves for spring arrivals, which means that it's time for savvy shoppers to stock up! All items in the gift shop at Harb's Oasis on Coursey Boulevard are currently on sale, with some items up to 70% off. Also making way for new inventory with a sale are the four Louisiana Nursery Home and Garden Showplace stores in town. Trimmings for inside and outside the home are going for a fraction of their original prices.
Fresh décor for less
If you're eager to spiff up your living space, the sale happening until the end of the month at Christian Street Furniture may serve as an excellent prompt. Shoppers can score 15% off upholstered pieces such as sofas, accent chairs and sectionals. The savings can be applied to fabrics by Rowe and Robin Bruce. In addition, the Corporate Boulevard store is currently marking down several other items, from teak TV cabinets to bedroom suites.
Plan your spring garden now
Louisiana's nearly year-round growing season means there's no rest for backyard gardeners. According to the LSU AgCenter, January is a busy time for home growers who have the green light on planting first or second crops of turnips, radishes, potatoes, spinach, English peas, peppers and other vegetables. It's too early, of course, to plant the mother of all backyard veggies, tomatoes, but it is the right time to seed them, especially if you're into heirloom varieties, says AgCenter horticulturist Kiki Fontenot, who recommends ordering seeds now from reputable companies such as Johnny's or Burpee, but cautions consumers that these companies run out of heirloom stock as the winter progresses. Moreover, be sure to order heirloom varieties that perform well in the Deep South, such as Cherokee Purple and Black Cherry. —Maggie Heyn Richardson
Incentive to redecorate
Have you resolved to revamp your home? This weekend, two stores are hosting furniture sales too good to pass up. Up first is an event at HOME Rogers & McDaniel, which happens tomorrow and Saturday. Shoppers will be treated to 30% off one item, plus 20% off the rest of their purchase. Also kicking off this weekend is the January warehouse clearance at Dixon Smith Interiors (pictured). The savings begin with special Saturday hours from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., and continue through Jan. 18.
Set your candles
Nothing can instantly transform a space like cozy candlelight. For a worry-free way to enjoy soft, flickering light, turn to flameless candles. Mint.HOME has an enticing option: a three-candle set that is remote-controlled, for convenience at your fingertips. Custom settings abound, including a daily timer and a dimmer. Lighting up your living space has never been so easy.
Transparent designs
Add a piece of Lucite furniture and quickly brighten up any room in your home. Mixed with traditional furnishings, this piece of modern, sleek furniture is transparent, giving your home a clutter-free feel with a hint of attitude. Many furniture stores now offer a variety of Lucite options ranging from coffee tables to end tables. See how local designer Ty Larkins incorporates Lucite into this living room space.
Furniture deals to love
Is your home looking bare now that the holiday decorations are down and the guests gone away? A piece of new furniture just might be the pick-up your home needs. Right now, Olinde’s Furniture on Airline Highway is offering $400 off select leather sofas and love seats. Also on offer at sale prices are recliners, mattresses, and dining and living room sets.
New space means savings
Ethan Allen Design Center is moving into new digs come spring, which means fantastic savings for shoppers. The Florida Boulevard store is currently marking down furniture and accessories as part of their Relocation Savings Event. Home textiles, dining sets, bedroom furniture, lighting and artwork are all part of the haul.
Store closing sale
BD Kitchen Co.—one of the city's few locally owned kitchen stores—is closing its Towne Center location at the end of the month. Management is clearing the shelves with a closeout sale worth noting. Premium brands such as Arthur Court, Breville, Krupps, All-Clad, Wusthof Knives, LeCreuset, Tyler Candle, Arthur Court and Beatriz Ball are all 20% off. Complete your collection, stock up on gifts or simply drop by to discover something new.
Deck the halls and more
Holiday trimmings of all kinds are currently 40% off at Harb's Oasis. The sale encompasses everything necessary for a welcoming, holiday-ready home. For outdoor décor, find lighting and front door wreaths; for indoors, Nativity sets, faux Christmas trees and the ornaments to adorn them. Stop by the Coursey Boulevard store and indulge your holiday spirit while taking advantage of seasonal discounts.
Gift for the design-savvy
For a Christmas gift that’s sure to spark creativity, check out the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Gift Set, available at LD Linens & Décor in the Southdowns Village Shopping Center. The recipient will take a basic technique class and learn how to combine paint and wax to create unique finishes of all kinds. The kit also comes with an informative workbook and sample paint, so she can try her new skills at home.
