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23.11.09

Happy Thanksgiving

I'll be taking the next few days to get ready for Thanksgiving, how about you? This year we have a very small group. Which means we can break tradition a little and try out some new things. I haven't come up with a table setting quite yet, you can see last year's table and some inspiration. I think this year I will keep it simple, maybe some Grainsacks as runners, large plates, gingko leaves from our tree tied on the napkins.



I'll fill a few urns filled with Pumpkins, Pomegranates, Cockscomb flowers and some of the Eucalyptus Branches that fall off the trees in our street.



I love this look! How simple is this, fill large clear glass vases with a few mini pumpkins on the very bottom, add some branches with leaves, done! Stunning.


Photos BHG



That's the best thing about Thanksgiving tables, there are so many natural elements to work with, and they are so easily made into pretty centerpieces without too much effort.




I love this table, too! Beautiful colors, but kept simple, not too much going on.







I wish you and those you love a very Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for encouraging me at every turn, I am truly grateful for each and every one of you! We will be having a relaxed dinner here at home, then the very next morning, we get up and start decorating for Christmas! {Mr. FgH is already grumbly about the tree} Enjoy every moment with your family {yes, even the little tifs about who shouldn't have to do the dishes} May you share lots of laughter and love around your table ~ xoxo Lidy

18.11.09

Ten Things About Me

Ten things you probably don't {want to} know about me: One of my blogging friends from Europe, Greet LeFevre, her blog is Belgian Pearls , and Linda Merril, her blog is Surroundings , both have tagged me to share ten things about myself. I'm not sure that there is much that's interesting about me, but here goes:


1. Like Greet, my absolute always favorite flowers are White Roses. When I don't have all white Roses on my table in the living room, there is usually an all white bouquet. When I lived in Europe, I lived for a few years in the middle of the Dutch countryside, in the part of Holland where they grow all the flowers. Heaven! I had huge bunches of fresh flowers in our home every week. The florists there always have beautiful bouquets {like the one below} in buckets to just pick up and take home. They are inexpensive. Here in the states, I still have fresh flowers, just a smaller amount. Most often all in one color, at the most two colors. 2. I have a fine art degree, and I spent a year studying the art of Picasso. I went to school and got my BA after my first daughter was born, she was 5 when I graduated. When I grow up I intend to buy a press and go back to making etchings. I love Art, and one of the things I love to do when on vacations is go to museums.


Picasso ~ the original collage artist!


3. I generally don't spend a fortune on my bags, but I DO love great shoes. One of my all time favorites, that I have worn to death are my Walter Steiger ankle boots. When I spend big, I do get a few good years out of them! I think it's better to buy one killer pair of shoes and wear them and love them, than to buy a few cheaper pair that you don't feel passionately about. If I still wore extremely high heels, I'd buy some of their new high heeled boots.



I have a "thing" for is my Louis Vuitton purse and especially my check book cover. silly, I know, but I love them. They were the first "designer" anything I ever bought. I don't think you are supposed to keep the same one for so many years, but I have, and still love them! The purse stays in my walk in closet mostly, but the check book I carry around, even though I mostly ATM everything. Luxury in small doses is fun! {and it makes writing checks ~ the few that I do ~less painful}





4. I love classical music. When I am in my office working, I listen these French stations: Listen Live France and the International channels found here Here ~ I love the BBC.




5. I love chandeliers!! If I could, I would hang several in every room, but Mr. FgH says one is enough per space. There is nothing like it, a chandelier makes even a dumpy little room look glamorous.





7. I am hopeless at direction. I have no sense of direction. Really. I don't. I am blessed with lots of best friends who have killer direction sense, and drive fabulously. I am so lucky they tote me around in their cars with them.





8. I have a weakness for the following:


Drinking Tea from antique French Porcelain Tea Sets. I drink tea every afternoon, somehow, it just tastes better out of an antique cup!







Anything Antique that was framed in the late 1800's or so, like this French Saint and Wax Crown.








Or this Victorian Wedding Tiara and Groom's Bouttonierre kept securely behind glass all these years.


Antique Sterling Tea spoons. If you eat ice cream, a fine Sterling antique spoon makes it taste better. If you are stuck eating cottage cheese instead, that same spoon makes it taste better. Trust me on this. {I admit the ice cream is the winner of the "taste better" of the two with a sterling spoon.}



Victorian Children's Items. Books, with the sweetest poems and illustrations.





