A Bridal Shower Luncheon

Lately, I've been wearing many "hats"-- that of a landscaper, a party consultant and an assistant caterer! So, it was fun to see it all come together last Saturday when my friend Maureen hosted a bridal shower luncheon in her new backyard.

Since the bride's colors are to be gray and pink, I ordered gray tablecloths with pink napkins. Silver chargers were a perfect addition to the theme.

The centerpieces were potted pink azaleas in sterling wine buckets.

Little pails with monogrammed pink and gray M & M's were the perfect touch too!

It all looked wonderful under the new pergola!

Upon entering Maureen's home, the guests were greeted by this gorgeous arrangement that she made in an alabaster urn belonging to her Mother-in-law.

Everyone was offered champagne cocktails with raspberries.

Maureen gave the bride a beautiful book that all the guests personalized with their messages of best wishes and marriage advise!

Meanwhile, my son Aaron was in the kitchen preparing the lunch.

Beginning with the first course, a cold corn chowder soup, garnished with corn, chives and tarragon relish.

My job: help plate the food and be the photographer!

The second course was a composed salad nicoise!

The Ahi tuna was first seared.....

...then added to the top of mixed greens with heirloom tomatoes, French green beans, egg and potatoes that Aaron prepared sous vide.

A lemon tart with blueberries for dessert!

Since Aaron is studying to be a pastry chef, this was his piece de resistance!

The party was absolutely lovely and a huge success!

It was really fun to see the fruits of everyone's labor all come together for this special day, hosted by a special friend, for a special bride!

I'm joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.

On Friday, I'll join Designs by Gollum for Foodie Friday,

and also My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday.

Tuscan Style Magazine

I am so excited to share our big news!

Our home in the wine country has been chosen for Tuscan Style magazine!

I can't believe I just said that! But, yes, the photo shoot is scheduled for early September, and I am so thrilled!

I'm looking forward to finally meeting in person, Bonnie Broten, Regional Editor for Meredith Publications who will be styling our home, as well as John Granen, who will be the photographer.

I have a feeling this might have been the photo that "sealed the deal!"

It all started back in January when I wrote about a book my daughter gave me for Christmas here. The book is called "New Cottage Style." I fell in love with a house in the book and even took a couple of pictures of the photos in the book. Well, guess what? It was Bonnie Broten's house!

She had been "stalking" my blog for a while (her words!), so it was quite a shock for her to see her home featured! She called me and we became instant friends! As a scout, she was very interested in our home in Asti, so I sent a few photos....The rest, as they say, is history!

So, now that we know the photo shoot is a sure thing, we are trying to get everything spruced up.

Flowers are being planted and weeds are getting whacked.

Windows are being washed and just last weekend, the crushed granite path was refreshed.

Since Asti is two hours away, we are relying heavily on this man. All I can say is, thank God for Ventura, who makes everything happen and is super excited too for us. I don't know what I would do without him! He has such great ideas and I trust him explicitly.

I just bought the newest issue of Tuscan Home, and as I look through, I still can't believe our house is going to be featured! Are you kidding? Two years ago, I never would have thought that this would happen.

I look forward to sharing the details of the photo shoot with you all....

I'm joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday.

Dairy Slabs and Where to Find Them

Since my last post on kitchen vignettes, I've received a few emails asking where I found my "pure butter" and "cheese" slabs.

Truth is, I've collected them over the years. Always on the hunt for one, they can be found in antique or home decor stores and sometimes on ebay.

I fell in love with these butter slabs years ago and started hunting for them. I would notice them in magazines when they started showing up in featured kitchens like this one, but never a mention about them. What were they called?

I typed in the words "butter slab" on ebay one time and found one! I ended up finding a couple more, like the cheese slab beside my stove, holding oils and vinegars, etc.

Originally, they were used to display dairy products in English grocers over a century ago. Original slabs are rare and expensive. All of mine are reproductions. My latest "pure lard" acquisition is from ABC Carpet and Home on my trip to NYC in March. It is a reproduction of an original made by Parnall and Sons.

I found this one at Sonoma Country Antiques. It is a reproduction of an original by Dairy Supply Co. from England.

There is an online source for these slabs: Joanne Hudson, Ltd.

I discovered this store from Joni's recommendation at Cote de Texas.

Founded in 1985, Joanne Hudson is the leading kitchen and bath design firm on the east coast.

They eventually launched Joanne Hudson Basics, an online store representing their collection of kitchen accessories.

Like this "pure butter" slab which retails for $139.99

I love these slabs not only for their beauty, but for their functionality too. The presentation of cheese and fruit above looks even more special on a "cheese" slab. It retails for $119.99.

My small cheese slab was perfect for the raspberry tart I served for Valentine's Day!

Joanne Hudson Basics also sells Emma Bridgewater's line of dinnerware called Toast & Marmalade, some of which is displayed in this fabulous pantry designed by none other than Joanne Hudson!

Toast & Marmalade is fun and whimsical porcelain dinnerware that I am crazy about, all made in England.

Uh oh, I feel a tablescape coming on....

Is it possible to have too much of this porcelain? I don't think so!

I'm joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday.

I'm also joining Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday.

Garden Vignettes

As promised, here are a few vignettes from our garden at home.

Why all the garden interest? I'm hosting a garden party in October and am already thinking that some improvements are in order!

This area in particular could use some help. I haven't touched it in five years. Somehow, it has been on "automatic pilot!"

I'm not talking about a serious over-haul...

but adding a few plants here and there as needed.

In front, alongside the driveway, the 100 year old redwood holding court.

The hydrangeas are thriving underneath.

My favorite St. Francis watches over the squirrels that live above.

Opposite the redwood, the other side of the driveway is all white roses!

Yes, landscape design is on my mind. Not only am I hosting a garden party in October, I'm also designing a complete rehab for my friend Maureen's yard. Oh, and there is a surprise in store regarding our wine country home and garden.....To be announced soon!

I'm joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday.

I'm also joining Courtney at French Country Cottage for the first time, for Feathered Nest Friday.

An Alfresco Easter Tablescape

The inspiration for my Easter table is this yellow ceramic basket, unearthed from the backyard after years of weathering the elements. All cleaned up, it serves as the perfect Easter basket of flowers and eggs for the centerpiece.

I set a table for four under the arbor. Four is the magic number, as I only had four moss place mats and four majolica saucers that I wanted to use.

Also, setting the table under the arbor let me feature this tole chandelier.

A favorite piece, still awaiting a permanent place someday. But for now, a temporary home!

Flowers from the garden, including ivy, lilacs, mums and Spanish lavender fill the centerpiece.

I added large green moss eggs for effect.

A little bird is hiding amidst the flowers.

Let's light the candles!

The layering for this tablescape began with a paisley tablecloth, moss place mats, then chicken wire chargers.

Another layer was added with these purple majolica cabbage leaf chargers.

Then, chintz plates, which I used last year as well. I just love how these plates evoke Spring and Easter! They compliment the tablecloth perfectly.

It just wouldn't feel like an Easter table without my majolica chick egg cups!

Linen embroidered napkins and a mix of sterling and bone handled flatware complete the table.

This tablescape is pure fantasy!

My real Easter table is set in the dining room for eleven, and I'm using different plates altogether. The Easter basket centerpiece which was my inspiration to start with, will be recycled and perfect for Easter Sunday's table.

I'm joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. Be sure to visit for lots of creative tablescape inspiration.

On Friday, I'm joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday. Stop in for more Easter ideas.

On Saturday, I'm joining Laurie at Bargain Hunting With Laurie for Favorite Things Saturday.

Check it out!

On Sunday, I'm joining The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays.