Best wishes for a Merry Christmas to you...

paper tea cups

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A Rocking Christmas...

Last Sunday, the Colonel and I took in a performance of the Radio City Rockettes. Yes, I had to be in Northern Florida to see this well-known New York holiday show for the first time. These girls can really kick!

narcissi

Can't get enough of  the earthy scent of these delicate blooms.

feu de bois...

In Florida, I have an electric fireplace which is more aesthetically pleasing than warming.  It does however create the feel of a burning fire sans the scent.  A burning Feu de Bois candle creates a near authentic aroma of a crackling fire in the hearth. A must for the holiday season.

Holiday reading...

domestic glimpse.6

For my dining pleasure.

Today is a hot tea day...



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elegant French tea towels

The dau surprised me with a trio of lovely Yves Delorme linen tea towels!

Christmas on the Potomac

 Last eve, the Colonel and I attended the premier opening for the Christmas on the Potomac attraction at the Gaylord at the National Harbor. It was a spectacular evening complete with fireworks, lighting of the holiday tree and a chance to visit the ice displays which are based on How the Grinch Stole Christmas, by Dr. Seuss.  The temperature within the ice arena was a chilly 9 degrees; parkas are issued for warmth.  Should you visit, best to take along a pair of gloves as there are no pockets on the parkas to keep your fingers warm. 


Unique decor on the tables at the cocktail reception





M&M's on the table ...simple yet festive

Colorful ice formations



The Cat in the Hat, of course



Thirsty?

Tired of purchasing bottles of Pellegrino only to finish them off in minutes, the Colonel purchased for me the Sodastream. No more bottles to be fill the trash.  I use filtered water from the refrigerator and the BPA-free bottles.  Worth every penny.

The Soul of a House

A truly lovely book, Chris Madden's The Soul of a House: Decorating with Warmth, Style, and Comfort  reveals the details of her well-appointed carriage home in New York and family home in Vermont.

I love, I love, I love my little calendar girl...

Recently viewed, The Calendar Girls is a most enjoyable movie based on a true story and set in the UK. 

The Biltmore Estate: Koi, fountains and horses



Poseidon's trident clutched in the fish's tail.




This fountain drained into a large stone receptacle designed for horses to drink from.



The large gait on this stair steps was designed for horses to ascend and descend carefully.

gleaming Koi

The water receptacle is visible here.

Gargoyles guarding

Apparently, stone cutters were brought in to carve the Gothic gargoyles and grotesques as well as other intricate ornamentation from the limestone and rock at the Biltmore Estate.  Gargoyles and grotesques are commonly seen on the castles of Europe, put there to ward off evil-doers.

A knight in shining armor

hear no evil...

Lastly, I will feature a selection of wall fountains.

architectural features at the Biltmore Estate

 Intricate ironworks everywhere

Winter Garden ceiling

Seating for a small, intimate dining experience



Bas-relief sculptural wall hanging

 

A room just for flower containers and vases

V for Vanderbilt, of course

Tapestry

Hanging lanterns in the Winter Garden

Loved these gleaming and hanging copper pots and lids

One over-sized mortar and pestle

Stone carving details everywhere

Next, the gargoyles guard the Biltmore Estate.