By Lee Baynard

We’re thrilled to feature a blog by an incredible Claire Burke® enthusiast. Lee’s tips on decorating are sure to inspire you to decorate with fragrance in a whole new way! Thanks Lee!

I am always amazed at how easy and inexpensive it can be to create a stunning centerpiece.  One that is not only visually appealing but smells so inviting and fresh!  Thanks to Claire Burke’s botanical candles, it’s as simple as choosing a candle, and pairing it with the coordinating potpourri.  It virtually takes only minutes to do, but the effect looks much more elaborate.  I wanted something fresh and new for Spring, and so I purchased the Sparkling Citron Verbena candle and potpourri.  I simply placed the pillar candle in the center of a silver platter, and surrounded it with the potpourri.  It can’t get any easier than that!  And for anyone who has never tried one of Claire Burke’s botanical candles, boy are you in for a treat.  When these candles burn, they illuminate the surrounding botanicals from within, and the flickering light dances on the potpourri.  Another great thing about this concept is, it is easily changed to suit a new season, or just a whim.  Try it once, and you’re hooked.

“This is going to work for me as a fresh new look for Spring, and go all through the Summer.  Plus, I love Claire Burke botanical candles so much, and this one is outstanding-love the citrus slices that show through, and the small white flowers (look like Hydrangeas) are really special.  As you can see, I could not resist the silver display platter either-it is beautiful.” — Lee Baynard

By the way, I chose the Claire Burke round silver display platter to feature my arrangement.  It is the perfect size to accommodate a pillar candle, showcase the potpourri, and still show off the beautiful silver rim.  I think I am going to have to order a few more of these!

Interested in sharing your design tips with Claire Burke fans?  Email us at cbmarketing@richbrands.biz or contact us on Facebook.

By now, hopefully you’ve heard about the new darling in social networks – Pinterest. It’s truly eye candy; some of the most gorgeous photographs of every-day items that you have ever seen! It functions similar to a cork-board on the wall of your office… see something that inspires you – and pin it on your board. And then when you fill a board, make another.

You can find pictures of virtually anything and everything – backyard landscaping, nail polish colors, exotic places to travel,  apparel, DIY craft projects and even wedding favor ideas. If you can think of it, it’s probably out in Pinterest somewhere.

Anyway, Claire Burke is now on Pinterest too! We thought it’d be a great way for new fans to get to know us, and for long-time fans to keep talking and sharing with us. We hope to meet new friends and fans out there too.

Some of our boards are about what makes us ‘tick’, so to speak. We hope you check them out; Bloggers we love, Inspirational Women, Interior Designer Crushes, Scent Therapy and more!

Stop on by and say hi, and if you’d like an invitation to open a Pinterest account of your own, drop us a comment with your email address below – and we’ll be sure to send one out to you right away.

If you already are active on Pinterest, then click this button to follow us too!

Happy Pinning, everyone!

By Lee Baynard

We’re thrilled to feature a blog by an incredible Claire Burke® enthusiast. Lee’s tips on decorating are sure to inspire you to decorate with fragrance in a whole new way! Thanks Lee!

I love to take a Claire Burke® potpourri and think outside the box, or, bag as it were, when thinking of ways to display the unique botanicals. Simply poured into a bowl is nice, but there are so many other creative ways to express your style.

"find creative ways to express your style"

Cherry O! anyone? I arranged the botanicals in the Cherry O!™ potpourri into four individual dessert dishes, to create cherry sundaes. Placed on the breakfast room sideboard, they not only are fragrant, but visually appealing as you have your morning cup of coffee or tea. When the morning sunlight streams through the window, there is an extra burst of fragrance that permeates the air. And placing the individual dishes on a serving tray, and displaying it on the breakfast nook table, you can’t help but smile when you see and smell their cheery fragrance. I’ve yet to have anyone visit my home that doesn’t comment on how charming and delightful they think the arrangement is. Everyone wants to recreate the same look in their home!

