Wednesday, December 16, 2009

The French Hen and the Essex Holiday House Tour



Essex is home to a lovely shop called The French Hen...
We were able to stop by Saturday afternoon and check out the beautifully displayed decorative items, gifts and jewelry...
...A collage of the displays in the storefront windows...



In the morning, we walked the Essex Holiday House Tour....The sun was shining, the sky was blue and it was wonderful to be out in the crisp December air in this charming seaside New England town. Although we were not allowed to take pictures inside these stunning historic homes...there was plenty to capture with my little Canon point and shoot outside!

Here are some of the sights we saw...
...as always, click to enlarge for a better look!













Tomorrow, I plan to share a little of Cathy Pendleton's open house in Clinton on Friday night and some photographs of one of my favorite shops...Taken For Granite in Stony Creek.

...and then...I have a secret to share! Shh!

16 comments:

Lenore said...

Lovely photos....enjoyed the window displays and the details on the front of the homes.
Thanks for the peek!

ruma said...

It is a dreamlike view.
Decorations are very delicate.

Thank you for showing wonderful scenery.

From the Far East.
Greetings.

mary pernula said...

Wonderful photos..... as usual, thanks for placing them on your blog for all to see. xo Mary (JMPPASTIMES)

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Oh I would love to see these places. Beautiful.
I think I might have to shop our little stores downtown tomorrow instead of the mall
Thanks for sharing
Maggie

Suzy's Vintage Attic said...

Hello Laura

What a beautiful place, I love the architecture of the houses. The shop looks like the kind I would happily browse in for hours...
Warm wishes
Isabelle x

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Oh those houses Laura. I love them all.We have stayed in a few similar to the ones you have shown when we have been travelling in the States . They have such character.
As for the shops. If these were in easy access of my home, I'd be broke !!
The area where you live is absolutely beautiful and full of New England charm. XXXX

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Oh Laura
You have me intrigued!! I'll be curious till I find out what the secret is.. don't make us wait too long.. hehe

The photos are lovely... looks like you had a great time and I'm sure the inside of those homes were as lovely as the outside...

Have fun xxx Julie

Theresa said...

OH how beautiful and looks like a load of fun! Tell me the secret, "I won't tell a single soul what you have to say":) Have a blessed day!

Obee Designs said...

Oh what a wonderful day you must have had! The tour looked like it must have been so fun. I love the photos you were able to capture from your camera. The house with the bright yellow door looks so cute. I love the color, so unexpected, but so bright, cheery and inviting!
The French Hen and Gather look like places I would spend a lot of time and money. I think that's a great thing, my husband may not:) I guess for his sake it's not close by. I sure wish I could go shopping there....amazing. Even the store fronts are spectacular! I love the concept of Gather. I wish someone had that vision around me.I can't wait to see the photos of the open house and more of your favorite stores. So far the ones you have shown are divine!!
Have a great day!
XoXo
Gail

Elyse said...

how lovely!!!

xo

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

Oh you lucky girl you,nothing better than a lovely shop this time of year! Going to say Merry Christmas now just in case...talk to you soon Chrissy

Lee said...

What fun!!
Lee

The Flying Bee said...

So beautiful, Laura! Thank you for sharing. I can't wait to find out what your secret is!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Adrienne

June said...

What a wonderful tour! I love the creamy colored house (federal style?) in the center of the one mosaic...I could so live there!
Thank you so much for taking us along on this beautiful trip.
Hugs

Stephanie said...

oh my gosh, wishing I was there to see all of this. It looks absolutely interesting and gorgeous!

The French Hen, Chester, CT said...

Wow! I have enjoyed your blog and what a treat to see my store mentioned. I am so honored! Happy New Year and stop by soon to see the great spring merchandise I selected while on a buying trip in Atlanta.
Merci! You are on my favorites list now!