A Papal Panettone: A Sweet Gift Commissioned by The Pope!

A Glimpse At the Delicious Panettone Commissioned by Pope Francis

If you are an Italian (and especially an Italian Catholic), chances are you’re familiar with the Italian presepe (Il Presepe), or representation of the Nativity scene. A presepe nativity scene is the special exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season, of art objects representing the birth of Jesus, that is traditional to the Napoli (Naples) region of Italy.

The Pope's Panettone: a Dolce Presepe commissioned by Pope Francis!
The Pope’s Panettone: a Dolce Presepe commissioned by Pope Francis!

Nothing’s quite as sweet as the Dolce Presepe, a beautiful Panettone created by Fiasconaro. The Dolce Presepe is a delectable Panettone with white chocolate Nativity elements, and is a staple of the Italian Christmas tradition.

Every year, a small batch of Fiasconaro Dolce Presepe are commissioned by Pope Francis himself to celebrate the Christmas season. This year, one of these rare “Papal Panettones” was given as a gift to Peter Salerno and his family by his cousins Setimo and Joe, owners of E&S Foods.

This Panettone was crafted by dessert artisans in Castelbuono, Sicily. With an annual allowance of just 4, these Pope-commissioned Dolce Presepe are a treat to be savored with love and gratitude!

The Pope's Panettone: a Dolce Presepe commissioned by Pope Francis!
The Pope’s Panettone: a Dolce Presepe commissioned by Pope Francis!

Precious gifts like this one remind us all that Christmas is truly about two things – celebrating the miracle of the birth of Jesus on Earth, and celebrating the miracle that is the love and warmth of our families and loved ones.

On behalf of our parent company Peter Salerno Inc., Peter Salerno and his family (wife Tracy, Anthony and Eve, Gabrielle and Brian), we wish you happiest of holiday seasons and healthiest, most blessed of New Years to come.

Give The Christmas Gift of Custom Handcrafted Cutlery in 2016!

Click Here for Exclusive Christmas 2016 Custom Cutlery Deals!

For the serious home chef, restauranteur, fine chef, sommelier, or culinary arts expert in your life, there’s nothing quite like a handcrafted piece of custom cutlery. For our money, there is no better Christmas 2016 custom cutlery gift option than a piece of fine knifeware from EDGES Custom Cutlery.

The brainchild of designer and knifemaker Anthony Michael Salerno (AKTI, NKBA Member), EDGES is a state-of-the-art custom cutlery and knifeware line designed for the individual user in mind. Each piece of EDGES cutlery is handcrafted and made to order based on client specifications – ensuring that your piece of EDGES custom cutlery is wholly unique, never to be duplicated.

Yes, every piece in the EDGES custom cutlery line is made by hand!

EDGES Custom Cutlery is a line that brings pro chefs and serious home chefs some of the finest performing ergonomic cutlery that can be offered. EDGES is distributed in Wyckoff, NJ at Peter Salerno, Inc., and is available at BuyKitchenKnives.com.

Each of the knives pictured below (and on BuyKitchenKnives.com) is currently priced TO MOVE for the 2016 Christmas and holiday season. This includes the stunning, world-class Sommelier Collection, in which each piece uses genuine American White Oak from used wine barrel staves.

The EDGES cutlery Sommelier collection: the perfect 2016 holiday gift for chefs and wine lovers.
The EDGES cutlery Sommelier collection: the perfect 2016 holiday gift for chefs and wine lovers.

Anthony designed these knives with three aspects in mind: Performance, Handling, and Looks. Each knife has its own distinct look and feel while remaining balanced, ergonomic, and light. All EDGES custom knives are perfectly balanced at the ricasso with contoured handles to ensure your knife feels like an extension of your hand.

Since its inception, EDGES has quickly established a reputation as a state-of-the-art balance of performance, handling, and looks. The ergonomic design of each custom EDGES cutlery piece is perfectly balanced at the ricasso with meticulously contoured handles.

The rest of the active EDGES custom cutlery line currently available for sale can be viewed (and purchased) at BuyKitchenKnives.com, the premier online source for custom-crafted knives, cutlery, and artwork – OR by contacting Peter Salerno Inc. at (201) 251-6608 or via the contact form below.

