Silver Screen Surroundings: Outlander S1E2 - Wining and dining in 18th century Scotland

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxm6g1XXjJha8U_K3kiLWTHI_QiU2g7rOlsLk25iHAo9N6MyhIU9_UZpRCaw-TLJtPjLLwIUNfd2-c0Zv7MduojU9MOQwn50_mnBakyTJdrgNs7Vu6tSdOGgpazhgsS3fycuavwJMnFI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-18+at+10.25.57+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxm6g1XXjJha8U_K3kiLWTHI_QiU2g7rOlsLk25iHAo9N6MyhIU9_UZpRCaw-TLJtPjLLwIUNfd2-c0Zv7MduojU9MOQwn50_mnBakyTJdrgNs7Vu6tSdOGgpazhgsS3fycuavwJMnFI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-18+at+10.25.57+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In this week's episode of the Starz series <a href="http://www.starz.com/originals/outlander/" target="_blank">Outlander</a> (S1E2) we get to know Castle Leoch, seat of the clan MacKenzie, and Laird Colum ban Campbell MacKenzie (seen above a dinner with his wife Letitia on the left). Colum has major health issues and his brother Dougal (who brought our heroine Claire to the castle) acts as his legs and is War Chieftan. Colum's health problems don't affect his mental state and he gets down to business interrogating Claire while plying her with food and drink. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjx5Bzdsn9H5ZLJgbK19qjgx4JkWrdxKta4dohefGo-Gw_9jGlK0rSnL8-WDpDhd6IShbzQXGea_oO_3DFf3GfO7ANX0qVwLBZ8mq2-BHLRcpPvQStzCQ-4rESxcVRfagacsXHkpDZgw/s1600/glassware2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjx5Bzdsn9H5ZLJgbK19qjgx4JkWrdxKta4dohefGo-Gw_9jGlK0rSnL8-WDpDhd6IShbzQXGea_oO_3DFf3GfO7ANX0qVwLBZ8mq2-BHLRcpPvQStzCQ-4rESxcVRfagacsXHkpDZgw/s1600/glassware2.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />After refilling Claire's wine glass with whatever their "house" wine is, he has a decanter of his personal Rhenish wine brought out. Rhenish is from the Rhine region of Germany which has a very high alcohol content, which Colum uses as a pain reliever for his physical ailments. It also will go to a girl's head pretty quickly.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6sxFy8QKo9I" width="640"></iframe><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3JQ5axYyrWYxn753AltUvK_bx3C_2w9cKXa6Ew3B-CHqG36EUaVlKkBlxx3c6UQfHCJreu1kNEXxzPtQuowBbQ1HpUNNqqSUI0DXLMOL_Cr725uAojz9mCTZKWKLeHi-PFHDYwvYPxY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-18+at+10.22.53+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3JQ5axYyrWYxn753AltUvK_bx3C_2w9cKXa6Ew3B-CHqG36EUaVlKkBlxx3c6UQfHCJreu1kNEXxzPtQuowBbQ1HpUNNqqSUI0DXLMOL_Cr725uAojz9mCTZKWKLeHi-PFHDYwvYPxY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-18+at+10.22.53+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />When I first saw the previews of this scene, I was struck by the use of matching wineglasses. Plus, they reminded me of the Simon Pearce <a href="http://www.simonpearce.com/products/cavendish-goblet" target="_blank">Cavendish</a> glassware featured in the movie "Something's Gotta Give".<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/736x/af/90/c8/af90c8d8b8009ebfc07d430dbcd8395e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/736x/af/90/c8/af90c8d8b8009ebfc07d430dbcd8395e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I admit to knowing next to nothing about the use of glassware during the period of the 18th century, but would have assumed if asked that a remote Highland castle (even a fairly wealthy one) would be more likely to use pewter or stoneware, not hand blown glass - particularly matched sets. Not to mention, would the general population (those not seated at the Laird's table) be drinking wine at all versus ale or beer? A little research brought me to a Christie's article: "<span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Though numerous forms of wine cups had existed since the classical period, it was the 14th century merchants of Venice that set a new standard of elegance in wine-drinking by combining the skills of the glassblower and designer. The clarity and transparency of their </span><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #434343; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">cristallo</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> glass allowed the color of the wine to be fully appreciated."