A Place Called Home - Your Native Range

A well-stocked bar shelf is an essential part of hosting a perfect party or making drinks for yourself after a long day at work. Having the right mixers can make a world of difference in the quality of the drinks you create. Not to mention, it allows you to offer various options to your guests. Whether it's a classic cocktail or something more innovative, the right mixers go a long way. In this blog post, we will highlight four must-have mixers for your wooden bar shelf.


Tonic Water:

Tonic water is a classic mixer that pairs perfectly with gin. It's made by adding carbonated water and quinine, resulting in a slightly sweet and bitter taste. Tonic water is also perfect to have when you want to cut back on alcohol but still have a drink in hand. It acts as a base for various mocktails as well. Tonic water can be used in a variety of drinks, including gin and tonic, vodka and tonic, and rum and tonic.

Ginger Ale:

Ginger ale is a versatile mixer that can be used in a variety of drinks or even enjoyed on its own. It's made by mixing fresh ginger root, carbonated water, and sugar. Ginger ale adds a warm, spicy flavor to drinks, making it perfect for whiskey, rum, and vodka-based cocktails or mocktails. It's also perfect for creating a light and refreshing drink with just a shot of liquor, ginger ale and a dash of lime.

Club Soda:

Club soda is another classic mixer that is perfect for creating highballs. It’s carbonated water that has slight flavor and is more versatile than regular tonic water. It’s a crucial ingredient in refreshing drinks such as Whiskey Sours and Tom Collins. Club soda can be mixed with various ingredients like citrus, fruit juices, and bitters to create unique and delicious cocktails and mocktails. It is also an excellent alternative to tonic water for those who don't enjoy the slight bitterness.


What about herbs?

Herbs have been used for medicinal and culinary purposes for centuries. These natural ingredients infused into our favorite alcoholic drinks add the right amount of zest and excitement to any party. While many have learned to appreciate and enjoy the classic angostura bitters, there's a whole world of deliciousness beyond it. In this blog post, we will introduce you to three interesting herbal alcoholic preparations that are sure to tickle your taste buds and add an extra layer of excitement to your next hangout with friends.

Fernet Branca:

Fernet Branca is a popular Italian herbal liqueur that has been around for over 150 years. Made with over 27 herbs and spices including myrrh, chamomile, and saffron, Fernet Branca has a bitter and refreshing taste that can be enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif. It's the perfect ingredient for an enhanced cocktail. The herbaceous and bitter taste of Fernet Branca pairs well with drinks like a "Toronto" which is a mix of Fernet Branca, simple syrup, and rye whiskey, or a "Branca Menta Sour" which is made with Branca Menta (a variation of Fernet Branca infused with peppermint), fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white.

Chartreuse:

Chartreuse is a French herbal liqueur made by Carthusian monks in the French Alps. This vibrant green spirit is made with 130 different herbs and plants that are distilled in a secret process known only to the monks. Chartreuse has a distinctly herbal and sweet flavor that can be a great addition to cocktails. The bright green color and unique flavor make it a great conversation starter. Some delicious chartreuse-based cocktails include the "Bijou" which is made with gin, Green Chartreuse, sweet vermouth and "Last Word" which is a potent mix of Chartreuse, gin, lime, and maraschino liqueur.

St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur:

St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur has a sweet, floral flavor and is made from freshly hand-picked elderflowers. It is a refreshing and aromatic addition to any cocktail. The delicate flavor of this liqueur can be paired with various spirits such as gin, vodka, or champagne to make elegant and sophisticated cocktails. Try delighting your guests with the "Elderflower Collins," which blends St-Germain, gin, lemon juice, and soda water, or add a luxurious touch to your celebrations with the "Champagne Cocktail" which is made with St-Germain and champagne.

Angostura Bitters: The Secret Ingredient in Classic Cocktails

Whether you're a fan of an Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or a classic Gin and Tonic, there’s one ingredient you'll always find in its recipe – Angostura Bitters. A few drops of this concoction transcend a regular cocktail into a more sophisticated and complex drink. But what is Angostura Bitters? Why is it so important to use in cocktails? In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the history, ingredients, and the significant role Angostura Bitters play in enhancing the flavors of classic cocktails.

