Monday, July 25, 2011

Cool Off with Courtly Check

The Dog Days of Summer

Or as the French say,

"Canicule"

In any language, this time of year is

HOT ~ HOT ~ HOT

But I know a place with cool temps and cool things.

Come along with me to . . .




 Neiman Marcus' Gift Gallery



And my favorite MacKenzie-Childs' look

~ Courtly Check~



 Ottomans, Pillows, and Poofs




 Courtly Checks and Courtly Stripes . . .



 With a punch of red.



 Whimsical Fun!



 A fashionable mix for the table.



 Delicate porcelain from

Mustardseed and Moonshine, South Africa . . .




 Absolutely adore these

fabulous chargers in poppy red . . .




 And the Courtly Check covered cake plate

ready to head out to a picnic.



 Bowl Full of Sparkly Courtly Check Balls



Organically Styled

Metal Accent Pieces From Donna Karan



 A Bit of Asian Influence



 Bamboo Chargers by Juliska,

topped with MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check dinner plate,

Mustardseed and Moonshine salad plate in poppy red,

and porcelain noodle bowl with chopsticks by Donna Karan.





 Such a clever presentation with the

chopsticks an integral part of the noodle bowl design.




 Interesting Layers of 

 Color, Pattern, Texture



 Beaded Coral Napkin Ring,

Kim Seybert, NYC



 Eclectic fashion makes me smile!




I find it all

~ Pretty COOL and Inspiring ~

Tell me, what do you think?
Table styled by the talented Mr. Glenn!

Joining







Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Sarah
Sarah

The summer we married, my husband was in graduate school, and I was employed as a teacher. We took a portion of our savings that summer and purchased a sailboat. We christened our Catalina 22, “Hyacinths For The Soul” after Saadi’s poem. Our "Hyacinths" provided years of pleasure.

66 comments:

  1. DebbiedoosJuly 25, 2011 at 5:53 PM

    I love it! Very whimsical and colorful. Thanks for sharing the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Cindy (Applestone Cottage)July 25, 2011 at 6:23 PM

    Hi Sarah,
    I love the look! So charming and so whimsical too!
    Very fun!
    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  3. The French HutchJuly 25, 2011 at 6:24 PM

    Oh Sarah, I think very ~Pretty COOL & Inspiring ~. Your post is a feast for the Courtly Check collector. I love the cake plate, Its just gorgeous. My sister loves the Whimsical Furniture. Those pillows you need for your Alice Party. We enjoy the display in the COOL of NEIMAN'S in Atlanta. Great photographs, love the post.

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  4. TheGadsgenGuyJuly 25, 2011 at 6:35 PM

    LOVE it! Fun, whimsical and cheery with color.

    Nancy

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  5. La Table De NanaJuly 25, 2011 at 6:46 PM

    I like it.. Susan introduced me..:) Very well done!!

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  6. Bargain Decorating with LaurieJuly 25, 2011 at 6:47 PM

    Oh Sarah, now I want a room done in Courtly Check. What wonderful photos of such inviting scenes. Yes, I think it's pretty cool. Now, if looking at it would just lower the temps outside, we'd be in great shape. laurie

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  7. Savannah GrannyJuly 25, 2011 at 6:57 PM

    Thanks for sharing this wonderful eye candy. I wish I had a small fortune and I would purchase it all. I love Kim Seybert but can rarely afford her. We are too small in Savh to rate a Neiman Marcus. I really would love the cake cover. It is too perfect. Thanks for sharing, I am so much cooler now. Hugs, Ginger

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  8. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleJuly 25, 2011 at 7:10 PM

    Sarah, I have never gone in Neiman Marcus. I love the bamboo chargers, but am sure I wouldn't pay what they want. Nice for inspiration though.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ricki TreleavenJuly 25, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    Sarah, I love Courtly Check so, so much. I have not yet seen the Courtly Check linens in person. Have you seen them yet? I love the lime green with the check. Thanks so much for sharing this with us. I really like the Asian bowls mixed with the Courtly Check. It is so unexpected!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Patti @ Pandoras BoxJuly 25, 2011 at 8:00 PM

    I am with you...I could sit at that table and be very happy...don't you love the new MC fabric?..soooo expensive!! Thanks for the trip to N-M!

