Romancing the Home

  Source: www.magnolialiving.dk via Sherry on Pinterest

I ran across an article from last year's February edition of Romantic Homes magazine that interviewed "creative women living the romantic life."  They had interviewed Chris Barrett of chrisbarrettdesign.com.   I found a lot of her insights on romantic living really mirrored mine also so, I thought I would share some of her quotes from the interview.

Source: houzz.com  via  Sherry on Pinterest

Chris had described romance as, moments and details that make her fall in love with living no matter the scale.   That is a fantastic perception of romance.  It can be on any scale.  Bigger isn't better, it is just bigger.

 Source: www.apartmenttherapy.com via Sherry on Pinterest

Charm and romance can be in the smallest spaces.  

 Source:  thepapermulberry.blogspot.com via Sherry on Pinterest

Chris describes romantic moments at home as moments she can lose herself in entirely.   That is the concept that I wonder if we are missing.  I love that viewpoint.  I also wonder if we are stopping to enjoy the atmosphere we are creating at home or are we in such a hurry that we can't slow down and enjoy it....

Source:  thepapermulberry.blogspot.com via Sherry on Pinterest

Romance is in moments and how we share the moments in the space we call home with those we love.  Is there any beauty in them?

 Source: thecharmofhome.blogspot.com via Sherry on Pinterest

I also really understood Chris' quote of when home isn't enough she turns to travel.  It isn't hard to find romance in a beautiful travel destination.

  Source: thecharmofhome.blogspot.com via Sherry on Pinterest

Travel can refresh your attitude.  She enjoys life and states that perfection doesn't factor into her definition of romance, but peace and beauty do. 

I love the visual application of Pinterest.  Some have been criticizing Pinterest as a world that can't be obtained because it is too perfect, but, it can show you what style, accessories, and colors you would find peaceful in your home.   That can tell you a lot about what would help make your home your romantic sanctuary.  All great plans start with ideas...or dreams and the vision you get on Pinterest helps make the ideas more of a reality.

What makes your home your romantic haven?
  Sherry

I will link with:

Pinning and Singing Party with Natasha at 5 Minutes Just For Me  

Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper  
Show off Your Cottage Monday  at The House in the Roses     

And for the singing part of the post I am adding a romantic tune by the talented Mandy Moore from an early Nicholas Sparks movie "A Walk to Remember."

For the Love of the South

There are some beautiful cities to visit for the courtyards,...

the horse drawn carriages,...

the Spanish moss,...

the old southern oaks,...

the well manicured gardens,...

the historical places,...

the statues,...

and the gracious old southern homes with the magnolias blooming.  All in St. Augustine, FL.

Thanks for indulging me in sharing my vacation pictures.

Sherry

I will link to:

Outdoor Wednesday at A Southern Daydreamer

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Adventure Tour at Bit of Balarney

Tablescape Thursday: In Some Garden

How lucky can you be to dine outside on a beautiful day?  How about a beautiful day in a beautiful garden.  

Click on any picture to enlarge.

A little French country breakfast in the garden is just the thing to start the day off.

A closer look at the lovely china.  The china is Villeroy & Boch patterns Audun Ferme and Audun Fleur.  

 More of the fantastic setting.  I am on a field trip taking pictures of tablescapes at the original "Charming Home."  (Where I grew up.)  There is a lot more garden than when I grew up.  I mainly remember corn, beans, tomatoes, and zinnias.

Thank you for traveling with me to some garden for a little French breakfast.  I will be linking this to Susan's Tablescape Thursday at her site Between Naps on the Porch.  Please go over and view more of the wonderful tablescapes.  

Dining Al Fresco

I will be joining Laurie at her site Bargain Hunting and Chatting with Laurie for My Favorite Things.  With the weather having turned beautiful early this year I found myself imagining all the possibilities of dining outside. There is really no end to the ways it could be done.

Image from caribbeanvilla.com

 Is it the location that makes it fantastic?

Image from coastalliving.com

 We probably do dine outside the most on vacation.

Image from scoutmagazine.ca

Or possibly for a reception for one thing or another.

 Image from potterybarn.com

But, you can take yourself away to a place with the table setting.

Image from me.com by Tricia Foley

You could pop a tent and take yourself away on safari.

Image from thundafunda.com

You could pretend you were in Venice, Italy.

Image from Marthastewart.com

Maybe you are somewhere that looks like Nappa.

Image from telegraph.co.uk

There really are no limits to what you can do.

Image from coastalliving.com

 Maybe the food makes it delightful.

 Or the drama added by the lighting.

Image from Marthastewart.com

For whatever reason I love dining outside in the summer.

Thank you Laurie for hosting.

Tablescape Thursday: Paris Themed

I am joining Susan for Tablescape Thursday at her site Between Naps on the Porch.  I have often heard that spring is the time to visit Paris.  I will probably never visit France but it is fun to go there for Tablescape Thursday.  

So, I packed my luggage and I set up my little table for two in France. 

You can't go to Paris and not visit the Eiffel Tower.  My children picked this souvenir up in France at Epcot in Walt Disney World.

The French take time to enjoy their meals.  So we will stay awhile and have an appetizer, small salad, and then the main course.  Sherbets from thrift store.

Salad Plate from TJMaxx.

French map plate made by 3-G Imports purchased at TJMaxx.

I have had these trunks awhile. Purchased at a discount retailer to decorate my living room.

The urn is used a lot in French and shabby decor.  I lined this with sheet moss and placed a silk fern in it.

Thanks for playing along for my travel themed table.  Please join Susan at her site to view all of the tablescape fun.