</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.christies.com//images/pages_content_archive_NEW/2010/history-tarshis-balustrade-glasses-340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="http://www.christies.com//images/pages_content_archive_NEW/2010/history-tarshis-balustrade-glasses-340.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">image via Christies</span></div><br />By the late 17th century a<span style="background-color: white; color: #434343; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> "more simplified style of balustrade stems consisting of bold, massive “knops” came into fashion, modeled after the furniture of the time."</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://c252289.r89.cf3.rackcdn.com/262373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://c252289.r89.cf3.rackcdn.com/262373.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">image of late 17th century French armchair via <a href="http://www.bada.org/antiques/d/a-late-17th-century-french-walnut-armchair-re-upholstered-in-19th-century-bar/79839" target="_blank">British Antiques Dealers' Association</a></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlSSZO4w0HvVc7SF2WW0CFxXiaRWX4tJEsmswH08TB2C9fvRbSPopfORqfK0HACGIz_CNqUp3iNp7PDTOk_ZYKLzLNBzPUuzoZvbtQoXOcxC00B1XBvExYiT8OVkIaiSFW6AWE7LLbAk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-18+at+10.25.27+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlSSZO4w0HvVc7SF2WW0CFxXiaRWX4tJEsmswH08TB2C9fvRbSPopfORqfK0HACGIz_CNqUp3iNp7PDTOk_ZYKLzLNBzPUuzoZvbtQoXOcxC00B1XBvExYiT8OVkIaiSFW6AWE7LLbAk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-18+at+10.25.27+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />An image of the general castle populace eating and drinking.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9BbUuO26XKeJPit1XDG8w6-rcbDjL5RPvxcJ5OHJ1gMH6ve7fMFg3yZy7FaqCzXydRRmSx1aMAuTBSt_krZmzb3m4ccEXkrdRHCjtYG3klwqbhGG1sR7-OBsjTzkEqcuKVhMRo_SK4U/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-18+at+10.21.37+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9BbUuO26XKeJPit1XDG8w6-rcbDjL5RPvxcJ5OHJ1gMH6ve7fMFg3yZy7FaqCzXydRRmSx1aMAuTBSt_krZmzb3m4ccEXkrdRHCjtYG3klwqbhGG1sR7-OBsjTzkEqcuKVhMRo_SK4U/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-18+at+10.21.37+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And a closeup of the glassware used which features a "twisted" balustrade stem which is very pretty and unusual. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, does anyone know enough about 18th century Scottish castle dining customs to know if the entire population would be drinking wine out of wine glasses? And would a castle, even a wealthy one, of this time have hundreds of matched wine glasses? Between the cost of the glass itself, the English taxes placed on wine imports and the simpler tastes of the common people, it's hard for me to imagine. But as I said, I am no expert.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjX8tPPc29Dxx92bUSroFV7JlefwnB4av7MDq3M0Ke97_qdzu4wWmFiVhLsHHQK8fwwmGXNcnoNLzovExA5alQ-OptB2lY4xCH4RtwBt7Xa8_-XOxfTEQAYj8F_Nxn2teFbyYk0063pg/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjX8tPPc29Dxx92bUSroFV7JlefwnB4av7MDq3M0Ke97_qdzu4wWmFiVhLsHHQK8fwwmGXNcnoNLzovExA5alQ-OptB2lY4xCH4RtwBt7Xa8_-XOxfTEQAYj8F_Nxn2teFbyYk0063pg/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>

