In Yuletide Form

Greetings!  Just a quick share of a couple of photos I took while Christmas shopping yesterday. You've probably seen these Christmas dress form trees in many of the department stores during the holidays while shopping.

Well, now they appear to be available.  I did not know this.  They were on sale at Homegoods for $299.00.   They include lights. 

 I have always loved the dress form trees since I first saw one in the window at one of my favorite local antique stores several years ago.   When I shared these photos from Homegoods with my family and friends on social media.   

A family member mentioned seeing a gold version at her local store which was over the top gorgeous.  Papa Dan and Daniel do not like them commenting that look like they should only be in a department store.   I disagree.  Maybe next year I will grab one of these or build my own.  I think it would be fun!  This definitely put me into the spirit!

Here are several other wonderful and creative dress forms I found in Pinterest.  Enjoy.

"Palace Distinction"...La Reserve Paris Hotel and Spa

Located in the 8th arrondissement, which is referred to as the "symbol of Parisian lifestyle" district, sits a breathtaking Haussmann - style mansion at 42 Avenue Gabriel.  Just off the Champs Elysee, this spectacular residence is now the La Reserve Paris hotel and Spa.

Front Entrance

  Since opening it's doors in January 2015, La Reserve Paris has already been recognized as one of Europe's finest hotels. 

Library(photo courtesy of La Reserve Paris website)

It was recently took the #2 spot in Travel Leisure's 2017 top 10 luxury hotels in Paris.  The photos prove why! The style, colors and details are described as "classic imbued with a delightfully extravagant twist" by Traveller Made.

     It is no wonder the French Ministry of Tourism rewarded the property with it's coveted "Palace" distinction award.  This is a rating above the  impressive 5 star honor which is only given to the country's very finest hotel.

Reception Parlor((photo courtesy of La Reserve Paris website)0

     The property offers 40 lavishly appointed rooms; 26 of those accommodations are suites.  Rates start around $1,000.00 Euros for a double/standard room.

Bar(photo courtesy of La Reserve Paris website)

Many have views of the Eiffel Tower and the Grand Palais.  All rooms include a private butler.

Le-Gabriel(photo courtesy of La Reserve Paris website)

  
The property includes a Michelin 2 star restaurant, Le-Gabriel.

Reception Parlor(photo courtesy of La Reserve Paris website)

This superlative boutique hotel was originally the residence of Charles de Morny, Duke of Morny.  He was a prominent and influential figure during the Second Empire.

Reception Parlor

Duke de Morny was Napoleon III's half brother.  He began construction of his home in 1854.  The de Morny family owned the property until 1888.

Imperial Suite

Since that time the estate was divided into several large apartments. Then it became the operating and finance location for Pierre Cardin.  Ultimately it was acquired by hotelier and vintner Michel Reybier.

Grand Palais Suite

Reybier commissioned renowned French Architect and Interior Designer Jacques Garcia.  The two worked together on La Reserve Geneve.  I am a big fan of Garcia's work.  I haven't seen a project of his that did not take my breath away.

Premier Junior Suite

Garcia is noted for his ability to narrate with opulent and timeless atmospheres.  French painter and illustrator James Tissot 's art was the muse behind Garcia's vision for the La Reserve Paris.

16m indoor pool/spa

The thoughtful reconfiguration of the property left only the original fireplaces intact.  All thought was give to the design with the aim of providing ultimate luxury.

Holiday Outdoor Mantel Surround

Seasons Greetings!  A delicious vodka martini with 2 olives this past Sunday evening before dinner to toast a fun weekend of holiday decorating.  Both Saturday and Sunday we joined our neighbors on the block for our 2nd street lighting party stringing connected holiday lights along everyone's tree. To add to the holiday spirit, Daniel had his annual Christmas piano recital and our new backyard mantel surround was ready(enough)to be decorated for Christmas.

After 10 years(when the addition was built)I finally got around to having a mantel surround installed on the exterior side of our two sided fireplace between the family room and backyard.

The exterior side is primarily for a visual effect, however, if you are close enough you will definitely feel the warmth.

I found a very budget friendly mantel surround online.  I used the Olioboard design application to get an idea what the mantel would look like installed before purchasing.

First day of installation. Notice the surround does not go to the ground?  The space is for the concrete or stone hearth we will add during the spring time.

The hearth will definitely be Daniel and the fur babies' favorite spot.  Our little guy loves laying next to a fire with his Chuweenie, Loki,  in his arms and his Chow Chow sister ,Rococco (Cocco), next to his side.

Applied the same outdoor semi-gloss black paint used on the french doors.

The bottom are is painted in the same black paint for now until the hearth is added.  

Painted and added 3 of this decorative wood applique for additional architectural detail.

Time for the fun part which is decorating the mantel!

Finally, the space is ready for an intimate gathering with a glass of wine(or martini in my case) in the evening, or a piping hot cup of cocoa or coffee in the morning.

Thank you for visiting.  I will be joining "Feathering My Empty Nest" Share your style party this week where you can find lots of wonderful and creative decorating and cooking ideas from several talented bloggers.    Enjoy the holiday season!