The Happy Host: Throwing a resentment-free party for someone you love

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The Happy Host: Throwing a resentment-free party for someone you love

Recently, the lovely Ashley Palmer had a birthday. We had a little shindig to celebrate, and The Tulsa Voice let me share my party throwing A-game. Below: a snippet, bonus photos, and a link to the full article.

I scout and sell furniture for a living. Let’s boil that down. I move large, heavy furniture every day from point A to point B. We have a rule in our business: don’t buy any furniture for the shop that you aren’t thrilled to go pick up, load in a van, and schlep into the store. You gotta want to heft that giant sofa real bad. Otherwise, it’s a sign you shouldn’t be buying it.

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Cocktail Napkin Sewing Night with Owl and Drum

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Cocktail Napkin Sewing Night with Owl and Drum

This past Thursday, we hosted a cocktail napkin sewing class at the shop with our friends at Owl and Drum, the cutest sewing and craft store at 15th and Delaware in Tulsa. Have you been? Their fabrics are to die for, they've got cute gifts (headbands, books, jewelry, etc.) and classes that will whip you into a beautiful crafting wizard. Bianca, the owner, is delightful, kind and helpful. Since our shops like each other so much, we decided they should go on a date. Enter Cocktail Napkin Sewing Night at Retro Den. The lovely Mary Perisho teaches most of the classes at Owl and Drum, and she taught our class too. We couldn't have been more excited that she brought vintage sewing machines for us and our guests to use. To top the evening off, attendees enjoyed fancy cocktails, Antoinette's Baking Co. treats and our ever charming banter.

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A guide to letting go and homing in on your dream décor

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A guide to letting go and homing in on your dream décor

A full house does not mean you are done decorating your home; it means you are just beginning to work on real design. We shared how to start fine-tuning your home style in the most recent Tulsa Voice. Read a snippet below.  

I’ve heard all my life how much personal growth lay ahead of me—after high school, after college, in my first job, in marriage, and so on. Turns out, it’s true. I know one negative attitude can ruin the collaboration of an entire team, I know bosses take you seriously if you take yourself seriously, I know it’s OK to pause an argument late at night and wait for the perspective only morning can bring, and I know money is important but happiness is priceless.

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CLEAN SLATE: Want the perfect canvas for your home decor dreams? Here's a broom.

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CLEAN SLATE: Want the perfect canvas for your home decor dreams? Here's a broom.

At Retro Den, we think home design starts with having a clean home. Palmer was born a tidy person. Daly had to acquire the skills and mindset. Here's some clean home hints we shared in this month's Tulsa Voice. Read below.

CLEAN SLATE: Want the perfect canvas for your home decor dreams? Here's a broom. Having less can mean less cleaning—when you make your driveway a store for a day, it can also mean more money.

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Elements of a Good Front Porch

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Elements of a Good Front Porch

Shared some crucial front-porch-sitting information over on The Noshery today. Read a snippet below. Elements of a Good Front Porch

I’ve always been like that character from Bewitched, Gladys Kravitz, who would keep creepy close watch on her neighbors. Blasphemous as it sounds, Ms. Cravitz didn’t have her snooping down just right though. Peering through curtains with binoculars is suspect, but you know what’s not? Sitting on your front porch, having a spiked lemonade and seemingly watching traffic.

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