Silver Screen Surroundings: Outlander S1E2 - Wining and dining in 18th century Scotland

In this week's episode of the Starz series Outlander (S1E2) we get to know Castle Leoch, seat of the clan MacKenzie, and Laird Colum ba...

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Are dining rooms going the way of the dodo?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.art.com/images/products/regular/13212000/13212745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.art.com/images/products/regular/13212000/13212745.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Freedo<span style="font-size: x-small;">m fr<span style="font-size: x-small;">om Want</span></span>" by Norman Rockwell</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />It seems that for a while now, dining rooms have been getting smaller and increasingly irrelevant to modern living. For several years, real estate sites and building surveys have been predicting that the formal dining room will become extinct (quick Google search <a href="https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=&source=hp&q=dining+rooms+extinct&oq=dining+rooms+extinct&gs_l=hp.3...1374.18779.0.19015.22.15.1.0.0.0.510.4118.1j7j0j2j4j1.15.0.les%3B..0.0...1c.1.r6X8tRZ9SoU">here</a>). I've recently done a series of small design consultations for a group of relatively young married couples, all new homeowners within the last year. None had any specific needs or plans for formal dining space in their homes. The homes themselves ranged from antique to relatively new and most had designated dining rooms that were either going to be swallowed up by kitchen renovations or used for other purposes such as playrooms or home offices. While I'm all for making the best use of space in the home and I love multi-functional spaces, I am also a little wistful about this trend - and not only because of its potential impact on the bottom line of a design business. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Portfolio-Boston-Editorial-Holiday_styling-Interior_Design-Massachusetts_files/Merrill%20Xmas%20DR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Portfolio-Boston-Editorial-Holiday_styling-Interior_Design-Massachusetts_files/Merrill%20Xmas%20DR.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Merrill family dining room, styled by Linda Merrill, photographed by Michael J. Lee. </span></div><br />Of course, formal dining rooms are expensive propositions - especially today. When my parents were married in the mid-1950s, they used their wedding money to purchased their bedroom set (still in use), living room set (no longer in use) and dining room set - which is still in use and used by me in my <a href="http://issuu.com/surroundings/docs/nov_dec_2011" target="_blank">2011 Holiday Style</a> issue of my digital magazine (see above). It's not common today that the average newly married couple in their 20's with comparable income levels that my parents had at that time will be able to purchase three formal rooms of furniture all at once. Especially furniture that was of good enough quality to still be going strong nearly 60 years later. And yet, I do think that the formal dining room holds an important place in the home. First, let me say that by "formal" I really mean "dedicated" space, it might be less traditionally formal in appearance and it might still be used for other purposes as well.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Home-Interior_Design-Massachusetts-Boston-South_Shore-Cape_Cod_files/LD%20DR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Home-Interior_Design-Massachusetts-Boston-South_Shore-Cape_Cod_files/LD%20DR.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">New England style dining room by Linda Merrill. Photo by Michael J. Lee</span></div><br />More and more, today's families are taking their meals while perched on tall stools at the kitchen island. Busy lives call for streamlining, that's for sure. And social gatherings are casual affairs spent standing up in the host's kitchen or sitting around the television set. I love a great dinner party with family and friends sitting all together and breaking bread. The formal nature of a dining room reminds us of how special this can be.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/36614_4546554017790_724583109_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/36614_4546554017790_724583109_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Boston Magazine Design Home, built by Eu<span style="font-size: x-small;">gene Mattie <span style="font-size: x-small;">Associates</span></span> , interiors by Vani Sayeed Studios, photo by Linda Merrill</span></div><br />Many report that they never use their dining room more than once a year and certainly, this is a waste of precious space. Why spend thousands decorating the room only to spend more time dusting it than actually using it? When I was growing up, my parents were part of a "Gourmet Group" where participants were broken into small groups of 8-10 and every couple of months a dinner was held in someone's home. The dinners rotated throughout the group and the themed menus were created by the organizers of the group. Recipes and shopping lists were distributed, special ingredients were pre-ordered to make sure they were available, wines were carefully selected and ordered, and each participant was responsible for a specific aspect of the meal. These were adult-only events where the good china, silver and crystal were brought out. My brothers and I pressed into service - setting the table, delivering courses to the table, clearing and washing the dishes. All in our good clothes. For reward, we got to eat the great food and finish off the deserts (and possibly a glass of wine or two - shhh). My parents weren't tyrants and we weren't enslaved. This was part of teaching us how to behave in adult situations and how to hold a decent conversation with adults who we may not know very well, or even at all. Plus, it meant that my parents could enjoy the dinner themselves.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/97472/Showcase-07-traditional-dining-room-other-metros"><img border="0" height="686" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/97472_0_8-5706-traditional-dining-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/dining-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Traditional Dining Room design</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/san-francisco" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">San Francisco Interior Designer</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/swhitneym/steven-miller-design-studio-inc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Steven Miller Design Studio, Inc.</a></small></div><br />Family meal time was always pretty sacrosanct in my family.  One of our traditions was that each Sunday during the winter months, we had dinner in the dining room (not the actual room shown at the top, but on that furniture set), dressed in our Sunday church-going clothes which meant jackets and ties for my Dad and brothers and dresses or skirts for Mom and me. Cocktail hour started at 5:00 and I set the table while my mother made dinner (yes, very traditional roles) using the good china and silver. Everyone helped bring the food to the table and no one sat down until my mother and I were seated. To this day, my brothers remain standing until all the women are seated at the table. My Dad and brothers, and I, would clear and clean up. Dinnertime was usually not over until 7:00 or later - I remember I always wanted to run off to watch <i>The Wonderful World of Disney</i> (so dating myself...). While this may seem an antiquated, overly stuffy and borderline elitist kind of ritual, it was done for a very specific purpose. My parents wanted us to not only have good manners for children but to learn how to be comfortable in any situation - social or business - that we might eventually find ourselves in as adults. These days there are <a href="http://www.mannersmith.com/seminars/index.cfm?type=F" target="_blank">etiquette coaches </a>who are brought in by companies to teach young professionals (specifically sales people and others who have significant dealings with clients or the public) basic table manners. Again, manners are not about being elitist, they are about feeling comfortable oneself and making others comfortable in any situation.  