. . . lounging about on a monday morning must certainly be one of the greatest luxuries, and that is how the day began, the sun streaming through the gauzy sheers, and after, the café and the shops, dinner, [all of us together again], a glass of proseco and conversations long into the night, and today, it's another dinner a little way out of town, and had nearly forgotten how wonderful it is to have these beautiful [nearly forgotten] moments of perfect repose . . .
. . . la vie est faite de petits bonheurs / life is full of little pleasures, and of those, were the many lovely moments spent here, and so, thank you for the mornings you've dreamed away over coffee, and the evenings over wine, and especially to those who have taken the time to say helloeveryday, and for all the [sometimes heartrendingly] lovely notes & letters over the past year -- it has been wonderful to share little glimpses of life and moments of sheer and utter beauty with you, and while there will be many more beautiful things to get hopelessly lost in, to come, but for now, it's fairy lights and champagne cocktails, cut-crystal glasses of vintage chianti by the fire, and moments of such loveliness, it will cause one's breath to catch . . . wishing you a holiday filled with love and magic, and that it's beautiful wherever in the world you may be, roséline xo {p.s.} and to p, thank you for literally saving christmas this year, although must confess you save it every year, and can not wait to spend every single moment for the next few days with you♥ af e w l o v e l y l i n k s :
. . . ordinarily, at the beginning of a new work week, it's tailored elegance in the form of pencil skirts and pantsuits, but truth be told, things have not felt ordinary for weeks now, since the holidays began, and have been exchanging ponytails for chignons and wearing sequins in the morning, even before the first cup of coffee, proving it really is the most wonderful time of year . . .
. . . p's gift guide last year was so popular, this year, he has created two -- a gentleman's gift guide, to follow, and this one, comprised of a few fun stocking stuffer & last-minute gift ideas for the men in your life . . .
Whether you are traveling or will remain at home this Christmas, it is always thoughtful to think of those whose services you require on a regular basis, for a well-mannered traveler is always grateful for good service.
Beyond a spoken thank you, tipping is essential in many cases, and for services above and beyond, a handwritten thank you note is always an elegant and appreciative touch.
As for your regular go-to services at home, it is a wonderful gesture to acknowledge their continuous service during the holidays . . .
[as a follow-up to {take me away № 08 | holiday etiquette}, in this article, sarah discusses the topic of tipping while traveling and provides a useful reference guide]
. . . and the realization that it was already [and impossibly] mid-december set in this morning, even before the first cup of coffee, and there are still so many plans to make, and things to do, and if you're running a little behind on the holiday shopping, as is the case here, a few perfectly pretty things, for best friends [or yourself], in shades of blush and bits of gold . . .
happy monday! hope your week is off to a perfect start, roséline xo
. . . every year, love to come up with a new wrapping scheme for everyone's gifts, and a favourite was heavy kraft paper with wide lengths of snowy white grosgrain ribbon, and tiny pine cones & evergreen branches fastened around the bow; this year, quite taken with the idea of pretty white boxes tied at the corners with lengths of satin ribbon, pretty pleats of white and lavender tissue adorned with vintage rhinestone buckles and pins . . .
{images : scanned by audrey at ~laura~ from the book vintage inspirations by jane cassini & ann brownfield, photography by caroline arber; similar images posted previously, here & here; see also here}
. . . gilded candelabras and champagne, velvet and sequins and the scent of pine cones -- a little holiday inspiration for this, the most wonderful time of the year . . .
"I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick."
~ Audrey Hepburn
Perhaps every girl's first makeup memory is trying on lipstick as a child, in an attempt to rush into the world of grown-ups: a whirlwind of galas and coffee dates and afternoons spent shopping -- all while donning a stunning crimson rouge à lèvres . . .
. . . there is just something about this time of year that makes everyday feel even more romantic -- perhaps it is the millions of tiny twinkling lights, or the champagne, or catching of one's breath at the sight of the first snowfall, each floating snowflake drifting soundlessly and beautifully against the window pane, whatever it may be, somehow, everything feels tinged with a little romance . . .
At many points throughout the year, we may welcome guests to stay in our homes as well as be guests in others’ homes, but particularly so with the holidays just around the corner.
And whether you will be living with friends or family during such time, it is always lovely to be both a generous and welcoming host, as well as a considerate guest.
For this week's {take me away}, we shall explore different tips and ideas on how to be gracious in both circumstances . . . [click below to read sarah's thoughtful tips for being a welcoming hostess, as well as a gracious guest this holiday season] x
. . . and while we're on the topic of sequins and fairy lights, imagine the utter delight upon happening upon strands of lights in the shape of gilded sequins -- somehow, have a feeling that the holidays will never be the same again . . .
. . . perhaps one of the simplest & loveliest cocktails ever: a glass, some ice, three-quarters of dry champagne or prosecco, a thinly sliced cucumber and fresh mint, and a splash of st. germain, an enchanting elixir of handpicked wild elderflower blossoms from the foothills of the french alps, and it's time to celebrate . . .
. . . vintage vases overflowing with lilies and white roses, elegant desserts and candlelight, a glass of champagne, or two, and most of all, a perfect sprinkling of silver sequins to catch the light . . .
