Lavender Design + Cuisine: 2025

Friday, October 3, 2025

Simple Christmas Table Ideas | Centerpiece and Place Settings

The holiday table is a blank canvas, and it doesn't matter if your guests number one or ten—the goal is to create a setting that feels celebratory and inviting. Before you rush out to the stores, take a fresh look at what you already own. You might be surprised to find that a festive and memorable table is just a few creative touches away.

So, let’s get started!

Select color themes - One of the first things to establish before creating your table design is the color palette. Choose 2-3 colors max. Then you’ll want to choose serve-wares, textiles, decor and foliage that work within the color theme you’ve chosen.

Consider scale - Do not overcrowd your dining table. Choose everything based on the size of the table, number of chairs and guests.

Apply contrast to create interest - If your tablecloth is white or a neutral color, use tabletop items that are bolder in color such as different shades of green and red.

Incorporate various heights - By incorporating elements with varying heights, you create variety, interest, depth and dimension in your dining table decor.

Make your table vibrant - Use fresh flowers, foliage, fruits and even seasonal vegetables on your table to provide texture and color.

Create a center piece - A centerpiece can be a winter greenery with shiny red berries, flowers and candles (avoid scented candles, they’ll interfere with your foods’ aroma).

Most of all have fun with your table set up and don’t hesitate to ask family and friends to help, not only they’ll have great ideas, but also can contribute by providing flowers, greenery, etc.

Wishing you a holiday season full of incredible flavors and happy moments!

Ellie Lavender
Certified Feng Shui Practitioner
Interior Designer
Lavender Design + Cuisine

Join my network on Facebook & Instagram to receive Feng Shui & interior design tips and information on upcoming workshops!

Saturday, September 6, 2025

Clutter and Control

5 Effective Ways to Deal with Controlling People

Controlling behavior often stems from deep-rooted insecurities, fears, and anxieties.

Controlling individuals impose their will on others to create a false sense of security and predictability. To protect your personal well-being, you must focus entirely on what is within your own power.

Here are 5 actionable strategies to disarm controlling behavior:

Limit Shared Information: Reduce the amount of personal information you share. The less a controlling person knows about your life, the less leverage they have to dictate your choices.
Maintain Your Composure: Stay calm, objective, and emotionally detached. Controlling individuals often look for an emotional reaction; remaining calm completely disarms their tactics.
Practice Active Detachment: Distance yourself physically and emotionally from the situation. Walking away is a necessary action to preserve your own mental and physical health.
Declutter Your Matters: Focus your time and energy strictly on your own responsibilities. Clear out external distractions so you can manage your daily life without unnecessary stress.
Choose Peace of Mind: Intentionally detach yourself from the behaviors and actions of others. Letting go of their reactions allows you to reclaim your individual freedom and mental clarity.

The Link Between Clutter and Control

There is a direct, psychological connection between physical clutter and the psychological need for control:

Clutter Causes Anxiety: A disorganized environment increases daily stress, leaving people feeling overwhelmed and out of control.
Control Drives Accumulation: Deep internal fears can cause people to hoard items. Accumulating possessions is often an unhealthy coping mechanism used to create a false sense of security.

Ultimately, true peace comes from organizing your own life and choosing your own peace of mind.

Ellie Lavender

Space. Curator & Green Interior Designer

Decluttering & Organizing Expert

Lavender Design + Cuisine

Join my network on Facebook & Instagram to receive recipes and information
on upcoming chocolate, culinary & wine pairing classes, and special events!

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Simple & Practical Feng Shui Enhancements for the Entryway!

In Feng Shui, the entryway is the "mouth of Chi"—the critical gateway for attracting positive energy, abundance, and prosperity. Keeping this space clean, well-lit, and welcoming enhances the flow of vital energy throughout your entire home.

Essential Entryway Enhancements

Clear the Path: Remove all indoor and outdoor clutter that blocks movement or creates unease.
Deep Clean: Keep the front door, hardware, and surrounding areas spotless.
Invite Energy: Add a fresh welcome mat, an elegant door knocker, and healthy potted plants.
Maximize Light: Ensure the space is bright using natural light or warm, inviting fixtures.
Place Art Wisely: Hang positive imagery or mirrors to expand light, but never place a mirror directly opposite the door.
Introduce Water: Incorporate a subtle, soothing water feature to promote vitality and balance.
Check the Door: Ensure the front door opens fully and functions smoothly to allow energy to flow freely.

Transforming your living environment is a gradual, creative process. Embrace the journey toward a more beautiful and harmonious sanctuary.

Ready to design your dream space? Contact me today to start the conversation.

Ellie Lavender

Space. Curator & Green Interior Designer

Decluttering & Organizing Expert

Lavender Design + Cuisine

Join my network on Facebook & Instagram to receive recipes and information
on upcoming chocolate, culinary & wine pairing classes, and special events!

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

The Connection Between a Cluttered Home & Controlling Behaviors!

The Hidden Connection Between Clutter and Controlling Behavior

A cluttered home can be directly linked to controlling behaviors. Living in a disorganized environment causes stress, anxiety, and a feeling of being overwhelmed. To compensate for this internal chaos, individuals often try to exert rigid control over other aspects of their lives, including their personal relationships.

While physical decluttering is highly beneficial, controlling behavior often stems from complex issues like insecurity, fear, past trauma, or a sense of powerlessness. True healing requires addressing both the physical mess and these underlying emotional factors.

