Beautiful Interiors and 18th Century Style

I am so excited to show you the latest arrivals .... beautiful silverware from Tina at www.theenchantedhome.blogspot.com 

I have been looking for beautiful salt and pepper shakers and also jardinieres for quite some time and when I saw these I knew they were perfect!  

Now I haven't had a chance to pop moss in the top of the orchid yet but I just wanted to post how beautiful it looked ...

I fell in love with these shakers when I first saw them on Tina's shop and they are so heavy ...... wonderful ... looks gorgeous against the dark rich wood of our dining table ....

I also secured this planter in blue and white from Tina and she knows her blue and white ... Sugar was at first a little reticent at the latest acquisition but eventually gave her stamp of approval .....

yes I like it is gorgeous!!!!

I have found time to pop some moss into the orchid .. am just looking for a lower pot ... 

I also cooked this recipe on the weekend and it is so delicious and very easy to do ... I wrote this recipe in a book when Alexander was a baby .... so 24 years ago!!!  Still tastes good I think ... well everyone finished it and asked for more so I guess that is a good start!   I actually substituted port for a little red and a little white wine and then after reduction added a little cream and the consistency was richer than just the deglazing sauce ... but you could decide which way you would like to go.....

I placed Irish Bell and one rose in the Perrier Jouet champagne bottles on the mantle and lit the always elegant ... Laduree candle ....

A quick pick of the potato gratin ..... garlic and rosemary a must .... didn't take pictures of any other food again and I also did a chocolate tart with Bailey's Irish  cream .... when I do it again I will post or just post the recipe as it is really lovely ... really rich so you only need a petite amount with a smattering of berries and double cream.. 

sparkling crystal ...

and shimmering silver .....

make for a beautiful night ....

Georgiana is on her camp today for the next two nights and I am so sad!  I know they will have a wonderful time but I am such a big sook!!!!  She is my baby girl, 10 years old, and it really hurts when you have to let them go to discover new parts of their life and their world .... The year five group have gone over to North Keppel Island and we have had some bad weather recently so it has added to my concerns.  However, the look of excitement and adventure on her face when I put her on the bus this morning at school was priceless!  "Don't worry Mum" she said, "I will only be gone for two days and you do have Dad!"  It reminded me of when I used to read all "The Famous Five" books when George and Timmy would be so close to cracking the mystery and then they would have to treacherously go out in George's boat to see if they could find the smugglers ..... Julian, Anne and Dick were always more cautious ... but my Georgiana is an adventurous spirit and wants to discover her world!  "We are going to be dissecting fish and then cooking them!" .... and snorkelling .... and so much fun!

This motif above is the crest of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, whom my Georgie was named after along with Miss Georgiana Darcy.  So darling daughter have a fabulous trip and Mummy will be here ready to listen to all your wonderful tales of drama and high jinks on the high seas ..... Bon Nuit Everyone!

xxx M.A. the second