Victorian or early 1900's "Whites" Children's Clothing. Nothing sweeter, I can spot one from a few spaces over in an antique show, and generally buy all the ones I can find without damage. Love them!




9. I was lucky enough to marry a European prince. { No, he is not of royal blood} I have been married for a very long time, which is a total testament to Mr. FgH's character. I think I was a brat for the first five years we were married. Very young {I was just 19!} and pretty darn anoyingly sure I was always right. He is who I can count on, always, to help me out, to lift my spirits and to cheer me on.




10. I love reading, especially British Mysteries. Agatha Christie. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Ruth Rendell. Anne Perry. Dorothy Sayers. Elizabeth George. I started out with a passion for Nancy Drew, and have just continued reading mysteries as much as possible. Nothing makes me happier than a fire in the fireplace, a cup of tea at my side, and a good mystery book!


What is one thing you think would surprise people who don't know you about yourself? What is your secret passion? I'd love to know!

14.11.09

Thank you, Cottages and Bungalows Magazine!


I am happy to let you know that the Holiday Issue of Cottages & Bungalows Magazine is out on the newsstands ~ markets, and bookstores, too! I know subscribers have already received this beautiful issue, from the number of emails I've received. With magazines stopping production left and right {!} it's nice to know that there are still beautiful publications doing well, isn't it?





I was thrilled {okay, a little panicked!} when Hillary Black, C & B's Editor asked me if she could come and "join in on the fun" when we were shooting Holiday Photos for our website, like, the very next day. Never mind that it was literally during a heatwave in September, or, because I had been so busy setting up photo vignettes that my dust bunnies were most likely dust monsters. ack! And seriously, it was 103 in our living room. H. O. T.





Where on earth do you find Holiday~ish plants in the beginning of September? Luckily, my favorite fruit and all white flowers did the trick, and those were not too difficult to find. These are a few of the shots Hillary took, as well with some of the ones I did, following along behind her. Leslie Chew made miracles happen with the "light package". He also manned the shiny mylar light "bouncer" thing. { yes, he did tell me the name of it, but I forgot, sorry!}





Luckily, our bushes in the front yard {that I think are ugly, but I may have changed my mind since this photo shoot} provided the Juniper cuttings, fresh and smelling like Christmas.







I love the cover, how gorgeous is that Blue Double Door?? It's not mine, but I wish it was! You will love the story about this home, it's so very pretty.







I am so thankful to Hillary that she wanted to include a little bit of our home in her Holiday Issue. The shots she took are lovely. We wrapped the Rosemary Topiaries with small pieces of Antique Grainsacks on the mantle, and draped our Acorn Garlands here and there. Some Pinecones and our small Mercury Glass Votives complete the decorations.





The article in the magazine. Hillary, thank you. I am thrilled with how it turned out!





Our Creamy White Feather Trees and Mercury Glass Birds {I love their feathered tails!} look so great in this shot. The pillows were made by Fifi's Sister Sylvie for me.





I actually had time to polish a few of my favorite Sterling Candy Dishes before the shoot. And found these miniature Meringues to go in them at Trader Joe's. Behind the scenes, we had three fans blowing, the candy all melted together in a blob because of the heat. We almost melted. I kiddingly refused to light the fire in the fireplace until they were sure sure sure that that was the shot they wanted.

I think it turned out beautifully. And I want to live in some of the other homes in this issue. But Mr. FgH isn't so keen on that. oh well! Make sure to go out and buy a copy if you don't subscribe to Cottages & Bungalows. It's a great issue.







One of the shots featured in the Shopping portion of the magazine, our French Patissier Glass Dome Cover Bell , boxed set of Bistro Dishes, Faux Tarts, and Antique Grainsack Yardage. You can click on the photograph to see it on the website.



I have to tell you, it takes a lot of work to do a photo shoot. Mostly on the photographer's part. We were all happy to go to dinner {in an airconditioned restaurant! thank goodness} afterwards, Mr. FgH and I thoroughly enjoyed Hillary and Leslie's company, and we all had a wonderful dinner. Merci .~


10.11.09

A Thankful Heart Banner

The other day a most delightful little package arrived! I am so thrilled with this decoration, I thought you might want one, too. I ordered the Thankfulness Garland, from Lesley, at Small Meadow Press.



Isn't it just perfect? Lesley makes these from 100% post-consumer recycled cardstock. I fell in love with the birds, of course, and the gorgeous colors. This is just what my living room needed for Thanksgiving.