Angostura Bitters is a widely used ingredient in cocktail making, but where did it all start? In the early 19th century, a German doctor named Johann Siegert settled in Venezuela and began experimenting with local herbs and spices. Using his knowledge of medicine, Siegert developed a mixture of different herbs and spices to aid in digestive health. The result was a 44.7% alcohol-based bitter called "Amargo Aromatico" that soon made its way to the United States. The Amargo Aromatico was later renamed "Angostura Bitters" after the town of Angostura in Venezuela.

The composition of Angostura Bitters is a secret formula known to a few individuals worldwide. The exact blend of herbs, spices, and bitter substances is a closely guarded secret known only to the company's top management. The primary ingredients of Angostura Bitters, however, are cloves, cinnamon, allspices, gentian root, orange peel, and quinine.

When it comes to cocktail making, Angostura Bitters plays a significant role. The primary purpose of bitters is to balance out the flavors in the drink. An Old Fashioned, for example, is made up of whiskey, sugar, and bitters. The bitters' addition brings a depth of flavor that mitigates the sweetness of the sugar and enhances the whiskey's earthy and smoky notes. In contrast, a Gin and Tonic without bitters can taste flat and plain, but with a few drops, the drink takes on an entirely new flavor profile.

Beyond their palate-enhancing abilities, bitters have also been used for medicinal purposes throughout their history. The gentian root, used in Angostura Bitters, was believed to aid digestion, while quinine, which comes from the bark of a South American tree, was commonly used to combat malaria. Although bitters' medicinal powers are no longer viewed as a cure-all, they are still considered a natural digestive aid.

Angostura Bitters' secret formula and unique blend of herbs and spices make it an essential ingredient in classic cocktails. The bitters' versatility in balancing flavors and adding depth to cocktails provides a flavorful and complex drinking experience. Regrettably, many people overlook this essential ingredient, but the addition of just a few drops of Angostura Bitters can enhance the flavor profile of almost any cocktail. Try experimenting with incorporating Angostura Bitters into your favorite mixed drinks and experience the transformative power of this unique concoction.

Herbs have been used for centuries to enhance the flavors of food and drink. The three herbal alcoholic preparations we've highlighted in this blog post are perfect for those who want to explore different flavors and take their cocktail game to the next level. Fernet Branca with its rich aroma and strong flavor, Chartreuse with its complex mixture and striking green hue, and St-Germain with its delicate and floral fragrance, offer a wide range of options for you to experiment with. Go ahead, discover new and exciting flavors, and make cocktails that will leave your guests begging for more.
Conclusion:

Having the right mixers is essential for making any cocktail bar complete, and the four mixers listed above are essential to have on your wooden bar shelf. When hosting a party or enjoying a night at home, it’s always good to have versatile, classic mixes available that pair well with many different types of alcoholic beverages. Take a chance and try out different mixes until you settle on your preferences; you may be surprised by what you find. So, go ahead and stock up your bar shelf with these must-have mixers and enjoy your drinks. Cheers!

An ottoman serves as a versatile piece of furniture that can add comfort and style to any living space. You can use it as a footstool, extra seating, or even as a coffee table. But, if you're looking for a functional way to convert your ottoman into a table, a large ottoman tray is the perfect solution. The solid wood ottoman tray turns the soft top of the ottoman into a durable surface that's perfect for holding drinks, snacks, and decorative items.

The Benefits of Using an Ottoman Tray

Having a large ottoman tray gives you more options than a traditional coffee table. It allows you to use your ottoman for a variety of purposes like cocktail parties, movie nights, or a cozy breakfast in bed. It is a practical solution to protect your ottoman from spills and stains. Moreover, it can add an extra layer of elegance and sophistication to your living room.

How to Style Your Ottoman Tray

Styling your large ottoman tray largely depends on the occasion and your personal taste. If you're hosting a party, you can arrange flowers in a vase on the tray to add color and a touch of elegance. Alternatively, you can display a collection of candles or a stack of books. Adding a few coasters and decorative coasters can also make your tray functional and visually appealing.

Choosing the Perfect Color for Your Ottoman Tray

An ottoman tray is an excellent addition to any living space. It not only provides extra space for your drinks and snacks but also adds a touch of elegance to the room’s decor. However, choosing the perfect color for your ottoman tray can be a daunting task, especially since there are various shades and tones to choose from. This blog post aims to provide you with some tips and tricks on how to pick the perfect color that complements your living room’s theme.


Dark Brown
If your living room has darker furniture, then a dark brown ottoman tray could work well. The deep, rich color creates a warm, inviting feeling in the room. It also complements the darker shades in the room, creating a cozy, harmonious feel.

