I traveled with some interesting women on my recent trip to FRANCE!It was a small group but an interesting group!Always fun to see what other people will BUY!I think I mentioned in an earlier post my plan was to buy ZERO……..NOTHING!Just take in the BEAUTY.Well, that idea went out the door at the very first STOP!I did some damage then PAID for it with over weight at the airline counter.IT WAS WORTH IT………YOU KNOW it was FRENCH STUFF!
One of the ladies and they will all remain nameless ;well her MOTHER lives next door to SISSINGHURST right NOW!I am fascinated with these gardens at the moment and the grounds and the woman behind the gardens here.I must get my Body to England sooner then later.I must be able to walk and take in all the BEAUTY there…………..
Another traveling companion who’s FATHER worked in ALGERIA for an oil company but his REAL JOB was for the OSS.Pre CIA.Well,she was born in BORDEAUX en~route to PARIS……….the town has the BIRTH CERTIFICATE in an old leather book with a lovely note hand written by her FATHER in his script!Imagine finding that after all these years!
Another Beautiful woman has met the QUEEN of ENGLAND on numerous occasions……………She has been invited to festivities where a TIARA was OPTIONAL on the invite!No wonder her grace and manners were outstanding!I knew I liked her IMMEDIATELY.
A woman from the SUNSHINE STATE had a photo shoot with CARLA COULSON the SUNDAY I arrived……in fact,Carla and I were to meet for an aperitif but unfortunately FOR ME she had to cancel due to a work opportunity.What a small world!This same woman has a daughter who is living in NEW YORK who had the opportunity to work with BEYONCE.
Our lovely TOUR GUIDE has lived in INDIA and has the accent and the head WADDLE down perfectly!!!That was a TREAT to hear and see!!Just a side note!She is a VERY TALENTED WOMAN!
Another GORGEOUS woman got a DIVORCE over this TRIP!I guess this trip was the final straw in HER book………Between February and October she SOLD her house,moved to a new place and completed a 28 year marriage!FRANCE is a powerful place………………..
The year is coming to an end.I have to say this was the fastest year of my LIFE.
ALOT of good has happened to me.
The WORLD………good grief.One horror after another………
MERRY CHRISTMAS to ALL of YOU my DEAR DEAR READERS…………..
A photo of OUR TREE this year………..I am PLEASED.The Italian husband did the lights and MY BOYS did the ornaments!I just DIRECTED…………it warmed my heart to watch the MEN at WORK!
I wish YOU all HAPPY HAPPY HOLIDAYS……………….XO………..CONTESSA.
Stacie says
Oh I love this post. Your tree is beautiful!
contessa says
THANK YOU!I do like it myself!First year we did not have to cut any off the TOP!Can you spy I have THREE TOPPERS………….!!!
suzanna says
Gorgeous Tree, Joyeux Noel Contessa from across the pond in Santa Rosa Beach, Fl !! PS I love the illustration of you in yellow by Beth Briggs, XO
contessa says
I DO TOO!!!BETH sent this to me as a surprise!!!!YOU CAN IMAGINE MY DELIGHT!XO
Donna~Faded Velvet says
Elizabeth~
I still love hearing about your latest trip to France…and the many personalities that were your traveling companions.
Your tree! Oh my goodness! How big is it..it looks so tall! Is it real? We do artificial here….fire hazard and all that. I can’t imagine my husband and my son doing my tree! Mercy, I’m not sure what that would look like! Probably not great….but I would still love them.
I am sorry, I thought I would get to see your tree in person this year. Maybe in the Spring (I hate flying during blizzard season).
Merry Christmas!
Donna (Faded Velvet)
contessa says
OUR TREE is the REAL DEAL………and has a divine FRAGRANCE this year!I understand the fake tree too……in fact I bought one two summers ago to use at shows!!!IT’s quite large,maybe I should send to YOU!YOU are always WELCOMED HERE!YOUR ROOM AWAITS YOU!I will keep adding to it,so the longer you wait the BETTER it will BE!
MERRY CHRISTMAS INSTAGRAM BUD!