I would argue that these are important life-lessons that will pay dividends personally and professionally throughout one's life.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/201050/Mill-Valley-contemporary-dining-room-san-francisco"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/201050_0_8-5299-contemporary-dining-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/dining-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Contemporary Dining Room design</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/san-francisco" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">San Francisco Interior Designer</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/tineke/artistic-designs-for-living-tineke-triggs" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs</a></small></div><br />While I was writing this post, I did a quick poll via Twitter and Facebook asking if dining rooms were In or Out. The results were pretty split - several quickly replied "out!" while said "In In In!". Some were bi-partisan in their opinions, saying that the dining room is out "unfortunately" and some designers reported that the are currently working on several formal dining spaces. Ultimately, it is personal preference, available space and lifestyle. But, oh, I hope they don't really go out! The dining room is a kind of shrine to family and friends, and beauty. A place that is beautiful just because it can be.<br /><br />What do you think?<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/1870161/Honey-Residence-traditional-dining-room-other-metros"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/1870161_0_8-4437-traditional-dining-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/dining-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Traditional Dining Room design</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/other-metros" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Other Metros Interior Designer</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/lgresham/linn-gresham-haute-decor" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Linn Gresham Haute Decor</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/296428/Dining-Room-traditional-dining-room-minneapolis"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/296428_0_8-8874-traditional-dining-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/dining-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Traditional Dining Room design</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/minneapolis" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Minneapolis Interior Designer</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/rlhstudio/rlh-studio" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">RLH Studio</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/35128/Eclectic-Modern-Tudor-Dining-Room-eclectic-dining-room-boston"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/35128_0_8-1000-eclectic-dining-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic/dining-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Eclectic Dining Room design</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/boston" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Boston Architect</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/lda-architecture-interiors/lda-architecture-interiors" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">LDa Architecture & Interiors</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/71732/Waldfogel-Residence-modern-dining-room-san-francisco"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/71732_0_8-1000-modern-dining-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/modern/dining-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Modern Dining Room design</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/los-angeles" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Los Angeles Architect</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/ehrlicharch/ehrlich-architects" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Ehrlich Architects</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/64753/Marina-Residence-contemporary-dining-room-san-francisco"><img border="0" height="342" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/64753_0_8-1000-contemporary-dining-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/dining-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Contemporary Dining Room design</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/san-francisco" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">San Francisco Architect</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/sutton-suzuki-architects/sutton-suzuki-architects" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Sutton Suzuki Architects</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/116925/swedish-interior-design-white-gustavian-living-room-traditional-dining-room-other-metros"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/116925_0_8-8843-traditional-dining-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/dining-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Traditional Dining Room design</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/london" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">London Interior Designer</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/swedishinteriordesign/swedish-interior-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">swedish interior design</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/460136/Cedar-Bluff-traditional-dining-room-boston"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/460136_0_8-5157-traditional-dining-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/dining-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Traditional Dining Room design</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/boston" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Boston Architect</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/svdesignsv/siemasko-verbridge" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Siemasko + Verbridge</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/726149/Dining-room-modern-dining-room-chicago"><img border="0" height="386" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/726149_0_8-6842-modern-dining-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/modern/dining-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Modern Dining Room design</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/chicago" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Chicago Architect</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/juliewheeler540/wheeler-kearns-architects" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Wheeler Kearns Architects</a></small></div><br />What do you think??<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><script language="javascript" src="http://www.blogpoll.com/poll/view_Poll.php?type=java&poll_id=214245"></script><noscript><a href="http://www.blogpoll.com">Free Blog Poll</a></noscript>                </div><br /><br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Are dining rooms going the way of the dodo?