3 Reasons It Is Difficult to Let Go of Items

Clients frequently wonder why it is so challenging to discard unused or disliked possessions. Three psychological factors explain this difficulty:

Loss Aversion: People are naturally more sensitive to potential losses than gains. Emotional attachment or the fear of needing an item later makes discarding it difficult.
The "Just in Case" Mentality: Many individuals keep unused items for years due to a fear of waste or an anxious anticipation of perceived future needs.
Hoarding Tendencies: Excessive clutter can indicate hoarding disorder. This is characterized by an inability to discard items, severe distress, and an intense need to oversee and control other people's actions.

Achieve Emotional Liberation

Decluttering extends far beyond simply tidying up a physical room. It promotes a profound shift in perspective, encouraging you to prioritize internal emotional liberation rather than trying to control external factors or other people.

After decluttering their homes, clients consistently express a deep sense of physical and emotional release. They report being more attuned to the positive aspects of their lives, feeling less judgmental, and experiencing genuine contentment.

Ellie Lavender
Certified Feng Shui Practitioner & Green Interior Designer
Decluttering & Organizing Expert | Lavender Design + Cuisine

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Friday, April 25, 2025

Plant-Based Recipe: Tartine Végétale Salée (Savory Vegetable Tartine)

Tartine Végétale Salé

Greetings French Cuisine Lovers,

The Tartine is a beloved staple of French cuisine, often enjoyed for a simple breakfast or light lunch. This versatile, open-faced sandwich is proof that delicious food doesn't need to be complicated. With Ttartine literally translating to 'bread with something on it,' the possibilities are endless and can be adapted to any craving—from sweet spreads like butter and jam to savory creations layered with creamy cheese and fresh herbs.

You’ll love making and enjoying this roasted-caramelized-to-perfection colorful Sweet Pointed Peppers — my inspiration for this gorgeous and delicious Tartine Végétale Salée.

Tartine Recipe (serving size 2)

Ingredients:

4 Sweet Pointed Peppers or 2 large orange & red bell peppers
4 Garlic cloves
2 Slice of sourdough, wholegrain or any other bread to your liking
1 Tsp. Cappers
6 Cherry Tomatoes halved
1/4 Tsp. dried herbes de Provence
3 Tbsp. Olive Oil

Instruction:

1.Preheat the oven to 400F

2. Wash, pad dry peppers, remove the core and seeds. Next slice the pepper into 2 inch strips horizontally, toss them in 2 tbsp. olive oil and 1/3 tsp. sea salt, then lay them on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. Place garlic cloves in double sheets of aluminum foil, drizzle 1 tsp. olive oil, a sprinkle of sea salt and wrap them tightly.

4. Roast peppers and garlic gloves for about 30-45 minutes (depending on your oven temp., they may get roasted in 30 or 45 minutes, so, check the peppers after 30 minutes, garlic most probably will need 45 minutes, so you can leave those to be roasted more). Let pepper cool for 15 minutes, then thinly slice them and roll them into a spiral shape to make rosettes. Next remove garlic shell.

5. Toast your favorite bread, place it on a plate, arrange peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, roasted garlic, capers, add fresh herbs such as oregano, drizzle olive oil, a sprinkle of herbes de Provence & sea salt and enjoy! Perfect by itself, with double shots of espresso or a glass of Pinot Noir or Chenin Blanc.

Bon Appetite!

Chef Ellie Lavender
Plant-Based Mediterranean Chef
Culinary & Wine Pairing Instructor
Event Caterer
Lavender Design + Cuisine

Join my network on Facebook & Instagram to receive recipes and information

on upcoming chocolate, culinary & wine pairing classes and special events!

Monday, January 27, 2025

Plant-Based Recipe: Simply Divine Chocolate Hummus

Decadent Chocolate Hummus Appetizer Plate

Chocolate Hummus in a Jar - Decadent Valentine's Day Present

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Greetings Chocolate & Hummus Lovers!

Indulge in this uniquely flavored hummus, which combines the earthy sweetness of roasted rainbow carrots with the warm spice of garam masala and the richness of cocoa. You can enjoy it a variety of pairings, including cookies, crackers, sliced apples, pears, oranges, carrots, radishes and much more.

So, let's get started with the recipe!

Ingredients (serving size 6):

1 Bunch rainbow carrots
1 Can (15 oz.) chickpeas, drained, rinsed and pad dried with paper towel
1 Tbsp. cocoa powder (unsweetened baking cocoa)
1/4 Tsp. garam masala spice
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tsp. orange zest
1/4 Tsp. sea salt
1/2 Cup fresh orange juice
1 tbsp. grand marnier (optional)

Instructions:

Carrots: Prepare the carrots by peeling, washing, and patting them dry. Next, slice them into 2-inch diagonal wedges. Combine the carrot wedges in a bowl with olive oil and sea salt, then toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated.

Roasting: Roast the carrots in a preheated 450°F oven for 25 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a Pyrex pan. After roasting, let them cool for 30 minutes.

Hummus: Add the roasted rainbow carrots, chickpeas, cocoa powder, garam masala, orange zest, and orange juice to a food processor. Process the ingredients until a smooth, creamy consistency is achieved, thinning with additional orange juice if necessary.

Serving: Transfer chocolate hummus in a bowl and garnish with orange or blood orange slices and a few rose petals and enjoy it with sliced carrots, apples, pears, crackers, almond cookies, and much more!

Chocolate Hummus is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that even kids will enjoy. For a special Valentine's Day treat, package this rich and indulgent dip in a jar to create a delicious homemade gift for loved ones.

Wishing you a delicious Valentine's Day!

Chef Ellie Lavender
Plant-Based Mediterranean Personal Chef
Culinary & Wine Pairing Instructor
Event Caterer
Lavender Design + Cuisine

Join my network on Facebook & Instagram to receive recipes and information

on upcoming chocolate, culinary & wine pairing classes and special events!