Light Pine
For a more natural look, you can opt for a light pine ottoman tray. This light shade of brown creates a rustic, country vibe. It’s an excellent choice if you have neutral or earthy tones in your living space. The light pine color also brightens up the room, making it feel more spacious.

Black
A black ottoman tray creates a sleek, modern look. It’s an excellent choice if you have a contemporary living space with a lot of white or light-colored furniture. The black color creates a stark contrast, giving the room an edgy, stylish feel. It's also versatile, making it easy to decorate around.

Mid-tones
If you’re looking for an ottoman tray color that’s neither too dark nor too light, then mid-tones could be the way to go. These colors include beige, tan, and gray, which complement most living room decors. These colors are also easy to accessorize with, allowing you to add pops of color with your other decor pieces.


Choosing the perfect color for your ottoman tray can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Whether you’re looking for a dark, rich color or a light, natural shade, there’s a color that will complement your living space perfectly. Dark brown, light pine, black, and mid-tones are all excellent choices, depending on your room's theme, style, and decor. Remember, an ottoman tray is a functional and stylish piece, so choose a color that will make you happy every time you use it.

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The fall season and back to school time come together to make life busy and on-the-go for many people, especially students and parents. Between classes, extracurricular activities, work commitments, and social engagements, it can be tough to keep track of everything and stay organized, but one way to make it easier is by having a handy coat rack shelf near your front door. Not only can it help you keep your outerwear and accessories organized and ready to go, but it can also be a great spot for other useful items that you might need on the go. Here are five things to keep handy on your coat rack shelf (other than coats) this fall season.

A Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is important throughout the day, especially when you're always on the go. Keeping a reusable water bottle on your coat rack shelf can help you remember to grab it when you head out the door and keep you hydrated throughout your busy day. For students, this is especially important in school, where it can be easy to forget to drink enough water.

A Small Umbrella: Fall weather can be unpredictable, and a sudden rain shower can ruin your day. Keeping a small umbrella on your coat rack shelf can help you stay dry on your commute or while running errands around town. It's a small and practical item that can make a big difference when you need it.

A Portable Charger: With all the gadgets we use today, it's important to make sure that your phone, tablet or laptop has enough battery life to get you through the day. A portable charger is a great item to keep on your coat rack shelf, so you can grab it as you head out the door and top up your device's battery on the go.

A Hat or Headband: As the weather gets cooler, it's important to stay warm and protect your head from the cold. Be sure to keep a hat or headband on your coat rack shelf, so you can quickly and easily grab it when you're heading out. Whether walking to class or taking a jog outside, it's important to stay warm and comfortable.

A Satchel or Backpack: Having a reliable backpack or satchel is a must, especially for busy students or parents. It can carry everything you need for the day, from textbooks and notes to snacks and gym gear. Keep your backpack or satchel on your coat rack shelf, so you can quickly grab it and go, without worrying about forgetting anything you might need.


By following these tips, you'll be able to keep your life organized and on track during the busy fall season. By always having these five essentials on hand, you'll be able to tackle whatever the day throws at you, all while feeling well-prepared and organized. So, make sure to prepare your coat rack shelf today with these five must-have items and enjoy the smooth sailing of this back-to-school and fall season!

It's that time of the year again when students have to wave goodbye to the summer season and embrace the upcoming academic year. As a homeowner and perhaps a parent, you can make this transition less overwhelming by creating a beautiful and inviting front porch to set a cheerful mood for everyone, especially your school-going kids. One of the best ways to give your front porch an appealing new look is by investing in a solid wood welcome sign with a wreath accent. Let's explore how you can use this simple decor piece to make a statement and upgrade your curb appeal.

Make a Statement with the Right Color Combo
A solid wood welcome sign with a wreath accent is an ideal combination for upgrading your front porch. Nonetheless, you need to ensure that this decor piece's colors complement your home's exterior color scheme. It's a good idea to settle for either dark or light paint colors, depending on the colors in your home's facade. Dark stained wood pairs well with pale greens, cream whites, or light gray. Also, light-stained wood goes well with vibrant reds, blues, or yellows.

Choose the Right Wreath
A wreath of greens and other natural elements can work well with any decor style. A wreath made of eucalyptus, daisies, mint leaves, or lavender can enhance the sign's beauty and give the perfect finishing touch. Alternatively, if you want to channel the back to school mood, you can get creative by adding pencils, crayons, or related school equipment to the wreath to reflect the season's spirit.

