Ginger, Scarlet & Pineapple

By Slim   |   46 Comments

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Slim Paley photo

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Ahhhh….Home Sweet Home (In the most literal sense)

 Nothing better than getting back into your own bed with your very own sheets and pillow is there?!

 As much as I adore traveling, the comforts of your own space are simply not to be denied.

Upon returning, I was pleasantly surprised to find the second batch of fresh ginger stalks I bought a week ago today were still filling our entire house with the heady scent of Hawaii.  What a bonus!  Btw, does anyone know why the Ginger flower smells absolutely nothing like the ginger root? Is that a ridiculously blonde question?  In any case, the ginger stalks go through 3 or 4 phases, depending on how olfactorily (I say it’s a word) sensitive you are, over the course of a week;

Phase 1:   Pleasantly sweet in a subtle, non-assuming, don’t-mind-me sort of way.

Phase 2:   Hold on there Missy- who knew that lurked beneath the bun and glasses?

Phase 3:   Whoah- this is fantastic-I think I love you…wait…does anyone have a Tylenol?

and finally,

Phase 4:   Phew, I feel better now. Is that still the ginger or is the pineapple getting really ripe?

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Trust me, it’s a lotta nose candy for $15

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In keeping with the tropical ‘Slim Revisits The Royal Hawaiian’ flavour I was working in,

I carried the island theme throughout the rest of the house;

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Slim Paley photo

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My kitchen sitting room

Well, this isn’t a new photo, but  I’ve been putting out pineapples ever since I read they’re considered an age-old sign of hospitality in the South.

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Slim Paley photo

When your pineapples are fully ripened, try slicing and drying in your dehydrator or oven on very low.

Delicious and ridiculously sweet pineapple jerky.

 (Also doubles as potpurri for a couple of days 🙂 )

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Slim Paley photo

“Stage 2”

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Slim Paley photo

Y’all come on in. May I get you a Mint julep? (in worst Southern belle accent ever)

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Slim Paley photo

“Stage 3”

(Not unlike when you’ve put on a new perfume, swan into the car all chuffed with yourself and your Significant Other immediately rolls all the windows down, and  you say “What? too much??” (daggers) and they say “No, it’s fine. Really. Is that a new dress?”)

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Possibly the Best “New Dress” film scene of all time?!

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Here’s to all Good Homecomings, Southern Hospitality,

 Mint Juleps

and Pina Coladas

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PS. Thank you so much for all your sweet Birthday Greetings & Wishes!! I had a wonderful day.

xox

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46 Comments

  2. Slim,

    I love your posts! You think just like I do! And yes, I am a Mississippi, THE hospitality state, girl.

    You know the pineapple plantation bed story I am sure. When it is time for one’s guests to go home, the hostess removes one of the pineapple finials. Thankfully, I have never had to do this, YET!

    Looking forward to your next post,
    Marilyn Trainor Storey
    MS Design Maven

    • I had heard that but totally forgotten- thanks for reminding me Marilyn
      PS. How mortifying would that be if you were a guest and walked in to realize a finial (or two!) was missing?? 🙁

  3. Sweet! in so many ways. Question, why the pineapples at this time of the year? Is this a California tradition? Curious. In any respect still loved the photos and btw Happy Birthday to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  4. ahahahaha. never heard the pineapple finial story about guests.
    agree. there truly is no place like your own bed, pillow and crisp clean sheets! no matter how lux the resort has been.
    i like your majolica in the kitchen sitting room and i love little lamps like yours on the books.
    i love rainy days. my mother taught me early on to “light the corners.”
    I know people who get terribly depressed the minute the first drop of rain falls! my mother- in- law was one. if you simply light the corners and relax into it and listen and read a good book with a cuppa something nearby… it’s amazing how wonderful it is!
    glad you’re back and sharing your gorgeous home and life with us as always!
    love,
    tammy j

  5. My favourite tropical flower – Hedychium Gardnerianum. I grow these in England even though it’s not really fair. They struggle to bloom and then summer abruptly ends.
    xx

  7. Slim, a belated Happy Birthday, how did I ever miss it!!! Your home is so gorgeous and I can just imagine the wonderful scents, love seeing all of the flora and fauna and fruits!

    xoxo
    Karena

    Art by Karena

  9. Wouldn’t you say, “Y’all come on in, eh?” Love the pics – LOVE your kitchen sitting room (I want one). Whenever I try to dehydrate anything in the oven I just wind up with moldy fruit… 🙁

    • No way! I never said “eh” despite living in Canada for so many years!!
      re your fruit- try very low heat for a long time and make sure it’s sliced evenly, on open racks not a cookie sheet & use your convection setting on the oven.

