COTE DE TEXAS: Exciting Happenings At Maison Cote de Texas and Round Top!

Exciting Happenings At Maison Cote de Texas and Round Top!

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We had some excitement at the house this past week which I thought I’d share with you. First, there was a photo shoot for a local publication about….holiday decorating! Of all things! Because as readers know I’m not a big holiday decorator OR a big hostess, but I do have my annual Hanukkah party for my family – so that counts. For the photo shoot, though, I set the table religious neutral. I’d love to share the pictures with you, but these will have do until next month. As with all photo shoots, there was much hustle and bustle around the house. First my sweet dog Georgie decided to get deathly sick that afternoon with infected paws! Poor thing. I had to rush her out to the vet at 5:30 that evening when I realized she couldn’t even walk. She’s all healed up now, but still – not exactly what you want to happen during a photo shoot!

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And even MORE excitement was when the candlestick melted all over my skirted table with its J. Robert Scott SILK table cloth. OK. Breath slowly. My cardinal rule for any clients with skirted tables is when actually using the table for a party, ALWAYS first put down a layer of waterproof cloth over the skirted tablecloth, then top it with a decorative linen tablecloth. That way, when grandpa spills his red wine – you will only stain the topper and NOT the expensive silk tablecloth underneath the waterproof lining. Of course for the photo shoot, I didn’t want to put a topper on for the pictures – I mean, no one was going to eat or drink, so why bother? Famous last words. I didn’t even think about melted candle wax getting all over the J. Robert Scott SILK (I’ll say it again) skirted tablecloth. Don’t bother sending me instructions on how to get it out. I’ve done it all, about ten times: ironed out the wax through paper bags, then cleaned it with dry cleaner solution. It actually works pretty good. At this point I don’t think I will need to replace the J. Robert Scott SILK (one more time!) tablecloth, at least. There is just a little bitty tell tale sign of the wax left at this point and I may be able to get that out too. We’ll see. I mean, how many times can you go through the process before the dry cleaning solution eats a hole through the silk? I’ll let you know. So, before you hope you get your own photo shoot – take it from me, it’s not always smooth sailing. Especially when the photographer wants to take your picture in front of all the bright lights and the only thing going through your mind is: How bad do my wrinkles look? Is my hair straight or frizzy at this point? Do I need more under eye cover up? But, all in all, despite a deathly sick dog, melted candle wax, and major wrinkles, it was great fun!!!!! Truthfully, it was, and the crew were two of the nicest people out there, thanks guys! Can’t wait to see it!

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Which leads me to remind you – if you haven’t listened to this week’s Skirted Roundtable, it’s on that timely subject, Holiday Decorating. We playfully called it: Two Grinches and a Jew discuss holiday decorating. If ever there were three girls who shouldn’t have discussed holiday decorating it would have to be Linda, Megan and me. But somehow, we pulled it off, I think. Be sure to listen HERE.

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And there was even more excitement at Maison Cote de Texas. Mr. Slipper Socks Man is getting a little wary of all the flower arrangements that mysteriously appear at the house while he is hard at work earning a living. He is starting not to believe me anymore when I tell him they are from a “reader” – and is wondering if I might be having an love affair! Well, I am – with the readers of Cote de Texas, who happen to be the nicest, most thoughtful and generous people in the world! One reader whom I gave some decorating advice to (not worth the price of the flowers either, I’m sure) sent me this most beautiful arrangement of roses and strawberries!!!! Isn't’ it beautiful! A very public Thank You to Linda! And, Maryanne from Beadboard Upcountry in Brenham sent me this wonderful package with some French hand lotion attached to the ribbon. Maryanne is getting reading for the onslaught of shoppers from the Round Top Antiques Fair this week. It’s already in high gear – check out her blog HERE where she is giving Round Top updates on very important matters like Port O Potties! OK.

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So what was in the package? Maryanne sent me the loveliest of books - all about Flamant – the famous French store (HERE.) Thank you to Maryanne and her famous husband, Robespierre! See you in two! And if you are going to Round Top – stop by Beadboard Upcountry in Brenham across from the Courthouse to meet Maryanne and see all the things she just bought in Paris.

