LA DOLFINA

NATURAL SELECTIONS I can't remember how long I've saved this article on the fabulous Aspen pied-a-terre of the incomparable Carolyne Roehm , but I look forward to revisiting it each Christmas. Enjoy!

Well, it was a wonderful Thanksgiving full of togetherness, great food & good times... and when it was all over I went to put a load of laundry on and accidentally ran my new iphone 4 through the wash!      In the meantime, while I wait for it to completely dry out, I thought I'd post some Christmas decorating ideas that I've saved over the years which have inspired me in decorating our home which I've been doing since Black Friday... and oh my, what a mess I'm in at the moment!! These images are from Christmas Ideas 2003.  This gorgeous spread has provided me with the main design theme in my Christmas decor. Hopefully I'll be back in business with my iphone/camera in a few days and will be able to show you how I've translated it into our Holiday Home!

I just received my copy of holiday with Matthew Mead!   Perfect timing... Bring on the Christmas inspiration! My favorite article was the one on his home where he and his wife embrace the natural beauty of the season. Head over to Il Tuo Tesoro for more gorgeous inspiration from holiday with Matthew Mead.

Allow me to introduce you to the new kid in town... What's great about THE FIND is that like it's neighbor, The Alameda Point Antiques Faire, it also takes place the 1st weekend of the month but on Saturday, so now all you treasure hunters out there can shop till you drop all weekend long! The first sale is next weekend, Dec. 4th at  The Pavilion at Jack London Square. So...  After you score your "Black Friday" specials this weekend, don't forget to check out THE FIND next Saturday where you can shop for those one of a kind treasures INDOORS at the newest antiques & collectibles venue in town! See you there!! (I'm going to be selling some of my treasures from the Prop Shop!)  

Photo courtesy of  Strikes our Fancy

is a great word. It's also a uniquely American Holiday.   I was so touched by my friend Sharon, of My French Country Home , who penned this sweet poem, she calls,  My ode to thanksgiving, or a holiday I can't join in with! I wish we had a turkey day to bring some festive cheer I wish we had good reason to bring our loved ones near I wish we could shut out the cold and warm our house right up with friends, with kin, with family invited in to sup I want to dress my table I want to light warm fires I want to fill the house  with smells of roast meats, sweets and wines I want to have soft music I want to offer thanks for our rich and happy living with oh!  such trivial wants But traditions aren't invented they come down through the times they're in our blood. they can't be bought like some expensive wine, so I'm glad for friends so happy to celebrate Thanksgiving, and I'll wait my turn till Christmas to light my Yuletide pudding! ...

  Taking photos of my Dining Room and Thanksgiving Table was more challenging than I thought.  I had to really edit things in order to show off everything to it's best advantage.    I fully appreciate what stylists and photographers go through to get one great shot!  It's not easy... and speaking of photo shoots you can imagine my surprise when I came to the Home & Garden section of The San Francisco Chronicle this weekend and saw my ikat napkins featured on their holiday table!! Have you set your table yet? I'd love to see it!