    ReplyDelete
  11. On Crooked CreekJuly 25, 2011 at 8:04 PM

    Sarah,
    Stunning! I thought of you today when I spotted "Courtly Checked" oven mitts @ our Dillon's Market Place!
    Fondly,
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousJuly 25, 2011 at 8:22 PM

    Hi Sarah! Oh, how I love MC and these are wonderful displays! I could have a tiny party there, could't you?
    Be a sweetie,
    shelia ;)

    ReplyDelete
  13. FABBY'S LIVINGJuly 25, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    GORGEOUS and whimsical, wow, this is amazing Sarah!! Fabulous displays and love the black and white check things...well, I love it all! Thank you for sharing this lovely photos. Lots of hugs, FABBY

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  14. JojoJuly 25, 2011 at 8:45 PM

    Sarah, I love it!!! Color just pops against the black & white!

    ReplyDelete
  15. UnknownJuly 25, 2011 at 9:15 PM

    Im head over heals for the checked stuff ! I especially love the checkered plates and the balls in the bowl
    cool for sure !

    ReplyDelete
  16. Yvonne @ StoneGableJuly 25, 2011 at 10:21 PM

    Sarah, now you are a girl who knows how to beat the heat in style! I love all the sass and girliness in that NM table!
    I say shop (or look) till you drop!
    Yvonne

    ReplyDelete
  17. Sylvia KJuly 25, 2011 at 10:23 PM

    Marvelous, colorful captures and what a fun, delightful post for the day! Many years ago I worked at Neiman-Marcus in Dallas! Hadn't thought of that in a long time until I saw your photo! Hope you have a great week, Sarah!

    Sylvia

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  18. PondsideJuly 26, 2011 at 1:36 AM

    That must have been a lovely, cool break. I love that check as well, but have only ever seen it south of the border.

    ReplyDelete
  19. MaggieJuly 26, 2011 at 5:03 AM

    Hi Sarah,
    Gorgeous Courtly Check every where you look, what a feast for the eyes.
    Maggie

    ReplyDelete
  20. Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee(Mukherjee)July 26, 2011 at 5:57 AM

    Dreamy, summery, elegant table! What an inviting setting..Love that Asian touch.Thanks for sharing:)
    Friend, I would love to see you on my blog:)

    ReplyDelete
  21. DebbieJuly 26, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    LOVE it! I love everything about black and white check. I think my favorite thing you have shown is that lantern looking thing on the table.

    ReplyDelete
  22. PriscillaJuly 26, 2011 at 9:07 AM

    When you wrote, "cool place" I thought you were talking Oregon! We've had wonderful weather this summer - so far.
    I should have known it was Neiman Marcus! They ALWAYS have the best! Love the MacKenzie-Childs items. so fresh.

    ReplyDelete
  23. StitchforkJuly 26, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    That was a cool breeze for a hot day!
    xo Cathy

    ReplyDelete
  24. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeJuly 26, 2011 at 10:30 AM

    I totally adore black and white checks and love everything. This is stunning. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

    ReplyDelete
  25. The Charm of HomeJuly 26, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    Oh Sarah!! I am loving this display. I say NM is the perfect way to beat the heat too. I love this black and white check paired with the pinks. What a fun vignette. Is the one with the flower on top and the leaves a pillow? Is is awesome. That just gave me an idea for fall. Thanks for linking this to Home Sweet Home too! I had to look this over and study it closely! Thanks for such good pics.
    Sherry

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  26. MarlisJuly 26, 2011 at 1:31 PM

    Delightful presentation! There is nothing I don't like on this table and those poofy pillows.. well I must either make one or buy one! Thank you so much for sharing.. I feel cooler already.. oh but then I'm inside, the AC hasn't quit all day, and you can literally fry an egg on the sidewalk today!
    xo marlis

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  27. BabsJuly 26, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    Cool inspiration~! I like the Asian one with the chop sticks held on the bowl and bamboo charger. It's funny about the Mackenzie-Childs or Mary Engelbreit looks. Every time I see things that have that look, I always think of you. I always pick the things up to look at the bottom to see if it's M-C or ME, but of course it isn't.
    Hope it cools off soon,
    Babs

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  28. a quiet lifeJuly 26, 2011 at 8:30 PM

    so cute, it looks like it was set just for you!

    soooooo... how many pieces did you buy?!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Magical Mystical TeacherJuly 26, 2011 at 9:25 PM

    The red accents just make everything else zing and shine and sparkle and sing!

    PRAISE FOR RED

    What is there about the color red
    That makes me want to stand on my head,
    And give a loud shout or two of praise
    For crimson tints that brighten my days?