"I arranged the botanicals in the Cherry O!™ potpourri into four individual dessert dishes, to create cherry sundaes."

I also try and tailor each specific scent to a particular room in the house. Cherry O! is just so perfect for the kitchen, and I plan to arrange a platter of the potpourri for the dining room china hutch also. That way, whenever I open the doors to retrieve a piece of china, the sweet scent of cherries wafts into the air. Always a pleasant surprise.

"you can't help but smile when you see and smell their cheery fragrance!"

Interested in sharing your design tips with Claire Burke fans?  Email us at cbmarketing@richbrands.biz or contact us on Facebook.

OMG!  Your mother just called and she wants to stop by.  Your best girlfriend just arrived in town unexpectedly.  Your husband has decided to host an impromptu after work party.  RELAX!  We’ve got you covered with a few quick fix ideas for decorating.  You’ll have everyone thinking you’re a domestic goddess in no time!

Candles: The quickest way to add ambiance to any room is lighting a few candles.  I always keep filled candles on hand.  No muss, no fuss and no worrying about anything spilling over.  If you’ve got votives in glass, arrange them in a grouping in the center of your table on a pretty placemat.

Fresh Flowers: Grabbing a quick bouquet at the neighborhood grocer can help bring some natural energy and life to any room.  Don’t have that crystal vase polished?  Ditch the crystal and go for a beautiful steamless wine glass or a fun coffee mug.  Cut the flowers down to a manageable height; give them some water and go.  This will look effortless and simple.

Room Spray: If your house isn’t feeling fresh because you haven’t had a chance to really clean this week, don’t worry.  A quick spritz of Claire Burke Home Spray in your favorite fragrance is the perfect way to freshen any room and welcome guests.

Quick appetizer: Have any holiday cranberry sauce in the fridge?  Pour some over goat or cream cheese and serve with buttery crackers for a quick horderves.

Hopefully these tips will help you out during the holidays.  Tell us your favorite quick and easy holiday entertaining ideas below!

With home décor, as in fashion, the perfect look is about the right accessories.  With just a few little touches here and there, you can turn any design into a splendid look.  Here are some of my little tricks to help you out this holiday season.

Hate that table?  Cover it with fabric! When I’m looking for something to add a little kick of color, a fabric drop is always my first instinct.  And you don’t have to spend a lot to do it.  Go to your nearest fabric store and head straight for the section labeled “remnants”.  Find a flowy fabric that works within your color scheme and you’re set.  Pool the fabric in the center of the table or along a mantel making sure to turn the cut side edges under.  Then arrange your décor on top and voila: Instant pop!

Things looking a little flat?  Prop it up! Add some interest to your décor by adding levels. Turn a flower vase upside down and set an arrangement on top. Stack small wrapped boxes with ribbon behind your other décor.  Fill a glass jar with spun ribbon, flip it over and use it as a pedestal for a filled candle. Or, incorporating the fabric idea above, set small boxes in various sizes in a group or row and cover with fabric.  You’ll have instant levels and variety.

Candles looking a bit lonely?  Display them with other fragranced items! Using the new Claire Burke display trays, you can easily display multiple products.  Set a diffuser, filled candle, or glass votive in the middle of a display tray and surround with potpourri.  Not only will it look beautifully styled, but your fragrance impact will be doubled.

I hope you have success with these ideas!  Feel free to share your own below.

-Alicia

Alicia Thompson is the Marketing Manager for Claire Burke Home Fragrance. Her passion for fragrance and design is well known throughout the company and we hope you’ll find it contagious. Look for her monthly column showing you insider styling tricks used to create our stunning Claire Burke displays.

Find the perfect fragrance for everyone on your list!

If you’re stumped as to what fragrance to choose this year, look no further.  Use our Fragrance Personality Guide to find the perfect scent for someone you love for treat yourself.  You never know what you might find out about yourself!

Original™: You’re a classic in every way.  Sophisticated and bold, Original is perfect for anyone who wants to make a statement.

