Wednesday, September 14, 2011

~ Dining At Mary Carol's ~

This past Saturday my girlfriend and I headed to Atchison for Mary Carol Garrity's Annual Fall Open House, author extraordinaire and owner of 3 stores, Nell Hill. I took a lot of pictures and will share with you over many posts. I was surprised to discover the outside of her home was decorated for Fall and the inside for Christmas. She has another big event in November, I'm sure it will be easier for her to transform just the outside of the house for Christmas.

Her dining room painted in Twilight and trimmed in white is a gorgeous welcoming room. The first thing that caught my eye were the beautiful crystal vases full of white hydrangeas, greenery and a small rose here and there.
The use of the  bone flatware mixed with silver flatware puts an interesting twist on the table.. Always the hostess she's left a small gift at each setting.
 Don't you love these dishes? They were gorgeous!!
A marble top table dressed full of fine desserts, silver based crystal dish held fresh fruit. Having it's own centerpiece of a small crystal vase full of hydrangeas and Christmas greenery. I love the sweet angel playing the flute. Forgot to look for it in the stores. :-(
The tree in the corner was full of vines and silver color curly ribbon. You can see a hint of it at the top of the windows. ( The silver curly ribbon should be in the shop next week. Yes, I'm starting to pull out the Christmas decor).
I love the way she has the buffet set up, all in layers and again "lots" of silver.
The clear vases were quite tall reaching into the chandelier. I loved the over the top feeling it gave. Notice the small clear dish full of roses in the center of the crystal candle holders? While dining the taller vases would come off leaving the smaller centerpiece. Great presentation!
Gorgeous!! Yes, that would be me in the reflection of this beautiful warming tray. lol

A look at her chandelier all dressed up. Lots of curly ribbon used once again.

It was difficult to get good pictures. The room was constantly full, crowded at times. I hope you enjoyed seeing part of Mary Carol's home.. I have more to share in the next few posts. If you ever get a chance to visit Atchison and one of Mary Carol's Open Houses, you won't be disappointed. She is one of the most gracious people I know to open her home to thousands each year.
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If you're like I am, once you go to an Open House or an event of that sort you come home inspired and all fired up. I've pulled out more silver pieces and have worked over many vignettes in my home. I'm loving the timeless feeling it creates, can't wait to share them with you, so please stay tuned. lol
Susan, thank you for hosting this great party each week.

40 comments:

THE STONE RABBIT said...

I've just been to one of her open houses and it was in the spring. It was an amazing experience!

I think you got some great photos, Lynne. When I was in her house, we were very packed, so you did a nice job snapping away and not getting others in your pix...except for your reflection and that is pretty hard not to do!

Glad you got to go to her house and shops!

Dana

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Looks gorgeous...so elegant! I am sure you had a wonderful time!!

PAT said...

I have always loved Mary Carol's dining room!

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Lynne...

Ohhh...I would love to visit Nell Hill's home and shop...but not sure if I'll ever make it that way! Sooo...thank you, sweet friend! At least I can get a "bird's eye" view of her pretties through you!

Isn't it all just FABULOUS??? Ohh my goodness...it really is breathtaking! Although, I have to admit that it's difficult to think that she has already decorated for Christmas. Hehe! Guess the decorators have to stay ahead of the game! I just loved her table and yes...the place settings are gorgeous! Just my kind of table! The tall vases full of hydrangea and vine is soooo beautiful! Again, I stand in awe! Thank you sooo much, sweet friend, for sharing Nell Hill's home with us...I loved it!!! I'll be looking forward to your upcoming posts for more!

Love ya, Darlin'!
Chari

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

How lush and plush - what a gorgeous table! Linda

Lori @ Dining Delight said...

Thanks for sharing this! So beautiful! I love her books and know it would be a dream-come-true to visit her home! I especially liked seeing the tall vases with the hydrangeas and greenery in them as that is an idea my daughter wants to try for her wedding.

DD

Salmagundi said...

Lynne--- I'm jealous as I've never been to one of her open houses - guess I'm lucky, though, I have been to the stores. We're headed out on a road trip soon going to Round Top, Texas for the antique extravaganza, and are even thinking about coming the very long way home through Ks. City to see friends. So maybe there is a visit to Briarcliff for me in the very near future. Thanks for sharing your pictures, looking forward to more. Sally

bee bon said...

Hi Lynne Sounds like you had a great time, it reminds me of Hopewood French and Country' these events are so inpiring. I look forward to watching for more pics. love bee xx
ps lovely photography x

9405018--Pat said...

Wow looks wonderful! Mary Carol's home is so beautiful. I was not able to go this time darn...but will try to make the open house for Christmas...thanks for sharing Lynne, don't you just love this weather? Pat H

afternoon tea said...

Those are fabulous pictures! I love her dining room. She has books? I must look them up. I wish I was close enough to attend the open house.
AT

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Hi Pat, it was wonderful. Hope you and Dana get over this way for my Open House this year... Yes girl I am loving this weather.. have the windows open feels great! hugs ~lynne~

Barb said...

Hi Lynne, her dining room is so lovely. My sister in law lives within an hour of her home. Next time my hubby and I visit...I must go there.

This is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing with us. :-)

Hugs, Barb

Marigene said...

Beautiful photography, Lynne!

Marlis said...

