Lunch with the Girls at Evi's Beautiful Home

Evi's annual Valentine Luncheon was postponed this year due to the terrible weather we have been having this winter in New York.
 But, finally last Thursday we managed to come together
 and enjoy a fabulous afternoon at Evi's welcoming home.

Her unique and beautiful home appeared 
as fresh, light and inviting as ever.

Evi's European origins and her design background work together
 to highlight her many vintage collections and interests.
 Never cluttered, always perfectly edited, each item on display
 is placed just so making her rooms both beautiful and interesting.

Once again, Evi spoiled us with a delicious lunch.

 She served mushroom, asparagus soup; corn, tomato and avocado salad;

 baked salmon and creme fraiche potatoes.

 For dessert, we had strawberries, apple tart

 and a delicious cake with chocolate and a Dutch liquor center.

The table was set with Valentine's Day still in mind...

red and white linen napkins, lace tablecloth and charming paper

 birds created by the talented Evi to stand in as place cards.

 And, of course, she baked and packaged her special cookies

 for us to bring home. (Mr. Flea was waiting for those! :))

 Touches of red, Evi's favorite color and bits of whimsy
 repeat throughout this distinctive and lovely home.

 Sigh...everything is so clean and uncluttered in Evi's world.

...just like my home...

NOT! 

Can you just imagine the 6 of us gathered around this table?

Giddy with the rare opportunity to all spend time together...
...we chattered and ate the afternoon away.

This year, Tovah Martin came to join us at the luncheon.

It was lovely to meet this charming girl.

I was just a little starstruck, but the famous horticulturalist, master gardener, author, lecturer and producer of a PBS series
 fit right in with the rest of us...kindred spirits.

Since Evi and Paula are gardeners and Carole owns and operates a nursery there was much they had in common.

And since everyone loves antiques and treasure hunting
 at flea markets...I fit right in too!

Small touches, tiny delightful bits and interesting collections

 are tucked away in a cabinet in the dining room. 

The charming country kitchen, which produces amazing delectable culinary creations a la Evi's expertise,

 is just as lovely and inviting as the rest of the house.

Collections of sheep and tiny doll dishes fill one shelf ...

Crows and baskets gather on top of another shelf over the stove.

I am sure Evi would not approve of the above photo.
 She was in the the midst of preparing our lunch...
 that's her delicious mushroom, asparagus soup
 simmering on the stove!

but, hey...

 ...this is how the magic happens!

Moving on to Evi and her sweet hubby Eb's bedroom. 

Relaxing and romantic. 
should I say red hot? :)

Three small shelves next to the window

 hold miniature cupboards and other tiny treasures.

I love how she re-furbished the small master bath...
making use of every inch of space while designing it
 to fit in with her aesthetic. 

Don't you love those botanicals?

Yes, Evi did that beautiful stenciling...

Across the hall is another light filled bedroom...

 ...which now is home to Evi's books and vintage toy collections.

One of Evi's beautiful snow girls
 stands on a scrubbed pine dresser in the living room.

And because it had been so long since we had seen each other,
 Evi, Paula and I exchanged birthday and Christmas gifts.

 These beautiful packages were for me!

  

Paula made the angel wings for me which now are perched
 on the back of one of my vintage dress forms.
I am so lucky to have such creative and talented friends!

And last, but certainly not least, is Carole's gift to Evi...

...a beautiful folded paper basket.
Isn't it amazing?

 I can't even imagine being that creative...
...or patient! 

Thank you Evi for hosting us once again....
...we so appreciate all your efforts and will remember
 with love all your pampering and our wonderful day together !

I want to thank everyone who has written to me, sent up a few prayers or otherwise reached out to me. My father in law passed away a few weeks ago and we held a beautiful memorial service to celebrate his 94 years of life and loving.

 I am now in Florida with Dad and the southern part of the family and don't intend to return to New York until spring!
With flea markets and antique jaunts on the horizon...
...stay tuned for a few more posts! 
:)