Blue

Hello! Have you put away the Christmas stuff yet? By the second or third week in January I am always so happy to have my house return to its natural blue and white condition.

inspiration outside my windows

I love the holidays--- the glitter, the red and green, all the abundance of that special season. But now the red and white quilts and linens are laundered, ironed, carefully tucked away. Gifts are used or stowed---forgotten? The Tree is gone. Blue---serene, quiet, calm blue--- is back.

This year I am especially happy to see how beautiful  my new ''distressed'' blue rug looks in my living room in its normal state. The room looks light and beachy but not summery, perfect for winter. (Not sure how this will work in July though.)

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I've never had a colorful rug there, only white, ivory, sand.

I like to keep a few winter-y things, some pine and pine cones; berries in a jug, cinnamon sticks.

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I put out a few blue and white  quilts, 

a blue quilt fragment pillow on the Swedish pine bride's bench.

I found this luscious throw at Pier One after Christmas. It's hand knit chenille with faux fur. So soft and snuggly.

I keep out my mercury glass jars all winter.

And the mercury glass spheres are the last ornaments to be  put away.

For a few days I just had  seashells here...

 then I remembered my collection of Victorian carpet bowls [balls. A game like indoor bocce.] and filled my favorite wooden bowl.

 These are like giant marbles, solid pottery.

If Mo knocks them down they'll survive. I hope.

This year I discovery I have enough black and white  Staffordshire transferware to almost fill my plate rack.

I can't find my favorite black / polychrome  plate with the sailing ship. So sad. But I also enjoy the touches of classic blue. In late spring I'll change out the black to  entirely blue china.

I love these doll dishes pitchers, below 19th century Blue Willow; second below Mid 20th century? Japan.

A very old cup, c. 1810; repro bowl behind it.

Little odds and ends/ gatherings, something I enjoy.

The grocery store has cut tulips and little pots of bulbs already. I'm always tempted and never seem to be able to stick to a white palette as planned.

Here is Mo in my blue cashmere headband. [from Mel, she is so talented!] Cozy. Color coordinating is sooo important when one owns a pug,lol. This shade of blue was traditionally used for pug collars and bows in the 1800s, often with bells. Mo would hate bells!

Have a good weekend! We may get a nor'easter [storm]! Rain and wind, no snow. Maybe. Exciting.

love

lizzy

gone to the beach...

PS We had weird weather all day yesterday. This bank of black clouds circled the horizon all day. Never moved, never rained. See the map below.  I'm the red dot in the tiny blue skies spot.

 

PS Here is a link to a winter redo , white sofas with Home Goods tartan plaid finds from Home Goods. My original idea for this winter! I even have a Tartan Pinterest board. Maybe next year? here