From Our Home to Yours

                                            Wishing you and yours a Happy Holidays.

                                                                         Warmly,

                                                                             Bird

Winter in Paris

The snow crunches under foot and the light twinkle and sparkle all around. Winter     is a wonderful time to visit Paris.

Decorating with Natural Material

We are fortunate to have pepperberry trees in the neighborhood and during the second week of December you can find me scouring the neighborhood with my snips and a grocery bag collecting whatever catches my eye to decorate our mantle, tabletop and above frames and mirrors.  I tuck greenery in every nook and cranny!  of course, it is all intertwined with gorgeous ribbon found at Ribbonerie!
Warmly,
Shannon

The Lights of Paris

The leaves have disappeared and the branches cast a weak shadow over the paths and walkways.  Soon the lamplights will glow and light the way.

Ribbons Galore!

 

There is a wonderland of a shop on a small street in San Francisco that we can easily spend hours in trying to decide what ribbons we have to have!  You know how much we enjoy wrapping our gifts and your purchases from us.

Ribbonerie has been in the same spot forever and you need to add it to your San Francisco sites.

Warmly,

Shannon

Fall Light

In Northern California we have a few trees that treat us the fall colors of elsewhere.  Our light changes to more golden casts, the grasses turn and the weather is devine!
Enjoy,
Bird

Through These Magic Portal

Through this portal awaited a memorable luncheon.  The food and service was tres impeccable!  Ever since Ralph Lauren opened the doors of his salon in Paris it has been the place to see.  His all American look translates very well there!  Do try and see it when you are there but be sure to get a reservation far in advance in you want to try the food too.!
Enjoy the Journey,
Bird

Time for Tea

 

We hope you take time for a cup of your favorite while this busy season of holidays begins!  We are fortunate to always have on hand our favorites from Mariage Freres and Laduree.  Do you have a favorite?

Warmly,

Bird

Fall Colors

After the bright lights and clear hues of summer we always look forward to our favorite season.  Time for hot cider, warm treats from the oven, soups, family and thinking of gift giving.  Don't forget to look at our tempting treat!
Warmly,
Bird

Cotton Balls and Rust

While strolling through the antique fair we kept being drawn to the textures in the booths.  This space had a bit of everything we love- old rusty iron, cement- especially busts and heads, soft texture of the cotton and a hint of shiny in the gold gilt and mirror. We find comfort in this mix. Do you?
Enjoy the Journey,
Bird

Celebrating 3 Years!

We can't thank you all enough for your support over the last few years as we expanded our webstore and searched for more treasures from our travels.
Warmly,
Duchess & Bird

Magical Scents

In a small street near from Galleries Lafayette, you enter a courtyard after passing large iron gates and follow your nose to this wonderful shop.  Fragonard has been in France for ages.  There is a Perfume Museum upstairs from the shop but we can't wait to go inside to pick up our favorite fragrances, gifts and candles.  Mine is called Miranda and I'm complimented on it all the time.  Do you have a favorite Fragonard scent?

That Time of Year

The trees are beginning to loose their leaves and rustle down the streets and staircases.  The light strikes rich golden hues as people stroll home for dinner or to change to go out.  Photographers call this time the "Golden Hour' and you can certainly tell why it is named so.

We have added more fun things to tempt you so please look at the shop when you have a moment!
Warmly,
Bird

Oodles of Goodies

Why do things just piled on a table to so inviting?  This booth at our local antique market was great.  I wanted to get everything- aqua glass, rusty and peely perfection.
A bientot,
Bird

Tulleries

It was a glorious day strolling in the Tulleries from the Orangerie to the Musee des Arts Decoratifs fabulous restaurant, Le Saut du Loup.  The flowers were at their best and it wasn't muggy, sticky, humid!  Have you dined outdoors there?  It's a fun spot to people watch.
A Bientot,
Bird

What to Do With Old Trophies

You know what we mean- where are you storing yours?  We thought this was just the best and actually have some in our shop now if you can't find yours ;-)
A Bientot!
Bird

Home Away From Home

Duchess and I try to stay here when we come to Paris for our shopping trips and tours.  It's is a large secluded square in the heart of the city with everything right outside our door.  Some of the shops change hands but the restaurants remain some of the most famous in Paris.  If you follow this down to the end of the square and pass through the large archway you'll find the restaurant made famous by Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson in the movie "Something's Gotta Give".
Do you know this square?
A bientot,
Bird

Parc Monceau

After touring a new museum I'll tell you about in another post, we wanderedl through Parc Monceau which was just around the corner.  We had not been there before and it was charming.  It is surround by magnificent mansions and we imagined the lives of these people secluded behind the lace curtains and fabulous passementeries.  After enjoying the sunlight and flowers we decided to find an exit.  Imagine our surprise as we turned a corner to see the Arc de Triompe down the street!
A Bientot,
Bird

Cat Walk

We were enjoying the magician's show on the bridge behind Notre Dame to the Ile St Louis when I noticed this wowan walking behind him.  The cigarette and all black outfit was so french.  Then I saw she was taking her cat for a stroll on a leash- c'est perfect!
p.s.- It was a very warm late afternoon but she was fully clothed in black ;-)
A Bientot,
Bird

Altar Piece

By chance we were passing this church when we noticed a sign telling of the Oxford Choir preforming in less than 15 minutes.  We scurried inside and sat to wait for the choir.  We had never stepped inside this austere church but the inside was glorious! The three angels straining to encircle the Madonna looked so real it was hard to believe they were stone.  It was very dynamic and powerful.  The choir was just as heavenly!  Do you know where we were?

