More European Doorways

If you have been following my blog (and specifically my travels) for a while now, you know how much I enjoy photographing spectactular architecture and especially doors...  You can see the first post I did about doors from my travels the last few years in Europe here.  

I have put together a few more from our more recent adventures, plus a few going back a while, to add to the collection.  I hope that some of these doors speak to you, as they did to me, and that perhaps they will provide some European-style entryway inspiration, too!

Madrid, Spain May 2011

Copenhagen, Denmark August 2011

Madrid, Spain May 2011

Tuscany, Italy June 2011

Barcelona, Spain September 2010

Brugge, Belgium August 2009

Munich, Germany April 2011

Venice, Italy October 2008

I hope you enjoyed this little "architectural vacation"!

All photos were taken by me, Barbara Jordan Dettweiler.  
Please do not use without my consent.

My Last Supper

For Christmas I got a really unique cookbook - it's called My Last Supper - have you heard of it?  The concept is that famous chefs discuss how, what and with whom they would eat their last supper.  It was interesting to hear not only what they would eat, but in what setting that they think is ideal.  

That got me thinking about what mine would look like so I thought I'd share it with you today.  I've also asked a few blogging friends to join me, so there will be more coming over the next several weeks.  

Here's where I'd begin...

Al Fresco - with a stunning view - is a must...probably not this formal but you get the idea!  :)

Beautiful linens would be on the table - I couldn't resist including these!

Perhaps in a setting for a quiet walk before dinner...Italian Riviera anyone?

We'd start with a light cocktail - figs in champagne sound divine...

Some lovely appetizers - served artistically...

Did I mention there would be a LOT of candlelight and other twinkly things, in addition to the beautiful stars in the cloudless night sky?

A gorgeous salad (notice the fig theme - we are in Italy afterall!)

A true luxury:  I'd hire a sommelier to make sure we had a nice selection for each course.

I'd invite old friends and new - but only the true ones - and of course my loving family (including my dog!).  Lots of laughs would be "on the menu".

Creative flowers must be on hand for visual enjoyment - fresh and natural since they have to compete with the view.  :)

Nothing fussy for the main course - wood fired pizzas with incredible fresh, local ingredients...

Perhaps I'd hire an insanely expensive artist to perform...:)

And pavlova for dessert!

So that's my last supper - what would yours be?

Sources

Venice Highlights

Today's post is the last about our trip to Venice last month, with just a few more things that I thought were worth sharing.  I hope you enjoy them!

My husband and I have been joking that now that we live in Seattle, we have to get a boat (we aren't really boat people).  I think I could be convince to have one of these though!  I fell in love with the gorgeous wood, sleek lines and elegant design...  I was dreaming that my boat like this would - of course- be stocked with fine Italian wines, cheeses, etc. to complete the experience!

We are also huge fans of Italy's Moretti beer, so this sign caught our eye. :)

Notice the gorgeous weather we had - a delightful surprise for late November.  

That didn't hurt a bit in making our experience wonderful.  :)

These creative doorbells caught my eye around town.

Many good meals were enjoyed too!

Have you been to Venice?  If so what was your favorite highlight?

The Merchants of Venice

I'm back today to share a few highlights from Venice, via the beautiful shop windows that we enjoyed while strolling down the cobblestone alleyways, hearing Italian spoken at every turn.  It was an enchanting visit, and really changed my opinion of Venice to fairly dismal to quite positive, I have to admit!  Here are a few of my favorite things that I spotted in the shops:

 One can't help but be inspired with markets like these!

 Venice isn't Venice without masks of every kind...

A more modern take on the Venetian mask.

More gorgeous greens...and it's almost December. 

Mmmm...salty olives! 

 More gorgeous produce.

Because Venice wasn't so overrun with tourists, we were able to observe how a city on water really works, with deliveries buzzing around in boats non-stop. 

The glass creations were the most impressive, with everything imaginable created. 

I hope you enjoyed our window-shopping.  More tomorrow!

Where I've Been...

Hi Everyone!

Did you miss me while I was away?  I missed all of you in blogland!  I tried to schedule some posts in advance, but in reality I was actually in Europe for the last few weeks!  

We had a good trip visiting family, which turned into an extended stay, but we also spent several days south of Munich.  On Thanksgiving I posted this, alluding to being somewhere unusual for Thanksgiving Day.  I'm happy to report that pasta was on the menu for us this year.  We were in beautiful Venice:

My husband and I had both been a few times before, but I have to say this was by far my favorite visit.  It was mostly empty of tourists (relatively speaking) so it felt like an authentic Italian experience.  It was lovely!

I'll be back soon with some highlights from our visit.  :)

My Tuscan Hideaway...

It's been almost a year since we were in Tuscany, so I thought it would be fun to dream about some beautiful Tuscan-inspired homes.  A girl can dream, right?  Wanna come along?  :)

via Velvet and Linen Blog

I hope you enjoyed our little trip to Tuscany!

Sources, unless otherwise noted, can be found here.