Pad Thai

Coral or Barnacle Vase

 This type of vase has been on my radar screen for a while. They are called coral or barnacle vases, and they are made by hand in Thailand using a pottery technique that goes back almost 1,000 years. Imagine my surprise when I saw one in HomeGoods in Venice yesterday for a small fraction of what they usually are priced. It's a soft celadon, and looks great on my Mercer table. It adds a seashell, organic, and artisanal element that I really like.

I was tempted to run to Trader Joe's for some flowers, but I am trying to be cautious and not overdo my nonessential outings, and I was just at TJ two days ago. So I erred on the side of caution. But I think it would be very pretty with spray orchids or calla lilies - black calla lilies would be stunning. 

Speaking of black plants, I have a shipment being delivered today from Plant Delights with a couple of black elephant ears and several Brugmansia, so this weekend I hope to spend time in the garden. The weather here has been lovely and perfect for gardening.

Saturday Inspiration

Jenny Keenan - Southern Living

I really like the mix of blue and white Chinese porcelain and blue and white ikat in this living room of a South Carolina beach house. Note the seashells in the acrylic trunk - that's a neat idea. I want to do more with seashells here. I have a lot, but haven't put most of them out yet. My ikat collection is growing - my new Schumacher ikat ginger jar and a few ikat caftans that I am literally living in.

Williams Sonoma Home Schumacher Ikat Ginger Jar

Maisonette Ikat Maxi Dress

Look at this collection of Bunny Williams seashells. That's what I need, a seashell drawer. LOL

House by the Sea - Bunny Williams

Here is lovely table styling of my Mercer dining table (but with the marble top). Who knows what the flowers are? The name is on the tip of my tongue but my perennials encyclopedia got left behind at guess where....

Williams Sonoma Home

Two more things. My wallpaper installation I had hoped for yesterday turned into a text from my installer that he broke his leg and is out of commission for two months. Do any of my local followers know a good wallpaper hanger? Help!!!!!!!

Lastly, I have a really neat idea for the lanai that involves a Dash & Albert polypropylene indoor/outdoor rug. They get great reviews, but are pretty pricey in the larger sizes I am thinking about. Any experiences you can share?

My beloved Alexandria, Virginia had flash flooding on Thursday with many homes flooded. The pictures are unbelievable. Weather is getting crazy everywhere.

Have a great day everyone.

CCC

Casa Chinoiserie Chic

I had fun yesterday starting to tweak styling the Mercer table. First, I adore the table. It is elegant and classic and just perfect for here. The glass does not block the gorgeous view. It will seat 8 for dinner parties. Do you remember the term "dinner party" that was previously in our vocabularies? It is an archaic pre Covid expression. And I adore the white wicker S chairs.

Here is the view of the great room as you walk in. I love it. Obviously, it needs art, but that is up next after the wallpapering this coming week. Harper is exhausted and headed to the study to watch some TV.

I am really enjoying the process of creating this home. After all, it is about the journey, not just the destination. Next is adding orchids and palm fronds to the Mercer table and playing around more with it, perhaps today. Unfortunately, I have a lot of Sandbagger insanity to deal with today. I will fill in the details tomorrow finally. Thanks for your patience and support.