Montmartre Metro

One of the prettiest art nouveau Metros in Paris is this stop. Beware though to take the elevator from the train up to the exit as there are thousands of twisting steps that go on and on bringing you to the surface!

J'Dore Toiles

On a winding street in Paris, in a district at the base of Sacre Coeur are the fabric shops overflowing with temptations. We think the colorations and patterns tell stories.
Enjoy,
Bird

Happy Bastille Day

Viva La France!

Midnight in Paris

If you haven't been to Paris in the summer then you might not know that the sun does not set until 10:30 at night! I took this last week as we were heading back to our apartment right off Pont Marie.

View from Our Window

 We are fortunate the rain has let up and Paris is sparkling. The temperature is mild for July- perfect for walking through the city!  We always rent apartments so we can have space to move around and fix our supper if we are too tired from shopping all day to go out and have a petite déjeuner in the morning.  This time the apartment over looks Pont Marie on the Ile St Louis.  The metro stop is right across the bridge to connect us to all points in the city.  Tomorrow we will go to the old fabric area and hunt through the floors of wonderful fabrics and trims- heaven, oui?!
A Bientot,
Bird

On a Street Corner in Paris

 As we get ready for our trip to Paris next week we are working out our schedule of not to miss places.  Of course we will drag ourselves out of bed early to hit this flea market, our favorite our first morning.  Other things on the list this year is a stop at BHV and their wonderful cabinet hardware for a job we're working on now.  We've secured our tickets to a concert in the breathtaking Sainte Chapelle Chapel.  Dinner is reserved in Eiffel 58 for a special evening.  We even asked the US Embassy if they had anything planned for the 4th of July but alas they diu not.
What is on your must see/do list for Paris?

Can You Imagine??

We can just imagine all the ladies dressed in the rustling gown twirling to the music with their handsome escorts on their arm in their dashing tuxedos.  This is the ballroom ceiling in the Paris Opera House.  One of our not to miss sights in our Paris Tours.  It might be possible to catch an opera too if we're lucky.
A Bientot,
Bird

Fond Memories of a Rainy Night

Our favorite apartment is just around the corner form this wonderful cafe.  After a long day shopping we would stop here for a cuppa (Duchess) and a wine for moi.  Their french onion soup hits the spot and warms us.
If you walk towards the left you enter the Palais Royale gardens and the modern sculpture court.  In front of this is the magical glass Metro archway of the stop by the same name. 
Enjoy!
Bird

Too Late!

I was just a hair too late to snap up this wonderful cabinet for a client! Darn it!
What is it about the gray we are all so in thralled with these days?  Is this a beige backlash?  What do you have in your home that is gray?  Do check out the shop for more pieces that will fit in your home with charming effects!
Warmly,
Bird

French Iron Bowl

Why is it that the French take everyday objects and make them so special?  This old cast iron bowl was originally used as a spittoon.  Yes, you read right!  But they went to the trouble of making it wonderful, not a simple bowl, but one with a scalloped base much like a crown.
We have this one in the shop.
A bientot!
Bird

Laduree Sighting

We are always on the lookout for Laduree and imagine my surprise when I spotted this cart in a busy concourse at the Charles de Gaulle airport!  We were dashing to our next flight but I couldn't resist getting a few for our airborne desserts.
What is your favorite flavor?  I think mine has to be the cafe, but, wait,  it could be the lemon but then again the chocolate is never a mistake! c'est la vie!
Warmly,
Bird

Magic Moments

This sweet girl was translating a children's french book for us in our apartment on Ile St Louis unaware how the light was striking her and the corner of the salon.  It reminded me so much of a Jan Vermeer or another northern European painter with the shafts of light falling through the centuries old color glass in the leaded window.  Magic!
Warmly,
Bird

Do you Dare Me?

