Monday, October 10, 2011

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~

IMG_8948

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~

IMG_8949IMG_8951

I love the hot colors for fall~

IMG_8957

as well as a neutral green & white arrangement~

IMG_8960

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~

IMG_8963

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

IMG_8964

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~

IMG_8965

Always a nice selection of mirrors~

IMG_8966

Fred usually has several nice rustic breakfast/dining tables~

IMG_8968

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

IMG_8969

IMG_8971IMG_8976

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

IMG_8990IMG_9002

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

IMG_9004

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

IMG_9005

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~

IMG_9006

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

IMG_9007

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

IMG_9011

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

IMG_9013

OMG grainsack stuff is everywhere~

IMG_9016

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

IMG_9014

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

IMG_9015

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!

5 comments:

  1. Oh I love flea market visits, virtual or in person. Great buy on the cute necklace btw. My friend in Aliso Viejo takes us to that beach when we visit her, such a nice feeling there.

    ReplyDelete
  2. So glad to hear you had a lovely weekend! I can see why you like that antique shop! And I LOVE the Rose Bowl Flea Market; I'm still enjoying my finds from my recent trip down there.

    So what is everyone doing with deer antlers these days? I have a HUGE set of Elk antlers that were shed on my property by a local "guest". They just sit out back and the girls show them off to their friends, but I'm thinking I should so something fun with them since I'm hosting the Thanksgiving meal here. Any ideas?

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love that Antique shop, Everything I love,
    that Mirror is wonderful. Buy the Chairs.. yvonne

    ReplyDelete
  4. Andrea I am so happy that you and Laura had fun! Rogers Gardens is always a treat and that fab antique store....I would be longing for several items every time I went there!

    Your new necklace is gorgeous!

    xoxo
    Karena

    Art by Karena

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh what a glorious weekend. It went by all to fast.

    One fun find...one dish towel is more like a runner, acres long. $5 deal of the day. :)

    ReplyDelete