XO
Heather in Arles says
Not done with France? Well, you better not be as I am counting on you teaching me to drive and ball-gown picnics in the vineyards next summer! 🙂 Selfishness aside, it sounds as though you were with a truly fascinating group of women and of course they would most definitely say the same thing about you!
Gros Bisous,
H
contessa says
Your last statement made me LAUGH……………
AND Of COURSE, I am coming to TEACH YOU TO DRIVE……IT”S MY MISSION IN LIFE NOW!I will NEVER be done with FRANCE……..NEVER!TOO many Beautiful Bloggers with too many Beautiful photos……………XOXOXO
Karena says
Dear Elizabeth,
You have lead an extraordinary life which keeps getting better and more adventuresome with every year! I know you treasure these new relationships.
What a gorgeous and colorful tree filled with such joy and love!
All the best!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
contessa says
MERRY CHRISTMAS KARENA………….I don’t know about EXTRAORDINARY or ADVENTURESOME but I do have a few GOOD stories to SHARE!
XO
Catherine says
Dear Elizabeth…wishing you a very Happy Christmas have a wonderful time…your Christmas tree looks absolutely fabulous…just like you 😉
With my love xx
contessa says
I love that YOU people say HAPPY CHRISTMAS……and we USA say MERRY………does anyone know why that is?HAPPY HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU TOO CATHERINE……..and me thinks you live now in the same town as KATE”S PARENTS???!!!!Please report in to ME if you have a sighting………especially of that LITTLE GEORGE!
XOXO
Anita@letshavelunch says
Hello Dear Elizabeth,
You have had a wonderful year and thanks so much for sharing your adventures with us. Sissinghurst in 2015……you must. Happy Christmas La Contessa xx Neat
contessa says
YOU have MADE MY YEAR WONDERFUL NEAT……………..have adored our similarities and interests on SISSINGHURST, gardening and cooking!I know we will meet one day and perhaps it could be in Vita’s garden!!!!!WE would need someone filming that on camera…..as it would be a sight!By the time I get there I will know all about what she planted where and why!!!
XOXO
Mimi Thorisson says
What a luscious tree! Wishing you a merry Christmas & a happy new year! Lots of loven Mimi x
contessa says
YOU made my DAY!
SEARCHING for BALL GOWNS………….which I would leave for your girls to play dress up!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS Mimi……………..I know it will be a LUSCIOUS one for YOU as well in that new HOME!CONGRATULATIONS on EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!I am as excited as YOU are!
XOXOX
Becky Burgess says
Enjoy reading your comments. Thanks. Becky
contessa says
THANKS for POPPING BY…………have you sold all your FRENCH GOODS??Or did you keep most!!!
Becky Burgess says
Of course I kept some, could not help myself. The items I took to the shop walked right out, the scales went first then the cute little binos and I still have the tin pitchers. Just sold the architectural piece, have not put the linens in yet. What fun, I would love to do that in Provence, I wonder if that is possible. Anyway love your website and have been enjoying Ellies writing, what a talent she has with the words. When Tina comes again maybe I will meet her and we can have a great lunch and lots of catching up. Becky
Nathalie says
Buon Natale e Buon Anno! I don’t always comment as my two sons still need a chauffeur and I am tres busy toujours, but I adore reading your posts!
xo
Nathalie
contessa says
SO, delighted you wrote to me!BUON NATALE………and don’t forget to wear NEW RED UNDERWEAR for the NEW YEAR………….I cannot remember the reason……..money I do believe !!Or Good FORTUNE………regardless………NEW and RED!
Enjoy those BOYS…………..XO
Miss Mary says
Adventure is your middle name! I have loved hearing stories about your wonderful French trip. Isn’t it delightful to travel with friends?
You are living the dream life, sweet Contessa-ENJOY every minute!
Selfishly, having my little “intern” home for Christmas this year is sweet too, as she was teaching in France last year. She is busy, as always, but I know the lure of the French countryside still calls her. And, her little sister leaves for Grenoble in 2 weeks for a semester of study. So, it may be that BOTH of my little doves will be in France this spring!