    © 2011 by Magical Mystical Teacher

    Bits of red here and here

    ReplyDelete
  30. AnonymousJuly 26, 2011 at 10:17 PM

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. UnknownJuly 27, 2011 at 5:02 AM

    Oh iLOVE,Love love all Courtley check just cannot afford it all. I try to find pieces that look like
    it that i affordable. Love the pillow.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Cherry ChickJuly 27, 2011 at 6:32 AM

    Sarah,
    I thinks it's all COOL! I can't believe they let you take photos in the stores though. Great photos and thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  33. MaryJuly 27, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    Wouldn't it be fun to dine in NM's Gift Gallery among all those wonderful accessories and in that beautiful environment! What a fun & cheery collection of checks & stripes :-)

    ReplyDelete
  34. A Toile TaleJuly 27, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    Sarah -
    Oh, what fun this was. It makes me miss the stand alone Mackenzie-Childs store that we had here in Atlanta until last year. It was such a walk on the wild side! Have you ever been to their farm/headquarters in Pennsylvania? Devine fun!
    Linda @ A Toile Tale

    ReplyDelete
  35. Alycia NicholsJuly 27, 2011 at 8:56 PM

    That puffy pillow with the flower on top is just TOO cool! I can't stand it!!! It's fabulous!!! Now I'm going to be bugging my niece to make me one since I can only imagine what it must cost at NM!

    ReplyDelete
  36. AnonymousJuly 27, 2011 at 9:52 PM

    That was fun! I don't have any, love seeing what others have though!
    Kathleen

    ReplyDelete
  37. Lana Kim White AustinJuly 28, 2011 at 4:52 AM

    What do I think? I think I'm SO GLAD you took us on this COOL adventure to NM! (I miss NM--not only is there not one, obviously, in Italy, but not in Huntsville, either!0
    And I love, love, love all the gorgeous FUN that MacK's line always produces!!!!!


    Love/hugs/blessings,
    Lana In Italy

    PS I hope, please, that you get a chance to drop by my blog & leave a comment for a chance to win my 1st Giveaway! THANK YOU!!!

    ReplyDelete
  38. RettabugJuly 28, 2011 at 6:48 AM

    Oh Sarah...you had to be in 7th Heaven, wandering through all this checkered goodness! I'm surprised security didn't haul you off for taking so many photos.
    Thanks for sharing them with us. I LOVE IT!!

    fondly,
    Rett

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  39. xinexJuly 28, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    Beautifully put together, Sarah. Love your MacKenzie Childs...Christine

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  40. Johanna GehrleinJuly 28, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    Whow, Sarah, that is really chic. I am enthrallend.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  41. TriciaJuly 28, 2011 at 2:04 PM

    Oh, this display would certainly have caught MY eye! How fun to get to see it all, even second-hand!

    ReplyDelete
  42. JessaJuly 28, 2011 at 9:13 PM

    WOW this is wonderful. The cake plate is so great. Love how it is all put together, very stylish!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereJuly 28, 2011 at 9:44 PM

    Sarah, The black and white checks and stripes are very whimsical..love it! Some of these pieces would go great in my home office. Thanks for joining the Open House party this week.
    xo,
    Sherry

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  44. Shannon@Cozy Home ScenesJuly 28, 2011 at 9:55 PM

    Thanks for giving us a look at these fun dishes and things. Black and white always seem to be in style and paired with red, it really makes a statement. Shannon

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  45. The TablescaperJuly 29, 2011 at 2:33 PM

    Oh Sarah, what a sight. I know how much you love Courtly Check. You must have been in heaven.

    - The Tablescaper

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  46. UnknownJuly 29, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    How fun, colorful & interesting, Sarah.
    Have a beautiful PS weekend ~
    TTFN ~
    Marydon

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  47. bjJuly 29, 2011 at 10:46 PM

    O, Sarah..you know how much I love CC. Am afraid I would have to think twice if I had to choose CC or Mr. Sweet. :)))
    Love all these images. Just breathtaking. :)
    xo bj
    O, you were mentioned somewhere today...where was that...hmmm...Little Brick Ranch maybe??

    ReplyDelete
  48. SueJuly 29, 2011 at 11:50 PM

    I didn't realize that they carried anything other then ceramic items with the check pattern.....ove love love the fabric pieces and that ottoman!!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Castles Crowns and CottagesJuly 30, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    I LOVE THESE CHECKS....a mall near us, a quite FANCY mall has a shop that carries all of these remarkable lines of place settings in the black and white checkers and I never really paid attention to the name, but THIS IS IT!!!! I love black and white and I would fill my kitchen IMMEDIATELY with this design!

    Hello dearest Sarah! THANK YOU FOR STOPPING BY! I will be back next week. Are you having LE CANICULE AUSSI? TOday is quite humid and I am staying INSIDE!

