great kitchen

I was happy to be invited to a lovely kitchen party the other day.  A snowy weekend and a menu of delicious soups in beautiful Northern Berkshire County hit just the right note.

My friend and client (also a Lisa), is a fabulous cook.  She makes the most of her award winning kitchen.

Eighteen of us gathered around the antique french baker's table.

Yep--all one table--amazing.

The bar was set up in the formal dining room.    Striped walls were painstakingly painted by yours truly.

The soft candlelit tone is a beautiful backdrop to the couples extensive art collection as well as their antique quimperware.

The lovely bank of windows opens to the back garden.  We had originaly discussed painting the windows an accent color but decided to let the beautiful architecture stand alone.   The right choice I believe.

A study hangs over the kitchen and makes for a great place to view the preparations.

The formal living room connects the kitchen and the dining room.  These Schumacher loveseats were repeated in different fabrics in two other rooms.

The reading room tucks in at the very front of the house.

Great design is great design.  I thought these shoes worn by a guest were fabulous.

A view of the aftermath--I was not on dish duty thank goodness.

Lisa's husband and I collaborated on the design of the floor cloth depicting two well loved pets.  The painting was done by Elizabeth Whelton.

Two tired Lisas at the end of the evening.

My own kitchen is a thumbprint in comparison, but I thought I'd show these great antique egg and nest prints I picked up at the NY gift show.

  The beautiful cup painting is by Daniel Thibeault.   And speaking of Daniel,  just look at what he can produce from the comfort of his own beautiful kitchen.

                             

Another wonderful party in another great kitchen.