Applejack & Peel™: You have grand designs to become the next Nigella Lawson, but just haven’t found the time to bake this season.  This scent is perfect for anyone too busy to bake.

Sparkling Citron Verbena™: You’re vibrant and exciting!  Your personality sparkles and you’ve got a zest for life that is insatiable!

Cherry O™: You’re sweet and cheerful and look at everything with optimism.  This is the perfect scent for anyone young at heart.

Tropical Flowers™: Soft and sensual, this floral fragrance is perfect for setting a mood for relaxation.  If you’re a modern sophisticate with a soft side, this fragrance is for you.

Wild Cotton™: Clean and crisp, this scent is perfect for anyone who doesn’t have time to fuss around.  Perfect for that sleek modern friend who wants everything perfectly in it’s place.

Vanilla Bean™: Warm and cozy, vanilla is a prefect scent for someone who loves lazy days lounging around the house.  A cup of hot tea, a soft blanket and someone to snuggle up with.  Get this scent and it could be you!

What kind of Claire Burke person are you?  Comment below to let us know.

Scent of the Season:  Scented Sachets

By Alicia Thompson

Did you put up your Christmas tree this weekend?  You’d think I’d still be worn out from a crazy day of Black Friday shopping, but I just couldn’t wait to get out the tree and start decorating.  I love getting out all of my ornaments and re-living memories from years past.  I collect ornaments when I travel so my tree is really a menagerie of shapes, sizes and colors.

The only thing missing from my tree is the smell:  YES, I’ll admit it:  We have a fake tree!  I grew up with them, so it’s a tradition for us.  So in order to get the most of my holiday experience, I use Oh! Christmas Tree potpourri to “scent” my tree.  Using some simple netting or even a small gift sachet, you can do the same.  Follow the directions below to make your own, no-sew Christmas tree sachets.  You’ll see a few of my favorite ornaments there as well.  Now that I’ve shared mine, I’d love to see your ideas.  Send me pictures of your favorite ornaments or holiday décor!

Claire Burke Oh! Christmas Tree Sachets

What you’ll need:

• Parchment paper or an old newspaper
• Dark Green, gold or red small size netting or organza.
• Scissors
• Coordinating ribbon
• Claire Burke Oh! Christmas Tree Potpourri

Directions

1. Using a marker, make a circle pattern 15” in diameter on the parchment paper or old newspaper.  Cut out.
2. Lay out your fabric on a flat surface.  Using a white crayon or pencil, trace around the edge of the circle pattern.  Cut out.
3. Place the fabric on a flat surface.  Place a handful of potpourri to the center of the circle.
4. Gather up the edges to enclose the potpourri entirely in the fabric.
5. Tie a ribbon in a tight knot to seal the bag.  Make a second loop or bow.
6. Place your sachets at the center of your tree or hang from the bow.

I hope you’ll enjoy this easy idea to add the scent of a Christmas tree to your holiday décor.    If you don’t have a tree, these can easily be affixed to a garland or hung from the mantel.

Potpourri is 25% off right now, so get decorating!

By Alicia Thompson

Doesn’t it seem like the holiday season gets started earlier and earlier each year.  I think I heard my first chime of Christmas music just hours after pitching my sad little jack-0-lantern!

But, I’ll admit, I do love Christmas and often feel like I’m celebrating it year-round.  Considering our planning schedule at the office, we’re looking at samples by February and I’m often shooting holiday promotional shots in June.  Then it’s time to start working on signage and promotions and before you know it, I’m getting out my own decorations at home again.

That said, here are a few things we’re looking forward to during the holiday season.

