Christmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart."
Washington Irving
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Sheldon and Norma Ainsley give a Christmas party every year. Norma goes all out to decorate her home with items collected over a period of many years. This year was her first party in their new home, as the party last year was canceled because of the snow. So I would say this was the first "official" party in the home.
Norma, Sheldon, and a team of workmen have been working for over a year remodeling the ranch style house into her vision of a French cottage. They have rearranged the floor plan, added on, put in a new kitchen, new windows, doors, moldings, and redesigned the fireplace from a brick facade to a stucco one. Norma, herself, has added stone walls and texturing to the interior. She has done all the painting and chosen the flooring, and hardware. At some point in time, I will share more of this house with you later.
Last Saturday was the evening of the party. I drove up to the house to see an old wrought iron fence installed at the entry to the front walk. Yes, indeed, I felt welcomed.
The fence was perfect--antique enough to have flaking paint which gave it an old-world appearance. Next, I was greeted by a cheerful Santa by the front door.
I purposely arrived a bit early so I could try to snap some photos before the rooms were filled with the Ainsley's many friends. To the front of the entry way, there is a snug library which houses walls of bookshelves, comfy wing chairs, an armoire (which holds a TV) and small tables and French-type lamps with Pierre Deux shades. Actually, Norma has used wallpaper, fabric and other accessories from Pierre Deux There was a bar set up in the room offering a varied assortment of beverages and tended by a handsome bartender.
The living room was glowing with a snapping fire, a large decorated green tree, mismatched chairs and a Ralph Lauren wicker couch accessorized with throw pillows. And, of course, holiday decorations placed about the room.
Norma designed the kitchen with open shelving and the range hood is flanked by two wonderful corbels purchased at Stars & Splendid. The entire back of the house, which faces a creek, is a bank of French doors added in the remodeling.
The dining room (which is where the former kitchen was) almost appears to be a stage setting with the stucco arch above it. The pine farm table was groaning under the weight of the delicious food waiting to be sampled.
Sheldon is proud of the house and has supported Norma in all of her innovations, but he gives her credit for the design. Norma has many more ideas, and there are more rooms for me to share with you. (There is a small round window in the master bedroom that just plain makes me smile, and an arched door in the den which is like out of a fairy tale.)
I felt honored to be invited and left feeling warmed by the holiday spirit.....
signing off....
Gayle@starsantique.com