They aren't at all costly {12.00} and fold flat and is easy to store, so that you can change over to another one of her house garlands for the next season.


I picked the very last of the hydrangeas in the garden, and since they had already dried on the plants outside, just popped them in two matching glass containers. I love that the Popcorn Hydrangeas turned dark brown! A simple bow of vintage Chocolate Brown Grossgrain Ribbon is all that was needed to make these beautiful.

Photo courtesy of Small Meadow Press


You can visit Lesley's sweet internet shop by clicking on the photograph above. And please do visit her blog here: The Bower . It know you will find it as delightful as I do~

9.11.09

Gorgeous French Antique and Vintage Furniture

Some Glitz and Glam to rock your rooms. Ready to add that divine Savoir Faire to any room, these exquisite antique and vintage bergeres, banquettes and other pieces are "one of a kind" finds. They have their original patina, worn paint and finishes from years and years of everyday loving use. I love these Louis XV, Louis XVI and French Provincial {Country} styles. These were found in Europe and in the French Colonies, most are from between the late 1800's to early 1900's.


Stunning pair of Vintage Cane Back Sidechairs in the old Gold Leaf finish. I love the heavy, beautifully and skillfully done carving, the cane, the patina and wear....these are such beauties! as you can see, there is wear down to the wood, these are truly old and just parfait the way they are. 38H x 20W x 20D. $1250.


Such a great piece! This Gilt wood coffeetable has a mirrored vitrine inside


Vintage Louis XV Gilt Rectangle Coffee Table with inset glass top which opens to mirrored Vitrine or Curio Display. Opens on hinges, a gorgeous way to display your objets d'art, or family heirlooms. Amazing Gilt Gold finish, and beautiful floral carvings. Space within table 3" high.
16H x 46W x 29D .$1450.

Beautiful and elegant pair of Vintage Paris Apartment Style Bergeres, with carved wood frames full of the old French detailing! Upholstered in Duck Canvas and Burlap backs, finished with studs. Gilt Club Gold with a romantic and enclosing feel, shabby in all the right places. Little bits of the gesso and or red ground peeking through here and there. Divine! {2 pairs available}
36H x 27W x 28D. $2000. {the pair}


Dreamy pair of Gothic Rococco Style Bergeres. Elaborate and ornate carved detailing, finished in old and worn original gold, divine! Shabby, patina, bits of the old gesso and red ground showing through here and there, if this is your style, it doesn't get any better than this. Lots of wear as shown, perfect for your French or Italianate decor.
37H x 36W x 34D. $1850.


Pair of lovely Vintage Gilded Wood Carved Side Cairs. Beautifully carved with Floral Carvings, and graceful Louis XV Legs make this a special pair for anywhere in your home. Mixed with your modern and antique furniture, for a totally contemporary decor, or all traditional. Upholstered in 100% Natural Linen. .

39H x 22W x 22D {Seat height 21} $1650.

Gorgeous pair of Vintage Old Blue, Cane Back Bergeres, lovely unique finish. Beautifully hand carved with srolling designs, floral Urn on the very top. Hand applied gilding, this is such a stunning pair of chairs. Upholstered in an intermediary fabric {heavy Cotton Duck} meant to be re-upholstered in your fabric, by your upholsterer.

42H x 28W x 27D. SOLD {sorry, one of our Newport clients snapped these up immediately!}


Pair of Stunning Gilt Torcheres with square inset Marble tops and small bottom shelf. These will make all your friends jealous, they are so divine! Perfect accent pieces for your French rooms to showcase your favorite objet d'art, or as plant stands.


40H x 14W x 14D. $1450.


Always a changing supply of antique and vintage, the gilt pieces tend to sell quickly! If you have any questions, or need a certain piece you don't see on our FrenchGardenHouse website please email me, I might have it for you! Happy dreaming!

2.11.09

Romancing your Harvest Home

Romance your Harvest Home to show your family how cherised they are. One of the best parts of this season is making your nest a cozy, warm haven for your family. This is the time to light the candles, put on beautiful music, and serve a simple but oh so good home cooked meal. It doesn't take much to create a loving environment, a home that everyone will delight in coming home to after a day of work or school.

I don't really have the time to go "all out" for Thanksgiving decorating, but since I have some simple Harvest displays in our home and garden for November, it's easy to make it look great for the holiday. Just before Thanksgiving I will string a few more Garlands here and there, set the table and add more votive candle holders everywhere, but basically, our home is ready for Thanksgiving.