Signature Series Acid Splash High Carbon Blade from EDGES Custom Cutlery. Retail $750 (with custom leather pouch).
Signature Series Acid Splash High Carbon Blade from EDGES Custom Cutlery. Retail $750 (with custom leather pouch).
Black and Blue Paring Knife from EDGES Custom Cutlery. Retail $250.
Black and Blue Paring Knife from EDGES Custom Cutlery. Retail $250.
The Red Monarch, one of the debut knives in the EDGES custom cutlery collection from Peter Salerno Inc.!
The Red Monarch, one of the debut knives in the EDGES custom cutlery collection from Peter Salerno Inc.!
EDGES custom cutlery is now available at BuyKitchenKnives.com!
EDGES custom cutlery is now available at BuyKitchenKnives.com!

Peter Salerno Inc.’s Design Showroom Is Decked Out For Christmas!

Peter Salerno Inc.’s Design Showroom Is Decked Out For Christmas!

When you’re the Most Innovative Showroom in North America, it’s hard to get more festive. But Peter Salerno Inc. is out to Deck the Halls for Christmas 2016 in a big way, and you’re invited to celebrate!

The flagship Peter Salerno Inc. custom home design showroom was awarded the prestigious KBIS Most Innovative Showroom award, and is truly a sight to behold. Add a glass or two of champagne and fine wine, a visit from Harper the office puppy and Elliot the Elf, and the Wyckoff, New Jersey showroom is the place to be for the holidays!

Elliot the Elf wishes you a Merry Christmas from Peter Salerno Inc.!
Elliot the Elf wishes you a Merry Christmas from Peter Salerno Inc.!

The Peter Salerno Inc. building at 511 Goffle Road, Wyckoff, NJ, is also home to Stratta, the Tile Boutique, and Oberg & Lindquist Fine Appliances. Together, this trifecta of storefronts is your one-stop luxury stop for the pinnacle in custom home, kitchen and bath design, decor and appliances.

Part of Peter Salerno Inc.'s award-winning staff (circa 2015)
Part of Peter Salerno Inc.’s award-winning staff (circa 2015)

There’s so much to see at the flagship Peter Salerno Inc. showroom, including the world famous Corvette bar (pictured below), the La Cornue kitchen, and the brand-new Miele transitional kitchen that provides a new “wow” factor!

Can you find Elliot the Elf in Peter Salerno Inc.'s showroom?
Can you find Elliot the Elf in Peter Salerno Inc.’s showroom?
Even Harper the office puppy is ready for Christmas!
Even Harper the office puppy is ready for Christmas!

Christmas 2016 Decor: Six Jolly Shades of PANTONE Green

The Six Best Green Tones For Your 2016 Christmas Design

In our last article, we showed you the 6 “it” PANTONE shades of red for Christmas decor and design in 2016. From jewel tones to earthy reds to jazzy lighter hues, you’re now equipped with all this year’s trendiest reds.

So now that you have your Poinsettia, Crimson and Goji Berry, we’ve got one more traditional Christmas color to play with. Let’s stuff your stocking with our favorite shades of green for 2016!

It’s a GREAT year to design with green for the holidays. From this summer’s Green Flash to the fall’s Lush Meadow, green is a major player in fashion and decor in 2016’s Pantone color reports. 2016 has also been a bounce-back year for earthy tones and hues, making green a wonderful complementary shade to the core neutrals or cool colors in your home design.

Pantone, the world’s foremost color matching system, has put names and coding to every shade of green you could possibly imagine. But which of these green shades are right for your 2016 Christmas decor and designs?

We’re basing our decisions on the “it” shades of green for this holiday season on a few core principles on Pantone trends from 2016:

  • A nice jewel-tone green never hurt anyone;
  • Earth-toned greens make for an inviting color option;
  • When in doubt, pick a green that pairs well with a neutral.

Let’s pair up those 6 shades of red from our last article with our favorite six green hues (courtesy of the Pantone color matching system) for the 2016 Christmas design and decor season!

