Hello – Happy November!

I hope you are well! Tom and I have been busy transitioning into this month of “gathering.” To get the house ready for company, we’re tidying up inside and out, washing the china, and polishing the silver pieces. You should see our mini production line for these domestic chores. The dogs are, of course, not pleased as their favorite blankets went from “well loved” to squeaky clean. And their old beds got tossed out.

After all that polishing, I decided to create a few silvery shop vignettes inspired by the cool light now upon us.

Here is a Swedish Gustavian chest and French silver leaf mirror with beautifully oxidized glass at Tone on Tone. Below is an American tea caddy. Despite the cool tones, these antique items possess a warmth and patina from age, handling and nature. Their spirit, though classical, feels modern.
This vignette of  French silver leaf mirror over gray chest is heightened with silvery accessories such as the framed graphite drawing and candlestick.
A footed oval tray with an unusual coat of arms having a broken arrow held in hand. I don’t know anything about it. Do you? Perhaps it came from a family with an archery connection?
ABOVE: A 1900s French silver gilded mirror with faux-bamboo frame. Wouldn’t it look chic in a powder room with a geometric or floral wallpaper?
Two French Louis Philippe (Ca 1870-90s) mirrors with signature rounded top corners.
A closer view of the etched frame.
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Now a look at some silver mirrors in situ, starting with this Louis Philippe beauty over a fireplace in my client’s home. See more of this lovely home here.
  One wall of our dining room is decorated with a mirror flanked by landscapes, all with antique silver luster frames. I think the mirror’s frame, which is worn down to bare wood in many places, makes the formal console more approachable.
Two photos of my myrtle topiaries shot by Helen Norman for Southern Living earlier this year.

Speaking of topiaries, every year at this time I begin bringing them inside. Gathered here are just a few. Using myself as scale, you can see their size. Because I’m running out of sunny windows, I’ve decided to let a few go 🙁 If you’re interested in purchasing  a topiary, please stop by the shop. Sorry these cannot be shipped – too fragile.

And I leave you with my recent finds from HomeGoods. I went there looking for new doggie beds and left with……well, just a bit more 🙂

Did I need these pillows? No! The price was simply irresistible, plus they reminded me of pretty abstract watercolors. Also picked up a runner that we’re using as one long place mat, a white cast iron Dutch oven, and a farmhouse style fluted bowl.
Perfect for the Halloween candy of which we have way too much. Come see me at the shop for your treat – no costume needed!
xo
Loi