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And speaking of Round Top – one of the largest, if not the largest, antique fairs in the United States is happening this week. If you are into Swedish and Belgian, Mark Sage, aka Bobo’s Intriguing Objects, will be at the Big Red Barn Wednesday through Sunday! This is some of the actual merchandise he will have with him – all wholesale priced! For a more in depth look at Bobo’s Round Top merchandise, go to Velvet and Linen HERE to read all about it! I can’t wait to see his booth – he has rented out 20 spaces for it all.

The neatest thing about Round Top is all the friends you see out there. Brooke from Velvet and Linen is coming along with Angela from Washington! I can’t wait to meet them both. My Tanglewood House client Angela (another one) will be out there too, along with my sister-in-law who’s KW Ranch I’ve featured before. I’ll actually be staying with her – that lucky thing. I hear famous American turned French blogger Corey Amato is out there SOMEWHERE in Marburger setting up a booth right now! The two original Cote de Texas STALKERS will be there of course. And probably Rachel Ashwell and Mary Steenburgen will be there too (not with us though – but you never know!) (I know they won’t be, but a girl can dream!) Who else? Probably half of Houston, Dallas, and Austin and all of Washington County. Is Hill Country House coming???? ANN?? Sally Wheat’s already been out there for days traipsing through the fields looking for new things for her booth and house. Who else? YOU??

And if you happen to see me Wednesday afternoon somewhere in Warrenton sitting around having a Diet Coke or coffee, if I’m lucky, be sure to say hi and sit down to join me!

And don’t forget to listen to this week’s Skirted Roundtable HERE as Two Grinches and a Jew discuss Holiday Decorating!

71 comments :

  1. How I know that candle drama Joni....Good luck with the remaining stain. If you are anything like me you won't rest until you get it out - even if you destroy the cloth in the process, which is what I tend to do :) xv

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  2. Can't wait to see the results of the shoot! I'm sure it looked fabulous!!!

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  3. I can't wait....Coffee's on me!!!!! :)

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  4. This is how you must feel when everyone talks about going to Scott's Antique Market in Atlanta - I am desperate to go to Round Top, but it's not going to happen this year. Maybe some other year!

    Have a wonderful time! Let me know if you see a good gilded wood and crystal chandelier.

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  5. How lovely and understated! So sorry to hear about the silk. I've only had one photoshoot, well, technically two, neither in my house and neither was interested in my pic! Frankly, I am not even sure they were really interested in my room, having what was considered the low on the totem pole room in the design house, lol!

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  6. Sorry to hear about your dog. Glad he's fine now. Looking forward to see more "for sure fabulous pictures".

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  7. That is some excitement! I can tell how excited you are just by reading! I'm reading super fast, knowing that's probably how fast your speaking! :) A photoshoot...superfun! That mantle looks wonderful! The Round Top show sounds great too! Have fun!
    Michelle

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  8. Thanks, Joni for all you great design advice-it's priceless to me!
    Glad your beautiful dog is feeling better....and can't wait to see the photoshoot!

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  9. Your shoot did indeed sound stressful, but they always are. But your recollection of the day sounds calm and bemused, and your sense of humour shines right through!

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  10. Joni,

    Congratulations on the photo shoot. You are a shelter mag regular! Excited for Roundtop and to meet the famous (or is it infamous) Joni Webb! Should be a blast, so looking forward to it!

    ~Angela

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  11. Virginia from Texas (aka original Stalker)September 28, 2009 at 7:53 AM

    Kudos to you on the photo shoot!!!! Looking forward to a pretty drive to Round Top and hope to share a Diet Coke moment with you.

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  12. I just love the french provincial furniture, that's why I've bought some for my home I'm building - I'll post them up in a week or two...

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  13. beautiful! congrats on the photo shoot! i love the photo of the little wreath and green pumpkins, so clean and refreshing.

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  14. Can you spell JEALOUS? I am the third original stalker and I am stuck in N.C. weep,weep.
    I shall be waiting to hear all about it girls!

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  15. Joni, thanks so much for sharing your blog about where to find things..(dont know how I could have missed that one). Cant wait to see the pics from the photo shoot. Have fun at Round top! Wish I could be there. Take care~Cindy

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  16. Don't forget the terrific Mary Emmerling. Isn't she a pretty regular attender? I've yet to run into anyone in all my years, though I think my chances to meet Corey are pretty good this year! Maybe I'm just so busy looking at all of the amazing antiques that I'm oblivious! Not such a bad thing, is it?
    Have fun!