Christmas Design 2016: Our Six Favorite Pantone Shades of Green

1. Sprucestone (14-6316 TCX)

Sprucestone Pantone color, Christmas 2016 green Pantone colors

2. Classic Green (16-6340 TCX)

Classic Green Pantone color, Christmas 2016 green Pantone colors

3. Mistletoe (16-0220 TCX)

Mistletoe Pantone color, Christmas 2016 green Pantone colors

4. Holly Green (16-5932 TCX)

Holly Green Pantone color, Christmas 2016 green Pantone colors

5. Pistachio Green (13-0221 TCX)

Pistachio Green Pantone color, Christmas 2016 green Pantone colors

6. Smoke Pine (18-5718 TCX)

Smoke Pine Pantone color, Christmas 2016 green Pantone colors

Small Business Saturday: The IT Shops of Bergen County, NJ!

Shop Bergen County, NJ on Small Business Saturday 2016!

Avoid the madness of Black Friday this year – there are amazing deals and incredible products available to you right in your backyard!

Saturday, November 26, 2016 is Small Business Saturday – the day when brick-and-mortar local businesses encourage you to get out and shop in your area’s finest small businesses. Lest you think that Small Business Saturday is a “small fry event”, think again! 2016 marks the 7th annual Small Business Saturday, and is observed nationwide by the great small businesses that make America strong!

Design Your Lifestyle is based in northern New Jersey, one of America’s true hotbeds of thriving small business. While many associate our area with malls and large commerce centers, northern New Jersey’s backbone is truly its small businesses.

We love Bergen County, New Jersey’s gorgeous main street and downtown shopping areas, which offer fantastic Small Business Saturday escapes from overcrowded malls and “big business” storefronts. From Wyckoff to Westwood, Ridgewood to hidden gems along Routes 4 and 17, Bergen County offers a plethora of amazing shopping options this Small Business Saturday!

Here are a few of our personal favorite “hidden gems” for you to check out on November 26th, as Small Business Saturday returns to Bergen County!

Small Business Saturday: Bergen County, NJ Shopping

1. Peter Salerno Inc. Home Design Shops (511 Goffle Road, Wyckoff, NJ)

Anchored by a showroom that 201 Magazine called “a wonderland under one roof”, this 3-shop design storefront is a must-visit for anyone considering a new home, home remodel, or update to their custom kitchen or bath design. Located just off Routes 208 and 4 in Wyckoff, NJ, the Peter Salerno Inc. Home Design Shops are an all-in-one center for home design enthusiasts.

511 Goffle Road, Wyckoff, NJ: A home design paradise!
Peter Salerno Inc. Home Design Shops, in beautiful Wyckoff, NJ!

The journey begins at Peter Salerno Inc., winner of the most national design awards since 2002. Peter and his team specialize in custom kitchen and bath design, ranging from classic to contemporary, traditional to transitional. The gorgeous showroom (winner of KBIS’ Most Innovative Showroom award) features kitchen, bath and bar designs. Peter Salerno Inc. also specializes in lounges, wine cellars, and “man caves” for the most discerning of customers.

Adjacent to Peter Salerno Inc.’s showroom are Stratta, the Tile Boutique and Oberg & Lindquist. Stratta is a jaw-dropping center for amazing artisan tile, ranging from fine marble to quirky art pieces to the latest in “green” tile (cork, faux wood, etc.). Oberg & Lindquist is a one-stop small business destination for home appliances, including some of the finest names in the industry – Wolf, Sub-Zero, Miele and more.

2. B. Witching Bath Co. (11 S. Broad St., Ridgewood, NJ)

A fine escape from the big business bath companies, B. Witching Bath Co. is a great find in the heart of downtown Ridgewood. From soaps to lotions, oils to soaks, the product assortment at B. Witching is alluring and high-quality.

Stemming from a 40-year family tradition of fine handmade bath products, B. Witching Bath Co.’s products “are uniquely formulated with the finest therapeutic botanicals, wholesome ingredients, essential oils and minimal preservatives”. Each batch of their products are crafted to high standards on an individual basis.

For the guys out there who often find themselves at a loss in big bath care stores, fear not! We love B. Witching’s efforts to invite men into their store with fine products designed “for him” as well.

3. Serene Spa & Boutique (288 Center Ave., Westwood, NJ)

A walk through the charming downtown center of Westwood brings you to Serene, a quaint spa and boutique with a natural vibe. The name “Serene” is indicative of the feeling you get upon entering the storefront, as customers find its atmosphere relaxing and peaceful.

