Slow boat from China...

After several months we managed to source some nice silk for the curtains in the China Room. It has been worth the wait...

View of a bunch of Hyacinths on top of the burr walnut table

The final curtains, with gold tassel tie backs.

I still spy some wall space, which will be taken up with displays of plates, such as these marvelous examples below...

Perhaps some sconces and vases as well

 In the end we chose a colour by Resene called "Jasper". There were a bewildering array of blues.

So far we have used the China Room for individual high teas, as well as special degustation dinners, where different guests ate in different rooms, which was a wonderful night. Groups could choose where they wished to dine. It also works well for entertaining prospective wedding couples when they visit. 

Below I've shared some pictures from Tumblr which provided further inspiration in addition to the previous posts (Post 1 and Post 2)...

 

 All non-original photography from Tumlr.

Cyclamen - Winter Colour...

The cold wet winter persists, except for a few brief dry interludes. It was during one such dry spell I managed to snap some pictures of the cyclamen we have potted up in urns along the terrace, balcony, and cocktail lawn. Even on a gray day we still have some colour...

Cosy Fire on a Cold Winter's Day...

While the rain is pelting down outside today, everyone is toasty warm inside the manor thanks to both the air-conditioning and the cosy open fires. This afternoon we are sitting taking tea in the dining room with a roaring fire adding to the warm hospitality...

Copper Sculpture and Phalaenopsis...

After the arrival of a new sculpture, which was a belated wedding present from dear friends in the UK, we decided to rearrange the furniture to make a place for it in the foyer....

As you can see, it is a female torso fashioned out of British Pennies, and stands about 3 feet tall. We decided to use a table which matched the main foyer table, and place it in the curve of the staircase...

We also decided to update the centrepiece on the main table, which was a huge bouffant of fresh cut flowers to something a little more modern and pared-back, hence the ever popular Phalaenopsis orchards...

Happy New Year 2017...

Wishing all of our guests and friends a happy new year. May 2017 be filled with joy and success for you all!