Home Interior: China of the week

Showing posts with label China of the week. Show all posts

Thanks Paris Hotel Boutique!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTM75HrhC7-Cf5SKAAAbP3FM36r4Rkc1npoAnM2DQdbhhuDjXhEOMHfeZL833sI7zvjt-9AJEXjdhpNDrtLAWhdB71TmWHt9Mhs-eQnYeLuOd99S6uNDheRc3sMWoA4GNHv-8fhGW1P0M/s1600/Hotel+Silver.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616792916831407970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTM75HrhC7-Cf5SKAAAbP3FM36r4Rkc1npoAnM2DQdbhhuDjXhEOMHfeZL833sI7zvjt-9AJEXjdhpNDrtLAWhdB71TmWHt9Mhs-eQnYeLuOd99S6uNDheRc3sMWoA4GNHv-8fhGW1P0M/s400/Hotel+Silver.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> I have long been an admirer of the online retailer <a href="http://www.parishotelboutique.com/">Paris Hotel Boutique</a>. When <a href="http://www.cotedetexas.blogspot.com/">Cote de Texas</a> offered a giveaway of two of their items I jumped at the chance to register!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cyzLjgiS47NHRIWDaf97WzOOU4oxQ6Fg2lljFx6Pqf3IN_JOvAS-U3MYBWDeSDsCQgNcGNJnGqva_QrfYyc0GPv_5uusAHGKWHXA0hBIY-0DVJcTuuPi8F0hh4svSx2xkppABvRutIM/s1600/Paris+Boutique+Hotel.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616792912195018498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cyzLjgiS47NHRIWDaf97WzOOU4oxQ6Fg2lljFx6Pqf3IN_JOvAS-U3MYBWDeSDsCQgNcGNJnGqva_QrfYyc0GPv_5uusAHGKWHXA0hBIY-0DVJcTuuPi8F0hh4svSx2xkppABvRutIM/s400/Paris+Boutique+Hotel.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> I was so excited when I actually won! I chose an antique silver dish marked from the Alexander Young hotel. It's so incredibly heavy, beautiful and pretty large too!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbLUu0vQMpfcqecJUXVtAC3_PBE5STfIoiIi32XM6mW09v7tcJEKOC023uUpe__nBoZ5l05CY8ofbgrRLHnNWkwsug4c493yLqSSKAYtnDF10t8NA4y9sNOIAd-yVAImPSXRWXy6z-DU/s1600/antique+postcard.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616792904113300146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbLUu0vQMpfcqecJUXVtAC3_PBE5STfIoiIi32XM6mW09v7tcJEKOC023uUpe__nBoZ5l05CY8ofbgrRLHnNWkwsug4c493yLqSSKAYtnDF10t8NA4y9sNOIAd-yVAImPSXRWXy6z-DU/s400/antique+postcard.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> I'm happy to report that the item arrived well-packaged and extremely quick. I plan on adding the company to my list of retailers I check out on a regular basis. You never know who you are buying from in online auctions so it's nice to know this is a reputable online dealer.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKAwY_syMx6aFvfr-yrAgyHGvQv2e0Iq2vq5qUZtKk-YhfLXpsHV4U0nKFNmmssInb6ptgV5x_uM1eWyr-RD752UIWzhNZybDprN17LVQ_QLe7F0s4nm1YYXzndsa_TCR9tRf2xMBMv8/s1600/coffee+table.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616792896431344978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKAwY_syMx6aFvfr-yrAgyHGvQv2e0Iq2vq5qUZtKk-YhfLXpsHV4U0nKFNmmssInb6ptgV5x_uM1eWyr-RD752UIWzhNZybDprN17LVQ_QLe7F0s4nm1YYXzndsa_TCR9tRf2xMBMv8/s400/coffee+table.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> For now I have the dish living on my coffee table where it really has become the star! Thanks to Joni and also to Paris Hotel Boutique!!</div></div></div>

Thanks Paris Hotel Boutique!

I have long been an admirer of the online retailer Paris Hotel Boutique . When Cote de Texas offered a giveaway of two of their items I ju...