This was just too much!  I am sorely tempted to run up and grab a fresh, still warm from the oven baguette but will have to just go into la Boulangerie and buy one and be a good girl! Can't you smell it now?
Bird

Seeing Red

Recently I am drawn to red.  I don't have one bit of it in my house but I am beginning to wear it.  What's that all about??!
We spot these at our flea markets and you know anything peely rusty shabby has our names all over it!
Enjoy your week.
Bird

Cachpots

This made me wonder what you use to corral all the titbits of everyday life.  We all have some of these mementos passed down by a loving friend or relative and, if you're like me, they are stored away for safe keeping.  I like to use old french hotel porcelain dishes and saucers to hold my paraphernalia on my desk, guest soaps and as coasters throughout the house.
We always have a selection of vintage and newer finds in our shop.
I am curious what you use?
Warmly,
Bird

Beginning to Look like Spring

 I couldn't resist some lovely flowers from the Farmers Market today. I'm afraid I missed the cherry blossoms so almond blossoms will have to do in my tall etched glass vase.
Don't you love having fresh flowers in your home?
A' Bientot!
Bird

Favorite Paris Dining Hide-a-way

Do you know this special restaurant on tiny Rue de Lanneau?  My father first took me here.  It was fun to watch him duck through the short passageways as we wound through the rooms to the corner the maitre'd had selected for us.
The restaurant is housed in many old homes from the Moyen period- the middle ages.  Each rooms offers a different experience but all charming and intimate.  The food is good too!
I just made reservations for my summer voyage with the girls.  I think they will love it too and its within walking distance of our apartment on the I'le.
Do you have a favorite restaurant in a hidden corner of Paris?
Warmly,
Bird

Are You Coming Too?

Duchess and I are thrilled to be attending this years Remnants of the Past!  We've made our reservations and it looks like a great show this year.  We love catching up with old friends who have wonderful things to tempt us.   Eric and Danielle from Euro Linens collects the best old bedding from across Europe which we love to use as slipcovers.  We have even had them dyed.  William will be there with his collection of french club chairs and things he picks up in his travels for Williams Antiks.  There looks like new vendors this year too.  To top it off the unbelievable Brooke Giannetti will be there signing her book along with Susan Branch.  We adore all of Susan's books and use the Tea one all the time.  We can't wait!
Please let us know if you are going too.
Warmly,
Bird

Bonjour Nos Amis

Well it's going to happen.  We're doing a Paris tour in October of this year.  We will proceed on a First Come, First Served basis, and probably top out at 6 people. We haven't yet decided on the Theme of this one, and it will depend on the feedback we receive from you.  Maybe we will focus on "First-timers."  Maybe we will focus on Antiquing/Shopping, and Flea-Marketing.  Let us know what you would LOVE to see and do in Paris.  And let's set about the business of making memories, shall we?

Latest Covet

We could build a new room around these!  Can you just imagine a garden room with these as the walls and  flooring of beautiful belgium pavers waxed to a sheen.  The furniture would be peely painted iron outdoor furniture with overstuffed down cushions in a natural linen with throw pillows in ancient worn tapestries and brocades.  Chandeliers would hang from the tree boughs and be lit by candles and well worn persian carpets are strewn on the pavers. Greenery and white flowers, perhaps with lilacs and peonies in terracotta pots....hum...a girl can dream- oui?

Passages in Paris

Duchess and I love the thrill of walking through the many covered passages of Paris.  We try to find a new one each time we are there.

On a search for a shop we heard about we we were delighted to find it in an undiscovered passage near L'Opera.  It is not as pretty as some of the others but still fun to walk its length and see the shops. 

Have you discovered any of them?  Do you have a favorite?

A Bientot!

Love is in the Air

In the Sculpture Garden of the Louvre you can view this wonderful, touching sculpture by Antonio Canova titled  Amor et Psyche.  They have placed it near a window so the natural light catches the shadows on the piece and warming it, making seem alive.
May you share your love with someone today.

Day at the Market

We are fortunate to live near a wonderful antique market that happens once a month.  We make a dash in the early morning light to our favorite dealers to see what they have set aside for us.  Today it was some beautiful spring things we will be adding to our little shop.
Enjoy your day~
Bird

Monsieur Louboutin

The look is unmistakable.  Watching a woman walk past and seeing a shine of red on the soles of her shoes makes us smile!  That fortunate lady has a pair of the coveted shoes from Mr. Louboutin.
Duchess & I have a thing for shoes too but the days of 6" heels are past.   We console ourselves with any cute shoes we spy!

Merci Beaucoup Christian Louboutin!

Melancoly Sunday

I can imagine myself soaking in a steaming bathtub filled with the faint scent of lavender  gazing out this window to watch the world outside- divine!
Hope you are cozy this Sunday.
Bird

The Story of La Petite Matches

Duchess and I have been selling these matches  since we opened our shop.  We remember fondly when our mothers had dinner parties in the 1960's.  Every place setting included a small ashtray with these matches or a set that included a small urn to hold the cigs and a match cover to slip these into.  They were all the rage!

The matches have struck a cord with many of our customers.  They have gone to London for an inherited Tiffany silver cover, an entire boxful (16 little boxes) were a birthday gift to a customer's sister because their mother always had them on the table as well and another gentleman in Washington D.C. wants the tradition to continue!  We love knowing we have a shared memory of the bygone era.

We have added vintage covers and a set of match cover, ashtray and cig holder in our shop- so fun!  Can use the holders for posies, candles  or  mints.

A Bientot~ Duchess & Bird

French Winter

Warmly,
Duchess & Bird