    Enjoy the day dearest, Anita

    ReplyDelete
  50. My Shabby Rose CottageJuly 30, 2011 at 11:29 AM

    Hey there Girlfriend!! een a while..been very busy...still need to send you the gift from Italy!

    Of course, I love the CC...it's everywhere in my house as well as painting it almost daily!! Painting cowboy boots today for a few friends...nice break!

    Love this post..thank you for taking time to share this..Hugs..Linda

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  51. Marina CapanoJuly 30, 2011 at 1:02 PM

    Wow! lovely post! great pillow!

    you're invite to my party Step by step on tuesday!

    I hope you!
    HPS!
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  52. AngeJuly 31, 2011 at 1:46 AM

    You certainly know where to go to keep your cool. I'd fly over there…But there are strikes! Seriously though, looks like we've found a solution :) So when I get back, I Columbine shall send you a secret message ;-) Hope you are well dear friend. Looks like I've made it back to the blog world at last!!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Designs on 47th StreetJuly 31, 2011 at 7:36 AM

    What's not to love? :) Truly an unexpected use of colors and one I find so soothing for the hot days of summer. The black and white with coraly reds and soft greens are very appealing to me!

    Donna

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  54. Entertaining WomenJuly 31, 2011 at 11:44 PM

    MacKenzie Childs is always perfect for a whimsical, yet sophisticated table. Thank you for sharing your 'cool' time at Neiman Marcus. Cherry Kay

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  55. EviAugust 1, 2011 at 10:53 PM

    what lovely table settings!
    I adore checks and stripes. Wonder if our Neiman Marcus has this....
    Have to check this out.
    Makes me want to buy more table ware.
    Hugs, Evi

    ReplyDelete
  56. Alison @ The PolohouseAugust 2, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    Hi Sarah~

    Love her black and white check pieces of MC but I have never seen a lantern!
    That is beautiful and love the rose topped tuffet with the green leaves along the outside....so pretty!

    xx
    Alison

    ReplyDelete
  57. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiAugust 2, 2011 at 1:11 PM

    Hi Sarah!

    What a beautiful Mackenzie Childs display! It is nice to see many of their wonderful accent furniture pieces as part of the tablescape. I love the addition of pink and reds to the black and white check pattern.

    I hope it cools down soon. The NYC heat and humidity has made me a prisoner of air conditioning!

    ReplyDelete
  58. MarianneAugust 2, 2011 at 8:45 PM

    Sarah,
    What a great place to keep cool! I'm just loving the black and white check. I would just love to create my own tablescape with some of these whimsical elements.
    Marianne :)

    ReplyDelete
  59. Bunny JeanAugust 3, 2011 at 1:39 PM

    Just before we moved from Texas I was in the Neiman Marcus Dallas store... Just had to see the MacKenzie-Childs Gallery!

    I sat down "smack dab" in the middle of one of those little benches... and had my picture taken!

    Your pictures are so much prettier.
    Thanks for sharing.

    I am having my very first BUNNY
    HOP blog party and of course you are invited. Please drop by, when you can, to see what it is all about.

    xoxo Bunny Jean

    My main blog is Bunny Jeans Decor and More. The link is in my profile:)

    ReplyDelete
  60. BeverlyAugust 3, 2011 at 1:42 PM

    I've been missing you, but work has me so busy that I haven't had much time to visit.

    These displays are fun and pretty. I love those red chargers.

    ReplyDelete
  61. UnknownAugust 3, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    Love it! Thanks for the virtual shopping trip!

    ReplyDelete
  62. AngeAugust 3, 2011 at 3:50 PM

    Hi Sarah,
    I read your post a few days ago and then had to race off before leaving a comment. No canicule here unfortunately. However it's lovely and cool in the evenings - just perfect for a glass of rosé while contemplating the countryside as children's laughter wafts up from a not too distant field…
    Sigh - I shall give you more information about Columbine soon.
    Much love and bisous

    A
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  63. bjAugust 4, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    just coming by to ck on you..hope everything is ok..been awhile since you posted. :)
    xo bj

    ReplyDelete
  64. Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net)August 5, 2011 at 6:18 PM

    Sarah, what a fun tablescape! Glad you captured it for us!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Michele SmithAugust 10, 2011 at 2:04 PM

    I LOVE mackenzie childs courtly check!!!! I've got a few pieces now and my husband ordered a few more pieces secretly for me and should be here any day now!
    Beautiful photos! I would love to visit that shop!

    ReplyDelete
  66. AnonymousAugust 11, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    Sarah, this group of photos made my heart sing!! Thank you for sharing my work on your blog. I can't tell you what your posting and all the kind comments mean to me!! Glenn

    ReplyDelete

Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.

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