3:00 AM

My updated dining room

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0XJK2acTrjCIp-bcGbTqvtkvlLqvPi_OsEvIR2iTf2XhFlGfnTjBR6UHwC9VSSG4ra_vHzx8MclabH6bxYpvwGDCBCxSwjMBeFdVbMq-c4AE-Ky_OCL841I73XCmd3L9_z_EDDYI9Wg/s1600/table.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609928605153681890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0XJK2acTrjCIp-bcGbTqvtkvlLqvPi_OsEvIR2iTf2XhFlGfnTjBR6UHwC9VSSG4ra_vHzx8MclabH6bxYpvwGDCBCxSwjMBeFdVbMq-c4AE-Ky_OCL841I73XCmd3L9_z_EDDYI9Wg/s400/table.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>You may remember a few years ago I purchased an antique set of caned chairs and table made by Baker -see the post <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2008/01/timeless.html">HERE</a>. While the caning looked great, it wasn't very comfortable or practical and I had decided to have cushions made.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTxzI7gmOA5Am6fBuyjl1R2UlPS1PqBEdkzJFXfNqvHd9MwEAu8if0AOanc0MhNhP8Ety3cb0XFlxlEnhhV_jzTy0cf_8Wi0KlgdvqzBGN5tT89fAo3dlKtmxCR2I45c70eC2J-WvnoE/s1600/Baker+chair.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609928601217176226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTxzI7gmOA5Am6fBuyjl1R2UlPS1PqBEdkzJFXfNqvHd9MwEAu8if0AOanc0MhNhP8Ety3cb0XFlxlEnhhV_jzTy0cf_8Wi0KlgdvqzBGN5tT89fAo3dlKtmxCR2I45c70eC2J-WvnoE/s400/Baker+chair.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I used Aku Merali at <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&biw=1059&bih=560&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=marketplace+interiors,+alexandria+va&fb=1&gl=us&hq=marketplace+interiors,&hnear=0x89b64d3e93a4abf1:0xd7f52686dbc1012c,Alexandria,+VA&cid=9737554125560393697">Marketplace Interiors</a> in Alexandria, VA. He is a well respected upholsterer here in DC used by everyone, including the White House. He recommended attaching a pad on a wooden base to the chair instead of seperate cushions and I followed the experts advice! I am so pleased with the result and couldn't be happier. The fabric I chose is <a href="http://www.ralphlaurenhome.com/products/Fabric/item.aspx?haid=26&collId=&sort=&itemId=25376&phaid=">Ralph Lauren Home's English Riding Velvet</a> in Lovat -a beautiful muted turquoise.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8e3_bmiJQdggFQN5_p9KwEJECpyx4CIBPofg6E_Mww7qlOg-dSZNsnJU6hy_A4P3EFR6DQ-52dzJo8YrldcPFEiV4ThlAL-768UQ9p2oOSy4T_1aAsRsXJqaVTGt5KpC2VBGcymNtjqw/s1600/potterybarn+tablecloth.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609928600134537090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8e3_bmiJQdggFQN5_p9KwEJECpyx4CIBPofg6E_Mww7qlOg-dSZNsnJU6hy_A4P3EFR6DQ-52dzJo8YrldcPFEiV4ThlAL-768UQ9p2oOSy4T_1aAsRsXJqaVTGt5KpC2VBGcymNtjqw/s400/potterybarn+tablecloth.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> After picking up the chairs on Saturday morning (thanks Mark!), I decided to host an inaugural launch and had some friends over for some fresh strawberry shortcake and champagne. I bought the <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/margarita-large-paisley-table-throw/?pkey=e%7Cpaisley%2Btable%2Bthrow%7C1%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C1&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCHNoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-">Paisley Table Throw</a> from Potterybarn which coordinates beautifully with the chair fabric. To go with the dessert theme, I used my <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2008/05/royal-doulton-strawberries-and-cream.html">Strawberries and Cream china by Royal Doulton</a> and some Adam styled antique silver from Ms. Pixies.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEONuCnuBL9pKZcYVcxVabbYP76hcA1uF8AKLbk28-s-mg8cqRNQl8Ak6H3iZ8G9iH1ZvkcdBAX5dEi_7CJxaZWAoj5Fz7GObgnUu1Ru9c1t8CDR1uXV8THVmsjx6cB88SNtD-FxdL9qE/s1600/Royal+Doulton+strawberries+and+cream.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609928593476099842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEONuCnuBL9pKZcYVcxVabbYP76hcA1uF8AKLbk28-s-mg8cqRNQl8Ak6H3iZ8G9iH1ZvkcdBAX5dEi_7CJxaZWAoj5Fz7GObgnUu1Ru9c1t8CDR1uXV8THVmsjx6cB88SNtD-FxdL9qE/s400/Royal+Doulton+strawberries+and+cream.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>I am so happy with how it all turned out and even more pleased to share my small changes with you all.</div></div></div>

My updated dining room

You may remember a few years ago I purchased an antique set of caned chairs and table made by Baker -see the post HERE . While the caning lo...

8:50 AM

Superstitions

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNiVapNRoyCiviVH3fssUrADItprHMFUwigsvatr91zrVMmm8i8N9vUCLvpuHmnX44ovGij_Pam6c0x1yl_pZ5AiRa5TDKtUgHiQupR1ruS1JqxQry7xlyA86liqSVW7cUatvRF5_UfQk/s1600/Wrightsman+Fund.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607882085670140226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNiVapNRoyCiviVH3fssUrADItprHMFUwigsvatr91zrVMmm8i8N9vUCLvpuHmnX44ovGij_Pam6c0x1yl_pZ5AiRa5TDKtUgHiQupR1ruS1JqxQry7xlyA86liqSVW7cUatvRF5_UfQk/s400/Wrightsman+Fund.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 254px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Do you hold any superstitions? I don't mean picking up pennies and avoiding black cats, this is a design blog after all! While going through some photos I took in the <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/">Metropolitan Museum of Art</a> earlier this year, I noticed that these wall lights had the candle wicks left unburnt. I've always been taught that tapers should be charred before being left in a candlestick; not sure why, but I've always followed this rule. I know it comes from some unknown superstition but I can't seem to find what would happen if I didn't burn them! Do you follow this practice?<br /><em>These rococo wall lights are manufactored by the Royal Porcelain Factory in Berlin in the 1760s.</em>

Superstitions

Do you hold any superstitions? I don't mean picking up pennies and avoiding black cats, this is a design blog after all! While going th...

