Sunday, December 4, 2022

November recap

November has been beautiful and sunny for the most part, which was just as well as "Swan-in-Chief" Jerrine came for a visit! We had lunch at the beach, and it felt like summer ... while sipping chilled Rosé, we fed little sparrows with baguette crumbs and watched sailboats bumbling along the blue Mediterranean Sea.


Wiener and Roley came with us too, of course, and spent a considerable amount of time under the table devouring their bones. Then onto the lap for a little snooze! In case anyone wonders where Roley is ... he is happily nestling with his Dad.

Picture credit: Jerrine

Picture credit: Jerrine

The beach lunch was followed by a couple of fun days in Paris. While walking around the hotel's neighbourhood, we stumbled upon this adorable little boutique specializing in peppers and pepper mixtures from all around the world.




It's located in one of the prettiest squares in Saint-Germain, right around the corner from the Manuel Canovas showroom, where I often go to source fabrics for my bag insert collection. 


Because of the long pause in blogging, I almost forgot to show you the finalized chairs for the showroom entrance. You might remember the poll we had about which fabric to choose (here)? While I tended towards pink in the end, I changed direction after coming across the fabulous Hedgerow fabric by Andrew Martin for KitKemp, painted by Melissa White.  The fabric's large vignettes show dragons, dogs, leopards and unicorns under giant fruit trees laden with plums, berries and grapes. It was love at first sight, and I thought it would be perfect with the forest backdrop on the walls and carved foxes and oak leaves of the console table. The fabric comes in a pretty pink (Cerise) and warm yellow (Quince). I couldn't decide between them, so I went with both!


The chairs themselves are buttoned Hugo Carvers (with a customized height) by the Dining Chair Company in London. Their showroom is located in Pimlico, and when I was in London last spring, we finalized the placement of the fabric. I decided on the leopard for the back, the dog for the sides and the unicorn for the seat. It all worked out perfectly, and I could not be happier with the result. 

Work in progress (pictures by the Dining Chair Company):




Console table detail


Mix and match: Quince and Cerise


The "Tall Trees" wallpaper behind Amélie, the mannequin, is by the same artist as the Hedgerow fabric above, Melissa White. The Ozone scarf is tied in a variation of the Origami, where the first end is tied around the second, secured with a small double knot.


More scarf knots! I shared them on Instagram a couple of months ago, but don't think I posted them here yet.
1st row from left to right: Asymmetrical Wrap,  a variation of the Ondulation (both ends are the same length and brought through a round ring) and the Chemisier
2nd row: Ondulation (with both ends pulled through a round scarf ring, one end shorter), Croisée and Petit Bib
3rd row: Cascade, Ascot and Gavroche Flower knot

Scarf: Inside Out by Kit Kemp

Towards the end of the month, the fields and trees finally exploded in autumn colours and shades of gold, yellow, red and orange (can anyone spot the dogs in this pic?), 


 A perfect autumn meal ...  oven-roasted golden carrots and sweet potatoes, filled aubergines and a sprinkling of parsley and cherry tomatoes. 


Lunch the next day consisted of leftovers, fried up with some pasta from the day before. I love cooking with leftovers, not only because the flavors have intensified over night, but also because they lend themself to surprise dishes that sometimes even become new staples. 

Bowl: Mythical Creatures by Kit Kemp for Wedgwood


A new, sky blue appliqué flower combining paint with embroidery. Wish I had more time to indulge in this!


Soon I'll be saying goodbye to my wonderful Tesla Model S, which I've had since 2017. It is the best car I've ever driven, powered almost entirely by solar. A new one is on its way (I've been monitoring the cargo ship's movement with great excitement for the last two weeks ...  today it finally docked in Zeebrugge, Belgium). More on this soon! 


Wiener and Roley cuddling in their Lord Lou Arthur basket 


The entry of Ralph Lauren's flagship store in Paris, glamorously decked with lush greenery and giant golden baubles. Jerrine and I had a champagne night cap at the Ralph's bar, toasting the end of the trip. A perfect start into the holiday season!

