the pear

A little trip over the border and you are in the Italian city of Como on the amazing Lago di Como... one of the most breathtaking lakes in Europe!

It was time to do some shopping to find a few special items for the lounge room.  In one store 'Heimstore' there were some very gorgeous cushions in Marimekko prints and fabulous decorator objects but you just couldn't go past the amazingly eye-catching giant fruit.

The fruit are made in Brasil by hand using the most beautiful ceramic, organic pigments and real sticks for the stems of the fruit.  Each piece is unique because of it's artisanal beginnings.  Check out www.coresdaterra.com.br for more fruit and other amazing ceramics.

The chairs are antique tobacco-leather wing chairs from the UK and the cushion is from Heimstore in Marimekko 'Tuuli' print.   The Paua Shell Bowl is hand-made pottery from New Zealand.  The coffee table books are by Jonathan Adler and Tricia Guild

christmas is nigh!

It is so exciting getting the house ready for Christmas.  And what's more exciting this is a first, a White Christmas high in the Swiss Alps.

The snow is coming down and covering the ground with a beautiful white-glittering softness and the streets and trees are being lit up with festive sparkling lights... it looks so very beautiful!

So while all that magic is happening outside, it is time to start making it feel warm and cosy indoors, particularly in the Stuva.  Getting crafty with napking rings and candlesticks... here are a few snaps of how the table is going to look for Christmas dinner.