Wishing you happy days and sparkling nights in 2015.
contessa says
OH MISS MARY…………I think if your little DOVES are in FRANCE you need to go check up on them!FRANCE in the SPRING…………..JUST GO!!!!
MERRY MERRY………….and all the BEST to YOU!
XO
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
Good Morning.
Just adore your travels and people you meet along the way.
Hope Christmas and The New Year bring everything you dream of, and yes peace in the World. ????????????????????????????xxxxxx
Susie Nolan says
Happy Christmas and New Year, Elizabeth, takes me awhile to figure blogs etc out. Now when I sit on my Knole red over the top sofa will think of you. Will be a very different Christmas this year with the death of our son, but life is precious and we try to live in the day??????????????????????????????????????????????????????
contessa says
SUSIE,
NO words to help here……….but just know YOU are in my thoughts.I would LOVE a CHRISTMAS PHOTO of YOU on that over the TOP SOFA I spied on INSTAGRAM!!!I do believe it was your DAUGHTER IN LAW who suggested INSTAGRAM to YOU……..well hats off to HER as YOUR photos are worth VIEWING!
SO SORRY for your loss…………sounds like he was STRONG until the end.Love to YOU.
XOXO
Anita Rivera says
YOU are just the most adorable and loveable woman.
WHAT A TRIP INDEED!!!! These women, wow, what a powerhouse of a group dearest Contessa! And you bought…you and me…what a team we’d make because when I was in France, did I ever do damage..teeeeheeee….I was constantly going to the poste or UPS to send home copper pots and other antiques! I barely ate because I spent my money on the most gorgeous cookware!
Thank you again for the love. I just love the vintage French cookbook, the little pink tree and all the other lovely goodies. YOUR CARD CAME! Oh dear, I have been giving finals at school and have had no time to do anything such as open Christmas cards or send them!
Wishing you a peaceful and ever so lovely celebration with the people in your life. LOVE! Anita
contessa says
ANITA!
IT’s FRIDAY…………exams are over and school is OUT for two weeks I hope!Time for YOU to enjoy the season……….and cook in those FRENCH POTS!I know you will use your time WISELY…………..perhaps we can chat on the telephone!MERRY MERRY………..I know SANTA will bring GOODIES!
XOXO
Katrina says
Dearest Contessa,
your tree is tres jolie and I especially love the fact that the men put it together under your direction. Would love some tips on how you managed that one. My husband always does our lights….but the teenage boys are not inclined to help at all. The rest is left up to my daughter and myself. Your floors are amazing,love them. I have a love affair with France also,I’m heading back there in April for three weeks…..counting down the days already. Wishing you and your handsome men a wonderful Christmas. Much love,Katrina xxx
contessa says
Tis hard when they are still TEENAGERS……….but make it a FAMILY AFFAIR.SET a time, put the Christmas music on…….have HOT CHOCOLATE READY……..and you will pull them in…………I think most families don’t make it a TRADITION anymore.IT’s HARD WORK………as is the REST of our JOBs being the MOTHER.But let me tell YOU it’s worth it………..OUR tree WON HONORABLE MENTION over in PARIS on another WONDERFUL BLOG called HAVE SOME DECORUM!When I told the SONS we had received that award………I could see the smile within!Because they had done the TREE!
MERRY CHRISTMAS……….THANK YOU SO much for your comment!
XX
Katrina says
Thankyou for replying to my comment….made my night. First time I’ve managed to check your blog since Christmas and all the festivities. I read Ellie’s blog and was so sad to see someone could be so cruel,but I’m happy she responded to them……I think they will get the message from her committed blog fans. Love you both,you are a breath of fresh air. My favorite part of France is,apart from Paris,the Dordogne. I am lucky enough to have a sister who owns a couple of houses in France. One in Monpazier,a gorgeous little Bastide and one in Uzes. I am making the long trek from Australia in April and can’t wait. I have taken note of your tips on getting my boys involved next year,hot chocolate is a great idea. Happy new year to you and your beautiful men. Love Katrina xxx
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
And a Merry Christmas to you & yours dear Contessa xxRos
contessa says
XOXO
The Style Crone says
I loved reading about your trip to France. Your tree is gorgeous and happy that you enjoyed watching the “men at work.”
