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.

Thai Treasures: The Prasart Museum

One of my favorite memories of our honeymoon in Thailand several years ago was a visit to a lesser known museum on the outskirts of Bangkok, the Prasart Museum.  My in-laws, who lived in Thailand in the 60's and have been back many times, suggested we visit. What a treasure!  It is a massive collection of Thai art in various forms, run by a private collector, Mr. Prasart.  We had the opportunity to meet him and he told us about his passion for preserving Thai culture.  He lives in a small, simple one room house on the grounds.  He explained that he has no family, so this is his gift to Thailand.  What a generous man.

Just walking the grounds, not to mention viewing the collection, was an experience.  I combined some of our own pictures with others I found on the web to give you an overview of the museum and environs.  There are some beautiful designs here that may inspire some new ideas.  Enjoy the trip!

{bangkoksightseeing.com}

 

{corbis images}



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They also put an emphasis on preserving the art of specific Thai handwork and sell the products on site.  We bought a vase similar to those below.  The picture doesn't show it well, but they have exquisite detailing.



{freedom from lostness blog}