3:00 AM

Vizcaya: the pantries

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590107093137589906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7uQ1RGPo-iwTna2kKI_USsgBIuEMCO5QW1z9nfnLZ3Gr20shvSYsFVLvu-wYbv7mw54A1bUVLfd09idtmYdNEFsd2OEQSYTdtTWwrpyymygHyVZZGBYlRuhw5rmo7Bvb_XeblH4-VZho/s400/painted+wood+ceiling.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The most interesting parts of any house museum, in my opinion, are the service spaces.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590264790790786786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSZXDjuafGKy7qSgu2bCqSvLmt2KCtC7_BCAXd9NGXveD0F1pJJwB3oWDRLtioqY2nyWAaj1Wd9xc-jLtsnF1s7uzjlnezeysZd6Q1wbDMn5RtnlzADf9XpIKtAgr1GttQN9kTCIovUg/s400/1st+floor+plan+pantry.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 364px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Vizcaya was planned primarily around the public and entertaining rooms, which leaves only awkward leftover spaces for the numerous servants which were required in this time period. Oddly enough, the kitchen is on the 2nd floor, not in the basement (but we'll get to that later!). <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590106932266256946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvd7X0FGrNPDuAF9SiSiAxxb8DtP52VtIxsS7kfxhPpPVy1JLx3GalpQDMT7CV_dxY5RBdPLpqip0WvMSRU1U3wIzLmgjIlxoAmSZvWCbDZgF7GQh9biiZoV5eQc0Cw7dhyphenhyphenD1X9niHgI/s400/butler%2527s+pantry.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 252px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The first of these service spaces is a cupboard off the dining room (marked passage on the plan above in blue). Functioning as a small butler's pantry, the space also worked as a hall between the <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2011/03/vizcaya-music-room-dining-room.html">dining room</a> and <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2011/03/vizcaya-tea-room.html">tea room</a> so had to be attractive.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590106936982727522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLn9Fe2pyO4oa4tizbFn5Sa8poT8rx5VlFoGSC-sp8Noo2KFPguXdPqbWWfZTwGjlMtdvU-m-j4ofVJ_FoBfl8jLFc5lU_C-cHm0cDOpFVwhR7mu0iEA9skXw1gE6w5hs2pdHmhyphenhyphenj6JYs/s400/cabinet+doors.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The ceiling has a gorgeous painted wood ceiling with painted wood gates hiding the service cupboard which houses china storage and wash-up sink. The gilded English china seen here has an interesting story which I'll talk about at the end of this post. PS: don't you just love these painted wood cabinets?<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590107088404147874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKp38P95PU5sADe187-xeCAgD9ar5_f6sak1rB7DxCINiOKiXlNYjxVHHkKsbFk7h6gZ5IbBcrDuwhGy5IUVBzV9WgTBWlrmq5xdfE_Zv2XDcMyPF5pMKyDwqApxxk1xnsd2LTi5_9Uw/s400/mechanical+box.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 356px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Located on the opposite side of the Tea Room (seen on the plan above in green), the main butler's pantry is larger than most modern household kitchens. The room boasted the most modern of conveniences for the time period, including the electric annunciator panel above which showed where a servant was required when rung for.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590107093444947698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjfVCc2LNS_4UZ5HxX6ctpqeNiDo81Gc-fwM57kkjcZp8rXWM8NVxKOi-OXhzOhldSwpp1NSpiwRgzhaUWN1ledVOAcTzzAG0PHbMnTpVjog6DGU7IDOlIxpxpnaXX8kpTlAo3cSgQkc/s400/old+fashioned+kitchen.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Another modern contraption was the master clock, seen behind the cabinets above, which controlled the time on 10 clocks throughout the house (much like many schools have today).<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590106951135908370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwDW_ijtCdsF_458FjCIMaGitXhsFxZUnRnUryNDCfIwoWkSzGQ_h8nrwLGItFmwtLttJkCr-TboupFVheQMKPlYb9mZ7BgPneZJBxnoahMdAUL4N-z9iXwG7appK969m14untzFgSOE/s400/kitchen+cabinets.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Above you can see the painted door into the tea room. The open countertops have been converted into glassed-in display cases for the many sets of china Vizcaya posesses. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOn4tH4Qw9x3_Z6-8tHud3tdtfvzWo6dfUYnlyJGDviTUJ4LmZcP-YRU94_gMdRONGq1nTxwQ1qhDnSn6z6_HMx_0E-4ybZ0KxslvvmAD3WG_Rf4oJNHh4zcqdceGhYjQ5AIzXC89B7YY/s1600/upper+cabinets.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590107104382580434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOn4tH4Qw9x3_Z6-8tHud3tdtfvzWo6dfUYnlyJGDviTUJ4LmZcP-YRU94_gMdRONGq1nTxwQ1qhDnSn6z6_HMx_0E-4ybZ0KxslvvmAD3WG_Rf4oJNHh4zcqdceGhYjQ5AIzXC89B7YY/s400/upper+cabinets.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Above is the yacht china which was in Deering's yacht moored at Vizcaya. It bears the New York Yacht Club emblem as well as his own. The china is rimmed in silver to protect it from chipping on bumpy voyages.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590106945385970146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSY-cgEvDNOBYIJDfCW1rjyCmjkgP0esVOPXSf6j6hJ4o_2VCb1a0PbHoFoBUFKyr5Lfh8-hMeQlxQp3IcJSKW5bq1yRmiuALveE69QSa_YRewQJ_-xHE4FEYHbC3qRmBKVdScmkjq-M/s400/gilded+china.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 311px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The china seen here was ordered by Deering from England for his house in Chicago and was originally brought over, unfortunately, on the Titantic. The china obviously had to be remade and was shipped over a few years later (hand gilding isn't fast!) <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QrCCX7zhcNocWe7FUBjePhXbyic2Hh95ysxPyXr3d38st3UaoVaHG6Ti2ZfLJF6K64C6tr_t4mLWjMwQE8gEIkNXy2VM3uGENIciGpA1d_e6AcOkLBwudYJNikHGh_0KrHAdHV2phtw/s1600/titantic+china.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590107100684818626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QrCCX7zhcNocWe7FUBjePhXbyic2Hh95ysxPyXr3d38st3UaoVaHG6Ti2ZfLJF6K64C6tr_t4mLWjMwQE8gEIkNXy2VM3uGENIciGpA1d_e6AcOkLBwudYJNikHGh_0KrHAdHV2phtw/s400/titantic+china.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>By this point Vizcaya had been completed so it was brought here where it remains to this day. The originally ordered china, however, still lies at the bottom of the Atlantic. No word however on whether the White Star Line covered the replacements; does anyone know? Now THATS a story!</div></div>

Vizcaya: the pantries

The most interesting parts of any house museum, in my opinion, are the service spaces. Vizcaya was planned primarily around the public and e...

