Holiday vacation in the province of Quebec

Happy New Year!!!  Our family spent the holidays in the winter wonderland of French Canadian Quebec.  This was our first visit to Canada and won't be our last.  Quebec has always been on my bucket list since discovering it on the UNESCO website listed as a world heritage location.

  Before travelling to Quebec City,  we stayed 3 nights in Montreal at the beautiful Ritz Carlton.  Opened in 1912, this is the first Ritz Carlton in North America.

Checking in at Front desk

Front desk staff giving us a private escort to our room

Since this was our family's first time actually spending Christmas away from home, I surprised Papa Dan and Daniel with a Christmas tree in the room.  I also ordered one for our room in Quebec city which is where we will be on Christmas day. 
 

I called ahead to the concierge to order a 6 foot pre-lit tree.  Since I do all the packing for our travels,  I was able to sneak in a spool of gold ribbon and a few boxes of light unbreakable gold and red ornaments in one of our check in luggage.



The contemporary one bedroom suite was very comfortable with it's clean lines and minimal color palette.

Little Daniel was mostly impressed with the high tech features throughout the suite that included a seat warmer in the lavatory which he has already added to this year's christmas wish list. 

Strolling the streets of Old Montreal

The chilly weather in Quebec set a record low.  In fact, we learned that it was the coldest season they had experienced in over 146 years.

If you're not familiar with Quebec, the primary language is French.  However, many speak English making it easier for English speaking tourists.  Our son has been taking French lessons since he was 6 (now 10) so this was a great language immersion trip for him.

The city of Montreal is old and amazingly beautiful. It is a great destination for those that appreciate historic architecture.  Although the Montreal was incorporated as a city in 1832, it's history spans over several thousand years.

Overlooking the city from Parc du Mont-Royal

It was originally inhabited by Canadian Aborigines referred to as the St. Lawrence Iroquoians.  Jacques Cartier was the first known European to reach Montreal in 1535 during his passage to Asia.

Skiing at Parc du Mont-Royal

We had a late afternoon lunch at the nearby brasserie, Le Pois Penche.  Casual French cuisine.

Ready to get warm with a dip in the indoor heated pool with a panoramic view of the city.

Latte and hot chocolate in the hotel lobby before a night stroll

Notre Dame Basilica de Montreal

Notre Dame Basilica de Montreal.  The Gothic Revival style Basilica was built in 1672.  The architect was Francois Baillairge.

After a long day and night of strolling the city,skiing and swimming we returned to our room to find a wonderful surprise.



The concierge left us a bottle of red wine and delicious tray of charcuterie and a wonderful welcome note.

Finally, we indulged in a few martinis whike watching the classic Sound of Music before ordering room service and calling it a night!!!  Stay tuned for our visit to Quebec City for a snow globe Christmas holiday adventure.

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!