Fine linens, sale prices
Before friends and family fill your home for the holidays, prepare your guest bedroom with an easy update. Through Dec. 24, Custom Linens is hosting a 20% off sale on all Yves Delorme bedding and bath accoutrements. The French designer is known for sophisticated patterns, luxurious sheets and plush bath towels—the very linens a hostess needs to create a welcoming abode. View available styles at the Jefferson Highway store.
Holiday home décor sale
Stock up on hostess gifts, create custom stationery or find that perfect finishing touch for your holiday table—all at The Keeping Room today. Through 7 p.m., the Jefferson Highway store is welcoming shoppers for its holiday open house, with savings of 20% on all store merchandise. Wine and light bites will be available beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Toast to historic homes
Enjoy an Old-Fashioned in a charming old house! Tomorrow evening, the Foundation for Historical Louisiana is hosting Classic Homes & Cocktails, a benefit tour that will showcase four homes and two condominiums. These residences, nestled in the Spanish Town Historic District and the heart of downtown, have been beautifully preserved. The respective homeowners will open their doors to guests and proffer signature cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Wear your tackiest Christmas sweater for a chance to win an overnight stay at the Hotel Indigo. Learn more here.
Furnishings on the auction block
Fabulous furniture at bargain prices: going once, going twice, sold! That’s what you’ll hear at Brian’s Furniture Live Auction on Saturday. Plan a trip to the Port Allen store to snag some of these deals, available for viewing at 9 a.m. in advance of the 11 a.m. auction. The wide selection includes aluminum patio sets, loveseats, sugar kettels and original artwork. For more information about this dramatic sale, click here.
An open house to smarten your home
Tomorrow and Saturday, McMillin Interiors will host its annual open house, giving shoppers an excellent opportunity to save on furnishings of all kinds. The Government Street showroom is offering customers a 30% discount on their first item, and the rest of their purchase at 20% off. The sale includes everything in store—sofas, lamps, coffee tables, artwork, rugs and chandeliers, to name a few.
Save on festive trimmings
Design your family’s Christmas card, select an ornament to commemorate the year, discover unique holiday gifts—you can do it all at Queen Bee’s holiday open house, happening Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. The Towne Center boutique will offer complimentary giftwrapping for every purchase, door prizes and a 10% discount on the entire store. Treats and drinks sweeten the deal.
Handmade candles with scents
For a charming hostess gift, look no further than handmade candles by Sea + Sparrow. Crafted in a Baton Rouge kitchen, these hand-poured soy wax candles feature essential fragrance oils. Each candle is unique, as Sea + Sparrow uses all recycled vessels—some come in teacups, some in decorative bowls, some in frosted glass jars. With aromas such as honeysuckle, antique sandalwood and red currant, there's a scent to appeal to everyone. The artisan behind Sea + Sparrow also makes handmade soaps, featuring garden-fresh ingredients without any harsh additives or preservatives. Find the products locally at Artvark Interiors.
Harb’s event for ladies
Tonight from 5 until 8 p.m., combine shopping with a little R&R at the second annual Ladies’ Night at Harb’s Oasis on Coursey Boulevard. The stock includes unique gift items, like handcrafted jewelry by local designers, in addition to holiday décor. In addition to 20% off savings, attendees will be treated to refreshments and music while they enjoy mini-massages and facials.
Autumn arrival
Pair pumpins with crotus and flowering kale to create a warm welcome when the weather gets cooler. At the home of Paul and Candi Ferachi, owners of Capital City Produce, a grapevine garland trimmed with seasonal elements surrounds the front door. Fresh pumpkins, gourds and Indian corn from Fresh Pickens adorn the steps. As seen in the November issue of inRegister. (Photo by Melissa Oivanki)
Holiday decoration inspiration
Stop by Louisiana Nursery's Perkins Road location tonight for holiday trimmings aplenty at their Christmas Open House. From 5 until 8 p.m., shoppers can explore several showrooms full of decorating ideas for indoor and outdoor spaces, plus enjoy a 20% discount on select items. Door prizes as well as cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will add to the festivities. Can't make it? Another open house is slated for Nov. 18 from noon until 5 p.m. For all of the information, click here.