"Freedo m fr om Want " by Norman Rockwell It seems that for a while now, dining rooms have been getting smaller and increasingly i...

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Happy Easter and a little longing for outdoor dining

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEJPZ1PIxnlWMNxZF41ry-V8W0To-kshI5cD8ba2ttHoZ9cQEunwGLyeUkdk_wZPtUWJXaoE7pbgy5KQa4nRVn-iSnFp5YmNjeR9HoRPQWs364Y6CUxX81pM3O6qstLczS6Fv3LPYe1qn/s1600/terrace-table-de-84116359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEJPZ1PIxnlWMNxZF41ry-V8W0To-kshI5cD8ba2ttHoZ9cQEunwGLyeUkdk_wZPtUWJXaoE7pbgy5KQa4nRVn-iSnFp5YmNjeR9HoRPQWs364Y6CUxX81pM3O6qstLczS6Fv3LPYe1qn/s320/terrace-table-de-84116359.jpg" width="249" /></a></div><br />In New England, March 2010 will be remembered for coming "in like a lion", and going out the same way. With over 13" of rain, this was the rainiest March in recorded history. So, it's with great relief that we are welcoming a sunny and warmish (for New England) Easter weekend. I know in some parts of the States, there will be outdoor parties and family get-togethers. Likely, once the Easter egg hunts are done, New Englanders will be heading back inside to our bouquets of tulips and vases of forsythia, and longing for warmer days to come. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d3coration.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lee-sh-the-garden-room-28x31-fr-2400-470x391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d3coration.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lee-sh-the-garden-room-28x31-fr-2400-470x391.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://d3coration.net/?tag=room">d3coration.net</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://benzplace.com/kapok/chandelier800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://benzplace.com/kapok/chandelier800.JPG" width="404" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Chandelier Room at <a href="http://benzplace.com/kapok/index.html#tour">The Kapok Tree Resturant (tribute)</a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/Pergola-Table-GARDEN0805-de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/Pergola-Table-GARDEN0805-de.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A Pennsylvania Garden via <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/Pergola-Table-GARDEN0805-de.jpg">Country Living</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://hookedonhouses.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/alfresco-dining-arbor-country-liv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://hookedonhouses.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/alfresco-dining-arbor-country-liv.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Country Living via <a href="http://hookedonhouses.net/2009/07/23/hooked-on-outdoor-dining/">Hooked On Houses</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/garden-tea-de-10590817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/garden-tea-de-10590817.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/cooking/entertaining/spring-table-settings-0209">Country Living</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/thanksgiving-theme-dining-room-cp1106-de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/thanksgiving-theme-dining-room-cp1106-de.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">via Country Living</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://imageseu.holiday-rentals.co.uk/vd2/files/HR/400x300/9f/1018749/422603_1242234827960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://imageseu.holiday-rentals.co.uk/vd2/files/HR/400x300/9f/1018749/422603_1242234827960.