Romancing the Mantel

The focal point of any room in winter is the fireplace. Dressing the top of the mantel is one of my most cherished tasks of the Christmas season. These are the fireplaces in my living room and library. Both are first layered with pre lit garlands and then glittered leaves, ferns, and feathers are tucked in the garland. The living room mantel has 2 glittered rose wreaths with rhinestone brooches and cherubs embellishing it. Vintage angels, glass bobeches from old lamps,and

candlesticks complete the look.

The library fireplace has vintage mercury glass and iced pomegranates tucked in the garland.

The large gold sconces and old round mirror cast a warm glow in the room. All of these items or similar items can be found at Romancing the Home. We always like to mix antiques on our mantel scapes to add the old patina to the mix. The crystal bobeches add contrast to the dull patina on the covered urns.

First Snow of the Season

I love the smell and look of the first snow of the season. Fresh greens and garden statues look beautiful with fresh snow on them. These are pictures of my front porch this morning, taken while the snow was falling. What a great way to bring in the spirit of the Christmas season!

Fresh greens are layered with lit garlands, iced branches, and chartreuse mercury balls.

Red berries pop the colors- and the velvet ribbon is opulent with it's silk lining. We carry this beautiful ribbon in the store in many colors this season, just call us with inquiries.

The Holidays Begin!

Wow, I haven't blogged in almost a month- but it has been crazy getting the store and my home ready for the holidays. We kicked off the holiday season with a party in my home with many of my dear friends and customers. My best friend Lynda, flew up from Atlanta to prepare the food- crab cakes, prosciutto and mango chutney with brie bites, beef tenderloin with a mustard tarragon sauce on baguette slices- yum, yum, yum. But we cheated a bit and bought Sam's Club cakes and embellished them with fresh nasturtiums, and raspberries and mint. While Lynda made a Gruyere tart with fresh pears, and a goat cheese log with apricots and dried strawberries, we also found beautiful layered cheeses at Sam's to supplement our presentation.

Guests were greeted with Kir Royals served in a small antique glasses. They were able to serve themselves refills from the champagne bucket, as Santa watched from the back of his reindeer.

The guests received recipe booklets with all of the recipes served.

Upcoming blogs will feature holiday decorations from this event - so be sure to check back!

Thanksgiving Tables

My girlfriend, Lynda who lives in Atlanta, has formed a group of women to do "Martha things"!

Their first meeting was last Friday, and they toured 3 homes to view the Thanksgiving tablescapes that each of the owners had created. Each of the participants bought and shared family Thanksgiving recipes. Unfortunately, I only saw my friend's, but I am hoping for pictures from the others. These photo's show 2 different tables in Lynda's home, already set for a large gathering of 14 on Turkey Day. Each was created by re-using dishes in new combinations on her tables, and being able to gather lots of southern dried hydrangeas from the bushes in her yard!

One of the simplest tablecloths is on the table in the sun room by the pool. Faux crocodile leather was purchased from JoAnnes and just laid on the table - perfect for textural interest and clean-up from turkey gravy! Lot's of organic elements were used, naturally shed antlers, feathers, moss, and wooden trays. Plenty of candles were placed prominently on the tables to add to the festive nature of the occasion.

Tablescapes for Aids

The past two weeks have been extremely busy, first the jewelry market in Atlanta and this week was time to put out Christmas in the store. But yesterday, a friend and I took time to attend the Elle Decor Tablescape Event at the Chicago Mart to raise money for Aids. I am posting pictures of tables from this event to share with you. My favorite centerpiece was the kale and moss in the rock crystal bowl. Many designers used organic materials such as moss, sticks, and vessels that were in the shape of trees, shells, and nature. The Ralph Lauren display was charming. Sitting in a log

gazebo, it featured great plaid, metallic, and velvet pillows around a stunning

place setting on a leopard charger. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Le Chateau Frontenac

While in Quebec, we stayed at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac , an absolutely beautiful hotel built in the 1800's for customers on the Canadian railways, as they traveled across the country. The view from our room was of the St. Lawrence river and the town below. A funiculaire, a fancy elevator, carried you up and down the cliffs to the town below. The exquisite ballroom was added in the 1930's and has huge chandeliers. But the food in the hotel was unbelievable. My husband and I ordered a creme brulee to share one evening and it was served in a large soup bowl, and garnished with the largest blackberry that I have ever seen. The chef in the hotel grows his own vegetable and herb garden on the roof of the third floor. I would highly recommend this hotel, and be sure to take the tour about the hotel's history.

There is a sweet story about 2 young lovers that visited there in the 1930's and each made a secret wish while descending the beautiful staircase outside the ballroom. Sixty years later they returned with their children and grandchildren to the Le Chateau Frontenac and realized that they had both wished for the same thing, children and a lifetime together. As we left the tour guide at the top of the same stairs, he also had us make a wish as we descended the stairs. Wonder what Mr. RTH wished for? Probably for a great day of fishing!

Windows in Quebec

During our trip to Quebec, I was enchanted by the incredible window boxes and brightly colored roofs. It gives me inspiration for my own home, especially for the holidays. I loved the red roofs and doors, so very cheerful and welcoming.