~ The Cupcake Flower Tower~

find it in our Boutique Here

Happy March everyone!  Today was mild and sunny, a lovely way to go into March but does that mean we will be going out like a lion?? Goodness I hope not.  Last week the boys were home for days as we were blanketed with nearly 2 feet of white powdery snow.  I must admit I loved it, the snow twinkled like Fairy Lights when my gardens were lit up at night and during the daytime it provided hours of outdoor entertainment for me and my boys. However I am greatly anticipating Spring and getting back in my gardens.

{ The old fireplace in the woods on the way down to our little flowing stream, It must be over 200 years old }

We took a walk down to our stream with the dogs.  That is our Sweet Rufus, he is the dog we rescued a month ago.  He is so sweet and wonderful, it is as if we have had him forever.  Ruffie comes everywhere with me. Mr. Bunny is in love, even Dorkalicious, (how horrid is D’s nickname, poor dear ) is smitten, he was with him for hours the other night, everyone who meets this sweet little boy falls in love.

We also entertained  Friends and Family Saturday night.  Our home is always filled with children, family, friends and pets.  I love having a house full of people. I don’t like quiet, I’m no longer accustomed to it and it makes me sad. Even though there is always so much commotion going on here it still somehow remains tranquil.  I’m telling you I laughed so hard Saturday night that my abdominal muscles hurt Sunday morning.  Dorkalicious and I had created this ridiculously funny story/scenario/plot , its a long story, you know the kind where you have to be there to find the humor in it, and having a few glasses of Champagne in you doesn’t hurt.  Never~the~less I laughed, ate and drank for hours.

{Thanks W,K,L,J,T,J,C,S,T,O,&F for coming I had a great time!!!}

menu

More of those Pepperoni Pinwheels, Homemade dips, Shrimp Cocktail, French Baguette and Honey Brie with Mesclun salad and pistachios, Swedish meatballs,

Julie Child’s Beef Bourguignon recipe , Gratin De  Pommes De Terre Aux Anchois, Broccoli cheese Casserole,

Magic Bars, More  Marie Antoinette Strawberry glazed petite cupcakes,  Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes topped with Violets

recipe for Chocolate Ganache HERE

Wine, Champagne, Mixed Drinks, Seltzers, Coffees

~ All I had to do is open the French Doors that lead to our Wrap Around Porch to find creative inspiration for our dinner table~

The Table Setting

I had absolutely no idea how I was going to set my table, but I knew I wanted it to be very elegant.  Even though I was cooking a French dish that could certainly be considered  rustic, I knew I didn’t want a French Country Theme.  I like French Country, but this dish was being made with Beef Tenderloin and we were entertaining on a Saturday Evening. I wanted more elegant and formal. I will say no matter how formal the setting is, my husband and I are very laid back and our home always feels warm and welcoming.

When I am not sure of my design theme I often open the door and look outside to be inspired.I looked out onto our wrap around porch and looked at the colors outdoors.  Then I went into my ‘Bag of Tricks” and pulled out gorgeous napkin rings that I purchased at S.F.K. in San Francsico. They reflected the look of the Blue Spruce and Evergreen trees.  Then I pulled out the elegant white dinner plates to tie in the white snow, next, sparkling crystal glasses to show off the way the snow was sparkling in the evening. As for napkins, the sky was a faint bluish grey so I pulled in the perfect shade with gorgeous over sized linen  napkins.  I went with very chic  gold modern flatware to keep the table from becoming to busy. We placed beautiful votives around the table, simple elegant Lilies and gorgeous French topiaries that are potted in very very old antique urns found in England.

All the appetizers were set on our antique gate-leg table in the kitchen and the bar was in the room directly off the kitchen keeping a nice flow.

My favorite part was the ‘Cupcake and Flower Tower’ as Oliver called it.  We used our three tiered wooden round tray from the paris house boutique, and filled it with mini cupcakes, elegant linen wrapped votive candles and glasses filled with a variety of simple grocery store flowers that Mr. Bunny picked up for us.  I found it enchanting especially when lit up at night.

{ Images of Flowers and Cupcakes, by my son Samuel }

Fashion:

For me living Creatively encompasses more than just one aspect of design. I love designing the rooms that beautiful living takes place in.  I love designing the tables that beautiful conversation takes place at.  Of course I love creating the delicious food that makes people happy and creating the most delicious cocktails that make people giddy.   Creating gardens enables us to bring beautiful arrangements indoors to enhance our homes year round.  Even my little sketches that I put in my scrapbooks delights my creative senses.  Fashion is no different to me, I enjoy using my body as a blank canvas to put together  something pretty, just as a table is my blank canvas.  I love everything about fashion and how it tells the story of my mood that day.

My sweet husband spoils me,  part of my Valentine’s Day gift from him are these fabulous Badgley Mischka shoes . They were perfect at my dinner party.  When it comes to fragrance  I like to layer lotion with a couple different perfumes, varying my scents almost daily.  This Lemony luscious fragrance is one that I used in the mix Saturday evening.  Annick Goutal’s fragrance fill me with joy, especially, L’ Eau d’ Hadrien in this hand painted limited edition bottle. Find it here. It is incredible.

I’m not a huge fan of any strong perfume, I like to smell pretty and edible like a delicious piece of fruit and a lovely bouquet of flowers, throw in a little almonds and coconut and it is bliss.

I hope you enjoyed the little tour of our party and weekend fun. Now I am off to rest.  I had a root canal last night and didn’t get home from it until 9pm! . I am still having pain in this blasted tooth of mine and migraine headaches on the same side.  So I am going to take it easy for awhile, I’m not sure when I will be posting again.  Most likely in 1 to 2 weeks.  The boys start their Spring Break soon and are on Vacation for 2 & 1/2 weeks, I’m so excited!! We have a few fun trips planned now and over the next 3 months, which we are fitting in around Mr. Bunny’s work schedule which has been extremely hectic lately.  Things should calm down once these deals are finalized and signed off on soon. My son Teddy picked The Bahamas and Disney as his 13th birthday present and a little ski trip up in Vermont, just as I assumed he would.  It should be fun.  We are also working on a barge trip in France when time permits, but I am getting psyched planning for it. I’m excited to buy lovely items for my boutique and home!

I will do my best to visit you and please feel free to email me anytime if you feel like talking!!  I may not have a chance to blog but I always have time to send a quick email out to you!

and thank you for your patience with my loooooooong Post

Please stop by Tablescape Thursdays, Foodie Fridays and Pink Saturday to find hundreds of gorgeous table settings, yummy recipes and beaucoup de pink loveliness.

{ Le Jardin Hiver at The Paris House}

This week for Pink Saturday I decided to keep it short and sweet and share my favorite watering can with you. ( I am posting this picture now because I won’t have time over the weekend )  This beauty is from England and of all my watering cans in my collection this hands down is my favorite.  It makes me happy every time I use it.

Live Life Beautifully and I will see you soon