I start this post by saying my heart is heavy over the unspeakable tragedy in Newtown, and asking everyone to keep those affected in their prayers. Absolutely devastating and frankly hard to wrap my head around. For those families left behind dealing with the most unimaginable grief, I hope God will protect, bless and guide them during this dark time and in the difficult days ahead. My heart breaks for each of them. All we can do is keep them in our prayers, which I will continue to do.
LAST DAY TO SUBMIT YOUR HOLIDAY PICTURES.......IT CAN BE OF YOUR TREE, YOUR HOME, YOUR GIFT WRAP, AS LONG AS ITS HOLIDAY RELATED! I WILL BE POSTING MY READERS SPECTACULAR IMAGES TOMORROW! YOU ARE IN FOR A ROYAL TREAT......SEND ME YOUR PICTURES TO THEENCHANTEDHOME@GMAIL.COM
As you know Friday was my birthday as well. I am glad I didn't know about it beforehand, admittedly it would have been difficult to get into a celebratory mood knowing what was going on just a state away. I first want to say thanks so much for the wonderful and warm birthday wishes and was so touched by your comments, emails and even a few E-cards! I really had a wonderful day. It meant so much to have a "day off", no pressure to run around, play mama elf and do a million things in a day, do anything other than allow myself to be wined and dined by those I love and who thankfully love me back:) My dear friend made a beautiful luncheon for me and five of my closest friends. It is more than apparent that she put a lot of love and care into this special day as these pictures will attest.
The food was amazing, the atmosphere picture perfect and holiday ready and the company bar none....being surrounded by my closest friends, who could ask for anything more! I gave out nutcracker ornaments as favors and then she showered each of us with a beautiful Ralph Lauren candle and giant gingerbread cookie! It was like Christmas 11 days early! Besides feeling very loved and cared for, it was fun to be in her stunning home all decked out for the holidays! So you know I love to share with you my comings and goings and I thought you would all enjoy seeing highlights from this special day.....
Such a beautiful and elegant holiday/birthday tablescape!
Her dining room is absolutely beautiful and you know I love that paper (and those jars)!
Killer view.......
Her 15 foot tree, its a stunner and could give Rockefeller Center a run for its money!
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| This is a beautiful vignette in browns and greens...love it! |
A peek into the kitchen
Another angle of that amazing view....
This is such a pretty picture, don't you think?
Her elegant and warm butlers pantry.....
And for all you Gracie wallpaper fans......this is one stunning powder room!
Coffee was served in these darling nutcracker mugs....
How about this darling pair of lab fireplace fenders for her two labs, love this!
Her beautiful new mohair chairs.......love the color!
The pooches are partied out....they are ready for an afternoon siesta!
Looking from the family room into the kitchen and breakfast room, such a pretty shot.
My "favors" for each of my friends, a trio of nutcracker ornaments
The ornaments that I gave out as favors....love nutcrackers!
And the second favor! A beautiful Ralph Lauren candle and giant gingerbread cookie!
There are the "party animals"
Part of the spread to start....yummy cheese and a crudite
A wonderful rose champagne, that just kept on flowing...I certainly didn't say no!
Pretty!
Nutcrackers are everywhere....
I am getting hungry all over again!
A wonderful really yummy pasta with fresh lemon and olive oil...soooooo good!
And this lemon sole was heavenly!
The colors are so pretty and warm
Time for the "goodies"!
My friend putting her last minute touches on her wonderful cooking!
This green tea ice cream was sooooo good, love the peppermint topping she put in for a little holiday cheer!
And my special birthday cupcake....yum!
Her beautiful welcoming family room.......pretty!
Happiest of birthdays to you. Looks like it was a lovely affair!! Thanks for all the gorg pics!!
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday! This was an intimate beautiful celebration and your friend's house is quite grand and beautiful! The view of the sound is spectacular.
ReplyDeletePrecious, Precious Tina,
ReplyDeleteYOU ARE WELL LOVED! Look at this feast, in a palace! AND I COULD HAVE SWORN I was in your home. The chandeliers and the VASES IN BLUE made me take a second look to make sure I was not in your house! I adore those party animals and the fenders as well are just a MUST HAVE for this labrador lover here!
I am wishing you the best of the holiday spirit my sweet. I also am with you and others in prayer and hope that we who are left behind, can plant seeds of goodness and righteousness in our young ones. This tragedy has left me, an educator, stunned. I am however, seeing my little rascals in a new light, as they all deserve to be respected and honored always.
