April 18, 2011

Vive la France

When I lived in England, once a month friends and I would head to the coast and pick up the ferry or hovercraft to France for long weekends away; Calais, St Omer, Rouen, Dunkirk, Boulogne or Le Touquet with its mile long white sandy beach and beyond. On other occasions, we would fly to Paris or Cannes in the South of France for a well earned week long break. We made lots of friends over the years and my dream has been to own a home there one day.

I love the rolling hills peppered with beautiful lush trees


the stunning centuries old houses


wonderful markets selling fresh local produce


watching the world go by with friends over a cup of coffee


Dining al fresco at one of many first class chateaux


I have loved and enjoyed each and every place I've visited in this wonderful country so for those of you who are already living the dream, how do you choose a location?

Just below is a little box where I would be thrilled to receive your comments and/or advice.
Merci beaucoup!

Jo x

Eliza Interiors and Design
jo@eliza-interiors-and-design.com

(Author of photographs unknown)

April 1, 2011

European Splendour in Round Top, Texas

Are you an antique and vintage junkie? Every Spring and Fall sees the return of the Round Top Antique Fair. Imagine approximately 11 miles of gently rolling Texas country littered with barns, pretty painted houses, tents and fields full to bursting with antiques and collectibles!

I have to write myself a shopping list as I find it overwhelming and am easily sidetracked. This particular show, I was on the hunt for old but beautiful mother of pearl buttons, linen and as much vintage ribbon as my budget would allow.

With show magazine in hand, I headed off to find two of my favourite dealers at Marburger Farm. Here you will find 350+ dealers on 43 acres offering some of the very best European antiques to include furniture, silver, porcelain, linens and much much more.


First stop, Judith & Darrel. Their booth is always a treat for the eyes, a series of little vignettes showcasing an array of European antiques and collectibles. Every nook and cranny offers up a treasure from a bygone era that simply begs to be taken home. There is something for everyone and their prices cannot be beaten...


Next stop is to see Linda at Willow Nest Farm where I stock up on the hand tinted silk and vintage ribbons. The colours are always perfect for my design projects. Her booth is always fresh, pretty, loaded with pieces both beautiful and interesting; you will not be able to resist a peek - simply lovely!


Before heading off to the next venue, I came across Jennifer Zanetti. I was instantly captured by her hand tinted vintage velvet ribbons. I couldn't resist buying a little in lavender... sooo pretty... She also offers a collection of pillows created in beautiful antique Fortuny textiles in an array of colours.

After a quick look through the tents, my final stop is Coles. Bryan and Roberta of Bull in a China Shoppe offer some very fine china, glass and porcelain as well as silver and jewellery. They do not disappoint... Then on to see Ann & Friedrich at Antik Bazar who sell stunning European linens and trims. If you're looking for fine linens and trims at a reasonable price, these are the people to see.

I had a very successful shopping trip and spent every penny of my budget but there is still another day left to go in search of a treasure should you feel so inclined...

Happy treasure hunting

Jo xx
Eliza Interiors & Design


jo@eliza-interiors-and-design.com

Judith McClellan & Darrel Davenport
Antiques & Linens, 1003 West 34th Street, Houston, TX 77018

Linda Marcov
Willow Nest Farm, P O Box 493, Burton, TX 77835
lindamarcov@yahoo.com

Jennifer Zanetti
Antique European Textiles, Ribbons & Trims
j.zanetti@comcast.net

Bryan & Roberta Bullinger
Bull in a China Shoppe
bullette1@aol.com

Anne & Friedrich Gebhard
Antik Bazar, P O Box 152 Plum, TX 78952
(979) 966 8172