Crafts class by Fleur du Jour
A stunning centerpiece is the easiest way to add panache to your dining room table. Learn to craft one of your own at Wine and Design with Fleur du Jour, an event happening Nov. 14 from 6 until 8 p.m. at Blend which is located downtown on Laurel Street. The complimentary class will give attendees a hands-on lesson in centerpiece design, in addition to tips on floral care and more. Check out Fleur du Jour's website for more details.
Savings to update your abode
Thanksgiving is mere weeks away, and if you'll be playing hostess, it's time to ensure that your home is in top form. Fortunately, two local furniture stores are holding sale events worth noting. First up is the tent sale at Olinde's Furniture on Airline Highway, which has been extended through the weekend. Media centers, dining tables, ottomans, plush seating and side tables are just a few of the finds, all marked at a fraction of their original price. Another option for the smart shopper is the sale currently happening at Discoveries Furniture and Finds on Highland Road, where pieces already on clearance have been marked down even more. For a preview of the available stock, click here.
Fine furniture makes its mark
The Mr. and Mrs. Howard line for Sherrill Furniture is a study in Southern charm, and design buffs are captivated by this collection. Shoppers can peruse the offerings locally at McMillin Interiors on Government Street. Made for every room of the house, the furnishings combine traditional roots with fashionable flair. Beds, buffets, desks and sofas are just a few of the selections, and custom options are available.
Sophisticated new space
The Foyer, on Perkins Road at Acadian Thruway, has a new addition in SoHaus Lifestyle Collection. Launched this week, the line of home décor, furnishings and accessories will be displayed just within the store's front doors. On Saturday, owner and interior designer Rachel Cannon Lewis will be on hand to greet shoppers and offer advice. One lucky attendee will win a stunning lamp, so don't miss out on this opening.
Sofa savings
As the focal point of a room, on which everyone tends to congregate, your couch has likely weathered its share of spills and rough treatment. Christian Street Furniture can't reverse the signs of aging on a sofa, but it can offer you a new one, now at a discounted price. Until the end of the month, you can snag a new sectional sofa for 15% to 25% off. Whether you select a slipcovered or fully upholstered variety, Christian Street has a delightful array of sectional shapes and sizes. Stop by its Corporate Boulevard location, or its website.
Designer décor savings
Currently, HOME Rogers & McDaniel is the site of an interiors sale too good to pass up. Through Oct. 28, all orders for Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams furnishings are 20% off, including tables, rugs, lighting and bed linens. The discount also applies to special order upholstery with innumerable combinations—more than 360 fabrics are available, ranging from leather to velvet, linen to cotton.
Time for Fall Tree-for-All
Baton Rouge Green’s annual Fall Tree-for-All happens this Saturday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Burden Center, giving homeowners an excellent opportunity to stock up on trees large and small. All trees are locally grown, and many are species known for their resiliency during storms. Experts will be on hand to offer assistance with tree selection—whether you’re looking for flowering, fruiting or shade varieties. A list of all trees and shrubs being sold at the event is available online. Baton Rouge Green members can even reserve their selections through Friday and receive a 10% discount on their purchase.
Spotting Stacy Naquin in N.C.
Interior design buffs know that all eyes are currently on North Carolina’s High Point Market. The world’s largest interiors trade show begins Saturday, and local interior design talent Stacy Naquin has been tapped to forecast trends nationwide. Naquin is one of nine designers from across the country who have been named Style Spotters: They’ll comb through millions of square feet of furniture, textiles and accessories, curating their favorite pieces to create a report of what’s next in interior design. Follow along on Pinterest by searching Stacy Naquin Interiors.
Chalk Paint makeovers
Chalk Paint devotees are nothing if not fervent. If you’ve yet to try the shabby-chic technique, find a class at LD Linens & Décor. The store, located in Southdowns Village shopping center, is hosting an Annie Sloan Chalk Paint class on Wednesday, Oct. 17, from 9:45 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. The session will teach the basics of chalk paint and various waxes, as well as offering tips about painting anything you can think of: lighting fixtures, cabinets, credenzas and more. Learn more here.
Plant sale at Hilltop
Is your yard autumn-ready? If not, no worries—the 29th annual PlantFest! happens Saturday and Sunday at the LSU Hilltop Arboretum. More than 600 species will be on offer, including trees, shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses and more. These plants will come from near and far, as some are grown locally and others are imported from Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, Florida, Tennessee and North Carolina. Beyond the botanical buys are craft booths offering books, tools, ironwork and woodcrafts. The entire event is tax-free, and Friends of Hilltop members get a 10% discount. Click here for more.