• Christmas window decorations: We love the whimsical décor that is featured throughout the holiday season.  Bring some whimsy home with a Claire Burke diffuser or potpourri displayed in our beautiful new display bowls.  Or click HERE for more design ideas.
• Macy’s Day Parade: What’s your favorite part of the parade?  The floats, balloons, Broadway performances?  There’s something for everyone HERE and Santa will officially ring in the Christmas Season at the end of the parade!
• Going to see the Nutcracker: Click HERE for a link to a performance near you.
• Tree lighting ceremonies: The Rockefeller tree will be lit this year on November 30^th.  Enjoy it in person or click here for coverage information.  Or attend a local tree lighting ceremony in your community!
• Hot cocoa by the fireplace: When you don’t feel like braving the holiday hoards, sit back and relax with loved ones over a nice cup of hot cocoa.  We love THIS classic recipe or try a spiced up version HERE.

And did you know that scent is the stronger tie we have to our memories?  Most people tink it would be a sight or a sounds, but a memorable fragrance can last a lifetime. Remember, it’s never too early to start making some Christmas Memories!   Save 10% on Christmas Memories this month!  And don’t forget, all Potpourri is still 25% off!

Apples: A perfect decorating tool for the holiday season! With more varieties than I can count, using apples to decorate has never been more fun, or easy!

Here are 4 ways to use apples to enhance any décor

1. Apple votive holders.  Cut apples in half horizontally so that they have a sturdy base to rest on.  Using a melon-baller or a small biscuit cutout, remove the core of the apple so that it is big enough to hold a votive or tealight.
2. Apple Vases: Using the same technique, core out an apple and fill it with water.  Arrange short cut flowers, stemmed berries and botanicals.
3. Applejack & Peel™ botanical candle on a cake stand.  The fragrance descriptions promises that you don’t have to bake, but I just couldn’t resist this cute kitchen display.  Using a cake stand, a botanical candle and some potpourri, you can make an arrangement that will look so delectable; someone will want to eat it!
4. Use dried apple slices to make a dried apple garland, add in some cinnamon sticks and potpourri pieces for a garland that smells and looks festive for the fall season.

I hope you can incorporate some of these ideas into your holiday decorating.  As an incentive to start you off, use this SPECIAL promo code to receive an Applejack & Peel Diffuser ONLY $10!  Just enter code AJPDIFBG10 at checkout. Offer expires 11/30/2011.   Write me or send me a picture of what you create!

-Alicia

Alicia Thompson is the Marketing Manager for Claire Burke Home Fragrance. Her passion for fragrance and design is well known throughout the company and we hope you’ll find it contagious. Look for her monthly column showing you insider styling tricks used to create our stunning Claire Burke displays.

By Alicia Thompson

Try the new Claire Burke Botanical Fragrance Diffusers!

Claire Burke has always been known for their incredible botanical candles.  We’re one of the few home fragrance companies out there who are still making them, and needless to say, we re very proud.

This year, our new product development manager, Carrie, decided to take it to a whole new level by introducing a botanical fragrance diffuser.  I’ve already professed my love for them in a previous blog, but let me give you a littler more background on what’s in them and how they came to be.

Each year, Carrie develops gorgeous new additions to our line.  This project started early in 2011, and I vividly remember walking into her office, stopping dead in my tracks and exclaiming: “What are those? They are gorgeous!”  From there, more of our Claire Burke staff began to excitedly anticipate the phase where we’d be able to home test the diffusers, and guess what?  They work wonderfully!  Are you surprised?

Carrie specially selected the blend of botanicals to give each bottle it’s own unique look.  The golden amber hues of fall leaves are complimented by the rich chocolate brown color of dark cinnamon sticks in Slice of Spice.  Red Currant berries add a burst of color set against the vivid green of a pine leaf in each Christmas Memories diffuser.  The pinecones and branches in the Oh! Christmas Tree diffusers remind me of walking in a northern forest.    All of these beautiful glass decanters hold the botanicals suspended in our rich fragrance oil.

We hope you’ll pick one up and let me know where you are displaying it.  They are beautiful in any room any setting.  And since they are flame free, there’s no stress either.  Happy Holidays!

SPECIAL BLOG OFFER: Save $5 on all Holiday Botanical Diffusers!

Enter code:  BOTDIFBG5  Expires 11/30/2011