Fall into Fall Girlfriend Fun!!

Thursday evening marked the fourth program at Design Studio and you can see what fun we had!

Fifteen wonderful women laughed, tasted, sipped as Mary Ann and Paula presented ideas for entertaining and decorating for fall and Halloween. These savvy shoppers also saved 10% on DS purchases.

Congratulations to Amy who won the light up spider door prize!!

Friends since they were two years old (!), Karen and Sheila model the latest in Halloween hats.

Because the first four programs sold out, we have added two more, each on Monday evening:

Monday, October 1   7pm

Monday, October 8   7pm

Space is limited--gather your girlfriends and call today for your reservation!

708-784-9799

Would you prefer to have your own private party? We are happy to accomodate

groups of 12-16....call or stop in and we can discuss your needs.

No tricks, just treats!

Our adorable candy corn countdown calendar is a reminder that the children have gone back to school, the weather has changed and yes, fall and Halloween have arrived at Design Studio!

Open each drawer and place your surprise inside to mark the days in October.

We welcome autumn and we welcome you to see what's new for the season at the shop!

Pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins....for your entry door, table, trug, basket, urn...there are so many pumpkin possibilities.

Creepy crawlers....

Ghouls gone wild....

...welcome trick or treaters in happy, hair raising style!

Host a Halloween gathering and let us help you with 

table settings and accessories.

It's almost frightening how easy decorating can be!

Consider your costume...choose a headband, fascinator or hat.....gather a spider bracelet or ring

Scare up some fun at Design Studio!!

Design Studio Customers Share With Us!

Jeanette stopped in the shop to purchase a gift and decided to buy two topiaries...a fresh look to her home after a long hot summer.

Thank you for sharing this photo with us!

Jane celebrated her birthday with special girlfriends and gave each a Mary Ann Johnson girlfriend 

t-shirt from Design Studio.

What fun!! Happy birthday Jane!

Let us know how you use Design Studio merchandise...we love hearing from you!

Seaside Soiree!

Ahhhhh summer!!!

Lazy days with thoughts of poolside, beach side or ocean side...

cool pool colors, cool beverages and summer food...

week-ends with friends and family...

fireflies and night skies...

Enjoy special savings on our beach signs...20% off while supplies last!

Need a hostess gift or a sign for your home or vacation home?

Stop in the shop to see more choices...we are happy to help you!!

Recipes!!

Try these delicious rosemary skewers at your next event!

Ingredients:

Fresh mozzarella cut in cubes

Cherry or grape tomatoes

Fresh basil

Rosemary stems, stripped leaving 1 or 2 inches on the stem

Vinaigrette Francaise 

Using the stem to spear the ingredients, assemble. I marinated the cheese cubes in the dressing for several hours prior to assembly or you can drizzle dressing over the finished stems.

Vinaigrette Francaise

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

2 T. white wine vinegar

4 T. Sunflower oil

Salt, pepper

In a bowl, combine mustard, vinegar and salt/pepper to taste.

Add the oil and mix well.

Meringues were purchased at Trader Joe's and dusted with Hershey's Natural Unsweetened Cocoa.

Brownie bites were purchased at Costco and frosted with Paula's Pink Peppermint Frosting:

1 stick butter, softened
1 1/2 lbs. confectioner's sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 tsp. pure peppermint extract
red food coloring
2-4 T. 1/2 and 1/2

Process one stick softened butter in a food processor using steel blade. Add about 1 1/2 pounds confectioner's sugar and process briefly. Add vanilla and peppermint extracts, food coloring and enough 1/2 and 1/2 to make a spreadable consistency.

Hooray for the Red, White and Blue!!

Decorate your home with stars, stripes and patriotic colors to show your American pride and celebrate Summer!

A perennial favorite, we love red, white and blue for your home and your vacation home. Add a pop of patriotism to your entryway, porch, buffet table....use your imagination or let us help you.

To re-cap Mother's Day, we had a great time with our dear friend and talented artist, Mary Ann Johnson.

Her designs for weddings, Moms, friends, sisters and anyone on your gift list are beautifully hand-crafted and will tug at your heartstrings! Stop in to see her new cards also!

And finally, congratulations to Sheila who won a $50 Design Studio gift certificate in the Mother's Day Drawing!!

More for Moms!!

Yes we love Mom! This little heart says it all.

This precious angel votive holder can be used indoors or outside.

The hearts express what is in your heart whether for your mom or special friend.

Priced at only $3.95, these sentimental bookmarks have flown out of the shop and more are arriving this week.  Stop in for your Mom, Book Club Friends or yourself and curl up with a good book.

Available in three sizes, these glass cylinders come with a floating candle. Shown here with beaded embellishments in four colors, they add warmth to your table. Consider for the summer, use sand and shells. They are beautiful filled with fresh flowers, candies....use your imagination!

Happy Mother's Day from Design Studio!