Wintry perks: tea and scones

Bring back the delights of the proper British tradition of tea.  The snow we have in the UK right now makes me want to sit in front of a log fire and savour biscuits, cakes, scones and piping hot tea, but in order to make it special, the tea has to be served from a beautiful teapot. Ban tea bags in mugs for one afternoon,  think of the Savoy, The Plaza, the Royal Monceau and you get the picture.  In the clip above an antique silver George III teapot from FrenchCachet.com

Jazzy Clichy

From the prestigious Clichy crystal and glass manufacturer, a rare, and highly collectible trio composed of a decanter, pitcher and carafe in grenade red and pale blue speckled glass.  These would not look out of place in a very contemporary décor all the while adding the patina of something of an another era. Simply stunning!

Opaline, double the beat!

 Short clip of the early 20th century double opaline vase from French Cachet. Though it qualifies as an antique, this vase does not have any of the "stuffiness" or "fussiness" sometimes associated with antiques. It has the distinct advantage of not being "run of the mill". It has a good size and is gorgeously lustrous.

Cry me a river...of diamonds...or lack thereof!

However, nearly the same luscious effect can be obtained by adorning your home with vintage crystal chandeliers, wall sconces or candelabra. An interior designer likened the crystal pendeloques to jewels for the home. You can see why when you look at the photo of the detail of the French vintage crystal wall sconce "Venezia" from FrenchCachet.com.

To pastures new...or simply crossing the pond!

Very apt for this fine specimen of a hunting dog, looking very much like a labrador who would indeed frolic in fields and jump in any body of water! This French,  Napoleon III, ink stand from FrenchCachet.com, is leaving Hertfordshire, UK for Louisiana, USA. 

"Vide Grenier" anyone?

A "Vide Grenier" literally means to empty the attic in French and is the equivalent of the American 'garage' or' lawn' sale and the British car' boot' sale. It seems to have become quite a pass time in France with people leaving very early in the morning to try and nab a "find" before anyone else; grabbing some lunch and a taste of wine on the spot as these tend to take place in beautiful rural villages. I spotted this well worn wrought iron rack and bought it for 5 €! Brought it back to the UK on top of the car, gave it a Farrow and Ball makeover and tada: a charming vintage piece of furniture to grace my home.

Diane Toury's paintings.

Little clip showcasing Diane Toury's animal paintings. The music is by the Jackson Five.