Week-end Entre Amis

Receiving guests for the weekend is one of my greatest joys.  The beds are turned out in vintage French linens, interesting reading materials on the night tables; there is merriment and wonderful food; great conversation, lots of fun.  And yes, a little work.  Together, we tore out all the spent tomato plants and installed a winter potager, and distributed a year’s worth of compost around the garden in dozens of wheelbarrow loads; things I could do alone, but with a group of people it’s much more fun….

And after a little gardening, we hit a number of great places this weekend, Saturday morning found us stopping at two farmers markets, as well as Roger’s Gardens for garden displays including the fantastic little trains~

It was hard to know which way to turn; it was the second day of the Christmas display, but the outside garden was full of fall inspiration~

I love the hot colors for fall~

as well as a neutral green & white arrangement~

After that, we had a leisurely lunch, then went for a little shopping down the street, at Nicholson’s; see their website HERE and also on 1sts Dibs~

I am considering these chairs; can’t stop thinking of them for Beaune~

We have known Fred Nicholson & his store manager Joan for years; it’s one of those shops you hate to go in to, because you are certain to fall in love with something, like this painted commode~

Always a nice selection of mirrors~

Fred usually has several nice rustic breakfast/dining tables~

Pick your way through several rooms, of English, Continental and Asian antiques~

After our little shopping trip, we went for a long stroll along the beach at Crystal Cove~

and then we retired after an early dinner, as Sunday morning found us at the Rose Bowl Flea Market~

I bought this necklace for $6; it will go on a black long sleeved T for winter, or a Brittany Stripe shirt for spring~

The Rose Bowl is amazing; everything is there; I regretted a few butter molds I passed up; but could not help notice the grain sack knock-offs like this, $45~

and this pillow, $10, not even a good job, IMHO~

Still, there is lots of interesting merchandise, and lots of sweetness~

I bought very little; the brown transferware plate & bowl were $10 each, and go nicely with another vendor’s pillows~

OMG grainsack stuff is everywhere~

Loved these vintage stripe bolsters, but did not buy; I got something else here thought that you will see shortly~

Lots of deer sheds too; should appear soon in our fall decor~

That was a lot of photos; I hope you enjoyed seeing a little of what we saw this weekend.  It was a joy to have my guests this weekend, hooray for great house guests!