Happy holidays. I always enjoy visiting your intriguing creation!
contessa says
MERRY CHRISTMAS…………CRONE!!!!
MY HAT is off to YOU!
Nita says
Great post! Happy Holidays!! I agree this year went super fast!
Tamera Beardsley says
My dear … your travels are a marvel … as are you!
Your tree is magnificent … and all the more beautiful with the story of the making!
Biggest of holiday hugs to you and yours!
xoxo
Tamera
contessa says
MERRY CHRISTMAS to YOU and your FAMILY…………XO
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
Before getting THIS post, I had picked out which would be YOUR tree from the Honorable Mention assortment on Ellie’s blog RIGHT AWAY. So creative, imaginative, EXUBERANT and didn’t have a lot of extra curricular ultra lux home decor in the photo to beef it up – it just stood beautifully and elegantly on it’s own.
I was hoping you would post the full pic – It’s MAGNIFIQUE!!!!
Your fan, Lindy, NYC (written in the style of)
Jody Brettkelly says
What a lovely tree! We are back on the 3 Jan, let’s have a coffee or lunch then?
contessa says
YES!Please call when you get back!!!
SAFE TRAVELS……….XX
Piedmont Pembroke Parent says
Joyeux Noel Contessa,
What a gorgeous tree! I have to ask, is there a tree under all those ornaments??
I have enjoyed your blog so much this year, and to think you did not start this earlier!
Your hilarious and thoughtful view of life has given me a wonderful perspective.
I can’t wait to read more adventures and wise advice in the new year!
Love and kisses,
PPP and Dexter
contessa says
HELLO MADAME!
I was thinking about YOU the other day…………….MERRY CHRISTMAS!I hope all is GOOD in your neck of the woods.I think I am in GOOD SHAPE this year!TREE…….GIFTS…….CARDS………..all done.Now for the FEAST!That will be easy as I am following the book A VERY CHIC CHRISTMAS by DEAR ELEANOR over there in PARIS!!!!!So, far everything I have made has been D I V I N E !MERRY MERRY…………see you soon!XO
Merisi in Vienna says
Gorgeous tree, loved the tales!
Merry Christmas, buon Natale, joyeux Noël,
Merisi
contessa says
TO YOU TOO MERISI!!!!!BUON NATALE!
Jan Schechter says
You are a woman with incredible taste and style. I am sure the ladies you met while traveling went home telling stories of you my dear! You make an impression!!! Love the blog always.
contessa says
SEE YOU In a few DAYS!!!!!!!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
XO
joanie says
La Contessa,
It was fun to read about our France trip – I have many fond memories because of meeting you. Thank you for your wonderful compliment!
Joanie
contessa says
YOU are SO welcome!Good to hear from YOU!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Marsha @ Splenderosa says
Once again, I am just smiling at your wonderful personality and the ability to tell a story so well. What a splendid group you had on this holiday!! I would have loved to go. Seriously. I must be invited next time. Ok?Ok.
Your home is so warm & fuzzy, and I love all the ornaments on your fully-loaded tree. I think I always have a beautiful tree(s), not at all like yours, but beautiful…and now I like yours better !!!
contessa says
Ours is a collection of 29 years of collecting………..I would imagine YOUR TREES are a SMASH!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS MARSHA……………..XX
kim says
Elizabeth, I just love hearing about that trip. Sounds like some amazing women along with you…Well, you are just as amazing and I bet they adored you too.
Your tree is lovely. The boys did ours too…Yes some direction required. I loved your idea of boys shopping for the stockings as they get older. Fun!! Maybe in a couple years…
I feel lucky to have met you this year and look forward to 2015 and more fun! Wishing those boys, pets and you a beautiful Christmas!! xxoo Kim
contessa says
TIS HERE UPON US………………..WE BETTER BE READY!Lovely meeting YOU too KIM!Have we only known each other less then a year?SEEMS MUCH LONGER TO ME!!MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
XO
Doré @ BurlapLuxe says
Thank you very much for the holiday greeting over at my place.