Happy holidays and enjoy a most beautiful festive season!

xx



As always, none of my content is sponsored or paid for by a third party. There are no affiliations, paid advertising or collaborations. Just showing things that I love. 

Beach Club: Palace Plage here

Spice's shop: Compagnie des poivres et des epices here  7 Rue de Furstemberg, 75006 Paris

Dining Chair Company here Hugo Carver here

Hedgerow Fabric by Andrew Martin here

More about Melissa White: here

Ozone scarf by Kit Kemp here

Tall Trees wallpaper by Kit Kemp here


Lord Lou Arthur dog basket: all available Lord Lou items can be purchased with a 15% discount through my site or via email customerservice@maitaicollection.com

Ralphs here

If you are interested in my Tesla Model S, please email me for details maitaicollection@orange.fr






54 comments:

  1. Really enjoyed the images and information you provide here. Thank you for sharing and I am excited to try new scarf knots too!

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    1. That is so nice to know, thank you so much for your kind comment! Happy knotting!!

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  2. such lovely pictures!

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  3. Thank you for another beautiful post. Enjoy it thoroughly as always.

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    1. I really appreciate your kind comment, thank you so much for letting me know!

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  4. Oh what fun! Meeting with the swan-in-chief in person and enjoying a few days in Paris together must have been a real treat and a wonderful start of the holiday season.
    Your chairs turned out perfect! I can literally see how your heart skipped a beat when you encountered the finished pieces for the first time. They match so well with the wallpaper and all the animals are divine.
    The autumn dishes are mouthwatering! How I wish I‘d enjoy cooking as much as eating :)
    Have a lovely Advent time- the second candle is already lit… can’t believe how time flies.
    Lots of love from the capital of Christmas markets, Katja

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    1. It was great fun indeed, and about time ... the visit was postponed three times because of Covid 😱 The chairs make me happy every time I go past, and it was very exciting when they arrived! Regarding cooking ... the secret is to have a glass of wine or bubbly at hand; fun and enjoyment are practically guaranteed 🥂 (wouldn't recommend this for breakfast and lunch though 😅) Have a most lovely and beautiful Advent season too, third candle to be lit in a few days!
      Alles Liebe
      PS. "Capital of Christmas markets" made me laugh out loud, so witty and funny!

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  5. Oh, Mai! What gorgeous photographs, Thank you so much for sharing. The fabric you chose for the chairs is beautiful and the perfect compliment to the wallpaper. Love the detail on the console table, as well. Thanks, too, for posting the scarf tying photos. I've fallen into a bit of a rut with mine, and you have inspired me to get creative again. Best wishes for a beautiful holiday season, Elizabeth

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    1. It's so easy to fall into a rut, especially in busy times! Hope you find new favorite ways to tie your scarves, and have a most wonderful and happy festive season too! Warmest wishes

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  6. As beautiful as the pictures are of the upholstery and interiors, I wish that everyone could see it all in person - it’s magical and glamorous and charming with great attention paid to even the tiniest of details.

    Yes, she is my dear friend, but even if she wasn’t, I’d still have enormous respect for her talent and her confidence in tackling this very large and complex project on her own with no professional guidance. This takes great “intestinal fortitude”!

    And what she’s too modest to tell you is that this beautiful new space once, way back to the 1800’s, housed the farm’s livestock.

    Personally, I can’t wait to see what she takes on next!
    Jerrine

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    1. Trust me, dearest Jerrine, we all wish we could see them with our own eyes! How lucky you are to test them for us:) oh yes, I‘m curious about the next project. Turning a stable into this welcoming space certainly needed a lot of talent , taste and guts (plus patience and extra strong nerves….) Bravo, Tai!
      Katja

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    2. Holy cow! Such stunning photos and colors! And that chair--swoon! But hearing that there was a true meeting of the minds, involving our fearless leader, the swan-in-chief and champers? Don't I wish I was a fly on the wall listening to those conversations. Thank heavens I can look at the photos and the videos, and tie my scarves with flair--it's almost as if I was there! Thanks for making it feel like I was.