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  17. Hi Joni! I'm so thrilled about your photo shoot of your beautiful home! So sorry about the candle wax! You're the most wonderful and that is way everyone loves you so!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  18. I wish i could join you for the country fair as I am trying to find antiques for the showroom. You seem to be having such fun in Texas! Congratulations on the photo shoot! i have had my share of similar experiences, but i think my most embarassing one is when, not ready at all for a shoot, I improvised a center piece for a dining table back in november, and went on a moss gathering expedition in my woods.A couple of hours later, of all horrors, myriads of ants started to come to life and were crawling all over the table...

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  19. Joni, thanks for all your time and effort that goes into your wonderful blog posts. They are so appreciated by so many of us, even those who aren't exactly stalkers. :0) Also, Happy Yom Kippur! Cece Cross

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  20. We were at Warrenton, yesterday. It was fiercely hot, but we did manage to find a sort of Rolls Royce of port 'o potties - with a vanity/sink, AC, and plenty of clean, roominess! Crazy what will make you happy in the Texas heat! ;)

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  21. Glad you like the book. It is gorgeous. Hey I was up there Round Top last night.. They are getting so sophisticated! There is a Champagne booth by Zapp Hall called the Bubble Lounge! All you can see are bottles and bottles of Veuve and Moet.
    That's where I'll be hanging out. Not too far from the Diet Coke...Oh and since we're talking Port of Potties, Joni I saw a Toile one with Cote de Texas on it and when you went inside there was a chandelier!!!!!!HAHA!!!

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  22. I can not WAIT to see the rest of the photo shoot- looks like its going to be stunning from the little sneak peek pictures here. So sorry to hear about your tablecloth, what a bummer.

    Off to listen to this weeks roundtable discussion!!

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  23. Hi Joni,
    A detail : you described the book of Flamant as french but Flamant is a belgian company established a few years ago by the three brothers Flamant (family name of the brothers) from Geraardsbergen.
    But yes the name sounds French!

    Just to let you know!

    I love peeping into your home!
    Greet

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  24. Hi there! My sister and I just returned from Round Top and what a whirlwind trip it was! My only regrets were not having my friend Layla from the lettered cottage by my side. That girl is a hoot to shope with. There is always spring right? Anyway, Texas is such an awesome state and I always leave feeling so down to earth and refreshed. Im sorry I missed you because that would have just topped my trip, smiles~

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  25. Puppy Trauma!
    Candle Trauma!

    Surely you must be too too depleted to discuss Holiday Decorating ... .

    Jjjjj

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  26. How exciting...I SO wish I could be there at Round Top! Counting on your tales and photos in the interim. Trish

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  27. like always a fantastic post :-)

    but i agree with Greet from belgian pearls.

    Flamant is really belgian!!!, its even a flemish company.

    david,

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  28. OOO...that sounds like so much fun...I'd love to meet Brooke :)

    Have enough fun for me too!

    Best,
    Michelle

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  29. "Roses and Strawberries"...that could easily be another name for your blog, Joni!! Lovely.

    First, I'm so very sorry about those infected paws!! What on earth happened? Bless her heart. It sounds so very painful, and I'm so very glad Georgie is better now! Edward sends regards.

    I feel dreadfully left out not to be attending Round Top. Unfortunately, I am the chairperson for our neighborhood home tour this weekend. Can you say, "crazed"?? Give my love to Brooke. Love her.

    Oh, and freezing wax sometimes works.

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  30. I can't wait to see you, Joni!
    Pray that I have a smooth flight (if not for me then for the poor people on the flight with me!).

    Sounds like you got through your photo shoot. They are trying even in the best of circumstances.

    See you on Wednesday.

    xo
    Brooke

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  31. Wow, you DID have a big weekend! Glad Georgie is okay! And candlewax - at least it didn't burn the top of your table? That happened to me at a New Year's Eve party. Let's just say that it's the reason why I can only use table skirts now! Can't wait to see the photo spread my friend!

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  32. oh just so much exciting stuff going on with you!!! what i woudn't give to go!!! maybe next year...


    what i saw so far of your table looks GORGEOUS!!! i can't wait to see all of the pictures!!!! good job on getting most of the stain out. eeeeeeeeek

    can't wait to listen to the 2 Grinches & a Jew SRT- how funny is that name?!!!! hahahahaha
    xoxox

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  33. Joni,

    Glad you and yours survived the shoot. My favorite photo is of the chamber pot on the mantle.

