Blog

Flowers for Easter

April 7, 2015, posted by Gina – There is a flower committee of about 14 people at my church. During most of the year we usually operate independently and typically create two arrangements, a large one for the altar and a smaller one in front of a restored 14th century statue of Mary from Northern France. But for Easter and Christmas we work together to transform the church with beautiful flowers that are visual expressions of the importance of the day. As with most floral arrangements, when you see the finished product it looks like it was so easy to create but there was a whole lot of behind the scenes work on these special flowers.

These flowers actually came from a parishioners yard and one of our committee members worked her magic with them.

For years we have used forsythia on this cross. I suggested we change
it up a bit and use a little quince. My wish was granted and the pink was a welcome change.

Normally, we don’t these areas but we dress it up for Easter. These ferns and lilies are
at the entrance of the church and provide such a nice welcome.

A few years ago someone suggested we place a cross outside the church as well. This one is directly across from our doors so when you are leaving it reminds you of Easter joy.

So much work went into transforming our church for Easter. Somehow, when the whole flower committee comes together, it truly does not seem like work. We all love working with flowers and help each other with all the aspects of creating these arrangements.

Random Flower

March 24, 2015, posted by Michelle – When I came home early this afternoon from a meeting I was greeted by this blossom sitting on the front door lock of our building. I have no idea who put it there or why and, moreover, there’s not a tulip poplar anywhere close to our place. Anyway, it put a smile on my face.

Re(de)fined Rustic

March 22, 2015, posted by Gina – We’re proud to show you our latest creation: A centerpiece made with stock flower, gerbera daisies, tulips and roses in a wooden crate decorated with a striped burlap ribbon.

Inspired: Spring Green 1 comment

March 20, 2015, posted by Michelle -We caught sight of this table in a shop window in Lyon, France. We love the simple, clean, springtime feel of the green and cream tones and the sparkle of the wine glasses and chandelier. We also liked the use of three runners set across the table serving as placemats. Do you have creative ideas on how to use table linens? Leave us a comment by clicking on the title of this post to expand the comment form.

A Happy For You! 1 comment

Are there certain flowers or colors that instantly boost your mood? Do you sometimes pick up flowers or small gifts to give someone “just because”? Let us know! Just click on the title of this post so that the comment form appears at the bottom of the post.

Vintage Linens 1 comment

March 11, 2015, posted by Gina – Recently, I hosted a Cookbook Club luncheon and decorated the tables with some of my favorite vintage napkins. The theme was early spring so I created a lighter, pastel look that hinted at pretty dyed Easter eggs and the soft palette of springtime blooms. Read more about the luncheon menu and recipes on our Recipe Page.

Do you have a collection of vintage or special linens? To leave your comments or thoughts, click on the title of this blog post and the comment form will appear at the bottom of the page.

Ushering In Spring 1 comment

The primrose sign says, “I am produced in the Mont d’Or countryside”. The Monts d’Or is a mountain chain northeast of Lyon, France.: The primrose sign says, “I am produced in the Mont d’Or countryside”. The Monts d’Or is a mountain chain northeast of Lyon, France.

March 10, 2015, posted by Michelle – In contrast to the icy weather the Southern United States has experienced the past few weeks, here in my part of France (Lyon) it’s been fairly mild lately. The past couple of weeks have been sunny and sidewalk cafés are full of people enjoying lunch while soaking up the sun. Daffodils have started to pop out and the small flower kiosks and markets all over the city are starting to look bright and cheery again.

Great Idea: Use an old ladder to display flower pots and plants. We loved the miniature clawfoot tub planters.: Great Idea: Use an old ladder to display flower pots and plants. We loved the miniature clawfoot tub planters.

One Word: Happy…. AND we found another creative idea – An old wooden cable spool is a great place to showcase flowers and plants in pretty planters.: One Word: Happy…. AND we found another creative idea – An old wooden cable spool is a great place to showcase flowers and plants in pretty planters.

Have you seen signs of Spring yet where you live? Do you have great ideas for displaying plants and flowers? We’d love to hear from you, so if you’d like to leave a comment just click on the title of this post and the comment form will appear at the end of the post.

French Silk Market 3 comments

February 14, 2015 – The 10th annual Silk Market was recently held in Lyon, France. Vendors were selling everything from pocket squares to bolts of gorgeous silk fabrics. We spent a morning there talking to designers and manufacturers and swooning over the large variety of beautiful silk fabrics and goods. We purchased yards and yards of fabulous ribbon from Julien Faure and can’t wait for next year’s market.

A little background about Lyonnais Silk: Lyon was the capital of the European silk market for centuries. By the mid-1800s there were 60,000 looms in operation and the silk trade employed an estimated 90,000 people. The luxurious silks found throughout the Palace of Versailles were created in Lyon. Though only a few silk manufactures exist in Lyon today, the silk industry left an indelible mark on the city which proudly preserves this part of its rich history.