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    3. Yes, dear Katja, I know how lucky I am, and I think about how much fun it would be if we could have a reunion of the Swans - we had so much fun in the Pond, didn’t we? I so look forward to my visits with her, and I try to be a good guest so I’ll be invited back!😇 J.

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    4. Greta!!! I was just thinking of you the other day. ❤️ It’s been way too long, girl.

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    5. Blushing here like mad, dearest Jerrine! It would be embarrassing to admit how many hours I've been pondering about the details ... If I'd be doing this for living, my lifetime achievements would amount to 1.5 jobs 😅😂 While there is still a lot left to tackle, the main parts are done. It is kind of bittersweet ... while I could not be happier with the result, I will miss the process. It has been so enjoyable and full of wonder and amazement. Mostly, I learned a lot! So happy that you approve, I loved showing it to your discerning eyes! xxx

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    6. Dearest Katja, - Once I have the time to sort the workshop out we will all be gathering here! Jerrine was a little bit too kind ... by the time we bought the house, the barn was already converted to a garage for tractors 🚜 🚜

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    7. Greta, so lovely to see you again! Hope you've been well! Once I get the workshops rolling (meant to be this year, but had too many other things to do) we'll all meet here. Question is, between sipping bubbly and chatting, how much actual work (scarf tying/cooking) will we get done? 😉 Maybe I should just offer a champagne tasting course instead 😂

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    8. The details you’ve mastered, dearest T, are what make the difference between a perfectly acceptable job and one that soars and sings. J.

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    9. That is such a lovely comment, dearest J, it brought me so much joy <3 Happiest of holidays!

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  7. Enviable; simply stunning. Love your taste and class.

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    1. That is so nice of you to say, thanks so much!

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  8. Lovely to see all the beautiful colours of late autumn in The South of France.

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    1. Autumn is such a lovely time here, so glad you enjoyed the post! 🙏🏻

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  9. Lovely witting and pictures!!! It is almost x’mas, and happy holidays!!!

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    1. Thanks so much! Happy holidays and a beautiful festive season to you too!

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  10. Dear MaiTai, oh what a lucky "Swan-in-Chief" Jerrine! I guess you must have had wonderful days together! And I'm really impressed by your wonderful interior-project! What a wonderful tribute to your grandmother as well. I bet she would be over the moon with the "new" chairs! Now I hope your new car will accompany you as well as the old one. It's amazing that you've had it for five years! (For me it seemed to be yesterday...) Ganz liebe Grüße von Claudia P.S.: Great pictures as always <3

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    1. Yes, dearest Claudia, I am lucky, and I count my Tai blessings every day. J.❤️

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    2. Dear Jerrine, you said that beautifully! Even though I don't know Tai personally, I feel she is a blessing. I am so happy to be here in the pond with you :-* Claudia

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    3. She truly is, Claudia. And, we must all go for a swim in the Swan Pond soon. Miss you! J.

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    4. Dearest Claudia, - like Jerrine said, we all must gather at the pond one day! Especially since time really does fly, I can't believe myself that I've had the car for five years. It's curious how taste runs through a family, the new chairs are indeed not a million miles away from my grandmother's Biedermeier ones. I'm almost sad that most of the projects are completed, it has been so much fun working everything out. Hope you are enjoying a beautiful and happy Advent season! Ganz liebe Grüsse <3

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  11. What a lovely post. Your chairs are amazing. Have a truly wonderful Christmas, with love, Jayne xx

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    1. Thanks so much Jayne, so happy you like the chairs! Wishing you a most wonderful and happy Christmas too! xx

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  12. What a joyful time to be able to sip and sit by the sea with your dear friend,Jerrine! I am thrilled that you both had this special time together,
    I adore your final fabric selection and how you placed the fabric! I know it gives you great joy to see the finished product each time you walk into the room!
    Love your roasted vegetable shot as we have been eating the colors of the season in our house, too!
    Chin chin to special times, seasons and seasonings! Mwahs, Txx

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    1. Me, too, T. But, you were missed!❤️J.