I am drooling.. so glad you shared this.. so many beautiful ideas.. xo marlis

Nancy's Daily Dish said...

Absolutely beautiful! You must have had such a wonderful, wonderful time. How could you not being surrounded by all those beautiful things? Her home is lovely!

Nancy

A Perfect Setting said...

Gosh, that's lovely! The place setting/dishes are absolutely breathtaking!! She has a gorgeous dining room, and exquisite taste. Your photography really showcased the tables beautifully!! Thanks for sharing!

xinex said...

The table looks so elegant and so festive. I bet it's even prettier in person...Christine.

lvroftiques said...

Lol!! You're drooling and I'm panting Lynne! What a gorgeous room! Loaded with decorating ideas. That meat dome (be still my heart) is killer!! Are you as fired up as I am?.....Wait...I just remembered I don't have a dining room!...WAHHHHHH! Vanna

Lana Kim White Austin said...

Oh, I'm sooo glad you got to visit her house and take photos to share with all of us!! All of that silver/those tall vases...stunning! I think my favorite part is the tree in the urn in the corner!!!

Hugs,
Lana

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

OH what an amazing tour Lynne!
Would I ever love to go there!
The pics are just so gorgeous and every detail just superb!
Glad you took pics!
Cindy

Zuni, Chickadee Home Nest said...

Wow! Thank you for sharing this beautiful home with those of us who couldn't be there. What a treat!

Veronica said...

Wow Lynne..nothing wrong with your pictures. I am swooning in delight at the festive ambieance and all the gorgeous little details. Just wonderful... Thank you so much for you lovely comment on my last blog postXX this post has me in festive mode and also wanting to whip out my Christmas decor! Love Love doing that, just like a kid when this time of year rolls round!
Veronica
xxx

Miss Char said...

Nobody does it better than Mary Carol. Thanks so much for the pictures, sadly I won't be making the 13 hour trip this year.

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Truly lovely and breathtaking! This table sparkles -- how uplifting it is. I can imagine what it must have been like to stand in such a beautiful setting -- thanks for sharing.

Gabriela Delworth - Instructional Designer said...

Hello,

I love this table setting and all decorations!


Gabriela

Tablescapes By Diane said...

Hi lovely lady.
Your photos are Beautiful sweet lady. Looks like ever one had a great time at this open house... Mary Carol did a lovely job putting this all together for the party. I hope you have a great week. Thank so much for your lovely comments on my new Tablescape for fall.
XXOO Diane

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

Absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for sharing the tour for those of us who are too far away to ever go!!

Katherine

Lizabeth said...

Truly fabulous! I've been given new inspiration from this posting! What a fabulous tablescape! I love the dramatic arrangements with the pine boughs! Thank-you for sharing these pictures!

Vicki said...

What gorgeous photos! I love the table setting. The hydrangeas and evergreens are fabulous.

Nellie's Cozy Place said...

All I can say is WOW, very decadent and beautiful, she does an amazing job of decorating that is for sure.
Just lovely...........
Thanks so much for sharing your tour of her open house, it was truly inspiring.

blessings, Nellie
and thanks for coming by and your sweet comments. Thanks

Unknown said...

Beautiful post! Thanks for sharing your photos they are great.

Maureen said...

I have always wanted to go to one of Mary Carol's open houses but living in New York City it's not exactly around the corner. Your pictures were beautiful and I have gotten tons of ideas! She certainly has the knack for beautiful objects! Thank you for sharing and I look forward to future posts on your visit!

Babs said...

Lynne, Thank you for showing your photos of Mary Carol's open house. I LOVE her style and wish so much there was a store here in GA. I'm looking forward to seeing your other photos. Thanks again,
Babs

Alycia Nichols said...

I should be ashamed of myself! How can I call myself a Midwesterner and tablescaper if I have NEVER been to this woman's store in Atchison??? I am hanging my head in shame & disgust. Boo hoo hoo!!! My husband is going to Texas for a conference in October. Maybe I'll make it a point to go then since I'll be alone and bored and lonely. Spend some money...that'll teach him to leave me here alone! :-) These photos are beautiful, Lynne. I love her style! This whets our appetite for Christmas decor!!!

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Maureen, thank you for swinging in, I'm glad you enjoyed the post of Mary Carol's dining room. hugs ~lynne~

Lee said...

Oh my Gosh! I was there too. Wasn't it beautiful!
Love your blog.

Entertaining Women said...

Nell Hills is one of our favorite girl's road trips. Mary Carol is such an enthusiastic, friendly woman. She is going to be the speaker for the Oklahoma City Flaming Festival in November. She is donating all of the table decorations for the luncheon...amazingly generous. Thank you for sharing a peak at the open house. I'll look forward to more. Cherry Kay

Elaine said...

How beautiful! You did a wonderful job with the photos. Those place settings look like candy for the eyes!

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Hi Lynne!! These are such beautiful photos and settings! Very elegant. I stumbled onto your site while over at Grits and Glamour. I am a newbie to blogging; and I am your newest follower. I hope you will follow me too! Many Blessings!!

The Decorative Dreamer said...

I am so glad I have made the time to go back and catch up with you today. Her dining room is just gorgeous! What a feast for the eyes. I love the twigs on the chandelier. That's very unusual and so pretty! Thanks again for sharing this tour with us!