    BTW I met Corey of "Tongue in Cheek" at the blog party at Zapp Hall yesterday evening. Such a charmer! As were all the other bloggers there.

    You probably read this on Corey's blog, but she and her sidekick, Lynn, will be in tent B, section a6 at Marburger.

    Hope I see you there, as I would love meeting the famous Joni.

    Annie

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  34. Thinking we may load up the Suburban and take a quick trip down to Round Top!!! We are desperate for accessories for the store and we can always use a Texas fix. Maybe we'll even be lucky enough to meet our two favorite bloggers! (Joni and Brooke)

    Our only concern: Can we cover enough ground in a day and a half of shopping?

    Kim & Dinah
    Cobblestone and Vine

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  35. JONI-


    I look forward to seeing the story in print--and at least on Cote de Texas!
    I am sure it will be joyful and fabulous.
    cheers, www.thestylesaloniste.com

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  36. So sorry to hear about your poor fur baby! I'm glad to hear she is doing much better now :o) I really hope you can get the rest of the wax out of your beautiful table cloth...wax is such a pain to remove!!! *sigh* As always....can't wait to see more pics of your gorgoeus home in another magazine!!!! Have fun at Round Top,wish I could be there too!
    ~Des

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  37. I am DEFINITELY going next year.
    Without a doubt. Can't believe I'm missing it this year...by the looks of my friend Susie's photos- it's HEAVEN!

    Layla

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  38. Well, all that excitment...
    You live that kind of life and I am so glad its you, because you deserve all the attention with your passion and your dedication to your (blog) work.
    May more flowers appear on your doorstep!

    Victoria

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  39. Oh Joni, I can't wait to see the pictures from the photo shoot. Those little glimpses look fabulous! Oh, I am so sorry about the candle wax. There is just nothing worse to try to get out of a cloth - but if I even had a J. Robert Scott silk cloth, I would probably have had a stroke to find melted candle wax on it! What beautiful roses you received, and how nice that a reader sent you a lovely book. Your blog is loved by so many. laurie

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  40. Oh, Joni! I hope your dog and your cloth are both okay! That would have been awful.

    Still, I can't wait to see the pics. I know everything was just wonderful. Happy Yom Kippur (sp) to you, friend, and much, much love...

    Sheila (on a borrowed lap top and still awaiting my reunion with mine)

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  41. Shoot...the shoot will be fabulous! What I can't believe is the number of pooches I know who went in with infected paws in the last week, mine included....whas up with that?

    I love your chatty friendly stylish and habit-forming blog!

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  42. So sorry about the infected paws (Jones gets very badly infected years) and the candle melodrama.....but I'm sure that your home and you were gorgeous. I covet the lamb in the photo.

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  43. Wow, a photo shoot how cool is that...been there with the candle wax!! Your photos are awe inspiring,so glad I came by,all the best,Chrissy

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  44. This is a great and awesome blog! For the first time here and follow the ice. Beautiful pictures, so beautiful .)
    Wilhelmiina from finland

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  45. My friend and neighbor Corey is there , I guess everybody is in Round top . Next year , I have to think about it and may be I should come ...
    I hope you had a great hanukkah

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  46. Wow...love your site. Had never heard of Round Top before, but would love to get to Texas to see it. Truly enjoy the Swedish pieces on this posting...look forward to visiting Giannetti Home next time we are down in LA.

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  47. Your podcast on holiday decorating was great and what a fabulous title! Can't wait to see the photo shoot.

    Thank you for all you do--reading your blog is the highlight of my day--I might become the newest stalker!

    Nancy Williams

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  48. Oh Round Top!!! How old will I be before I finally get there???

    It's a 20 hour drive from here.

    Sorry about your silk tablecloth - reminds me of some hobnail dishes and my new buffet and a party I had 5 years ago - I'm still not over it.

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  49. I am glad you were able to salvage your cloth, Joni. I can't wait to see your holiday decorating and I hope you have a blast at Round Top!

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  50. I am glad your tablecloth wasn't ruined!! I might be able to sneak away this weekend and attend Round Top for the first time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  51. Yikes, sorry to hear about the tablecloth. :/ We are leaving for Round Top tomorrow. :) Can't wait!

