Comments on the style saloniste: Behind the Scenes at the Real Downton Abbey

Hello, Julieta- I left you a message on FB as w...

2017-08-28T21:19:27.019-07:00

Hello, Julieta-

I left you a message on FB as well.

Thank you for re-posting my 'Journey around my Library'. I was fun for me to see all of my favorite books.

And I must tell you--this selection on my list is extremely edited and curated. I review and check many books and among them find the jewels and the gems and the treasures.

My criteria are many--and one of the most important is 'is this a book for a lifetime reference?' and 'is this book one to keep forever?'...is it the best book on this topic

I'm so pleased you ordered VILLA ASTOR....it is very special and beautifully produced. The texts are vivid--and it is as well an excellent biography of the Astor family It's an exceptional property...and the photos, most by Migues Flores-Vianna--are outstandingly beautiful. Let me know when you rec. it. very best--DIANE

HI GORGEOUS... Your comment is appreciated and w...

2017-08-28T19:43:53.328-07:00

HI GORGEOUS...

Your comment is appreciated and wonderful.

Yes...we have watched Downton since the beginning...before anyone had heard to it. I First saw it in London, somewhat by chance, in my hotel. In UK it is on a commercial station...so every fifteen minutes there is a break to advertise tea or fish sticks or insurance or a bank or something that has nothing to do with Downton style!
Here is it more civilized...PBS, non commercial.
FIONA the Duchess...is very lovely an unaffected and low-key and so is the Eartl of Carnavon...it was one of his ancestors who made discoveries in Egypt that were momentous...so he has a lot to live up to.
They are country folk...and keep every possible tradition.
Their cuisine is a more modern country/fine English style...lighter and less 'cooked' and more vegetables and more green things...and lighter sweets. I don't cook as you know...but the recipes looked quite straightforward. Certainly the pix of the dishes are lovely and unfussy.
I hope you like the book...there is a whole season of reading .
sending fondest wishes and I hope the fall will be glorious for you. DIANE

Seven dogs, many horses, a rabbit a sheep and chic...

2017-08-28T14:23:33.013-07:00

Seven dogs, many horses, a rabbit a sheep and chickens...my kind of place! I can do without the bees... Coming from Rizzoli I bet it's a beautiful book. I have to say the Carnarvons have very wisely monetized Highclere without overdoing it (to date). The series was so good I hope they don't spoil it with a movie. I still watch old episodes once in a while, especially on rainy Sunday afternoon. It's like Casablanca or An Affair to Remember, you can always watch it one more time.