The Long Table

La Louve

the long table — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 22:02:08 +0000

A little garden inspiration heading into the weekend is Nicole de Vesian’s garden, La Louve (The She-Wolf). It’s located in Bonniuex, Provence France.

After having a fashion career in Paris, Nicole de Vesian moved to Provence and designed the garden at age 69. The pool was added later by the current owner, Judith Pillsbury.

This garden is one of my all time favorites. One reason is it has a very organized feel to it. The overall tone of the garden is soft and calming. The green shades of the Rosemary, Boxwoods and Cypress’ mixed with the silver hues of the Sage, Santolina and Lavender work perfectly together. These pictures are from Garden Design’s website but if you have the chance to pick up Provence Interiors (by Angelika Muthesius) you will see many more that show the beauty of this garden.

Or you can click here, to check out more photos by Clive Nichols.

Cuttings for the day…

the long table — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:01:54 +0000

I was given this little copper beauty by my sister this past Christmas. When I saw it I fell in love with it. Not only did it originally belong to my grandmother, but right away I pictured a large magnolia flower sitting happily in it. While grocery shopping yesterday, I decided to look in the floral department for something similar to a magnolia flower. My choices were white carnations, tie-dyed carnations or lucky bamboo. I decided to go with the white carnations. Not the same impact as a magnolia flower but for now — perfect.

the object

add water

cut flowers short to fit the bowl size

add to water

place somewhere to enjoy

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

the long table — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:47:53 +0000

This year was filled with many opportunities to sit at a long table and enjoy good friends, food and drink. Looking back on 2011 the long table experience that was most memorable was at a very dear friend’s wedding in Topanga Canyon (photo below). Three extremely long tables filled a Tuscan-styled room as we celebrated a very special occasion. Here’s to many more wonderful occasions to celebrate friends and family in 2012!

CHEERS TO 2012!

A Fireplace

the long table — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:28:12 +0000

There’s something about a fireplace that evokes relaxation, warmth and a sense of place. The rhythmic bouncing of the flames seems to encourage contemplation when alone and conversation when with friends. Cheers to hoping your holiday season provides many warm memories in peaceful solitude or with loved ones.

Christmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.

- Washington Irving

sources: Elle Decor & Country Living

Make Yourself At Home

the long table — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:15:58 +0000

8 ITEMS TO HELP MAKE YOUR HOUSE GUESTS FEEL COMFORTABLE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

The Guest Room

A good reading lamp, soft sheets and a cozy blanket provide a sense of comfort for those traveling far from home. Adding a box of chocolates and good reading material is also a nice touch depending how long you wish your guests to actually stay. For those of you living in smaller quarters, with a little imagination almost any part of your home could become a guest room. Once, I turned the dining room of our tiny Venice bungalow into a guest room for a friend staying for a week.

Whether your home is large or small the 8 items suggested below could apply to any size abode. It’s all about one’s attitude — being flexible and working with what you have.

A task lamp to give the perfect light for late night reading. This one is from Restoration Hardware but Target and Lamps Plus sell similar ones as well.

A small bedside tray to house your guests jewelry, coins and spent candy wrappers. This “Dot Tray” is from Jayson Home & Garden.

A bedside carafe for water. This one is from Crate & Barrel.

A nice smelling candle for the dresser. This Fedora Patch Candle is from Jayson Home & Garden.

A throw for chilly days/nights. This alpaca throw is also from Jayson Home & Garden.

Slip on slippers to fit any foot size. UGG slippers from Zappos.

Fresh flowers or anything green from your garden (or supermarket).

Another great thing to have when guest arrive is the aroma of something special on the stove or in the oven. So, I have also included my favorite comfort dish recipe, Braised Chicken with Shallots. It’s great because you can make it the day before and just reheat when you are ready.

Ingredients

8- Bone-in skinless chicken thighs (about 2 1/2 pounds total)

coarse salt and ground pepper

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound small shallots (about 12), peeled and halved

5 garlic cloves, peeled and halved

1/2 cup dry white wine

3 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 pint cherry tomatoes halved

Fresh tarragon leaves for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper; coat with flour, shaking off excess.