8:30 AM

A smokey repast

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583937970359952018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh88kM-9Ztp-fDB4R9pvzCgzcgTrgJfpazvTSSscWGvRU17OojEbMu1xVnutnkd_kHW_G09A2xZq5ie4K42HRB_-veaCcFkDYm7J9WU6xwcNoshIBtyz7QMPypGs-ivKYbDl3xJpObJ4U/s400/plaid.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />As blogger is being problematic with uploading photos, instead of a real post I'll share with you an adventure from my weekend. A friend from NYC who had never visited DC decided to come down for the weekend as my guest and see the sights.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvIsijLTUt1CJIs3pJmYEvLc2VT2Rzpr1iBH8Umzk1xOoV1MEAlS4BGwemDQeoAtvg5sNHsCgHrziW0wv8tHR0hIyKpvfVdHljxXVhC948nPXtIGTGqY-zdlvY7FeZphMt-dlctvbE7Y/s1600/steak.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583937970770494914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvIsijLTUt1CJIs3pJmYEvLc2VT2Rzpr1iBH8Umzk1xOoV1MEAlS4BGwemDQeoAtvg5sNHsCgHrziW0wv8tHR0hIyKpvfVdHljxXVhC948nPXtIGTGqY-zdlvY7FeZphMt-dlctvbE7Y/s400/steak.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> After a busy Saturday walking around the National Mall visiting the monuments and the Smithsonian museums, we decided to make a simple, filling meal at home: a salad followed by a steak, potatoes and asparagus.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8w6jRxPg9fQ06fyo7YXCpE9R5wtNAhU_KkuMGtzkvO1d8iY6Lamc6v9aSRFyORHhguhQ2kkKFzooighv15K6ozhK8HsPhFk2NIVs-itLrobM4H32fPzwo29dc4WOgFBGU4ZCd3G096PI/s1600/atmosphere+2.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583937963878277538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8w6jRxPg9fQ06fyo7YXCpE9R5wtNAhU_KkuMGtzkvO1d8iY6Lamc6v9aSRFyORHhguhQ2kkKFzooighv15K6ozhK8HsPhFk2NIVs-itLrobM4H32fPzwo29dc4WOgFBGU4ZCd3G096PI/s400/atmosphere+2.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> For the steak, I thought I would take a tip from Jacques Pepin and fry it in butter. BAD PLAN, Jacques! After 2 minutes my apartment was filled with so much heavy smoke that you could barely see 2 hands in front of your face, setting off my smoke detector. Regrettably, I opened my windows and then the door to my condo's hallway -which then set off the entire building's fire alarm system!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583937977284415506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98FCFpvAN5Eygs807F_ZnDufF9utKh2wzC00otn1cRX9eUaceaeUbL5Msy8cY40n9RJpU9q_nx0X2XdKsolPhTFNvUYkwsgcbZA0gtHOhjYs4KlECV_C_CbH2RifH0SdI6o_XPimkkPo/s400/too+bright.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Sirens blaring, an annoying electronic voice repeating *WARNING WARNING* every 30 SECONDS, elevators and doors disabled for 30 minutes, I then had to explain to not only about 30 of my neighbors that it was a false alarm but also to about 10 very kind (and annoyed) firemen! All said and done, after the excitement ceased, the meal was delicious. So much for a relaxing meal for two!  How was your weekend?</div></div>

A smokey repast

As blogger is being problematic with uploading photos, instead of a real post I'll share with you an adventure from my weekend. A friend...

