My Week in Sydney

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My Week in Sydney

Belgian furniture at parterre garden 2715

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Having time to kill between appointments I thought I would have a quick look at Parterre Garden in Woollahra…always such a beautiful and inspiring showroom.

It does help having such fabulous pieces to style.  Their lighting and lamps I feel underpin the entire look….so unique.  The glassware, mirrors and candles are heavenly !!!

What makes the showroom such a delight are the fresh flowers…today mainly roses….spilling out of sparkling glass urns.  I never quite manage to achieve such a lavish look but after a visit to Parterre….full of inspiration…. I do try to raise the bar somewhat.

My very exciting find today was their elegant range of Belgian outdoor furniture(below)……looking far too divine to possibly put outside….Massant…..specialialising in French chairs of the 18th century.

Parterre have a brilliant web site with the beautiful Massant furniture, other pieces seen in the showroom….and much more!!!!

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My Week in Sydney

Flowers, flowers everywhere 2266

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I am lucky enough to live a few doors from the beautiful Grandiflora florist in Potts Point.  It is a never ending hive of activity…..flowers arriving by the truck load……magnificent bunches of flowers being whisked into taxis for delivery !!!! Cars pulling in to collect all manner of fabulous floral arrangements….my mind wanders….who might they be for…..or what grand occasion could it all be part of.

There is something rather gorgeous about someone carrying a beautifully wrapped bunch of flowers…they seem to glow…literally armloads of flowers…..wouldn’t I love it if they were for me….how romantic flowers are !!!

I think that what sets Grandiflora apart….is the exotic nature of not only the flowers and everything that goes with them….buds..pods etc ……..but also the arrangements.

Their windows in fact are an art form……almost an installation….sometimes even spilling out onto the footpath !!!! which I love.

All so very enticing.
My Week in Sydney

Laneway art and about 4625

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Sydney’s Art and About finishes on 31 January.  It is rather exciting when in the city to stumble across one of the many Laneway Installations….the works of australian and overseas artists and designers.

This looked particularly spectacular at night tucked in behind the Ivy off George Street.

Masses of silvery mesh ‘birdcages’ almost like lanterns.

These installations are dotted in laneways throughout the CBD…..so it is definitely worth looking at the website to plot your course……and discover some of the fabulous innercity wine bars for a glass of Prosecco along the way !!
My Week in Sydney

Christmas Lights and Bells at St Mary’s Cathedral 2047

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The light show at St Mary’s Cathedral over the Christmas period was a delight for all to see…….particularly the weary shopper struggling with armfuls of shopping bags ……back to their vehicles parked in St Mary’s carpark.

It is always such a wonderful surprise……..and I never remember that it is on.

In fact I feel a little closer to St Mary’s since I heard a gorgeous interview onABC radio at the end of last year with one of the bell ringers in regard to the 25 year anniversary of the current peal of 12 bells.

This is the third peal of bells….the first to ring in 1844. I was fascinated to hear that the bells ring in a series of mathematical permutations or orders….decided by the ringing master each Sunday.  Each person is assigned to a bell…..the task both physically and mentally challenging.

The bell ringers climb 126 stairs each Sunday and for a practice session mid week.The bells, all on the same level are in fact 2 floors above them which is a bonus given the noise level of the beautiful chiming bells.  Shutters are open wide in the tower for all to hear.

One of the loveliest things to do amongst the madness of the  Christmas rush is to wander into St Mary’s Cathedral to experience the peacefulness…… and the fragrance….. fresh Christmas trees line the aisle…. mingled with incense….and light a candle.
My Week in Sydney

Who is in Charge of Sydney’s New Year Fireworks? – our own Marc Newson !! 1843

Azzedine Alaia Boutique, Paris

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Qantas First Class Lounge, Sydney

It is very exciting to hear Marc Newson is the brains and creative talent behind this years New Years Eve fireworks in Sydney.  It is worth looking at his website to get a glimpse of what he does best. His product design is beautiful!!!  Although he now lives in the UK it is encouraging that he is commissioned for such fabulous projects here.
My Week in Sydney

Christmas Drinks amongst the Luxury at Becker Minty 2055

Such an enjoyable time was had by all at the Becker Minty Christmas Drinks and Shopping Night.  So pleasant to browse at one’s leisure through their exquisite collection of gifts….something for everyone !!! even for those who want for nothing.  As usual the wine…Cape Mentelle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon was perfect and the canape delicious.

My favourites were the new Neom Organic Scented Candles, the very English Floris perfume and for complete indulgence the handmade French velvet slippers by Matthew Cookson.  Indeed the Very Best Of Everything.
My Week in Sydney

The Dressing Table launches in style at Potts Point Bookshop 2094

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This was a very stylish book launch indeed. The room filled with stylish people  sipping lovely Gigi sparkling and listening to Clare Press impart her Top Ten Unfashionable Things she would like to bring back….like….A proper cup of tea brewed in a pot or Writing and posting thank you letters.  This was followed by some of the assembled sharing their own experiences….where a little bit of style went a very long way!!!

It was just as well that it was such a rainy weekend as I settled in to actually read this gorgeous book, not just flick through as I had expected.  It is beautifully written, and the photography is exqisite. Some of the gems inside include –

Seven Ways to Work Out What Suits You and Shop Accordingly

Adorable Presents to Give

How to Give the Perfect Tea Party at Home

Nine More Ways to Get the Holiday Feeling Without Leaving Town

I think this is really one of my most favourite books ever however I do have a confession…I actually bought it for my daughter to celebrate her completing her first year of university.  She hasn’t had more than a fleeting glance at it yet but I am giving it back I promise.

http://www.pottspointbookshop.com.au/pages/429-Aboutus

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