HEY! When the sun comes up, I will try to take photos of my humble mantle, or little Christmas tree! Much love, Anita
I'm loving those plaid napkins with the red glasses. They're so perfect for the holidays and rich and full of passion too! Have a happy Sunday,
ReplyDeletexo
Sharon
Tina it looks like you are truly blessed with loved ones and good friends. What a stunning home and those views, lucky owners. I hope you many more Happy Birthdays!
ReplyDeleteXXX
Debra~
I am so glad you had a beautiful birthday!!! It looks like such a beautiful luncheon. How blessed you are to be surrounded by loving friends!!! It makes life so much more enjoyable. xo Kim
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Tina...I am happy you had such a lovely birthday. The house and table settings are beautiful. Enjoy your Sunday! xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteTina it looks like a perfect way to spend your special day. Your friends home is just beautiful and those views are so gorgeous! What a perfect weather day you had. The food, presents and decorations are all so lovely. You obviously have very special friends, but I am sure you are one to them as well!
ReplyDeleteI agree about your thoughts on the shooting, I cannot make sense of it. I am devastated and cannot stop thinking about it. Especially this time of year, oh that kind of pain is unimaginable. We must as a world learn something from this, and teach compassion and tolerance.
Happy belated birthday, looks like it was wonderful.
So glad you were surrounded by so much love and beauty on your birthday!
ReplyDeleteXO
So glad you were surrounded by so much love and beauty on your birthday!
ReplyDeleteXO
Tina this looks so pretty. Your friend obviously loves you very much to put such effort into this beautiful day. Her homes is so pretty, thanks for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteTina! You are a special girl! So much love surrounds you and it shines through on your blog! I am so happy that your friends had a beautiful lunch for you. Your friend's home is breathtaking! And that view is one I can dream of! Everything looks wonderful and a delightful treat! Here's a special prayer for you...Lord may you continue to fill each day with blessings for my friend Tina and may your face shine upon her and and may You find favor in her. AMEN! All my love Tina! XOXO, Desiree
ReplyDeletePrayers for all in CT. And, Happy Belated Birthday, Tina! There is no greater gift than love! You are blessed. May God continue to bless you! xo
ReplyDeletehappy birthday darling girl!
ReplyDeletewhat a festive affair and beautifully decorated, so festive! i could stare at that view all day.
many wishes sent your way
debra
Many loving thanks dear Tina for your support and kindness. Your light will, I AM SURE, be a comfort to anyone near you that knows this sort of grief. Sparkle dear one.....Anita
ReplyDeleteThoughts and prayers go out to CT.. so glad you didn't know about it beforehand. My birthday is Sept. the 11th. I received lots of flowers that year and fortunately we celebrated the night before.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful luncheon your friend prepared in honor of your special day. Her home is lovely and she was kind enough to allow us a tour! Girlfriends are so important aren't they? :)
Enjoy your day Tina!
What a nice friend you have! I'm afraid I would have refused to leave that lovely home! Happy belated birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Tina! What a perfect day - girlfriends + great food + gorgeous setting.
ReplyDeletexo
Serena
I am so glad you had a lovely time with special friends. Happy birthday.
ReplyDeleteHappy Late Birthday, Tina! I'm so sorry I didn't know on Friday! I'm so glad you got to enjoy your special day with such special friends! That all looked so wonderful, yummy, beautiful, etc…Her home is lovely and the meal looked divine! What a treat for you!! I have been super sick as well as having to get ready for our huge but fun party we had last night! I finally feel like I sit back and soak it all in! ( just wish I could get well!) And you said it so beautifully in the beginning of this post about praying for those who are so devastated by the attack on Friday..what a horror! My heart is broken in two for all of those family and friends that lost such precious lives!
ReplyDeleteAgain, though…I'm especially glad you had a great birthday!! May try to send some pics later now that the party is over! Much love and Happy Birthday wishes are sent your way!!
Oh my! I felt like British Royalty with that view.
ReplyDeleteThe home is awesome (I don't use that word lightly) and the friend equally so for making such a grand party for you.
Happy Belated Birthday!!
Sweet Tina,
ReplyDeleteI know I am a little late to express my wishes for your Birthady! But better late than never!! I wa thrilled to see this beautiful post! I do see that you are a beloved person! You deserved this special way of having your friends making such a fabulous party for you! Everyone loves you my friend! If I lived closer I would have joined you at this beautiful !
Warm hugs and so many kisses as your age has!
xx.....
