Getting ready for the holidays.

Getting ready for the holidays.

Waiting to be decorated, a tabletop tree with a Matisse painting by me, behind.

I tend to multi task everything. While I'm doing one thing, I get caught up checking out something else. It always revolves around food and entertaining. So while I was in the middle of planning some Christmas and holiday posts, I received an email from one of my new favorite stores...  jaysonhome.com
I couldn't resist perusing their flea market table top goodies sale.

You would think I had enough stuff in my china cabinets, but somehow there’s always more that I want. It’s like that with shoes for some people. 

For me tabletop items are what I can't resist. It’s safe to say, that like turning down page corners in fashion magazines, that I will never buy, I still enjoy picking out what I like. It always gives me new ideas of how to use what I already own.

Here are some of my latest loves that I saw on on the website, all from turn of the century France. It's kind of my personal pinterest.com

Above and below- Antique creamware, early 20th century, France.

Antique creamware platter.

Antique silver ice busket, 20th century, France.

Antique creamware long platter.

Antique brass candlestick, late 19th century, France.

French vintage hotel silver.

French vintage coffee cup, early 20th century.

Vintage hemp tea towels, France.

Vintage wicker basket, 20th century, France.

Early 20th century black metal tray, France.

Now onto the subject of holidays-

Saturday night I am making a Hanukkah dinner. I'll tell you how it turned out in my next post.



Oysters are a sweet and sensual indulgence any time. But around Christmas and especially Christmas eve, oysters are a tradition for us. We cozy up to the bar at the Good- news- cafe http://carolpeck.com and enjoy raw oysters and martinis. The snow, hopefully falling and covering everything in a white magical cover. The luminaries glowing with candles up and down the town.

 I was at Eataly in NYC recently and had the pleasure of meeting Bill Mook, owner of Mook Sea Farm in Walpole Me. He was there offering tastings of his delicious Wiley point oysters. Of which I could not resist... the yummiest, coldest, smoothest, clean and exceptional flavored  fresh oysters from Maine.

Bill Mook on the right.

Yummy oysters from Wiley Farm.

Hope you try some raw oysters Christmas eve and start your own tradition in the snow.

See ya,

As Always,

xxoo Sheila

Dining in Miniature

Dollhouse miniatures mimicking life.

Childhood days of playful imagination.

 For some, a world of future architects, decorators, chefs.

My favorite rooms in the dollhouse have always been, the kitchen and the dining room . Any room that would display the making or serving of food.

I once took a class to make a miniature Christmas room, completely electrified. I wired precisely. The Christmas tree lights lit and the chandelier lit, until I brought it home. Then the lights refused to go on.

Every year at Christmas time I get the urge to take out my miniature collection that I’ve thankfully saved for many years. And each year I enjoy setting out the food on the tabletops. 

This past weekend I went to a dollhouse and miniature exhibit. Once again I’m in the land of imagination.

Here of some of the rooms and decors that were on display.

I'm having fun working on decorating for the holidays and will share with you in my next post.

As Always,
xxoo Sheila