Gather in the garden
The Southern Garden Symposium returns to St. Francisville next weekend. In its 24th year, the event is an annual tradition drawing garden enthusiasts from across the region. Featured speakers include J. Dean Norton (pictured), director of horticulture at of George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate, and Mississippi State University floral design instructor Lynette McDougald. Learn how to incorporate edible plants into your garden, discover the ins and outs of tree care, and more. Gardening lectures and workshops share the agenda with social events and tours of historic venues. For ticket information, click here or call (225) 635-3738.
Décor tips on the house
Raise your home décor IQ with a free interior decorating workshop. In celebration of Women's Week, hosted by the Women's Council of Greater Baton Rouge, two free instructive sessions will be held within the next week. The first is Saturday at the Renaissance Hotel from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., and the second takes place at Blend Wednesday, Oct. 3, at 5:30. Jeanette Turk of Decorating Den Interiors will offer tips and answer questions, giving guests useful tools to take their living spaces from ordinary to extraordinary. To register for either event, call 755-7970.
Editor's note: This story has been changed since its original publication.
Weekend estate sale
Stately wares are available to all at the latest event offered by NL Estate Sales. Taking place tomorrow and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the Plantation Trace subdivision, this estate sale includes fine pieces and furnishings of all kinds. Those who show will be able to inspect—and acquire—Royal Doulton china, Gorham crystal stemware, vintage fine jewelry, marble-topped occasional tables, antique armoires and a claw-footed oak dining table. For full details, click here.
Tiger trimmings for the home
As the Tigers hit the road this weekend, fans are preparing for game day their own way. Whether you're hosting an all-out party or just a few friends, be sure that LSU serving essentials are in place. Both Baton Rouge locations of The Royal Standard are stocked with charming hand-painted glassware, while BD Kitchen Co. in Towne Center has tea towels and ceramic platters aplenty. Other stores to check out include Sanctuary Home and Gifts on Highland Road and Lion's Gate Centre on Lobdell Avenue.
Green-thumb agenda
Draw inspiration from dozens of beautiful garden photos, glean gardening tips and keep track of important plant-tending tasks with the LSU AgCenter 2013 Get It Growing Calendar. Produced especially for south Louisiana gardeners, the calendar is peppered with useful pointers by LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill. And with convenient clues about when to fertilize your lawn and plant seasonal fruits and vegetables, those forget-me-not jobs are top of mind. Get your green thumbs on a copy now. You can order this special calendar directly from the AgCenter by calling 578-4646 or by clicking here. Also, look for it this fall at your favorite garden center.
Luxury linen showcase
New Orleans-based Leontine Linens are a custom affair from start to finish, and next week is your chance to see these elegant yet versatile designs up close, right here in the Capital City. Thursday and Friday, Sept. 20 and 21, Home Rogers & McDaniel will host a Leontine Linens Trunk Show. The store, located in the Southdowns Village Shopping Center, will display linens for every area of the home, from bed to bath to table. Trunk show guests will learn about the Leontine process firsthand, from selecting the style and fabrication of linens to adding the final appliqué or embroidery. For more information, click here.
Furniture line launches
Shoppers can now find more than their next investment piece at Fireside Antiques. The Perkins Road store has launched a custom furniture line. Fireside Handmade will operate out of its own workshop and create bookcases, end tables, dining room tables, headboards and more. Consider the advantages of being able to specify the size, style and finish of each product you purchase; and view examples of Fireside Handmade craft here.
Hostess gifts to get now
The holidays aren’t far off, and prudent shoppers are already formulating their gift lists. Arm yourself now with a stock of charming gifts for hostesses, friends and family. Check out the selection at Rickey Heroman’s Florist and Gifts in Towne Center for 25% off giftware: pewter serving trays, fragrant candles and decorative throw pillows, to name a few. Another option in Towne Center is the Queen Bee, where gift options include elegant frames, fragrant candles and stationery.