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  52. Joni: I'm not sure if you ever watch "Mad Men" on Sunday nights but the new living room in the Draper house needs your review and our comments! A lovely painted purple room, all with cream drapes and a cornice board outlined in a Greek Revival key (a loose interpretation), lovely brass cocktail table, great pillows. Then Betty adds...an orange brocade fainting couch which is actually quite fabulous but which her decorator decries! Anyway, I see that you have SO MUCH extra time to uncover your readers' odd little wonderings I thought we could just add this to your list. Although I write this tongue in cheek, you are definitely the girl for the job. Really quite pretty room, too.!

    Thanks...Susan

    P.S. Looking forward to the Roundtop pics - I'm at least cabbage green with envy - if not chautreuse!

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  53. Joni: I'm not sure if you ever watch "Mad Men" on Sunday nights but the new living room in the Draper house needs your review and our comments! A lovely painted purple room, all with cream drapes and a cornice board outlined in a Greek Revival key (a loose interpretation), lovely brass cocktail table, great pillows. Then Betty adds...an orange brocade fainting couch which is actually quite fabulous but which her decorator decries! Anyway, I see that you have SO MUCH extra time to uncover your readers' odd little wonderings I thought we could just add this to your list. Although I write this tongue in cheek, you are definitely the girl for the job. Really quite pretty room, too.!

    Thanks...Susan

    P.S. Looking forward to the Roundtop pics - I'm at least cabbage green with envy - if not chautreuse!

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  54. Joni I'm so glad your dog is ok. Poor thing! You totally had me cracking up about your wrinkles and your hair. Hilarious. I know you looked wonderful and I cannot wait to see the photos.
    Sure would love to visit that show. I know it will be fabulous!
    Have fun.
    Michelle

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  55. Congratulations on the photo shoot! That's exciting. Can't wait to see the pics when they come out.

    Glad your pup is feeling better, poor thing.

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  56. Congratulations on the shoot!! Your table looked beautiful.
    Lorri

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  57. Hi Joni,
    Could you please send me your e-mail address? I have a question regarding slipcovers. Thank you in advance.

    Mary

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  58. I'm sorry...I forgot to check the box for follow-up comments.

    Mary

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  59. Great post as usual! Love the comments about holiday decorating. LOL.

    Round Top sounds fabulous! Will have to make it next year.

    xo,
    cristin

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  60. Hello Joni~I've just strolled into your blog from a summer long blogcation.
    Congratulations on the shoot!
    Can't wait to see the photos.

    The one thing that can cheer me up as I watch summer come to a close is... the anticipation of fall and all the autumnal colors that come with it.
    Providing creative inspiration for decorating and seasonal events. I'm looking forward to what you'll be revealing in design.


    Come by for a visit. Your company would be nice.

    Sweet wishes,
    Sara

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  61. Just got back from a trip to Round Top and Warrenton. Saw some great things; Marburger had some nice pieces as well. Did see a mirror for $4500 and several candlesticks for $3500 (for the pair). The recession has apparently not hit Round Top. Bargains were hard to find. Lots of French Indistrial pieces that were cool.

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  62. Will you throw me a line and pull me in to Round Top! How I would love to go and best of all see you girls!

    On your holiday decor...I remember your sister-in-law's table last Hanukah (I even stole a pix for my files) love-er-ly!

    xx

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  63. Will you throw me a line and pull me in to Round Top! How I would love to go and best of all see you girls!

    On your holiday decor...I remember your sister-in-law's table last Hanukah (I even stole a pix for my files) love-er-ly!

    xx

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  64. Thought I saw you in Round Top; kept saying Joanie loud but no one turned around.

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  65. Now I'm in the mood to think about the holidays! Can't wait to see the pictures from the publication!

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  66. Excited to see the images from the shoot. Sorry to reply so late! I will have a new post and work of art up tomorrow in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

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  67. Hey Joni,

    Just got back from Round Top. It was a blast! We hit Edloe's again on the way in and I thought about you. I actually stayed in Brenham at Tara Farms. It was so beautiful! The funny thing is we decided to check out downtown and I saw Beadboard Upcountry and I wanted to go in, but it was closed. So, it was such a treat to read your blog when I got back and see that you had posted about it! Now, I'm off to check out her blog.

    Adrienne

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  68. Where can I read about hour holiday decorating tips, tricks and ...? Cheers!

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