7:09 AM

Easter Dinner

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrYuRwcZf65o_nd8HMcaE1y3EpLknoPg6AE9fYCXTQr17lOgEqYDcU2g_8FvrObYaY7O5__dIyY108NlFrA0tnRxlsPU8ME5EmOdYYbb2hdiY99clhoz4G8HRVpPuYDk_RQ4PB7ICdRfM/s1600/corner.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457178332134617042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrYuRwcZf65o_nd8HMcaE1y3EpLknoPg6AE9fYCXTQr17lOgEqYDcU2g_8FvrObYaY7O5__dIyY108NlFrA0tnRxlsPU8ME5EmOdYYbb2hdiY99clhoz4G8HRVpPuYDk_RQ4PB7ICdRfM/s400/corner.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> This past weekend, I hosted Easter dinner for six and thought I would share it with all of you via the weekly Tablescape Thursdays at <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/">Between Naps on the Porch</a>.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4yelzM9t0h3SXAqgIEcBW8nXTU5F46lIp8Lqs4nBU81n-zOz5_DGlPejs74RDxYDc4yWXz5i5pODG27oACZMF4KO5jcgfQfhPdDYw-ktITZBfRfN-hKDPo7yL0k6eBN2olHerdcYQU_u/s1600/easter+table.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457178323801178242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4yelzM9t0h3SXAqgIEcBW8nXTU5F46lIp8Lqs4nBU81n-zOz5_DGlPejs74RDxYDc4yWXz5i5pODG27oACZMF4KO5jcgfQfhPdDYw-ktITZBfRfN-hKDPo7yL0k6eBN2olHerdcYQU_u/s400/easter+table.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I was tired of the white tablecloths I have, so I went to <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/">Pottery Barn</a> and got this beautiful tan paisley cloth. It has tiny specs of green in the pattern that match the green linen napkins I already had.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOV0wEc_llB8lnzWYOvEn8-SuxIpPrJQxrOB35b1-5E56xL9MvUSRPje8jmvtyBG4N7D_MCkTPCJorW7QyJJ-wDsJLgDBFdRResuYBTMmJgcjKe7pFvCKVsm_aGD9-dZ-bMSVFGzzMNfYb/s1600/place+setting.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457178215117506146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOV0wEc_llB8lnzWYOvEn8-SuxIpPrJQxrOB35b1-5E56xL9MvUSRPje8jmvtyBG4N7D_MCkTPCJorW7QyJJ-wDsJLgDBFdRResuYBTMmJgcjKe7pFvCKVsm_aGD9-dZ-bMSVFGzzMNfYb/s400/place+setting.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I used my white <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2008/02/sans-souci.html">sanssouci </a>plates for the main course (roast lamb and vegetables) with some pretty antique plates by Ernst Wahliss with a red floral pattern for the salad course (waldorf salad).<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iqszxE6TzeSR1-QDNibpsvYezRhLygWovcuP4szwHMqvBDbGbAAx_4dSMPk9wUcjCexBgJdVxyFEOutUqW9JrDaDfO039acFiHRdXTWv8Xna-OFLFXZbYSRwyWr4qyFBfngu9k8j2eVr/s1600/detail.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457178207535745986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iqszxE6TzeSR1-QDNibpsvYezRhLygWovcuP4szwHMqvBDbGbAAx_4dSMPk9wUcjCexBgJdVxyFEOutUqW9JrDaDfO039acFiHRdXTWv8Xna-OFLFXZbYSRwyWr4qyFBfngu9k8j2eVr/s400/detail.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The serving pieces are an antique pattern by Minton that I rarely get to use as they're so big! I dream of having a dining room someday so I can hang that huge platter on the wall!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HVErYZ68agHmz_8ejdQjX8_mNck_IHMGjeNWfx6rd9FyqPFswyCFaZqxJDbPzjCZAi7UWJts0oMN7hN8EEIpJi3jq3fFVSqIjx2PKcQErii6xznsEWrYl-tYFsbB0n1wGv-IrZ2Ojbsp/s1600/flowers+1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457178195169764194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HVErYZ68agHmz_8ejdQjX8_mNck_IHMGjeNWfx6rd9FyqPFswyCFaZqxJDbPzjCZAi7UWJts0oMN7hN8EEIpJi3jq3fFVSqIjx2PKcQErii6xznsEWrYl-tYFsbB0n1wGv-IrZ2Ojbsp/s400/flowers+1.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 341px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I chose 2 small bunches of ranunculus on either end of the table, leaving the main course as the center of attention (family style).<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3oj5SbZsOViUYHfAbq0BEGZmoczbFeKxAzlzK1WTvMvbO8Q1UOdSBoksaCLiUqJPY8t8c8zvbjIBL1I7tY1RJdHEnhQM8F-Q7NTtDk8_p7mSenhsog2hnDs4PSKCB4wuIzz9wPa49sks/s1600/flowers+2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457178189820636082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3oj5SbZsOViUYHfAbq0BEGZmoczbFeKxAzlzK1WTvMvbO8Q1UOdSBoksaCLiUqJPY8t8c8zvbjIBL1I7tY1RJdHEnhQM8F-Q7NTtDk8_p7mSenhsog2hnDs4PSKCB4wuIzz9wPa49sks/s400/flowers+2.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I had to have a fun party favor to embaress my guests with. These candy suckers in the shape of a bunny snout will come in handy for ransom someday as I insisted each guest had their picture taken 'wearing' them!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqOv2XSUbU7MBsxj3zoG82MylaZihYDKznOJBhd_cbul7RCOn7CjRNTft4nKZJ75Q0SV9x393wTBNQloytr8FDWA_u2xab2tIfTQctKJ1Mu5Crlw-RTr5nneKwR4BbXgE4McrlLneG4Cr/s1600/party+favor.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457178180936411058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqOv2XSUbU7MBsxj3zoG82MylaZihYDKznOJBhd_cbul7RCOn7CjRNTft4nKZJ75Q0SV9x393wTBNQloytr8FDWA_u2xab2tIfTQctKJ1Mu5Crlw-RTr5nneKwR4BbXgE4McrlLneG4Cr/s400/party+favor.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I hope you enjoyed my Easter dinner tour!</div></div></div></div></div></div>

Easter Dinner

This past weekend, I hosted Easter dinner for six and thought I would share it with all of you via the weekly Tablescape Thursdays at Betwe...

12:30 PM

Why don't you?

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyuE2QT5zpcJ30fqfpZNfXXi_7LMG-fsXXYWmPOOxXY0-8Q8zntz3hO7KBs8r4mTw2Ps5npgAaoOdjcP_e-c2BKNyVM8bSLDQeTB33xgKh3VUyuIaqA66k38uUa8U-mpyK0WuEpo9j6gn/s1600/deskscape.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454845792133969042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyuE2QT5zpcJ30fqfpZNfXXi_7LMG-fsXXYWmPOOxXY0-8Q8zntz3hO7KBs8r4mTw2Ps5npgAaoOdjcP_e-c2BKNyVM8bSLDQeTB33xgKh3VUyuIaqA66k38uUa8U-mpyK0WuEpo9j6gn/s400/deskscape.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Why don't you refashion your chipped or broken china as beautiful desktop accessories? Here I'm using a chipped Wedgwood jasperware creamer to hold paperclips on my desk at work.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCJMGi4iBToLXQ_EEWfDFrmqebSio_wfsPwKb_e-qjaIsi6v0dKniXN7UIckpkDnjY8iZ2H8b8UZhAyaiH0k8vEhCmq4gDqEuHPhwCzZc_W23bNkTyF7xd4ym-_9wqk7hmEcwx8vWF8Mf/s1600/wedgwood.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454845788463010306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCJMGi4iBToLXQ_EEWfDFrmqebSio_wfsPwKb_e-qjaIsi6v0dKniXN7UIckpkDnjY8iZ2H8b8UZhAyaiH0k8vEhCmq4gDqEuHPhwCzZc_W23bNkTyF7xd4ym-_9wqk7hmEcwx8vWF8Mf/s400/wedgwood.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Waste not, want not; Definitely cheers up my day!</div>

Why don't you?