This is the view I see first thing in the morning as I have my first cup of coffee and look outside my kitchen French Doors, a garden table set with a few blooming plants, and this Brown Transferware Tureen filled with squash and gourds. I like to make the "view" pretty, putting something seasonal on this table. It doesn't take much effort, and it makes me smile each time I look outside!


I filled the Tureen with shred first, and pulled a little into view ~ I love how it looks! A few outdoor plants, a Pumpkin and a green gourd, that's it! Simple. But a delight to look at.

The other side. At night, now that the time has changed, I plan to light the candles in the lanterns. There is a big lantern on my front entry steps, too. I want to remember to light that, as well, to welcome my family home at night. When my children were younger, we ate dinner at the table every night, with a nicely set table, lighted candles and all. One of the most significant ways we can bless our family is at the dinner table. According to Time Magazine: "Studies show that the more often families eat together, the less likely kids are to smoke, drink, do drugs, get depressed, develop eating disorders and consider suicide, and more likely they are to do well in school, eat their vegetables, learn big words and know which fork to use.”



Creating a warm home doesn't have to cost a lot of money. My decorating plans generally focus on embellishing or adding just a few seasonal things to what is already in our home. Once in great while I buy something, but it has to do double duty, like this sweet set of vintage silverplated squirrells, salt and pepper, they are just the right thing! I bought them at an antique store long ago, and only take them out for the fall. They are a fun addition to the silver hutch. But they are pretty much the only thing I actually bought....the rest of the things I like to use are found in the produce aisle or outside, in the garden.


My antique dolls and sheep are the right color for any season, so they always get to be together in a little display. I don't want all my silver pieces to be too serious, so adding a few fun pieces like this is how I keep it all from being too "stuffy"....


I loved this pair of stray antique doll legs so much, upside down in a cup, that they will most likely always stay that way. Another "not too stuffy" idea. Just because your heart ventures towards French Antiques and Victorian Silver doesn't mean it always has to be so very serious. I added a little bundle of Brown Berries on stems to the crystal jamjar behind the sheep for Fall. Just a tiny little bouquet is all this needs. {In summer, or spring, I might just put a few Roses from the garden there. For Christmas, sprigs of Holly or Greens}


Pulling just a few things into the fore~front, like this little cup and saucer in Autumn colors, is all a vignette really needs. I think if you put just a little effort into how your home looks each season, it makes it a home your kids and husband will want to come home to! And it will be a place you, yourself, will love to be.



Adding a touch of Harvest can be as simple as scattering a few old postcards around. I have several for each season, antique Postcards can be found quite inexpensively at antique stores, or you can print your own from an image online! Just glue the color print on a little piece of cardboard, cut to size, and no one will even know. The one above is one of my favorites, because it has White Turkeys. Postcards proclaim a season or holiday and are so easy to change.




The little shoes have been with me forever. Underneath, is a trick I do with my stacks of dessert plates. I mostly have mix and match China, this is the only one with the Brown coloration perfect for this season, so I just place it on top of the stack! For Christmas, I'll put a Red or Green plate on the top. It's the only one you can see, so fits right in with the other decorations.





A little butterpat holding my favorite "little Pumpkins" ~ I love those. Just a tiny amount is all you need.


This is a little piece of garland that broke off. It looks just fine twisted around the handle of this old silver basket. Best part? At Christmas time I just replace it with some green garland~!



The plate right now is Brown, but after Thanksgiving it will change, too. One of the best reasons to decorate mostly "behind glass doors" is that you don't have to dust! I'm all about making the work part easy. Decorating is fun, but dusting off twenty little Thanksgiving Pilgrims, and a bunch of other decorations isn't my idea of a good time, so anytime I can cover my decorations with glass doors or a cloche, for instance, I'm all for it!



I hope you have a home you love to be in. This is the week to pour yourself a cup of tea or fragrant apple cider, get out your magazines and cookbooks, and start thinking about your holiday menus and tables. Light a yummy candle {my favorite is our Pomme Vert Soy Candle }, play some beautiful music, and plan for your holiday meals so that you can enjoy it all yourself, too!

What are you doing to get ready for the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday? Let me know, I'd love to hear what tried and true, or new fun things you are up to!