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p422603">Home Away</a> - overlooking Nice, France</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://fourwallsandaroof.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/picture-72.png?w=493&h=328" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://fourwallsandaroof.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/picture-72.png?w=493&h=328" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://fourwallsandaroof.com/category/color-palette/">Four Walls and a Roof</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGkC2KDr2R8nBD0y2eLOA33Yy01iP7z8CAMjFH4VKZbdGUR83CqPT9IoZclem1qMdwoeZ6HHlqUhvicBI5vw92dHFyWFa1mwCERYq74ic634Ajyzl1_QwgjRnXg_1YfaeYKTmxDJJI5g/s1600/steftable3-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGkC2KDr2R8nBD0y2eLOA33Yy01iP7z8CAMjFH4VKZbdGUR83CqPT9IoZclem1qMdwoeZ6HHlqUhvicBI5vw92dHFyWFa1mwCERYq74ic634Ajyzl1_QwgjRnXg_1YfaeYKTmxDJJI5g/s400/steftable3-1.jpeg" width="330" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://thepeakofchic.blogspot.com/2008_04_01_archive.html">Peak of Chic</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/imageBank/h/HG0505-86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/imageBank/h/HG0505-86.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/galleries/details/Canopied_outdoor_dining_room_649.html?subslug=/galleries/details/seasonal">House to Home</a> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.smarter.com/blogs/guests/outdoor%20dining%20house%20beautiful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.smarter.com/blogs/guests/outdoor%20dining%20house%20beautiful.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.theinglenookdecor.com/Decorating_Outdoors_s/58.htm">The Inglenook Decor</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvejD79E7O6k97VpT_kTOpHy0TLL0Di29A2347Dxm0Wcj3KnaXqwDN4gFpJWsXwe6HS5hweckL2EojVGOF2PIE8uQXKvV-ac0OoU4VwjzTlMe2hCpMFw3FxMaCj6aqQVsRbgOhG8Q/s1600/outdoor+dining_white+purple+green_lisa+hubbard+photography.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvejD79E7O6k97VpT_kTOpHy0TLL0Di29A2347Dxm0Wcj3KnaXqwDN4gFpJWsXwe6HS5hweckL2EojVGOF2PIE8uQXKvV-ac0OoU4VwjzTlMe2hCpMFw3FxMaCj6aqQVsRbgOhG8Q/s400/outdoor+dining_white+purple+green_lisa+hubbard+photography.png" width="312" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lisa Hubbard via <a href="http://musingsofanightowl.blogspot.com/2009_06_07_archive.html">Under a Paper Moon</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And finally, a couple of outdoors inside inspirations:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/06/04/article-0-014EB31400000578-604_634x654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/06/04/article-0-014EB31400000578-604_634x654.jpg" width="387" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1024206/French-Fancy-Breton-stripes-vintage-details-lend-afternoon-tea-Parisian-charm.html">Daily Mail</a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/white-dining-room-0706_xlg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/white-dining-room-0706_xlg.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bringing the outside in from <i>House Beautiful</i> via <a href="http://www.inthefunlane.com/2008_09_01_archive.html">Life in the Fun Lane</a></div><br /><br />Wishing you a family filled holiday filled with grace and chocolate.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.daemonsfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/la-burdick-easter-egg-hunt-chocolate1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.daemonsfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/la-burdick-easter-egg-hunt-chocolate1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Happy Easter and a little longing for outdoor dining