Gallery, home décor and more
A new store has popped up on Corporate Boulevard in the Mansur's shopping center, and we've got the scoop. Mint welcomes patrons Sept. 13 to a grand opening party from 4 until 9 p.m., and this locale is a family affair that will combine three stylish concepts. Mint Art will become the exclusive gallery space of local artist Lauren Barksdale Hill. Hill's sister, Shannon Mahon, will operate Mint Home, where the aesthetic will lean toward neutrals and whites, with a blend of traditional and modern furnishings. To round out the space, future sister-in-law Rachel Kazibutowski is launching Mint Shoes, which will offer footwear, accessories and jewelry. For all the details, the Facebook page here.
Ruffles, reborn
Check any home décor source, and you're likely to spot the resurgence of ruffled linens. This design element is equal parts pretty and sophisticated, showing up on everything from drapes and duvet covers to throw pillows and dishtowels. Find this trend at LD Linens & Décor in the Southdowns Shopping Center, at Custom Linens on Jefferson Highway, and at Urban Outfitters in Perkins Rowe.
Bring the LSU spirit home
Here at the start of the new football season, you can extend your purple and gold décor beyond your tents and vehicles on campus game days. There are plenty of ways to show your Tiger pride at home. Consider stylish flags, wreaths or hand-painted signs to hang outside your place. Inside, serve appetizers on purple and gold melamine serving pieces. Check out Red Door Interiors on Corporate Boulevard, Highland Gifts on Highland Road, and Etsy—among others—for innovate ways to demonstrate your team spirit.
Your home, your art
Choosing artwork to display in your home is a truly personal endeavor, as is the act of creating artwork. Why not blend the two? Adorning your abode with artwork of your own making is a viable (and beautiful) option, thanks to Baton Rouge’s Work/Shop. Right now, beginner and intermediate-level artists may enroll in Work/Shop’s six-week watercolor class, which will be held every Tuesday from Sept. 18 until Oct. 16. Instructor Yvette Creel (pictured) will familiarize the class with the wide variety of paints, brushes and paper available to watercolorists, and will also teach the basics of color theory, composition and technique. Enroll in Work/Shop’s watercolor class or learn more by clicking here.
Sale on premium stationery
Psst—when it comes to custom holiday stationery, the early bird gets the worm right now at The Keeping Room on Jefferson Highway! Big discounts are in the cards for those who plan ahead, as all in-stock holiday stationery is half-off. Myriad options are available, from charming invitations for children’s parties to holiday cards for the family. No photo yet? Not to worry. Cards can be printed now, and photos attached later. The sale runs through the end of the month. Check this holiday chore off your list early, and savor the savings in doing so.
Estate sale lure
Calling all estate sale enthusiasts! A can't-miss sale happens next weekend in the Glenwood subdivision, between College Drive and Jefferson Highway. The haul includes midcentury sofa beds, a circa-1950s mahogany bedroom suite by Huntley, Staffordshire porcelain, vintage lamps, Waterford crystal, a Lester spinet piano, a dining room suite, and many more treasures. The sale runs Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Click here for more information.
Backyard makeover
Prep your patio now, and you’ll be ready to enjoy pleasant fall weather as soon as it breezes into town. Currently at all four Louisiana Nursery locations, prices are falling on outdoor accoutrements. Four-piece patio sets, benches, bistro tables and shade umbrellas are all 20% to 40% off. Plenty of accessories are attractively priced as well: among them, imported glazed pottery, cast-iron fountains, plant stands, arbors and birdbaths. Naturally, you’ll want to scope out the nursery’s selections of trees, shrubs, and hearty fall plants that might work well in your yard.
Vintage furniture for grabs
Eclectic home décor aplenty is on sale at Artvark Ltd. The Jefferson Highway store is slashing prices from top to bottom, on in-stock pieces both vintage and new. Upholstered sofas and chairs, table lamps, repurposed furniture, and accessories are all part of the haul. Also included are a teak midcentury modern dining room table, a circa-1930s teak and cane chair, and furniture by respected names such as Marcel Breuer and Herman Miller. Best of all, the sale has just been extended and runs through next Friday, with even more markdowns coming next week.
Backyard veggies
Plant vegetables now for a bountiful garden come cooler weather. According to the experts at the LSU AgCenter, many seeds and transplants should be put in the ground soon so that they can thrive in fall temperatures and yield delicious, recipe-ready results. Transplant crops like tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, bell peppers and eggplants will do well in the coming months. If you're starting fresh, be sure to plant seeds for broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collards, cucumbers, lettuce, turnips, squash, tomatoes, lima beans and snap beans.