28.10.09

Cinderella Danced Here-weekly favorites

This week my favorites are BIG. Really, really BIG. You'll see. Ballroom sized. Some of the most fun pieces for sale at FrenchGardenHouse are oversized, and I love these architectural and over scale pieces.

Like this gorgeous but huge set of doors, now with a mirrored backing. How great would these look built into a home? Or simly as a piece of art, leaning against the wall, the perfect place to start a room's design.


It doesn't really show that well, but they are the prettiest, shabby light seafoam Green color, worn with the grace of time.


I love all their details, and chippy old old paint. I wish they would fit into my home, but my own private chateau is quite small, so that's a no.


This is a gorgeous Art Nouveau door, isn't it? I think a really special piece like this would look so great just against the wall as art.





So very pretty, expertly made. I always wonder who came through doors like this year ago. Princes? French Nobility?





Perfect for a ballroom, this huge Gilded Mirror. It has the most amazing Gesso Rose Swags, Fruit Borders, and is in really great condition. Again, perfect for a ballroom, but I love a huge piece like this in a smaller living room or dining room, leaning against the wall.




Large gilded Wood Chandelier, a fun piece, and sure to light up anyone's Ball.





An ornate Console, gilded and carved wood. My grandparents had something like this in their hallway in Europe, the perfect place to check your lipstick before answering the door!




The carving is incredible! I love the scrolls, shell and flowers...shabby gilt. be still my heart.



Curvy French legs...oh lala!


Not large, but definitely worthy of Cinderella, aren't these so very cute?


Cute little French Legs, Burlap on the back...perfect!




I love when you can see the red ground under the gilded finish.




Last, these are not antique, but beautiful reproduction hanging Chandeliers. Do you love? Hand beaded frames hold wired on crystals.




These come in large and medium. Two look great on each side of your bed.







Little aged Rose Swags and aged metal caps make these perfect for those of us who love the antique and vintage pieces. I think Cinderella would feel right at home!

21.10.09

Parisian Holiday

Want a little glamour for the Holidays? Our Parisian Holiday might just be the thing!

Filled with plenty of sparkling, glittering shabby and chic decorations for your holiday home!

Your best holiday ever begins here! I love the Paper Pulp "Icicle Trim" on my mantel, covered with glittering Mica. They are sturdy pieces, so they can last for years and years.


Wonderful trio of vintage inspired Mercury Glass Votive Candleholders to glow every night. These look great every day and any day. Gather a few on a vintage Silver Tray on your coffee table. March them down the center of your dining table. any where and everywhere, these are great!

I fell in love with these bigger Candle Vases. I love the Chartreuse Green underneath the Silver in these.



Here is a little grouping with the Glass Glitter Eiffel Box. A great way to present a special gift to someone who loves Paris. Or a pretty focal point in one of the sweet vignettes in your holiday home.



Our Vintage Porcelain Glove Molds are great to use to hold little signs, like this large Dream Tag!




Adorable Cotton Batting Snow Swan, covered in "sugared" glitter for extra sparkle. These are like the antique Victorian pieces, but without those antique prices.





Each year we offer a few very special stockings. Thanks to all of you who so patiently waited, our small supply is here! This one is made of vintage Barkcloth, with a Pink Velvet Ruffle and Irish Crochet Lace Trim.


I added an antique Christmas Postcard, I love the cards with the Birds most of all, like this one!


A big Cream Moiree Bow finishes it off perfectly, and the Victorian Mother of Pearl Button.


These two are made of Antique Quilts, hand quilted. One has a Vintage Embroidered cuff, the other a prisitine Victorian Whitework Embroidered one.

The other side has Vintage Eyelet Lace and Vintage Satin Trim, just for fun!


Here are three of them hanging on our mantel. The Cream Stocking is made from a vintage sweater.

This has the most gorgeous Purple and Lavender hand work. The sweater is Angora and Cashmere Wool. Those roses? Velvet! so pretty. {don't worry, no pristine vintage linens or sweaters were harmed to create these, they all had a little damage in the parts not used}


Beautifully made, an Antique Postcard with Lavender flowers is just the right fit. The back is made of vintage White Brocade to give this stocking a little body....for those of you who dream in Purple or Violet for the holidays~

There is lots more Holiday fun to come. How do envision your holiday home this season? Parisian Silver Glitter and Shabby Pastels? Or Cottage Reds and Brights? stay tuned......

