Tea for Five at the Windsor Arms

Tea at the Windsor Arms Hotel has been a Toronto tradition since 1927, so when I heard that the tea room had been renovated I was anxious to try it out. The anticipation combined with my grandparents documented love of high tea led me to book a lovely lunch date for us in the hotel’s dramatic purple tea room.

We were definitely not disappointed with the delicious food, excellent service and lovely ambiance! An array of stunning sweets,  adorable tea sandwiches, scones with devon cream and jam, and of course our choice of aromatic loose leaf teas in our very own tea pots was so precious and tasty!

 

My only regret was not saving enough room for the luscious strawberries and whipped cream that concluded our meal! I totally recommend booking for a birthday lunch with your girlfriends or for mother’s day.

Shaken, Not Stirred

My boyfriend has recently gotten into martinis. Inspired by his newfound infatuation with the classic cocktail, I have compiled a basic barware set that I think any dude would feel cool to show off during a pre-drink or dinner party at his pad:

 

Dizzy Cocktail Glass, $1.95

Black Etched Cocktail Tray, $63.80

Banded Bar Cocktail Shaker, $88

 

Josh Owen Aluminium Cube Jigger, $25

 

L Atelier Du Vin Chic Lady Night Corkscrew, $50

 

Georg Jensen stainless steel and mouth-blown glass Ice Bucket, $210

In case you feel inspired, here is the classic recipe for a martini.

Happy Weekend!

Karen Wise Wedding Photography

I am completely enchanted by the work of award-winning photographer Karen Wise, who has shot for Martha Stewart Weddings, the New York Times and Modern Bride. An RISD trained photographer with a Fine Arts degree, Wise grew up in Montreal and has an incredible photo-journalism approach to her wedding photos. After checking out the stunning photos below, make sure to check out her blog for even more luscious eye candy:

Give Me Liberty! (or at least give me a gift certificate there)

While reading House and Home’s “Shades of Grey” story on decorating a model home in the April issue (photos below), I noticed  a lot of the furnishings and accessories were from Liberty in Vancouver.

Being an east-coaster I was unfamiliar with the shop so I had to google it and see what the rest of their inventory was like.  I`m glad I did because Liberty has great stuff! With two locations in Vancouver and North Vancouver, this high-end home-decor shop carries stunning furnishings and accessories.

Here are my picks from Liberty:

Loren Console, $1,499

Single Shade Tuxedo Pendant, $1,119

Jared Sofa, $3,799

Fluted Vase, $59.95

Treillage Coffee Table, $3,299

Concorde Cabinet, $999

Paige Daybed, $2,249

Porter Floor Lamp, $599

Cane Stools, $279 each

Silver Containers, $149-179

you never know...you might just get lucky!

Did I get your attention?

Spring Fling

Is this Matthew Williamson top not to die for? It is like spring in fashion form, which is fitting because today is the first day of spring! (Best news ever)

 

The soft tulle, ribbons, sparkling stones and flowers conjure images of twinkling cupcakes to mind...

Simply delicious!

Just Call Me Mrs. Malachite

I've been drawn to the rich swirling greens of malachite for years. The bright hits of turquoise shining through the deep bands of emerald green- it's a vivid and alluring semi-precious stone that has been used in jewelry and home decor for decades. Luckily when I was in Cape Town I stumbled upon a stall in the craft market on the waterfront selling nothing but malachite.

I snapped up an oval dish that currently houses some glass cherries in my room. Isn't it pretty? Below are some other gorgeous malachite finds that I'd be happy to own:

This Jean Schlumberger Egg Charm, $800 from Tiffany's looks like an antique treasure. I would hang it from a long gold chain for an exotic everyday look.

Cole and Son's Fornasetti Collection Malachite Wallpaper is so dramatic! I could see it in a small powder room.

 

These Sherle Wagner Bathroom Accessories are a perfect way to inject a brilliant dose of colour into a room. You could use the garbage and tissue cover in a home office or use the stunning knobs on any cabinetry.

On the fashion front, this Michael Kors Malachite Print Slip Skirt, $795 is gorgeous! I love the cut and the

This vintage Four Door "Malachite" and Cane Wrapped Cabinet, $6800 from 1st Dibs is so fabulous! I love how the vignette is styled.

 

Last but not least, Jim Thompson's Tony Duquette collection contains a fabulous malachite print called "gemstone." It comes in other colours, but the green is obviously the nicest.

It would look so opulent as upholstery on the Palmer chair from Baker's Duquette collection.