Arrangements

I think creating arrangements or groupings of decorative objects give a subconscious depth to a room and serve as a backdrop for the larger, more obvious pieces. I enjoy placing everything into strategic groupings and rearranging them until I think it's 'right'. Although my skills aren't as honed as the professionals,  I certainly try to replicate what the pros do!
 

 

 

 

 

 

It's been so incredibly windy in southern Alberta over the last couple of weeks....

I hope we don't blow away before Halloween!

 

Christmas Day Recap

How was your Christmas day? Was it a crazy day of visiting and eating with family and friends? Or more of an intimate quiet affair? Either way, I hope it was everything that you wanted it to be.

We hosted an intimate Christmas Day dinner for five. My husband, (And resident chef!) decided to prepare his speciality; Herbes de Provence encrusted roast beef with traditional accompaniment.

 

 

 

 

I was in charge of the plum pudding sauce which, in the end, was more of a Courvoisier soup. So, we just went with it, lit it on fire and let the bluish flame dance over the bombe of dried fruit and nuts!

 

 

After our guests had left, we ended the night by settling down to our 'downstairs' tree to watch some of the UK Christmas specials.



~What are you doing New Year's Eve?~

Treasure Chest

I've been on the prowl for a nice set of silver plate flatware for a little while now. So when I came across this Birks Regency Plate chest of treasures for $300.00 last week on Kijiji - I pounced! A total of  86 pieces with  luncheon and dinner service for 8. The serving pieces and letter opener were the icing on the cake. It was polished and in beautiful condition when I picked it up. I can't wait to use it!

 

Coincidently, a couple of years ago Andrew received a Birks sterling bottle opener from my mom as a Christmas gift in the same pattern, Louis de France.

Some often hesitate to use their silver because it's 'too hard to clean'. Nonsense! I've polished over 20 pieces in no more than half and hour. My trick? Goddard's Silver Polish Foam. Trust me.

We like to integrate some silver pieces every time we entertain just for something special. Even if it's a casual jeans and sweaters type of a get-together we like to put it to good use. The toast holder holds napkins, the creamers contain salad dressing, that kind if idea.

Formalities such as silver or china seem to be a dying tradition... What do you use when entertaining for a special occasion? Pull out the old china set and maybe someone's wedding silver? Or is that a thing of the past for you? Do tell!!