Personalize Your Sign for a Unique Touch
If you're looking to add a personal touch to your sign, you can customize it to suit your style. You can add your family's name, a fun quote, or a favorite saying on the board to make it more meaningful to you and your loved ones. Reach out to us about our custom signs at ablack@nativerange.com 

Play around with the Placement
Once you have your solid wood welcome sign with a wreath accent, you can get creative about where to place it on your porch. You can center it on the door, hang it beside the door, or use it as a freestanding decor if you have enough space. Placing the sign next to porch furniture or a potted plant can also make it look more elegant and chic.


With a welcoming and inviting front porch, you can kick off the back to school season in the right mood. A solid wood welcome sign with a wreath accent can significantly improve your curb appeal, giving your guests or passersby an impressionable statement. Regardless of your style or taste, these decor pieces can blend seamlessly into your existing porch decor, making your home beautiful and inviting. Use these five handy tips and make an unforgettable statement with your solid wood welcome sign with a wreath accent today!

Staying organized is key to a successful workout routine. With a gym shelf, you can keep all of your workout essentials in one place while you exercise. Not only does this make your workouts more efficient, it also helps declutter your space and keep your equipment in good condition. In this blog post, we will introduce you to the gym shelf, a perfect solution for anyone looking to stay organized at home.

The gym shelf is an innovative way to stay organized at home. With hooks to hang your shoes and a shelf to hold your towel and water bottle, everything you need for your workout is within reach. It makes a great cycling organizer if you have a home exercise bike. Perfect as a Peloton shelf, for that Peloton bike. This shelf is made by hand with solid wood, which ensures durability and longevity. Its sturdy structure can hold multiple items at once, making it a convenient option for any gym enthusiast.

Another great thing about this gym shelf is that it saves you valuable time during your workout. No more searching for your towel or water bottle, as they are always within arm's reach. This kind of organization can help you stay on task and focus on your workout. No more wasted time and effort while trying to locate your items and equipment.

The gym shelf is also incredibly versatile. It's a great addition to any home gym but can also be used in other areas of your home, such as your garage or mudroom. Even if you don't have a gym at home, this shelf can help you stay organized when you exercise. It's perfect for yoga mats, resistance bands, weights, and other workout essentials.

The gym shelf is eco-friendly and sustainable. Unlike plastic organizers that end up in landfills, this wooden shelf is made to last. The fact that it's handmade also means that it does not produce any harmful emissions. By choosing a gym shelf for your home gym, you can make a small but impactful decision to reduce your carbon footprint.

The gym shelf is more than just a convenient storage solution for your workout essentials. It can help you stay organized, save you time, and contribute to a sustainable future. With its solid wood structure, simplicity in design, and multipurpose functionality, it's a great investment for any home gym enthusiast. So, if you're looking for an easy way to keep your equipment organized and close at hand, consider a gym shelf today!

Welcome signs for front doors are a great way to add personality and warmth to your home. They can be the perfect way to greet guests and make them feel at ease. Plus, they can be a great conversation starter too! But with so many colors and styles available, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. In this blog post, we'll discuss the most popular color choices for your front door welcome sign so you can make an informed purchase.


White Welcome Sign - A white welcome sign for your front door is a classic choice that will easily blend in with any decor. White is a versatile color that will look great on any color door, including black, brown, or wood finishes. Plus, white is an excellent color choice if you change up your decor regularly because it will always match.

Brown Welcome Sign - A brown welcome sign for your front door is a popular choice for those who have wooden doors. This color complements the warm tones of wooden doors and brings out the natural beauty of the material. Brown welcome signs will also blend well with a range of decor styles, from rustic to traditional.

Black Welcome Sign - Black welcome signs for your front door are a bold and modern choice that can instantly elevate your home's curb appeal. They are perfect for homes with contrasting color schemes, such as white walls with black shutters. They provide a stark contrast against light walls and add a striking touch of sophistication.

Neutral Welcome Sign Color - If you are looking for a safe option that is not too bold, then neutral colors are perfect for you. The neutral colors include beige and grey that will work well with most other colors.

When deciding on the color of a welcome sign for your front door, remember that it should complement your home's style. Neutral colors, such as white or brown, are the safest options that will go well with most color schemes. Whereas a black welcome sign will add a striking contrast and modern look to your entryway. If you want your welcome sign to be more playful, consider a multi-colored sign. Whatever you choose, keep in mind that first impressions count, and your welcome sign speaks volumes about your personality and style.