Why don't you refashion your chipped or broken china as beautiful desktop accessories? Here I'm using a chipped Wedgwood jasperware...

10:06 AM

Cheerful winter breakfast

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPimfoxSEOOg3gg-HlkHd-aVxBwRXr1kWzPHld4zJqYZlitiPeLjZkBBXTe9A-Bs89E1roL_qweW13emki_NvlVFPAhl2N7gG5EojBMKZZNttByV299UXDcaatzeV6lvqTueRmSyLtWAq/s1600-h/tableshot.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437806120573700274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPimfoxSEOOg3gg-HlkHd-aVxBwRXr1kWzPHld4zJqYZlitiPeLjZkBBXTe9A-Bs89E1roL_qweW13emki_NvlVFPAhl2N7gG5EojBMKZZNttByV299UXDcaatzeV6lvqTueRmSyLtWAq/s400/tableshot.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Since everyone seemed to enjoy my dinner party post <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2010/02/dinner-at-eight.html">last week</a>, I decided to photograph breakfast this past weekend to include in this week's <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/">Tabletop Thursday</a>!<br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437806102278231186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKANyfqt0e6bJVqY_UyBZMBQ0uVVvhvwKeQpR4hv_94uqFclMOndx7O3ZEzAlNFWnh286BLGLIhLmHLn4nHTTJK7qswGkxXAQ63ZWj_HgEE0VR4DH2pYDSsvxntkS4uq-Sgp7cpNpqW8W/s400/tablescape_thursday.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 358px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 336px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> Bacon and eggs (fried and runny), wheat toast, english breakfast tea with milk and OJ were on the menu. While the bacon fried (and then eggs done in the same pan afterwards), I took a few pictures. Daisies were snipped from a larger bunch ($4 at trader joes) elsewhere in my apartment and put into a bud vase to brighten up the winter gloom. Daisies are the most cheerful flower in my opinion and really last a long time (up to 2 weeks if you change the water frequently!).<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfySsETX2qgnCuWH3BpskhqP_pwfT-lPOjSjpghRHNK9Z532Ars_VNuU3XvzGMQmNrNBGdZeVOIc4SG96Qic9lxN0NJ8c6EV34V7-WvtFKqT-g2jHGFw12gbiHfoDgQDGPLa2fw4yCiSsx/s1600-h/breakfast.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437806109211601986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfySsETX2qgnCuWH3BpskhqP_pwfT-lPOjSjpghRHNK9Z532Ars_VNuU3XvzGMQmNrNBGdZeVOIc4SG96Qic9lxN0NJ8c6EV34V7-WvtFKqT-g2jHGFw12gbiHfoDgQDGPLa2fw4yCiSsx/s400/breakfast.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>The china is Harebell by Radford Fenton (made in England) and from the 1930s is my best guess. The linens are all from potterybarn and I liked how the green napkin brought out the green in the plates. The teapot is the one I use everyday, Martha for Macys, the juice glass is italian glassware from TJmaxx and the creamer is antique crystal from my great-grandmother: just typical old victorian glass. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437806115395475058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5Sv83afIf2sl8G2T4wnz2MJRz7Cmx0hsOclkYSxMJ3u4SKMV_UiqDMgJ2FHl-WLw-Q4GsYWeVwegV8uu7ArF7-5Ojra5Ga7DCSNnhTX1oP8bLPkdI_fS3C67h9YED8FhYp8Q3P3IMKMp/s400/Harebell+by+Radford.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />NPR was on and featured the listener's favorite top 10 soprano solos which was a wonderful backdrop. Renee Fleming singing <em>o mio babino caro</em> by Puccini was #1. I hope you are all finding ways to brighten up your winter as well!</div></div>

Cheerful winter breakfast

Since everyone seemed to enjoy my dinner party post last week , I decided to photograph breakfast this past weekend to include in this week...

