Downton Abbey: Decanted

Has anyone else gotten sucked into Downton Abbey?

I have just discovered it (yes, I know: where have I been?), and I am absolutely hooked.

Over the holiday, my plan was to watch just one episode--just one--and then tackle the laundry that needed doing. Seven episodes later, nary a sock had been washed, and I had a strong desire for a crumpet.

Which leads me to the subject of this post--have you noticed that the members of the Crawley family are always eating something or drinking something and doing it ever-so-elegantly?

When I watched Carson decanting that bottle of red in the first season, I knew what I needed to have: a wine decanter.

(Right along with an English accent, a spot of tea, and a riding habit.)

I spent New Year's Day day dragging my Beloved around several antique shops before deciding on this decanter, which I used on Saturday night.

FITD love!

Lady B

FITD Traditions: Thanks +Giving

As we finish off the Thanksgiving leftovers and march towards Christmas, I thought I would share a bit about my holiday.

Although I love to entertain formally, I rarely do so. Much of my good china and serving dishes remain on the shelf most of the year--a habit I plan on breaking.

So, when I have the opportunity to entertain, I tend to get a little crazy. :) I spend days polishing silver. I contemplate the prettiest serving dishes to use. I plan a menu.

For the past few years, my Beloved and I have had his parents over for Thanksgiving. We will then spend a night at a B&B and do some antiquing where I have my annual, ubiquitous hunt for all glassware that is depression-era.

This year we had the good fortune to stay at the Alexander Mansion where we were treated to a lovely, gracious, and luxurious stay. I highly recommend it.




Silver: the finished product--a gift from my mom



Placesettings and centerpiece: I made the centerpiece myself. :) And notice that cute, yellow depression glass?

The finished product

One of my favorite depression-era pieces

A light fixture in Martha's room.

A nice plan to snuggle with a good book :)

The nightstand with a little treat



Nightcap and goodnight. :)

  Oh--I also did a quick update to my vanity. :)

FITD Love!

xoxo,

Bran

P.S. An FITD sentiment according to my mother: "Don’t ruin the table with

bowls that aren’t pretty."

Vanity Fair

When I was little, I always wanted a pretty place to put on my make-up. When I was an adult, I happened to mention that to my mom. The next week, a vanity came for me via eBay. I could not have felt more like a princess.

I'm sharing what's on my vanity--what's on yours?

My vanity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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araglin sherry: via

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Chanel Chance via

Jo Malone Pear and Freesia via

No. 19: via

No. 5 via

Mademoiselle via

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coco via