Anna Shea Chocolates and PInk Charm Peonies

Today I spent the day at the wholesale florist choosing flowers for the Marie Antoinette theme for the Spirit of 67 home tour next Thursday. I think Pink Charm peonies, viburnum, daffodils and Esperanza roses will be perfect. I am trying to enhance the delicious colors of these wonderful chocolates that my friend, Linda Lee sent to me.  I am using them in the patisserie  display for the event because  they are so gorgeous. Today I met Linda and we made a trip to Anna Shea's in the Arboretum ( south on Rt.59 by the  I-90 tollway) in Chicago and purchased some for the show.  First of all, they are not only gorgeous, but the flavors are unique and divine.  Banana Split, Strawberry Shake, Butter Pecan, yum- even some exotic hot spices and one that tastes like a sip of red wine! It is hard to stop eating them, so I hope I have some left by next Thursday! This is a small store with a confectionery shop and a lunch and martini bar- very fun place to go with girl friends! Try the Fluffy Marshmallow Vodka with the Godiva Chocolate Liqueur Martini.  But if you can't make it to the Chicago area, they are on-line and you can order your own little delightful bites!

Estate Sale Goodies

I rarely get the time to go to estate sales, but today I heard about  one in Racine, Wisconsin and decided to make the hour drive to check it out!  And am I glad I did!   Awesome silver trays were waiting for me to grab for the store- I love the gallery style and so do our customers.  The linens were exquisite, already starched and ironed and perfect for cocktails while entertaining!   And for 5 years, I have been searching for a set of wide gold rim dinner plates and today they were mine!  I also couldn't resist the Bavarian green and gold dinner plates, perfect for our Marie Antoinette table setting event that's happening on the 3rd of May. Several beautiful silver serving pieces were purchased for one of my customers that has just finished a beautiful new kitchen and needs dressy items for her butler's pantry. Look at this adorable silver dome- perfect for a small hot appetizer dish.   But probably the most unique find was the tulip shaped set of cut crystal wine glasses- just gorgeous and will be very hard to part with- probably won't!  The biggest surprise find- a 1956 art book of Michelangelo's work - pretty linen cover with gold lettering- a decorator's dream- cost $15!  I had seen the same book on Friday for $250 at the Chicago Botanic Garden Antigue Show-  so lucky me!  Can't wait to share these new  finds with my customers!

Chicago Botanic Garden and Antique Show

Yesterday was an inspiring day.  Jill and her sister, Nancy, and I had breakfast, then headed for the annual Chicago Botanic Garden Antique Show.  It was a delight to wander through the show and just look at carefully edited displays of antiques for the home.  Some of the most beautiful urns were assembled for the show and filled with gorgeous flowers.  One of my favorite booths was a store called Leftovers, located between Austin and Houston in a small town called Brennan.  The first four pictures show the unique home accessories that they were selling. I'll have to send my friend Mariterese to check out their 10,000 sq. foot store!  There was lots of silver to contrast the crusty old garden elements- love the white roses in the silver samovar.  Picture number 6 was a clever way to create a gazebo effect in your yard without actually building one.  Notice the trellis backed stools placed around the table, creating this romantic setting by Craig Bergmann. (Gosh I miss his wonderful store.)  As you entered one of the tents, there was a romantic communal style table of white china, silver, boxwood and grass covered benches- to die for gorgeous!  Kimball and Bean"s booth was a delight for the eyes with the Venetian statues guarding the entrance of their dramatic black and white display.  but my favorite booth was the last 2 pictures - the over scaled crusty urn of flowers on the antique pine table in front of the huge zinc pier mirror.  It was simple, edited  with only the best elements and stunning!   What a fun day- we came away inspired and ready to create our own little versions of the displays!

Marie Antoinette Pastry Stands

We are in the process of getting ready for a home tour the first week of May. Romancing the Home has been assigned to a gorgeous French styled home and we are so excited. This is a large home tour of 4 beautiful homes to raise money for the local school district. For this tour, we will be designing 4 different tablescapes and have decided to use Marie Antoinette as our inspiration. We will stage a tea party under a tent on the back terrace, a pastry shop on the gorgeous kitchen island and a dinner in Paris, set in the formal dining room. Sunday, Laurell and I started on the props for the pastry shop. We cut the legs down on a coffee table to make it the proper height for a pastry stand. Next, after a coat of black paint, Laurell gilded the edges. It will look fabulous filled with cakes, cupcakes and pastries on the kitchen island. To accompany it, we gilded bird cage cake stands and metal cloches, then embellished the edges and details with rhinestones. (We used E6000 glue to add the rhinestone trim. It works great, adheres quickly and dries very clear.)Small decorated cakes will be placed under them for the event. Stay tuned with us, as we share our projects for this upcoming event. It's going to be a decadent Marie Antoinette Soiree!

Linens for Romantic Everyday Life

We have just received many new table linens that are meant to be used and enjoyed everyday. That means- no ironing- just wonderful linen that is meant to be wrinkled and used! So use them for everyday dining, throw them in the wash, dry and then use again and again! I must say that my very favorite is the new table linen collection from Bella Notte- especially the whispery muslin with the large ruffle edge. The first picture shows the fabulous hand towel- so romantic and pretty for everyday use! The white ruffled linen napkins with the velvet band are from Pom Pom and are charming. To launder, simply wash and then slightly dry. Remove from dryer and lay on counter and press out wrinkles and fold. The red and tan napkins are less expensive, but have a great look. Again, just damp dry and push out the wrinkles with your hands. The bronze monogrammed towels are available with all initials and are made from vintage French linens. They are exquisite and perfect to use as napkins, bar towels or hand towels in a powder room. Finally, the "Bon Appetit" linens napkins are perfect for everyday dining- whimsical and very soft and also launder beautifully. So say good bye to paper napkins forever and enjoy these everyday delights! They add a little romance to that Kraft macaroni and cheese dinner!!!!