9:30 AM

Love Letters

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG41zuBjHyLcHm4hKGKHf6P2AfOoyamXGdiQcJgfwLjOYMRfHx2-HW9z8ArrszUBSXmI8HqdplKtQFEMcwYFG1azTlcSljVOu6HiFzrTR9faRKE_zOLDaGj8okaOw43OskPIYZlpjrXFNA/s1600-h/minton.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437603339901817458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG41zuBjHyLcHm4hKGKHf6P2AfOoyamXGdiQcJgfwLjOYMRfHx2-HW9z8ArrszUBSXmI8HqdplKtQFEMcwYFG1azTlcSljVOu6HiFzrTR9faRKE_zOLDaGj8okaOw43OskPIYZlpjrXFNA/s400/minton.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> <em>"A boy is holding a girl so very tight in his arms tonight..... A girl knows that not anybody or anything can seperate WE - not even the stars - and that WE belong to each other for ever. WE <strong>love</strong> each other more than life so God bless WE. <strong>Your </strong>David"</em><br /><em></em><br />Written from Edward, Prince of Wales, to Wallis Simpson on July 23, 1935 at 1:00 AM aboard the HMS Faulknor. Possibly THE greatest love story of the 20th century. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437609751506117986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg64bQs2sqjmFXglAB0_P16bMHHlO-edBJ8aJqTFXAzrSxvcsjzNmUDbWDfhH3PYq_OMcINY9BxPI5xedIw_g30TZJfVXBKQGW-OYFXLxdOzl7oyj_-2ETE6rjTtWdsYPUfla4ZTzH4-r5/s400/wallis+and+edward.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />6 months later, days before becoming king upon his father's death, Edward's thoughts were only of Wallis as he wrote from his fathers deathbed:<br /><br /><em>"My own Sweetheart, </em><em>Just a line to say I love you more and more and need you so to be with me at this difficult time. There is no hope whats-soever for the King it's only a matter of how long..... You are all and everything I have in life and WE must hold each other so tight. It will all work out right for us. God bless WE. Your David"</em><br /><p>And it did, sort of. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437609746334180386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06HpN8LfmkxZ_yecEVLRZ171NkL8vvXTr0Xgb0fayhe8-dBiCeJUbpTyrQ0kDjvGcwyGR1Hgo8ypkefPMVfke0JPPCfSrfvjQDPdrEQRFOOcZkiJeJKS0irErevWZb-XBG7HLNvvOJW5A/s400/holding+hands.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 308px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The top photo is a 1930s piece of Minton I have on my coffee table with some Valentine's day themed red candies as my gift to you! It reminds me of something Syrie Maugham might have used when she decorated Wallis's flat (and her second husband, Ernest Aldrich Simpson). This is where Wallis would come to entertain and become close to Edward, Prince of Wales. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437609756853830898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFf8gZKlSz_l5RffegY-Ru4mAzWuQUcpLe_acXYP4liaj3jUz_Yyoi86qCpifLHTgb17eLzhCznqdv-cQVF0LtzlGa4qxUfLo9GH8vt4HSMihPSa-do2dZttklEKgdDS-Fnk-b-ofktQbh/s400/wallis+party.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 340px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 396px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />I hope everyone has their own great romance come true: Happy Valentine's Day!</p><p><em>quotes from "Wallis and Edward, letters 1931-1937" Edited by Michael Bloch</em></p>

Love Letters

"A boy is holding a girl so very tight in his arms tonight..... A girl knows that not anybody or anything can seperate WE - not even t...

