Thursday, February 20, 2014

Time for Tea!


What is it about pretty cakes, delicate china and soft linen that makes us swoon?  It is the feeling of a bygone era where  time did stand still when you took tea...  Where conversations and gossip where shared …. where the delicate art of sipping tea out of an antique cup was sublime.


We are all so busy and this tradition of afternoon tea sounds the perfect antidote for all of us!  I made these cupcakes on Monday afternoon before I picked Georgiana up from school.  I had worked all day and I just felt like baking something …. these cakes are a Donna Hay recipe  … it took in all 40mins including cooking and I was so glad I did it… Homemade cupcakes for afternoon tea and it was perfect … with Georgie's hectic school and dance schedule Monday is the one afternoon where she and I can sit and take time for tea …..


The beauty of these cakes are that they freeze and refrigerate beautifully … I did a vanilla cream and jam filling and dusted with icing sugar ….


I just wanted to quickly show you the new upholstery on my Georgian chairs … love them!


more cupcakes 



The beautiful Countess of Downton Abbey … currently watching Season 4 and loving it!!! Now those Edwardians new how to take tea!


Exquisite …..


Marie Antoinette took tea regularly and the Emperor of China was known to send her tea!


I am on a journey out west tomorrow to see a lovely country client and help her with the Homestead …. I am so excited as we are currently also doing the townhouse which is coming along nicely ….. time stands still in the country I am told … I certainly hope so!  I think I should pack my riding boots as well and try and resurrect my riding skills!  Have a wonderful Friday and don't forget to smile!


 photo signature-29_zps152a2019.png

Friday, February 14, 2014

Brian J McCarthy


These beautiful interiors are by Brian J McCarthy who is a Manhattan based interior designer.  I absolutely fell in love with these gorgeous hues.  The home is a beach house in upstate New York and is whimsical and fresh!


  These beautiful images are from Verandah magazine ….. look at the detailing on the Louis chairs and the stripes!


Brian J. McCarthy is a former partner of the iconic firm, Parish-Hadley and has just release a new book "Luminous Interiors"!


The subtle use of grey and pink horizontal stripes painted on the walls is soothing and elegant….  I think I might just pop onto Amazon and secure my copy of this very talented designers work!  Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Valentine's Day!




 photo signature-29_zps152a2019.png
Related Posts with Thumbnails