Always enjoy my visits here and all the beauty you have to share, and I cannot forget to mention your travels 🙂
Your tree is amazing and what a beautiful job those men have done.
Joyeux Noël
To you and yours
Xx
Bisous
Doré
Loree says
It sounds like you had a most fascinating year. I love your tree and I love your lovely, exuberant spirit. Have a wonderful Christmas Contessa and may you continue to have many more adventures that you will share with us.
French Basketeer says
Well…almost January 1 now, and you know what that means…next trip to France will be right around the corner…I can not wait to show you the delightful foods and people and shopping of Burgundy. And of course, the driving lesson….I’ve got a thing or two up my sleeve for that. Hope you are enjoying a strong coffee this morning and a nibble of biscotti. XXOO-A
contessa says
HAPPY NEW YEAR……..and YES the biscotti are GONE!BEST BISCOTTI I have ever had…….NO JOKE!
ENJOY YOUR TRIP overseas and I await YOUR ARRIVAL AT CASA CONTESSA come the end of JANUARY!!!!XO
Stephen Andrew says
Merry Christmas to you! Your tree is so happy! Your most recent trip sounds wonderful. Can’t imagine how much trouble I would find myself in!
contessa says
MY GUESS is LOTS……………..just like me!
Eleanor says
Love love love your tree. Love your spirit. We could talk 2014 and up to a good year because that is the year we met. XOXO looking forward to your 2015 blogs.
contessa says
LOVE YOU!
YES, IT WAS A GOOD YEAR TO GO TO PARIS AND FIND YOU!THE BEST PART of the TRIP was meeting YOU!
XO
Anita Rivera says
Oh Contessa dearest, YOU ARE AWESOME! Thank you for coming to visit with me and I just read your reply up above…WOOOO HOOO! How I’d love to chat with you sometime, absolutely!
You know, my sis-in-law may be in your vicinity. Not sure where you are, but I do know you may be in the same region as she is. We are talking big over here about our trip to Carmel, so when we are there, I’d love to meet you if you are only two hours away!
And yes dearest, SMILING is a good idea at any age, but it’s the best facelift I know! Keep smiling and let those eyes of your sparkle as they do in your photos!
BIG WISHES for a sensational New Year’s celebration! Anita
contessa says
HAPPY NEW YEAR ANITA………………we shall make it happen!XO
Sharon Santoni says
Dear Elizabeth
Meeting you was one of the highlights of the year for me! I love your run down of all the wonderful ladies who came along on the tour in the fall – it was such fun!
And Sissingurst? Next time you want to go there, just say the word and I’ll be waiting! I love the gardens and can so easily imagine Vita S-W driving down that narrow lane, with her car full of new plants!
Wishing you and your family all the best for the year ahead
Sharon
xxx
contessa says
DONE…………the picture you just created for me driving down a narrow lane of VITA and her CAR full of PLANTS………Now I have to SEE This place!!!!AND on TOP of that to see YOU again!My wheels are turning……………XO.
CINDY hattersley says
Now if only my husband would let me direct him!! What am I doing wrong??!
contessa says
I directed the SONS!Not the husband……………I do not think YOU are doing anything wrong if YOUR HOME is in TUSCAN MAGAZINE this MONTH!How exciting……..I will buy a copy!But would LOVE an invite to see for mySELF!HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Jennifer says
How did I miss this post??!!
Your trip sounds magically amazing!! Not done with France?? Of course you couldn’t ever be. I love to read about your adventures. You really do have the most amazing times!!
Happy New Year!!
xo
Heather Lindstrom says
Oh to be in Paris! I just relived our holiday trip, a couple of years ago, on the blog. What fun for you. Your tree is spectacular! Just stopping by to wish you, and yours, a most wonderful 2015!
xx, Heather
Jody Brettkelly says
Hi Eliazbeth, HYY!!!back from NZ and ready to do out and do some work avoidance, lunch or dinner work!
Jody Brettkelly says
Gosh I should at least spell your name correctly, I blame jetlag