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    2. And how lovely it would have been if you were there to join us! One day we must all meet, I can't believe that we still haven't done this. So happy you like the finished chairs, thanks so much! I've been obsessing over them for far too long, but all well that ends well, right? 😉
      Hope you continue to have fun with the autumn and winter bounties in vegetables shops and stalls, and have a glorious and sparking festive season ahead! Mwahs xx

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  13. Gorgeous photos! I love it! I always feel like I've been on a mini-holiday after reading your blog posts. Thanks!

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    1. That is so lovely to know, thanks so much! Have a wonderful and happy festive season ✨

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  14. The colors in you November recap burst off of the page. Loved it! Cynthia

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    1. Autumn colors are so warm and rich ... every year the spectacle feels like a fresh miracle! 🍂🍁

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  15. Quelles beautés ces chaises Tu as tellement de goût c'est magnifique
    Une jolie visite à Paris et un mois magnifique avec tellement de soleil une magnifique arrière saison
    Tout est parfait bravo
    Je serai à Paris pour Noël
    Je t'embrasse

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    1. Merci ma chère pour tes gentils mots, je suis ravi que les chaises te plaises! Bonnes fêtes et un super Noël à Paris! Bises

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  16. Maitai,
    gorgeous chairs and project, felicitations! Your creativity and exquisite approach to life is inspiring (pardon the cliche..). Thank you so much for those pics of the south of France which is a little bit my turf as well. I think I can actually smell the wet field at dusk (sniff, sniff...). I did not comment on your last post but I am delighted that this much loved blog is here to stay! All the best, and I cannot wait to hear about your new project.
    Bea from Sydney

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    1. You are so right, dear Bea ... the autumn fields and forests have such a rich and beautiful smell. The Wiener boys love it too, of course! I am so glad the pictures brought the sensation back to you. Thanks much for the lovely and kind words, I am so happy that you love the blog and that you like the new chairs and project. Warmest wishes and have a happy and merry festive season! Tai

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  17. Dearest Tai,
    The new space you created is very feminin, stylish and reveals your impecable taste. I can hardly imagine how long time you spent planning it.
    I very much enjoyed reading the blog today and the interaction between ‘the swans’. It reminded me of the older posts…
    I wish you and all the ladies gathered here a Merry Christmas! Much love, Manuela

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    1. Dearest Manuela, - thanks so much for your lovely and kind words, I am so happy that you like the new space! And you are right, it feels as though the happy, good old days are back! I hope it continues, it has been so lovely recently. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends and have a very happy New Year 2023 ahead! Much love xx

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    2. Thank you, Dearest. A very Happy New Year to you as well xx

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  18. So glad you're back blogging!

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    1. Thank you so much for the warm welcome back 🙏🏻

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  19. Wonderful post again! Beautiful colours. What is your instagram name? I must have missed it earlier. I need more inspiration for the scarves as I was gifted the le sacre des saisons scarf in the potiron/blue gris/jaune soleil. I am very lucky. I have the scarf app so will use that to play with the scarf. But any and all inspiration is welcome. Wishing you and the family a wonderful festive season.

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    1. Dear Hilde, - I somehow missed replying to your lovely comment, please forgive! I am so happy that you enoy the app, thanks so much for having downloaded it 🙏🏻 My instagram name is @maitaicollection Hope to see you there!

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  20. Dear MaiTai, hope you are all right, have a beautiful Christmas with family & friends!

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    1. Thanks so much for the kind note and good wishes 🙏🏻 Christmas was just lovely, and I hope that yours was wonderful and merry too! 🎄✨

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  21. Dearest Taïna
    I enjoy admiring your new workshop kitchen, your staging, the combination of colors and materials
    It must take you time to photograph and to organize their publication
    I hope that the complimentary comments, reward your commitments
    I wish you happy holidays and a wonderful 2023 full of novelties
    xx

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