Serene Spa and Boutique, Westwood, NJ.
Serene Spa and Boutique, Westwood, NJ.

Serene offers a wide array of products, from clothing to skin care. Need a break from the stressful rush of holiday shopping? Serene also offers a litany of fairly priced health options – from massage to waxing, Reiki massage to skin care.

The Serene boutique also offers the added bonus of some very unique jewelry options! If you’re a lover of baubles and bangles, bracelets and necklaces, then make sure you stop by for a fine small business option for your jewelry needs.

4. Caffe Anello and Sogno Coffee (425-429 Broadway, Westwood, NJ)

Of course, all this Small Business Saturday shopping is bound to make you hungry! Our favorite local haunt for a unique bite to eat and a world-class cup of coffee is Sogno Coffee – conveniently, just a short walk away from Serene Spa & Boutique in the heart of Westwood.

You’ll visit Sogno Coffee for its magnificent coffee and beverage selection, including espresso, macchiato, cappuccino and some fantastic hot chocolates. You’ll stay for their assortment of freshly made crepes, available in both Sweet and Savory options. We highly recommend the simple delight of the Fourth Avenue, a handmade crepe made fresh and served with lemon juice, honey, sugar and butter.

If you need a little more nourishment, the double storefront also features Caffe Anello, a tremendous sit-down restaurant you’ll visit over and over again!

 

Take Our 2016 Thanksgiving Turkey Donation Challenge!

Take Our 2016 Thanksgiving Turkey Donation Challenge!

Thanksgiving 2016 is almost upon us (Thursday, November 24, 2016). It’s a time to give thanks for family, friends, food and shelter – things we often take for granted. Sadly, these basic comforts are not always guaranteed in life.

It is with open hearts and loving thoughts that we, on behalf of our parent company Peter Salerno Inc., invite you to take part in our 2016 Thanksgiving Turkey Donation Challenge!

Take Peter Salerno Inc.'s Thanksgiving 2016 turkey donation challenge - donate to your food pantry today!
Take Peter Salerno Inc.’s Thanksgiving 2016 turkey donation challenge – donate to your food pantry today!

For years, Peter Salerno Inc. has pledged to donate no less than 75 turkeys every Thanksgiving season to its local food bank – the St. Andrew’s Parish Food Pantry in Westwood, NJ. St. Andrew’s is a spiritual home for Peter Salerno and his family, where Peter’s children Anthony and Gabrielle were both married.

It is with great honor and pride that we announce Peter Salerno Inc. made a donation of 99 turkeys to St. Anthony’s Food Pantry for Thanksgiving 2016. Now, we’re asking you to make a similar pledge!

If you’re reading this article, it’s likely you can afford to donate at least one turkey to your local food pantry or food bank. If it’s not a turkey, food pantries are grateful to accept non-perishable food items, canned goods, coffees and shelf-stable drink items, stuffing, etc. – anything you can think of to make someone else’s Thanksgiving table more plentiful this holiday season.

Take Peter Salerno Inc.'s Thanksgiving 2016 turkey donation challenge - donate to your food pantry today!
Take Peter Salerno Inc.’s Thanksgiving 2016 turkey donation challenge – donate to your food pantry today!

You can use this helpful Food Pantry locator guide courtesy of Feeding America to find a local food bank or pantry near you that is in need of what you can afford to give.

Here’s a list (for reference) of items listed as “currently in need” by many organizations:

Coffee, Macaroni & Cheese, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Cereal, Tuna Fish, Dish Detergent, Hand Soap, Shampoo, Deodorant, Body Wash, Bar Soap, Toothpaste, Tooth Brushes, Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Paper Plates, Paper Cups, Napkins, Laundry Detergent, Fabric Softener, and Cleaning Supplies.

Whether you can donate 100 turkeys or a few bars of soap, some peanut butter and jelly or a large array of non-perishable food items, your Thanksgiving 2016 donation WILL ALWAYS BE HELPFUL!

Remember, you are blessed to be a blessing! On behalf of the award-winning custom kitchen and bath design team at Peter Salerno Inc., we challenge you to donate with a full heart and generous thoughts. Let’s all strive to make everyone’s Thanksgiving as rich and plentiful as we would wish our own to be.

For more information about Peter Salerno Inc., please fill out the contact form below.