La Cigale

Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains outside of Harrisburg is a charming little Country French shop called La Cigale. I'm so glad that I made visiting a priority for our current trip to Pennsylvania. 

 The store specializes in French linens from Provence. There are lovely tablecloths, napkins and placemats in every bright sunny color available!

They also sell fragrant French soaps and little Santons, 

 brightly painted dinnerware, 

and charming pieces of artwork.

I was able to open an account with them and will bring home lots of tablecloths to put in my antique store. It was so hard to choose!

 If you happen upon tiny Mt. Gretna in Pennsylvania

 be sure to stop in!

I'll be joining
Feathered Nest Friday
Table Top Tuesday 

Christmas Raffle Table 2012

In 4 weeks is the annual Christmas Idea House here in 

Mesa, Arizona. This is a great fundraiser that provides scholarships to worthy students and supports local charities. Let me show you what I've been working on the last several months.

I got to be in charge of the Raffle Table for a second year. I love putting together a holiday tablescape!  Last year I chose a very dramatic black, white and turquoise theme. 

Click HERE to see it. 

This year my theme was "Tartan and Toile". 

 I found almost everything at thrift shops including red and white transferware salad/dessert plates, vintage silverware by Gorham, French crystal, even the Stewart tartan and red toile  fabrics.

 I filled a vintage crate with paperwhites and pinecones nestled in glass hurricanes. 

The lucky winner will receive 8 full place settings  of china, silver, crystal, linens, candles, favors and centerpiece.Wow! And it's only $5 a ticket! If you live in Mesa or anywhere in the greater Phoenix area come join the women of Desert Club for this fun event.

 For more info click here Christmas Idea House.

I'll be joining
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Table Top Tuesday
Home Sweet Home
Show and Tell Friday
Inspiration Friday
Wow Us Wednesday
Time Travel Thursday

Sweet Spreaders

I started my love affair with these darling spreaders several years ago. They started popping up in gourmet shops, kitchen and cooking stores. Now you can find them at most gift shops - or if you're lucky at thrift stores too! 

 These little spreaders come in all different shapes and themes. I bought these cute Pilgrims last year to use for Thanksgiving.

 I've started gathering my Christmas spreaders placing them in matching prep bowls. I keep a tray full of baking utensils handy for decorating cookies with.

 This a set of cheese knives. Don't you love the detail on these tiny wheels of cheese?

And look at the tiny lady bugs on these flower pot spreaders!

I keep most of my collection in a pot on my countertop handy for spreading jam on toast or cheese on a cracker.

I've always got a few sets of spreaders at my booth at Merchant Square. Come and see me!

I'll be joining
Home Sweet Home
Show and Tell Friday
Inspiration Friday
Time Travel Thursday
Open House Party
Wow Us Wednesday
Table Top Tuesday