DIY classes
Is there some project around the house that you’d like to do yourself? Now is the time to learn. The LSU Student Union is offering a variety of leisure classes to brush up on old skills or add new ones. Sign up this week for a home improvement or landscape and gardening class to learn how to perfect your interior or outdoor space. Instructors teach small classes in order to provide ample, hands-on assistance. Class fees are reasonable and discounts are also available to LSU students, their parents and Leisure Class members. Visit www.lsu.edu/leisureclasses register.
Painted furniture projects
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is addictive. Just ask anyone who has purchased a quart of this oh-so-easy-to-apply-and-oh-so-forgiving paint and used it to refurbish an old furniture piece, a funky mirror or an outdated brass lamp to painted-chic glory. People are quitting their day jobs, redoing old cast-offs with this paint, and selling them for a premium. No sanding, no fumes, no hassle. Of course, you can keep your job and simply update a few of the things in your house that have seen better days. Learn how to work with the paints and waxes at the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint class Breakfast & Brushes Saturday morning at LD Linens and Décor, in the Southdowns Village Shopping Center. Check out the store Facebook page and sign up for a class by emailing [email protected].
Discounts on garden goods
Garden District Nursery is shutting its doors for the season, but not before offering great deals during their Summer Closing Sale! Through this weekend, shoppers at the Government Street shop will have the opportunity to scoop up green goods aplenty. One of the best coups to be had is a $5 price on all 3-gallon passion vine, Pandora vine and honeysuckle plants. In addition, all hanging baskets, pottery and garden statuary is 30% off.
Local design hits national magazine
John and Kyler Selser's Hundred Oaks area home has garnered both local and national attention. The graceful Southern raised cottage appears in the summer 2012 issue of Renovation Style magazine, along with an account of how the Selsers chose to renovate this 1950s-era house instead of allowing it to be razed by developers with an eye on the property. In the article, the Selsers reveal the meticulous renovation process, a tenuous balance of modernizing the never-updated abode while still retaining the charm that sold them on the home in the first place. Joel Fazende of Dixon Smith Interiors oversaw the years-long project, which expanded the kitchen and created a family den out of an ill-placed bedroom, among other improvements. Striking design elements such as nine-foot windows, a sweeping staircase and intricate iron railings on the porch—all original features—now mix harmoniously with contemporary comforts. Through the national magazine, this...
Luxury home goods for less
If your linen closet is in need of midsummer restocking, stop by Custom Linens. Right now, the entire store is 20% off. These savings encompass the many luxury labels carried at the Jefferson Highway shop, from Italian pottery and tableware by Vietri to deluxe candles and home fragrance accessories by Nest. Other highlights of the sale include sheets by French company Yves Delorme, stunning vases by Juliska, Sferra towels, gifts by Lady Primrose and glassware by Simon Pearce. The sale wraps up this weekend.
Candles for wine lovers
Sit back, relax and unwind accompanied by the enticing scent of a Rewined candle. Each handcrafted candle is fashioned out of a repurposed wine bottle, cut in half with wax poured in the base. Using soy wax, the flavors and scents are borrowed from favored Cabernets, Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. While the line is specially crafted in South Carolina, you can purchase yours locally at The Courtyard Gifts and Interiors. Uncork the aroma of your fancy, and don’t forget to pour a glass of your own.
Water features for less
In our semitropical climate, which allows for outdoor leisure nearly year-round, yard and patio enhancements are wise and useful investments. A water feature can serve as a source of tranquility and refreshment to almost any outside living space. Right now, fountains of all kinds are on sale at Harb’s Oasis. The Coursey Boulevard nursery and store is running discounts of 25% off on concrete fountains and 30% off on glazed pottery fountains. These prices are good through Saturday, which might make this an ideal weekend for a yard beautification project.
Orchids extravaganza
The Capital City is home to a healthy crop of orchid enthusiasts, and none more zealous than the members of Baton Rouge Orchid Society. This weekend, the organization is staging an event that all lovers of floral beauty will enjoy. The 33rd annual Baton Rouge Orchid Show and Sale takes place Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Baton Rouge Garden Center, on the grounds of Independence Community Park. Galleries of numerous orchid species will be on display, experts will be on hand to answer questions, and attendees will be able to purchase directly from commercial growers. For more information, check out the website here.