Greet
Dear Tina,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad your birthday was wonderful. The pictures are breathtaking. Please everyone hug your children, cherish every moment with them and keep Newtown and everyone in your prayers. I live 2 towns over from Newtown and the sense of loss and grief is so profound. Judy
What a lovely party Tina... I am glad you had such a gorgeous time and took some time for yourself... So deserved...
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your Sunday, xv.
What a gift your friend gave you, a special birthday luncheon. This gives me a great idea for a dear friend of mine, whose birthday is n January. Was it a milestone birthday, or does she do this every year?
ReplyDeleteThe events in Newtown (the next town over from where I grew up - it shocks me to hear 'Newtown' and massacre in the same phrase) make us realize that life can be uncertain and that we should make the most of each day. My thoughts and prayers are certainly with the dear families who have lost so much this week.
Holly
I am so glad that I stopped by today! Just in time to wish you a very happy birthday! Tina it appears that you had a wonderful , relaxing day with good friends and apart from family what could be better! Something kind of funny...your friend and I have many of the same things...actually a whole lot of the exact same things. As I was reading through your post I almost started to giggle because with each photo there were more and more things. Dishes, wood blocks, silver trays, topiary urns, owls and Labs oh my! All that aside I wish you the happiest birthday and holiday season!
ReplyDeleteXO Lisa
A belated happy birthday to you dear Tina, surely one of the best loved bloggers out there!
ReplyDeleteSharon
xx
I thought the mohair chairs looked like grandma chairs, but I loved the mantel with the owls! Glad you had fun on your birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday sweet friend! I'm so happy I found your post and wow!..wonderful images of your friend's stunning house, she's wonderful! Love the mantel, the table, the tree, but the views are to die for!! Happy holidays!
ReplyDeleteFABBY
What a beautiful home!! I love the Gracie Inspired wallcoverings and that tree is amazing! It is okay to celebrate your life, its all we have in times likes these and I wish you another wonderful year ahead!
ReplyDeleteWhat a special way to spend your birthday surrounded by great friends, good food, a beautiful home with amazing views and then the cute pooches to boot! Looks like a special afternoon Tina, one well deserved. Thank you for sharing the highlights with us, wishing you all the best.
ReplyDeleteHappy Belated Birthday, Tina! What a beautiful setting for a beautiful person! The home is stunning; and it is apparent that you are well loved! Wishing you many more happy birthdays!
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Wow, so stunning and so like your house. I didn't know whose house I was looking at for a while there! That view, my GOD!
ReplyDeletePS The sadness and tragedy of Newtown is beyond horrific and I can't begin to imagine how those poor parents and families are suffering. When will it end?
Your means of telling everything in this piece of writing is really good, all can effortlessly understand it, Thanks a lot.
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Hi Tina,
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday! I'm glad you were with good friends.
keri
so festive and fun, tina!
ReplyDeletea beautiful prayer you have penned that i join with you in praying.
michele
Tina,
ReplyDeleteIt is so very hard to think of anything but those beautiful little faces and the teachers who lost their lives on Friday. My thoughts and prayers are with them.
Your party looks beautiful, a wonderful day spent with friends, the perfect birthday!
Have a great week, Elizabeth
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Happy Birthday, Tina!! What a perfect way to spend the day! Your friend's house is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteSo glad it was a special birthday! What a stunning house your friend has . . . beyond gorgeous! Thanks to her for allowing us a look inside the festivities!
ReplyDeleteThe strongest prayer for the children and their loved ones.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday!!! What a beautiful home! And what beautiful way to celebrate your birthday. Thank you so much to you and your friend for allowing us to share :-)
So glad that you had a wonderful bday and felt cherished. Your friend's home in gorgeous!! It remind me of the Newport mansions with those views? Perhaps she needs her own blog?! That Gracie paper is beautiful and I'm spying your shop's napkin rings and ginger jars!!! xo
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Apparently I need more friends like this!!! Thank you so much for sharing all these beautiful pictures. Your friend's house is stunning and decked out to the nines. What fun. Belated Happy Birthday. I'm a December baby as well, which is usually swept under the rug a bit in all the Christmas rush. But with a birthday party like this one....I wouldn't complain.
ReplyDeleteTina,
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful home- as one reader commented, it does resemble yours in many ways. I guess "Birds of a Feather Flock Together " LOL Anyway-it seemed like a beautiful Birthday. I too have a December one,the 21st. Happy Belated Birthday.
By any chance do you know the name of the painting with the sheep and the shepherd ? It is so beautiful. I have seen many similar , but the brown tones of that one makes it so unique .
Kathy