PROVENANCE . . . . .

           
               Yesterday afternoon following a design appointment, I received a call on my cell
                reminding me of our invitation to share in the opening of a new shop.  Two of our
                friends were involved and I thought it a good thing to support them and 
                share in their new endeavor.  We did not know the third partner, the antique
                dealer, but as it turned out, that did not take long because he met us at the door
                as we entered the shop!  He was charming and had a bit of a French accent which
                gained my full attention immediately!

Nancy and I met at the entrance that was

without storefront and quite inconspicuous.

Tiny white lights,  an urn filled

with greens in a small patch planted with shrubs,

all in the presence of a black door with a fabulous

logo.  Somehow, the absence of that store window

was just not going to make a difference. . . . .

This shop had once been a warehouse for Lech, the antique dealer

who also had a presence in the city (Chicago)  He greeted us

at the door on his way out with the charm and essence of a

true Frenchman.  Was he or was he not?  His name

is Lech.

The 85' walk down this hall proved to be interesting in itself.  Dark dingy walls

we learned had been revived in a beautiful shade of taupey soft warm gray.  Gold leafed

antique frames were adorned with red ribbons and greens which only made

the wonder grow.  .  .and he personally brought us down this walkway.  Immediately,

I thought about service and attention to detail and a caring for his new clientele whom

he had just met.

When Lech opened the door, all I can say is my heart

skipped a beat.  It was the most beautiful collection of

18th century antiques I had ever seen. So beautifully

gathered and so cleverly unassuming.  There was an

unexplainable comfort in the serious furniture that

was so much a part of the mix.  The atmosphere alone

was a plus because of what 3 clever people envisioned.

TASTEFUL

ELEGANT

WARM

CHARMING

UNIQUE

I honestly was lost in it all and congratulated all for their efforts of

pride and a job so beautifully done.

I looked around and certain things caught my

eye that were unlike  anything nI had ever seen.

This extra large, hand painted apothecary jar

was beautiful.

Old leather books were tied with twine and decorated with

baubles suggesting a wonderful Christmas present offering.

Silver trays were filled with more interesting objects for purchase.  This

over sized silver tray stole my heart.  (I already have one or it might

have come home)

Vignettes were created with such charm and contrast of

colors, texture and interest.

  Note the black lacquered

chandelier over head.  The greens made you feel

the holiday presence at this opening.

This streetlight would be wonderful on a sideboard filled

with a strings of white lights in a bed of greens.  I would

say it was about 20" tall.  Origin: France ?

Santa sitting in an antique French chair.

This wonderful zinc horse head sat comfortably on a vintage

book of Vienna.  What a wonderful gift for a horse lover

or even me!

Another well put together vignette that stole my heart because

of the objects that included antique frames, a clock,

an old trunk turned coffee table, an antique brass barometer

a small wooden antique box filled with frosted cookies  and

then all of it gathered on an animal!!!   WOW!

On the table where a beautifully presented offering of hors d' houvres

taunted,  was this mini drawered chest full of Christmas cookies.  I filed

this idea immediately.  How clever!

This two-tiered epergne was host to the

table that was filled with appetizers and wine.

The floral work was that of Sadie, owner and creator

of The English Garden Flower Shop in Clarendon Hills

I couldn't believe my eyes at how clever these bookends were.

Talk about re purposing. . . . .metal flower frogs and doorknobs

had just become friends with antique leather books!

More re purposed vintage bookends.  The name of their clever

company is called HOBNOBS and I bet they would ship! 

Last but not least I spotted this zinc birdcage that was about

20"tall.  On the perch were tiny candy canes suggesting another

wonderful gift for a holiday purchase.

I truly hope I was able to wet your appetite.  If you live locally, I promise

you that you won't want to miss this little world, down that long hallway

with 3 wonderful people ready to serve your antiquing needs.  They are

open for business, every Wednesday and the rest of the time BY APP'T

ONLY.  (which says to me, they will meet you almost anytime for

a shopping event you won't ever forget.)

LECH KMIEC

630 207 0647

ANN MARIE GENT

630-567-6055

DEBBIE ZIMMER

630-772-0970

PROVENANCE

ANTIQUES AND ARTIFACTS

18 A NORTH CATHERINE AVENUE

LA GRANGE, ILLINOIS 60525

http://www.provenance-chicago.com/

                           

FALLING UNDER ITS SPELL . . . .

December 1st has arrived and the retailers prepared us well that this day was coming.  The reality of another holiday not far away.  It doesn't matter whatever our age, it is a time when
the magic of the holidays come rushing to greet us with a force that just seems to take over our lives.  So much to be done, lists to make, trees and mantels to be trimmed, cards to write, menus to create, invitations to write and respond to,  tables to set, cookies to be made and parties to dress for. . . .

Before showing you some local shops, with  some special creativity of the season, I want to share a little bit of Christmas in Kohler.  We stopped at Woodlake before heading home a couple of weeks ago.  This shopping area is located just the other side of the Kohler Design Center and is worth the stop.  I particularly loved Kohler Gardens.  .  . a fresh and fragrant greeting filled the air. I honestly could have closed my eyes and believed I was in the middle of an evergreen forest.   Pine, Cedar, Boxwood and Eucalyptus, swags and wreaths outfitted with Red Berries and Winter Berries and all in a setting that was so endearingly welcome.