Worldly furniture, wise budget
Furniture from around the world awaits at Discoveries Furniture & Finds. And right now, the store is trimming prices on items large and small for its annual summer liquidation event. With pieces originating from the far corners of the globe, the selection at Discoveries is always interesting. Sale discounts range from 20% to 80% off retail, and they apply to intricate headboards, outdoor mosaic furniture, stately armoires and coffee tables, to name just a few. The store’s sale event coincides with the arrival of a shipment of new designs, including bright end tables and accessories. Sweep up a few discount pieces from Indonesia, China, India and Morocco to enhance your home with eye-catching global chic.
Tax holiday at Brian’s
Venture across the river to Port Allen for an excursion to Brian’s Furniture & Appliances that won’t be the least bit taxing. Now through Saturday, the Court Street store is offering all purchases sans tax. On the floor you’ll find reclaimed Louisiana cypress furniture, bedroom sets, living room sets, dining room pieces, barstools, mirrors, recliners and more. The stock even includes lagniappe like cast-iron garden accessories, lamps, and works by Louisiana artists.
Gather in the garden
Calling all gardeners! This weekend, join other plant lovers for good green fun at the Burden Center Garden Fest. The event takes place Saturday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., and numerous events are planned for garden enthusiasts of all ages: guided tours of the grounds, a plant and vegetable sale, and hayride trips for children, to name a few. In addition, experts from groups such as the LSU AgCenter and the East Baton Rouge Master Gardeners will be on hand, dispensing advice and diagnosing the problems of your plants. Fresh watermelon sampling and a visit from an ice cream truck round out this event in tasty ways. Admission is $5; children under 5 enter free. Find more information here.
Chic furniture, sweet discounts
Now is the time to update your household furniture for less. This weekend, make your way to Corporate Boulevard for two significant sales on interior furnishings. The current sale at Red Door Interiors marks down prices 20% on all chairs (left). Maximize your seating arrangements with additional pieces, or energize your space with a new set. Styles range from bold and modern to traditional and elegant. Down the boulevard, Christian Street Furniture welcomes you to its buy one, get one 20% off sale. The floor is full of upholstery items, beds of all sizes and dining room pieces to refresh your home décor.
Gallery beckons with a sale
Be art-smart and get your fix now. Through the end of June, a summer clearance sale is on at Gilley’s Gallery, and the Florida Boulevard shop is offering notable discounts on a big selection of framed and unframed pieces. Works by the likes of Clementine Hunter, John Gould, Caroline Durieux, Emerson Bell and Harvey Harris, among many others, are marked 10% to 20% off. Even bigger savings—up to 50% off—can be had on select Amsterdam edition Audubon prints, and custom framing orders are 20% off during the sale as well. View the stock of sale items at Gilley’s website.
All gardeners welcome
Give your yard beds a boost, nosh on a farm-fresh brunch, or have diagnosed the problems of your struggling houseplant: just a few of the things you can do at next weekend’s Garden Fest at Burden Center. Saturday, June 30, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., make your way to the Burden Center midway, off Essen Lane, for all this and more. Various activities include an outstanding tomato contest, Bloody Mary samples from the city’s finest mixologists, live music, and hayride tours of the grounds. In addition, experts from groups such as the East Baton Rouge Master Gardeners, the Herb Society and the Camellia Society will be on hand to offer tips and answer questions. Rounded out with a plant and vegetable sale, children’s activities, and a visit from an ice cream truck, this is an event you don’t want to miss. Admission is $5; kids under 5 enter free. Find more information
Meet the artists and save
Lagniappe Frame Shoppe & Fleur deSign Studio is marking its second anniversary with discounts aplenty this month. The sale includes a 20% discount on all unframed art and custom framing orders, in addition to a 15% discount on all gift items, apparel and framed pieces. Shoppers can take advantage of these savings plus a few extras during tomorrow evening’s Open House Sale. From 6 until 9 p.m., several artists will be on hand at the Jefferson Highway store to discuss their work over light refreshments. For those who can’t make it to the open house, the deals last until June 30.
Furniture discounts at Kirkland’s
Spiff up your home with this savvy shopping tip: Through Saturday, both Capital City Kirkland’s locations will be hosting a furniture closeout sale with attractive discounts. Each store location—Towne Center and the Mall of Louisiana—has a different mix of items, but the wares are said to include ottomans, patio furniture, decorative mirrors, accent tables and lamps. With up to 60% savings on these items plus framed art, gifts and accessories, just about everything is on sale through Saturday.