  10. I love love your entry the patina on your table is gorgeous!! I think I will have to try and buy some ginger, I love a wonderful fragrance wafting through the air. Beautiful images and I love the way you tell a story,Kathysue

  14. However do you keep that table so shiny? A secret polish recipe perhaps? Love the pineapples and you are very hospitable to take us through your home Slim. Wait………is there something wrong with blondes? I must be “so blonde” I don’t even know about it -lol! Much love XO

  15. As always Slim, your post a feast for the eyes and the flowers I adore, however have no sense of smell. I know, a bummer!! Hope your trip with Son #2 went well visiting colleges. I am sure he will do you proud where ever he chooses.
    Love your posts and look forward to every one. Nice of you to share your home with us. ox

  16. I live for your blog….truly . When I see your name it brings a smile to my face. I cant wait to scroll down and get lost in your fabulous life.
    I am happy to tell you that I have finished my chemo, a walk through helllllll, and am on to radiation which they say isnt so bad, so I am coming alive again and can enjoy life the way I always used to, ie. grandchildren, children, hubby.
    It is 105 in So. Ca. I want fall and rain and a good thunderstorm. Dont you?!
    Keep blogging…..you bring so much joy to so many.
    xo Leslie

    • Yay!! Such wonderful news Leslie! Thank you for sharing it with us.
      Congratulations on making it through your tough chemo days and may your trip through radiation be swift.

      and yes, bring on the rain and a good old thunderstorm!

  19. Your posts of your beautiful homes are my favorite! Love your kitchen sitting room and also the light fixture in your entry hall. Love all your homes!

  24. Welcome home! Thanks for sharing more views of your lovely home. The cut glass smoke bell hall lantern is iconic and perfect for your colonial revival home – you always make spot on choices. I, too, would love to know the secret to the shiny finish on the center table in your foyer. Is it the finish on the wood or a polishing concoction that you use? I also love the carpet rods for your oriental runner. Any particular maker you like? These topics could be segments on your TV show – the Slim Paley Hour or chapters in your book – Slim Paley Living. Thanks again, Ruth

    • The table is rosewood. It’s one of my favourite pieces. I bought it in Vancouver many, many years ago. No secret re the polish, just “Old English” lemon oil.
      I’m sorry I don’t recall where the carpet rods came from.

      “Slim Paley Living”…I like it!

  25. i see the sun is shining brightly in all your shots, that must make you happy. We are having an Indian Summer here in Vancouver, sneaking in as much restaurant patio time as possible.

    Where do you find ginger stalks? flower shops, or produce department?

  26. One more accolade – I like that the brass in your home appears to be unlaquered. It looks so warm and genuine. Best, R.

  28. Completely and totally mortified, Slim! The tradition dates to the era of horse and buggy, when journeys were long and arduous and guests tended to stay longer, on open-ended visits. I am certain Miss Katie Scarlett would not hesitate to remove her pineapple finials if a “mealy-mouthed” guest overstayed her welcome!

  30. Did someone already say .. the flowers that pop up are Japanese Anemones.
    They also come in a mauve-y-pink but white is better!

  31. When do we get to see a Slim Paley book with your own photos and your lovely humor? WHEN , I say, WHEN?? I’m not leaving until I get an answer, even if the finials are missing!

  34. Next time, try slicing your pineapple and throwing it on the grill! It’s a wonderful summer (or anytime) treat! Can that be my horribly belated Happy 29th Birthday Mother?? God, I hope I get your genes!! 😉 xx

  35. I love your blog, thank you for sharing! I had a little laugh when I saw that you decorated with Kahili ginger (Hedychium gardnerianum). Sadly, in some parts of Australia it’s a class 3 weed. It’s hard to imagine when you see it so beautifully displayed.

  36. this little blog is so entertaining I feel guilty it is free…you my dear are a hoot as we say in the South and I have a stitch in my side from some of the comments and retorts. Your homes are all charming and I so look forward to catching up with your latest endeavors.
    What a clever idea to decorate with ginger and cannot even imagine how heavenly it must smell with pineapple scent waifting through the air. I just came across your interview with
    House Beautiful this morning(I know a day late and a dollar short) very engaging. I just had to copy your ideas for making your home feel like summer (this time a season late) but I would just adore a similar list for the fall season-unless however you are saving it for
    “Slim Paley Living”.

    • I’m in agreement with Ruth. With your photography skills, a Slim Paley coffee table book would awesome!

  37. how dare I not know about the pineapples being a “true southern blonde”? but I didn’t. Can’t wait to take the finials off my bed the next time a guest “overstay’s” their visit. Did you also know that if you have a good time at someone’s home you leave change on their bathroom floor? And did you know that “bless her heart” means she’s just down right dumb. Like “she ran out in front of a car and got hit” “bless her heart”. I can give you all the “Southern slang” you need sista! (except for the pineapples) how did I miss that?

Would love to hear from you!