2. In a Dutch oven or 5-quart pot with a tight-fitting lid heat oil over medium-high. Cook chicken until browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

3. Add shallots and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add wine; cook until evaporated, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in mustard and 1 1/2 cups water; bring to a boil.

4. Return chicken, bone side down, to pot. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until chicken is tender and cooked through, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate; loosely tent with aluminum foil to keep warm. Add tomatoes to pot; season with salt and pepper. Cook on high until sauce has thickened, 6 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, and return chicken to pot; cook until heated through. Serve, garnished with tarragon, if desired.

Serves 4

The recipe (and photo) for Braised Chicken with Shallots are from Martha Stewart.com

‘Tis The Season

the long table — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:15:58 +0000

Tonight, we are finishing up decorating for the holidays. The menu — hot cocoa, hot buttered rum and warm apple pie. Therefore, in needing some inspiration for this evening I took some time and visited some of my favorite websites. This year I am taking an easy approach to the holidays and using lots of wreaths, trimmings from the Christmas tree and lots of candles. Here are some more ideas I came across.

I love this star lantern from Terrain

Simple cream pillars from Restoration Hardware

Another great and easy thing to do for the holidays is to grow Amaryllis. They come in different colors/color combinations and if placed in the right light can produce amazing flowers. To purchase these from Terrain, click here.

Here, I tucked a couple Amaryllis into some greens

A simple wreath is always elegant

A couple of weeks ago, I found a wreath made from old Christmas music sheets at an Antique store. The photo above shows similar wreaths from Living with Lindsay. I wouldn’t think it would be too difficult to make? Click here to find out how to make one from Living with Lindsay.

I also found another photo of one from the blog, Nesting Place. She has some great ideas for decorating for the holiday season, click here to check them out.

Happy Holidays!

Food And Lodging — Uruguay

the long table — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:42:02 +0000

Hotel Fasano Las Piedras

My recent hotel obsession is Hotel Fasano Las Piedras in Uruguay. This is another one by the Fasano Group. Known for their luxurious hotels in Sao Paulo and Rio De Janeiro, the Hotel Fasano Las Piedras is their first venture outside of Brazil. Designed by the Brazilian architect, Isay Weinfeld (who also designed the Fasano Sao Paulo), Las Piedras is situated on over 1100 acres. It’s sweeping views include the Atlantic as well as surrounding landscape. It seems as if the hotel was merely dropped into place without disrupting the environment. The amenities include an equestrian center, polo fields, boathouse, private beach and an incredible spa.

The reception lounge

One of the suites

The bungalows

The spa

The pool area

The entrance to the Fasano restaurant

The Fasano restaurant

The surrounding landscape.

Ready for Halloween?

the long table — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:38:00 +0000

For those of you like myself, who are just getting started on Halloween decorations, I have collected a couple of ideas to inspire the child in all of us.

These are quite amazing and beautiful. If you have the tenacity for one of these they would be lovely to have around. From MarthaStewart.com.

Love these spiders. A fun craft project from Country Living. Click here for the details.

A slithery serpent wreath from Martha Stewart.com

This one is my favorite, and if I run out of time or patience to do the owls, I can at least spray paint some twigs black and call it a day. This is also from Martha Stewart. com.

Only 14 days away!

A Lovely Home In San Miguel

the long table — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:43:19 +0000

While perusing the photos on Elle Decor’s website, I came across this beautiful home in San Miguel de Allende (May 2006). The interior design is by Ray Booth.

lovely!

A Powder Room Makeover: Part II

the long table — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:35:27 +0000

Earlier, I shared the “before” photos, as well as my inspiration for a recent project for a powder room. Below are the results.

The Vanity

Before

After

The “Water Closet”

Before

After

Above shows the herringbone pattern.

Thanks for checking in!