19.10.09

Weekly Favorites ~ Burlap Love

Everyone is in love with Burlap right now, or so it seems. Rough, natural and earthy, I adore how it looks with more elegant pieces to make even the most pedigreed French antiques come down to earth. {my grandmama probably would not approve, sorry!}


Photo from Cottage Living


We have a wonderful selection of vintage and antique pieces available at the shop right now. Each one to die for. I love the soft, original blue paint of these bergeres above, they have the burlap only on the backs. SOLD


A gilded Louis XVI Settee totally upholstered in Burlap, with tacks. I would probably reupholster the seat pillow in another fabric, just for fun, and more softness. But still, gorgeous, non?SOLD


This fabulous Settee sold to one of our clients the minute she saw it. And no wonder, it's rare to find such a great piece in this condition, with the oval carved back. Again, Burlap on the back makes it more "of today" than if it was completely upholstered in Cream. SOLD



It's the details that make Burlap and gilded wood look so great together!







Love the pairs of Bergeres and Armchairs in the Gilt with Burlap, too! How fun would those be in my own living room? I need more than a redo for that, I need a room stretcher, since the room is full of chairs already. {I belong to chair~over~buyers anon.}



What do you love about the new Burlap trend? It seems it's everywhere. I love the few pieces we are able to offer at FrenchGardenHouse.com, I'd love to fill a whole ballroom with little seating groups!



Pillows? Curtains? Furniture? How would you use burlap in your home?

17.10.09

Living Room do over

This is a good do over weekend! Not that I'm "doing over" anything blog worthy, just moving one large cabinet around to the other side of the living room.

In the meantime, I retrieved these images from my files...inspiration!


If I had a "do over" budget of any sort, I would be majorly tempted to change the whole room.
Or time. Neither of which are in excess at this time of year when you have a shop.



The one above is a little wild, but I do love the Green chair, the mantel and pictures and big pear.{the naked guy painting? not so much!} These rooms all win my cozy prize. I love them! I think # 1 wins my heart.

{photos most likely from Country Living or BH&G, sorry, forgot!}
If you could pick one room to magically have added to your home, which one would it be?


15.10.09

Thank you, KITCHENS Magazine!


Thank you, KITCHENS MAGAZINE, for kindly putting our French Market Bags on the cover of the premier issue! This looks to be a wonderful magazine, it's available right now at your market, Target, and Barnes & Noble Booksellers.

I can't wait to get my own copy, inside, lots of great ideas for kitchens, small ones too! {like mine here, at home} I can always use some help for renovating, changing a few things here and there to make my kitchen more organized, especially at this time of year, prettier and more fun to be in, how about you?


Inside, our Bistro Dishes get a mention, as well. I love these, so cozy, the colors fit right in with my kitchen. I love the red checks, and the graphic black writing. So very French! You can pretend you are eating in a chic French Bistro, but at home.



For those of you who have been waiting for your pre-orders of the matching napkins, they are finally here . We are shipping your orders out this week, as fast as we can.


Our latest shipment of these chunky country salt pots have arrived too!

14.10.09

Last of the Hydrangeas

Yesterday I cut off all the Hydrangeas in our garden. Rain was pouring down, and those large flower heads don't weather a storm very well. Now our garden looks a little bare, but inside, all those Hydrangeas are everywhere!

I love big bouquets of Hydrangeas, at this time of year most of the ones we grow turn a spectacular shade of Chartreuse Green, no matter what color they were originally, white, blue or pink!


Some of them have flecks of Red or Burgundy, while others have a faded Cream Green color. Each one is a little color miracle on its own.


I generally don't fill the vases all the way to the top with water, Hydrangeas drink a lot, and hopefully by the time most of the water is gone, the flowers will have dried naturally, and retained a lot of the color they have now.



Once they dry this way, I spray a little preservative floral spray on them, and nestle them on the top of the silver cabinet in the living room. They last a pretty long time dried, I have had masses of dried Hydrangeas on my antique cabinets for years and years. After a while the color disappears, and they dried flowers turn Cream, which is beautiful, too!



I've added one of the FrenchGardenHouse Soy Candles to my glass stand of Pears in the living room, this one is Apple scented, perfect for this time of year. Now that the days are getting shorter, I try to light a few candles once it gets dark outside, and burn a few during dinner, too.



Finally, I put a few of the vintage Porcelain Glove Molds on our kitchen table, I love how they look! Made soup for dinner, with freshly baked rolls, I love the coziness of Autumn, don't you?