Tulips and Tulipiere
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Tulips and Tulipiere

The first stop on our Baltic Sea tour (in 2007) was Amsterdam. Though it was not tulip season, we quickly learned about the importance of the tulip in their history. During many palace tours, I would spot one gorgeous tulipiere after another. What is a tulipiere? A tulipiere or tulip-holder is an ornate vessel in which to grow…

A Small Luncheon with Friends
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A Small Luncheon with Friends

Three things you probably don’t know about me. 1) I have Royal Worcester soup bowls I love and have never used (after hunting for them for 10 years!); 2) I have always wanted to host a sophisticated lunch with friends; 3) I am design-challenged. I can pick out tile and do a massive restoration project,…

Reflecting on 2018
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Reflecting on 2018

The time between Christmas and the New Year is an interesting one.  I love having less cars on the road, a fluid schedule, and more time with my family. The house is a bit messy but I don’t really care. As this year closes and a new one is ready to begin, it is a…

Merry Christmas Eve!
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Merry Christmas Eve!

With only a few minutes to spare between finalizing recipes and last minute shopping, I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas!  Since we are having our big dinner tonight, here is our holiday table. Photos haven’t been edited, but hopefully you will enjoy them anyway! I almost ALWAYS do a white table cloth,…

Decorating Bella Terra
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Decorating Bella Terra

The first exterior decorations to go up for the holidays are the multiple wreaths placed around our property.  There are two lighted Balsam Hill ones on the front entry gates. The largest lighted one is placed on the front of the well tower.   Everything looks very different at night. Since our daughter is living…