Al Fresco

Let's take a little detour from the winter, Christmas feelings flying around blogland right now and escape for a soothing al fresco meal in a beautiful setting. 

Take your pick - will it be...

An unforgettable pasta dinner at a villa on Lake Como...

(sorry, George Clooney is not available)

Breakfast in Greece, watching the yachts come and go...

A hip rooftop meal in NYC, catered by Dean & Deluca...

A rustic picnic surrounded by lavendar fields in Provence...

California cuisine in Napa's wine country...

An elegant brunch in Venice, with transport via gondola... 

A BBQ on a Texas ranch...



A super-casual, laughter-filled backyard get together...

A tapas feast overlooking a gorgeous crumbling European city...

Sweets and cafe au lait for two in Paris...

Passion fruit smoothies and more in tropical paradise...

Overlooking African deltas on safari with the sounds of the animals for music...

A farm-to-table meal in Oregon...

(I've done this and LOVED it)

In your own backyard, shaded by leafy trees and a gentle breeze...

A seafood meal overlooking the coastline in La Jolla...

A healthy lunch at a luxurious spa in Arizona, surrounded by succulents...

In the garden of your friend's beautiful home in the English countryside...

OR - last choice - a four course meal in an enchanting tree house like setting...

I'd love to hear which one you're dreaming about.  For me it doesn't get any better than al fresco dining.  I think I'd just start at the top of this post and work my way down!

PS - thanks so much for the support for my "Giving with Purpose" post from yesterday. 

I loved hearing more ideas to do good in the world also!

Sources and even more al fresco inspiration can be found here.

Colorways: Turquoise

After the overdose of turquoise fashions in the 80's, I couldn't run away from the color fast enough!  However in the last few years it has been feeling so fresh again in fashion and interiors, and I'm really drawn to it.  Here are some of my favorite inpirations in turquoise, aqua, and so on...

{Plantation Home}

This room combines venetian and exotic beautifully...

{Satisfying Spaces Blog}

Those shutters and the beamed ceiling make quite a statment!

The pink contrasts nicely with all of the turquoise accents

and of course I love the zebra ottomans!

This picture has convinved me to use greek key curtains somewhere very soon!

The coral accompanies the look nicely too.

Turquoise grasscloth...I like it.

 

{House of Turquoise Blog}

The lucite table, art and color really make this traditional home feel young and vibrant.

{Miles Redd}

How cool is that chest??

{House of Turquoise Blog}

That artwork is so unique and memorable!

{House of Turquoise Blog}

A close up of the same room.  Those peonies make me melt. 

{House of Turquoise Blog}

These coral prints would work so well in a sea-inspired bath. 

{House of Turquoise Blog}

I could definitely find a place for that mirror!

The bits of nature are so pretty with the turquoise in both shots.

{Satisfying Spaces Blog}

I love how this room freshens up Belgian with a bit of color

that pairs nicely with all of the neutrals.

The orange and turquoise play so nicely off of each other. 

I included this shot in my post about orange too - you can find it here.

The lamp really makes the room! 

The rug is great too...

I normally wouldn't go for such a bold sofa,

but I really like the shape and color in this room!

{Hillary Thomas}

An entry stands on its own so it lets you try out

one daring statement piece all on its own!

{Tia Zoldan}

Tia Zoldan is one of my favorite designers because of her fresh, accessible style.  
This is her house:  black, white and turquoise - so crisp! 

This mix of fabrics and textures is one of my faves. 

It could work so well with traditional or modern decor but

you could also use it with Ethnic, Spanish or even African looks.

Which one of these is your favorite??

Doorways

As we have traveled through Europe over the last few years I have been drawn more and more often to the architecture of each place.  I started taking pictures of doors in particular and have accumulated quite a collection!  I love the mystery of what might lie behind a door - especially those that are as old as these are!  Who has gathered there? What are their stories?  What brought them joy and sorrow?  What were their dreams?   Perhaps these will provide some exterior inspiration for some of you...

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

We stayed at a beautiful hotel in Arles, France last June and had fresh croissants for breakfast in their sublime courtyard.  I saw this door with hydrangeas blooming next to it and snapped a picture to remember the experience.  My husband and I still reminisce about that breakfast!

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

Barcelona, Spain September 2009.  Notice that there is a smaller door opening for people and a larger one - big enough for carriages.  The doors lead to an inner courtyard for green space.  This is a common design in Spain and a great one for city living.

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

I love this picture from Berlin (2009) because I feel like it
sums up the city well with all of its edginess and energy. 

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

Eze, France June 2010...a small hill town overlooking the coast of southern France.

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

Corfu, Greece from Summer 2010.

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

Hall, Austria 2008 - a small town outside of Innsbruck. 

I think this is where the door infatuation began...

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

London, England April 2010.  This is pretty much London in a nutshell, right?

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

Mallorca, Spain March 2008.  These doors inspired my Dream House front door!

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

Lisbon, Portugal June 2009.  I could go on and on about Lisbon.  More posts on that soon!

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

Venice, Italy July 2010.  Notice the steps leading right into the water...

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

 Revaz, Switzerland June 2010 - a picturesque wine growing town
on the edge of Lake Geneva.

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

Kotor, Montenegro August 2010.  This town, and the 

stunning fjord surrounding it, really surprised us with its beauty and charm!

Does anyone else out there share my love of doors?  My husband thinks I'm crazy, but he stops every time we pass a door when traveling and asks if I want to take a picture. :)  Does anyone out there have any great ideas for how to showcase these great shots and the memories that go along with them?