In New England, March 2010 will be remembered for coming "in like a lion", and going out the same way. With over 13" of rain,...

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Charlotte and Bunny do Edith proud

<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2470/3718309609_104fd812a0.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2470/3718309609_104fd812a0.jpg?v=0" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" /></a><br />Since I started this series of posts on <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/search/label/edith%20wharton">The Mount</a>, I've been so excited to share the photos of the Drawing Room and Dining Room, which were decorated in 2002 by <a href="http://www.charlottemoss.com/">Charlotte Moss</a> and <a href="http://www.bunnywilliams.com/home.htm">Bunny Williams</a>, respectively. These are the only fully decorated rooms in the house currently and while it's wonderful to be able to focus on the walls, floors and ceilings of the empty rooms (and this house does NOT disappoint in that regard!) it's also fun to see fully decorated rooms. And making it even more of a treat is to be able to see Charlotte and Bunny's work in person. Being from the hinterlands of Massachusetts, this is a rare treat!<br /><br />Here is the Drawing Room as decorated by Charlotte Moss. Well, first let me say that I nearly swooned. And I rarely say things like that! Second, let me say how sad I am that my photographs of this room are not better. It's a relatively dark room, with windows only the back, which look out on the veranda, under a large awning. So, natural light being limited, my photos are a little grainy and do not do the room justice! First off, what can one say about that ceiling? Like God's own wedding cake. Consistent with EW's views that decorative detail match the room - the drawing room is the most formal, largest and the only room that boasts an elaborate treatment on the ceiling. The floor is terrazzo, under a rug, which was likely an Aubusson from France.<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3636/3722022807_af4d59cc34.jpg?v=1247631898" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3636/3722022807_af4d59cc34.jpg?v=1247631898" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 478px; height: 637px;" /></a><br />Here is an image showing the condition of the plasterwork before the restoration began, plus how the roses look now. <a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2626/3722836966_d7a9d057e9.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2626/3722836966_d7a9d057e9.jpg?v=0" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/3722022995_70a749a791.jpg?v=1247631795" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/3722022995_70a749a791.jpg?v=1247631795" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 548px; height: 411px;" /></a>This room is so warm and inviting - I just wanted to have a seat and take it all in. That sofa looked so comfy! But, I figured all manner of bells and whistles would go off, so I just looked longingly...<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2423/3722023353_88f4c9da6f.jpg?v=1247631665" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2423/3722023353_88f4c9da6f.jpg?v=1247631665" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 412px;" /></a><br />The original tapestries (Brussels, 1710) were auctioned off in 1935. They have been recreated for the home. <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3446/3722836306_1935ff9231.jpg?v=1247631571" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3446/3722836306_1935ff9231.jpg?v=1247631571" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 551px; height: 413px;" /></a>Charlotte Moss has donated the furnishings to the Edith Wharton Organization.<br /><br />Moving along, we are now in the dining room - as decorated by Bunny Williams. This room, being on the corner, benefited from a much brighter light and was much easier to photograph! What I love about Bunny's design were the contemporary touches of modern art and a hand painted sisal carpet. She is quoted in the program book saying "Edith was a modern lady who never lost her traditional roots". <br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/3722025627_22b3dcb3ba.jpg?v=1247631438" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/3722025627_22b3dcb3ba.jpg?v=1247631438" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 567px; height: 425px;" /></a><br />Another view...<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3478/3722026693_4651be54b1.jpg?v=1247631292" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3478/3722026693_4651be54b1.jpg?v=1247631292" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 573px; height: 429px;" /></a><br />Here is a photo of EW's own decor circa 1905. Bunny certainly took her cues from Edith's work here. Look closely under the table and you will see the cushion on the floor for EW's beloved dog. Bunny includes a cushion by the table (top pic) in homage.<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2608/3722838322_e02cfc0b98.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2608/3722838322_e02cfc0b98.jpg?v=0" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 572px; height: 429px;" /></a><br />A closeup of the table. Note the name on the place tag.<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3528/3722840168_a1aeee9c30.jpg?v=1247631085" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3528/3722840168_a1aeee9c30.jpg?v=1247631085" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 589px; height: 441px;" /></a>I just adored this mirror!<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/3722840998_55e8784065.jpg?v=1247630774" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/3722840998_55e8784065.jpg?v=1247630774" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 738px;" /></a>The plaster work, designed by Ogden Codman, was in the style of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grinling_Gibbons">Grinling Gibbons</a>, an 17th century English wood carver. The ornamentation in the room includes fish, birds and nuts - fitting for a dining room.<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3280/3722029191_5654aac03f.jpg?v=1247630670" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3280/3722029191_5654aac03f.jpg?v=1247630670" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 482px; height: 642px;" /></a>Simple, elegant and unfussy - these window treatments are extraordinary!<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2650/3722841842_4fd48882c7.jpg?v=1247630547" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2650/3722841842_4fd48882c7.jpg?v=1247630547" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 479px; height: 638px;" /></a>I don't know for sure, but my guess is that Bunny also donated the room decor to The Mount as well, as it's been there since 2002.<br /><br />The Edith Wharton Organization, which manages The Mount, was facing foreclosure just a year ago. A bank restructuring and much needed donations has kept the doors open, but money is still needed to continue operations and much needed improvements. Please consider <a href="http://www.edithwharton.org/">making a donation</a><a href="http://www.edithwharton.org/"> </a>to this treasure of American Arts and Architecture.<br /><br /><a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/search/label/edith%20wharton">Click here</a> to read all my Edith Wharton posts.<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /><br /><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none ; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a></p>

Charlotte and Bunny do Edith proud

Since I started this series of posts on The Mount , I've been so excited to share the photos of the Drawing Room and Dining Room, which ...

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