9:05 AM

Dinner at Eight

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432720096942102130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuACugdnXxV8woWEjdTkwdmGUpChzLW_zkKQYMD50VNkK5mJHyGT6KmewOQyeREHulIRR_YWIZkjQ1p0ZSD8AYn4RNUkRBedueQOKjwS654KjC7eztE9mHn-dnL4EQf1cUpdw_22ubQcsH/s400/waterford.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />This past weekend I had a few friends over for dinner and they were nice enough to let me interrupt the party to photograph the table settings for the weekly <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/">Tablescape Thursdays</a>!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbINGCqonYwwXnIlgEhDcvCmaHn1Qh9igm5BpfEKpAoDTc-Us4DSJCvrgovgdnVsxXTQ42SpuCDck4PrvqeBDr5gQyffg64tRq4ewelAmVmFbA1LwKOfAO7eFVu66CkexRuhwdGVfMAqTT/s1600-h/tablescape+thursday.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432721216375970610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbINGCqonYwwXnIlgEhDcvCmaHn1Qh9igm5BpfEKpAoDTc-Us4DSJCvrgovgdnVsxXTQ42SpuCDck4PrvqeBDr5gQyffg64tRq4ewelAmVmFbA1LwKOfAO7eFVu66CkexRuhwdGVfMAqTT/s400/tablescape+thursday.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 358px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 336px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I took the first picture before plating the salad course - caprese salad with a nice rose wine.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pIXdlFTM1M93ONWtYEhDDi4Ibs3ptn1xAS2nQPpR2Z3glOHsqLLuAc_Ig9m7Gyg7P4z1ZqH1XXPn-Tlhqt0iRzvOHdNTy8TCF2-4_YnwlayCixSN7IIMLDLdjfFZOM7ZBY7aCB-YCUqG/s1600-h/salad+course.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432721213517415842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pIXdlFTM1M93ONWtYEhDDi4Ibs3ptn1xAS2nQPpR2Z3glOHsqLLuAc_Ig9m7Gyg7P4z1ZqH1XXPn-Tlhqt0iRzvOHdNTy8TCF2-4_YnwlayCixSN7IIMLDLdjfFZOM7ZBY7aCB-YCUqG/s400/salad+course.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Plates are Decre Freres, Theodore Haviland Limoges, silver is freshly polished <em>Prelude</em> for International Silver, crystal is Waterford. Alabaster table lamp is a touch that makes it feel like an old supper club to me (from restoration hardware) and candlesticks are venetian glass from <a href="http://www.aerostudios.com/">Aero</a> in NY. I didn't get any flowers because they seem a bit much for a casual winter dinner.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2E8X1XkzzMeO8c9R1sYjS1qaA4-rGfPjLZgRCMF8zu_N46WD9fuBNkpEBFNoYIRXwL9WMCNVSBjPbvGEbhO3ZYLUxZ287gqKGu498Uz0-0azVv_05tYAviUgrj5P8QkZ2Pm3vZR7NCAsF/s1600-h/limoge.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432721208173901538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2E8X1XkzzMeO8c9R1sYjS1qaA4-rGfPjLZgRCMF8zu_N46WD9fuBNkpEBFNoYIRXwL9WMCNVSBjPbvGEbhO3ZYLUxZ287gqKGu498Uz0-0azVv_05tYAviUgrj5P8QkZ2Pm3vZR7NCAsF/s400/limoge.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>For the entree course, I used my favorite cuckoo pattern dinner plates from Wedgwood. S&P shaker are mother of pearl from pottery barn. Napkins are antique irish linen from ebay (the best Christmas gift ever!). <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432721219205971474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimz9brmToYwGO7AFy4Lkd2NCAOF3uPSkFg3eYp6xRblkWusTmt9AohRjcvlobR9VwLPNwYiXN9WSvIFdd6QHtUo96IAtVQYJmKlCmC75ZvEO-CzD4PvLL1kTgeejdGtoPhGzT_ZM3YJpSX/s400/wedgwood+cuckoo.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Here is what we had (ignore the lamp cord!) - roast beef with carrots, potatoes and celery -a hearty winter meal on a snowy day. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432720527415410946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxCKn-xGEQNtAWHYiWY6jSsn78ZfwX2S0xMJWE-wCt8pQf5XEJgvz3XHje0cZ50bSjePedllQ2EM-Qhy1RF6_Fq67psVvRzEFEbuiMqdhHrwYZfnv4rUPGo7XtvzSqRhdfNePS0YQNVdt/s400/plated.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />For dessert (lemon pound cake with fresh whipped cream) I used the bread plates for Wedgwood 'Cuckoo', the small coffee service is antique Austrian by Ernst Wahliss, the teacups are antique Minton and the sugarbowl is cobalt jasperware by Wedgwood.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqdIBWYuaDl_fxfimO4WU4ydQ44luoCr4dOqPRXj1jPBY_n4bq9mJlQ2j1QIXHGk5yvDFg7D5pfMvJW-WyeP1218CkyQFoQSVCW-CGKnRleVqdpcD-5iFIH0Wmc5TAP7WwST7FNwiJPFT/s1600-h/dessert+course.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432720091425597810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqdIBWYuaDl_fxfimO4WU4ydQ44luoCr4dOqPRXj1jPBY_n4bq9mJlQ2j1QIXHGk5yvDFg7D5pfMvJW-WyeP1218CkyQFoQSVCW-CGKnRleVqdpcD-5iFIH0Wmc5TAP7WwST7FNwiJPFT/s400/dessert+course.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Just a close up. After all of the wine we needed some sparkling water!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432720525705607586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UfMpodNopAQQu-V7rq5bWKy-nGMYvG6-ptgbU6vuw8YI0OzseKEWmkzkwir0M0KDtRNt-qDMQdaCuK_GOXcdQ5jVnzGtEsZhcE-2dWRogykNCIiD0hDbLvehS-bqdCwt5dlon1ouagKK/s400/minton.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The tea (violet from Laduree) was served on my sideboard from my wedgwood 'cuckoo' teapot. The sterling tea strainer was NOT fun to polish after a few years of not being used! Crystal candlesticks I brought back from my trip to Paris in the fall.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbM_aRT54yB7bFLYq4wRmgLgGKfRJCRdaYbBMkKraDf_G00LV5QyXyQGuDcTLoG70TdUMRoUiCsXkJnWKjBsgEXS7N9g760fCQ_cn8ySKdg2BTr6WVIiwQ7tDMh4jrEXVeFIKAzg-4y2jx/s1600-h/teapot.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432720088201400914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbM_aRT54yB7bFLYq4wRmgLgGKfRJCRdaYbBMkKraDf_G00LV5QyXyQGuDcTLoG70TdUMRoUiCsXkJnWKjBsgEXS7N9g760fCQ_cn8ySKdg2BTr6WVIiwQ7tDMh4jrEXVeFIKAzg-4y2jx/s400/teapot.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Thanks for bringing the champagne! Champagne flutes by Baccarat.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432720073744932514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqIwnqjOgM9WYGQ8x6H-p7OvoscJRmLWWcxaPwOgw8bCva0JE5SqulqnxMvX2Sk1l8IU5NnQd3-tPFsTkTMjin0dVxzULKGGIZkDlcdI9gPR9zOHvZEZ9hOzvV3ODqjcyFkTJN1yx6VDcr/s400/champagne.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The evening had some ups and downs -the foil from the champagne gave me a nasty cut which would NOT stop bleeding! The rest of the rose was the best medicine......<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkbVgJsnVXOyI4jPfs39ST_HaLLgfFuKMKlDCIzEhgmM-4zMEW8ORRS3lSF9OL2WRFus31BiGzgIl6kUy2imaXAp4IqG2Z1i3FuDBGW4ehws_D_d227q2kami9q04gRVxm42wYhIf-FZS/s1600-h/ouch!.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432720079496491522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkbVgJsnVXOyI4jPfs39ST_HaLLgfFuKMKlDCIzEhgmM-4zMEW8ORRS3lSF9OL2WRFus31BiGzgIl6kUy2imaXAp4IqG2Z1i3FuDBGW4ehws_D_d227q2kami9q04gRVxm42wYhIf-FZS/s400/ouch!.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I love simple meals like this with very little mess (especially in a tiny apt). The huge roast beef (which i'll be eating for a week!) was accompanied by roasted carrots, celery and potatoes cooked with butter, garlic and sage. I LOVE the pattern on my potholders -the chickens always make me smile (from william sonoma)! <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432720536857934626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DQdZMNRLrUuBxGmtvFtX3PFPh3BAYrtj9NilniI1gnfZL7ct6vea4Ow1tL2bKYVUaPYuZIupojyub-UiZQZF7IJEFw_d4BnkMqRjMpKupJEFhmM4EOeWsnqE0zWHl2kXtkR19XCMnPt1/s400/the+meal.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />I hope you enjoyed the meal as much as we did! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Dinner at Eight

This past weekend I had a few friends over for dinner and they were nice enough to let me interrupt the party to photograph the table settin...

9:01 PM