Round Museum

Having a hot bowl of noodles in Beijing is a good thing, and an old thing, too. Noodles have been a staple of Chinese cuisine for a long time, with the earliest written record dating from 25 - 220 AD during the Han dynasty. But that's nothing. Archaeologists at the Lajia dig site in northwestern China uncovered a sealed bowl containing long, thin, well preserved, yellow noodles. At about 4,000 years old, they were made from two types of ground millet grain, which was more prevalent at the time than wheat. Now that's an old noodle.

12.30.17

When you enter the Paradisus hotel in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, you are welcomed into a grand marble atrium by a friendly concierge and possibly a lizard or two. Rising up 30 feet above your head is this huge, intricate glass and wire sculpture with a glittering purple Round and a mirrored ceiling reflecting the marble floor.

12.28.17

On a winter afternoon, Philip walks the dogs in the yard, family has gathered for dinner, and the house is decorated with holiday cheer. From the window, sunset shines through a crystal Christmas ornament that has captured a delicate cut paper tree in the Round. This intricate art form is called scherenshnitte (scissor cuts), a 16th century Swiss and German tradition that arrived in America with immigrants in the 18th century. Merry Christmas!

12.25.17

All around the house Christmas Eve glimmers with the glow of anticipation. Cold and quiet outside. Warm and welcoming inside. The kids are nestled all snug in their beds. While out on the lawn...

12.24.17
WREATH WEEK

Everyone dreams of it, so here's a White Christmas for you. With an early morning cup of coffee in hand and a quick glance out the window, maybe you will enjoy the calming view of snowflakes floating onto an evergreen backyard wreath. Just like the ones you used to know.

12.23.17
WREATH WEEK

Lighting candles at special occasions is a tradition for nearly every faith and culture, acknowledging solemn moments or important life transitions, and symbolizing a hopeful future.

12.22.17
WREATH WEEK

Hold on tight, Christmas is coming. Like an evergreen hurricane, the eye of this swirly wreath has tracked its path to your front window, framing the porch and sky with holiday spirit.

12.21.17
WREATH WEEK

When your door knocker is a crab, you need to make careful consideration of any garnish. A wreath of rosemary and thyme might provide fragrance and greenery. Hushpuppies and coleslaw are tasty, but likely a bit of a mess. A cranberry swirl certainly is a seasonal favorite and also provides a nice pop of color. Excellent choice.

12.20.17
WREATH WEEK

With stark, spindly beauty, this veiny wreath almost seems to be crawling around its blood red barnwood roost. Maybe Jack Skellington has appeared again in Christmas Town with a macabre make-over for your door.

12.19.17
WREATH WEEK

Though we're starting the winter holidays, this bright yellow spiral wreath certainly gives your door some warmth and whimsy. Maybe we'll switch this out before it gets frost bitten.

12.18.17
WREATH WEEK