With many crisp leaves still underfoot, this fragrant

display really put me in the holiday mood.

Walking into Kohler Gardens could leave one breathless

if you are a Mackenzie Childs fan.  'She' was all over the store

and the displays done to perfection. 

Two weeks later and today to be exact, I went into some of

my favorite shops.  Shops that I knew would not disappoint;

creativity reigns with the passion for what is the heart and soul

of the season.  This sage colored  basket of texture, color, shine and lichen

seemed to beckon.  I loved it. (sorry, I think my hand moved while

taking this picture!)

The contrasts of the Christmas season were breath taking.

White wooden candlesticks, feather snowflakes against light

and dark greens . . .

 

Tiny gray birds flirting beneath an urn filled

with green apples and pears. . .

Another mossy urn with Christmas greens that looked so real

I had to smell to believe they were not real, all while balancing

another green berry ball amidst the wonder of the season.

A mercury glass display with a frosted bottle filled

with light.  So fabulous . . . .

If you are looking for Frosty's girlfriend, you will do no better.

A little bit of welcomed bling.  Besides, what is this season

without it?

Spelling out the JOY of the season.

Soft golden boots with fur amongst a collection of

silver bells and baubles . . .

A trug filled with more berry balls, both red and green.

Don't we just need to have some of these?

And who do you suppose this might belong to?

Ivy touches Christmas so beautifully.

A window so charming. . .

A shop you must visit. . . . located at:

917 Burlington

Western Springs

Created and owned by

Carol King and Paula Butel

Thanks gals for letting me be a part of such a wonderful shop.  You

never disappoint!

WHERE TRANQUILITY IS HOST. . . . .

I would venture to say that the weekend before Thanksgiving was the last true Fall weekend and we were as relaxed as a weekend would allow.  Following a stay at a private property at Kohler, our agenda on Sunday morning was for all of us to meet at RIVER WILDLIFE LODGE  for Sunday morning brunch.

This rustic log cabin borders a lush hardwood forest.  There

are six cozy and inviting dining areas that included

intimate lofts.  The welcomed mix of earthenware placesettings and

pewter could not have been more perfect amidst a seasonal lucious

menu and offerings of Sunday morning bloody Mary's.  (of course

I did!)

The path leading to the Lodge Restaurant.

There was a chill in the air and this massive fireplace was a wonderful

WELCOME as we entered this log cabin.  The smell of wood, mixed

with the smells coming from the kitchen, mixed with this wildlife

atmosphere was tranquilizing.  So serene. . .

Since this is a hunting lodge, a few wildly wonderful reminders

seem to welcome us as well.

Someone's hunting dogs served as a reminder that they might

have had something to do with the smaller critters that were

proudly on display. . .

We had brunch in the loft and this wonderful cedar roof

seemed to beckon. . .

A carved wooden deer hanging from the ceiling and over the

brunch table. . . .

A feast awaited us and these were the pre-brunch

offerings. . . cheese selections, a side of smoked salmon,

salads of all kinds, a fresh fruit tray, muffins, scones and a

selection of meats, fresh made breads and pastries.

Over sized logs ushered us to our seats.

An Elk standing watch over the lodge. . . .

From the loft. . . . . an owl vies for attention.

Vintage snow ski's adorn one of the logged walls.

The lodge porch  holding on to Fall.

River wildlife at its best.

While there weren't many flaming leaves to enjoy, the bittersweet vine

still a reminder that Fall was still enjoying its stay outside this tranquil

lodge. 

As we walked the path back to our cars, thoughts of home began

to come into my head.  Thanksgiving was only days away (so much to do),

  I still  enjoyed the crunch of leaves underfoot and reminded myself

that one of the noisiest parts of the weekend were the birds flying

over head in formation beginning their migration South.  A soothing, tranquil

weekend had been shared with special friends and the reality of life awaited

us as we headed for home.

A weekend at Kohler, is a special weekend to experience almost

any time of the year. . . .the Kohler Design Center is also an attraction

but, there was no time to do it all.   Maybe next time. . . .

HAPPY THANKSGIVING . . . .

Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks for the joys and blessings of family and friends.  I received so many text messages today with words that meant a lot to me.  I have certainly been blessed with a wonderful family and I have been blessed with wonderful
friends.  But, who would have ever believed that a blogging community would have resulted in such friendships, joy and inspiration. 

            I am blown away by what has resulted from this communication we all share.  You are all a joy to me and I so love my communications with you.  You have filled me with more inspiration than any great magazine could even begin to possibly do (and I AM the queen of

magazines)  Sitting at my desk is an everyday adventure that takes me to places I would have ever dreamed.  How lucky I am and how thankful I am to have 'met' so many of you.

Your creative spirits are a gift and I am so lucky to have been the recipient of those gifts.

Thanksgiving Day 2011 is coming to a close and with a house full

of guests getting ready for bed, I have reflected tonight on my

everyday blessings and I am so thankful for everyone.

(.  .  .  how quickly this mornings breakfast table is now only

a memory.  .  .)

I hope your day was filled with the same joys of family and friends

your spirits lifted and your efforts appreciated. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING