Sposa Bagnata, Sposa Fortunata

Several weekends ago I hosted a Bridal Shower at my home for a dear friend's daughter.

I figured a weekend in September in the SF Bay Area would grace us with a gorgeous day to celebrate her upcoming nuptials.

 And so with the help of the bride to be's mother who just happens to be the best floral designer in town and my co-hostess Maggy we decided to throw a luncheon in my back garden.

 This is my dear friend and co-hostess, Maggy.
Isn't she gorgeous! She was in charge of the food.

About an hour or so before the guests were due to arrive it started to sprinkle... 

which quickly turned to a hard, pounding rain,

and continued in a downpour which lasted for several hours.

All these pictures were taken just minutes
 before the weather turned.

Soon after, the guests began arriving exclaiming that the streets were flooded as they deposited their umbrellas on my doorstep.

Armed with a tray of champagne cocktails with blood orange bitters I immediately set out to keep the party atmosphere festive, after knocking back a couple myself!

My small house got cozy real quick!

 Fortunately there was a break in the weather just as we were about to serve lunch!

Thankfully my wonderful hubby had covered the outside table with plastic sheeting to try and 

protect it from the rain and it worked!

With the addition of an extra umbrella we were all able to sit down together to a delicious lunch.

The Bride to Be, Elizabeth, passed around a tray of gorgeous hand decorated cookies in the shape of a bridal gown!

 The father of the bride showed up to take photos of the occasion.

The mother of the bride, Molly, is on the right with her cousin and one of her sisters.

Afterwards we all gathered in the living room to open the gifts. I had hoped to do this in the tented pavilion but "man makes plans and God laughs."

Which brings us to the meaning of "Sposa Bagnata, Sposa Fortunata."

Which when translated literally means,
"Wet Bride, Lucky Bride." 

Rain signifies blessings. 

Blessings also connote prosperity, both in a material and physical sense.  It is therefore considered good luck if it rains on that special day, due to the hopeful expectations of a happy life.

Elizabeth, or Lizzie, as she is fondly called by her friends and family, was showered with blessings as she and her finace, Joe look forward to starting a new chapter in their lives...

one that should be blessed, blissful, and filled with good fortune.
 

A First Apartment

We just returned from Southern California where we delivered a truckload of furniture to our son's first apartment in Westwood Village at UCLA.

I tried to get him to secure an apt. in the nice new apartment complex across the street that was under construction all last year but he decided he'd rather live here.

Finally, he's out the Frat!

That is his Fraternity next to the new apartment complex on the left.

Sigma Phi Epsilon has been renting this small green apartment house as their Fraternity House since their "House" burned down several years ago.

 

It only took 3 years and he's still just across the street but  I think he found the perfect solution.

I scored the contemporary "Bruin Blue" wide wale corduroy couch complete with pull out bed for $90.

 

Much more civilized but still close to the action.

The TV table, bookcase and desk chair were here when we arrived. I added the captains mirror, painting and industrial lamp on top of the bookcase to light it up at night.

 

Now instead of living in the middle of the chaos which is part and parcel of Fraternity Life, he can come and go as he pleases.

The desk was here but we brought the Knoll desk chair and modern lamp which has a built in dimmer that really helps with the ambiance at night.

And finally get some consistent sleep!

I picked up this reproduction Eames chair and ottoman several years ago and have been holding on to it for my son's "one day" apartment. The day finally came and it is much appreciated as it is SUPER comfortable.

His roommate sent me some photos of the apartment and a list of the things he wanted Chris to contribute.

 I admit I brought this lizard or iguana lamp carved from a piece of wood fungus.

I already had some things stored in the prop shop and the rest I found at several thrift shops in our area.

I brought this painting which reminds me of the Santa Monica Pier. I feel like it belongs in L.A.

 We bought this large Oriental rug at a garage sale in our neighborhood for $70. Once we laid it down I regretted not keeping it!  Hopefully it will survive the year and I'll get it back in good shape!

Good friends loaned us their pick-up truck and off we went down Highway 5 headed for LA.

Chris's roommate is from Texas as you can probably tell...

It only took a couple of hours to get things moved in and situated.

I couldn't resist this set of vintage etched glasses with a B for Bruins at a thrift store in Canoga Park.

Boys are so easy to please!

 We didn't have time to help them sort out the kitchen but isn't it cozy?

So much potential!

The best compliment I got was from my son who said, "it felt like home."

I heard his roommate declare that they had the nicest apartment on campus.

Mission Accomplished :)

Bonkers for Bentwood

Ever since reading TOM SCHEERER DECORATES by Mimi Read, I've been bitten by the Bentwood Bug!

I couldn't help but notice how often he incorporates bentwood chairs and accessories into his design schemes.

A few summers ago I picked up a couple of classic bentwood side chairs like these but with leather seats at a garage sale.

I figured they would be great around a small table in my son's "future apartment."

They had a masculine vibe that resonated with me.

But it wasn't until I took note of the judicious use of bentwood that Mr. Scheerer uses to punctuate his spaces that I really began to have a broader understanding of their impact in design.

That is what I love about good design and great designers like my new crush, Tom Scheerer.

And so, last week, with bentwood on the brain, I spied this wonderful vintage bentwood coat rack at my favorite salvage yard and snapped it up! 

I couldn't help feeling that Mr. Scheerer would be very proud of me!

I HEART TOM

From the moment I laid eyes on the now infamous redecoration of The Lyford Cay Club under the brilliant eye of Tom Scheerer, I was instantly smitten with the man.

I stared at that issue of Town & Country Magazine for days before sharing it on my blog. 

I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of his new book released this month entitled, TOM SCHEERER DECORATES.

I devoured each and every image taking in all the delicious details.

What stood out to me was not only the brilliance of his designs, but how authentic and livable his spaces were.

As I flipped from page to page, and project to project, I got a clear sense of his process and dedication to creating spaces that truly reflected the personalities and needs of his clients.

 I couldn't help but notice the unique and unusual accessories that seemed hand picked.

I felt he was a kindred spirit of the treasure hunting kind!

In fact, I saw many things sprinkled throughout his rooms that I have found over the years in my treasure hunting forays. 

It made me feel that even though he is a highly sought after designer, he is down to earth and imminently relatable.

Several other bloggers have also reviewed this book and all seem to have enjoyed it as much as I did.

You might check out the recent interview he did with Mark Sikes here and here for a deeper insight into the talented Mr. Scheerer.

I highly recommend adding this beautiful book to your collection.