Friday, January 27, 2017

French Country: Romancing the Home

What does a romantic room look like? Feel like?


Romantic doesn't always mean roses and candles, although those things are nice too.


To me, a romantic home is one that makes my heart thump a little faster.
But softly.


For me, a romantic home has a sense of history or a feeling of being transported to another era.


Family heirlooms like leather-bound books, old photographs, a black velvet riding helmet, 
or a pair of fancy white gloves can lead your mind into a romantic fantasy that you can bring to life.


Ron and I met in an antique store 
and have always enjoyed going to estate sales and thrift stores together.  
When we find that special piece and know just where it's going to live in our home, 
there's a sweet moment between us. That's romantic!


Setting the mood in your home amps up the romantic quotient. 
Romance your senses with these tips.

Turn off the phone. Play some soft music.
We love Chet Baker's husky voice and seductive trumpet. 
Give your gauzy drapes a spray of linen or lavender water
and open the window so the scent wafts into the room.


Stash your clutter in a basket, switch on your table lamps and douse the overheads.


Make a home-cooked meal and serve it on your favorite dishes. 
It doesn't have to be fancy, just from the heart. 
I make a mean pesto pasta that pairs well with wine and anything chocolate.
Make movie night special.


Hold hands while you stroll around your garden,
noticing unexpected beauty.


And if none of these things work for you, 
a simple bouquet and a few candles always say romance.
💘
Happy Valentine's Day!

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Linking with:
DwellingsBetween Naps on the PorchCoastal CharmMy Uncommon Slice of Suburbia,
Botanic BleuCedar Hill FarmhouseA Stroll Thru LifeSavvy Southern StyleA Delightsome Life,
Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson21 Rosemary LanePeonies and Orange Blossoms,
Adirondack Girl at HeartCharm of HomeFrench Country Cottage







46 comments:

  1. What a lovely post! Your description here "For me, a romantic home has a sense of history or a feeling of being transported to another era" is right on point. I also love the wicker basket with the books, wine jug and green apples. Mickie

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    1. Thank you Mickie! We both probably like historical fiction with a touch of romance, huh? I know I do. So glad you stopped by. Hope you have a lovely Valentine's Day. XO at

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  2. You must come here because we would be great friends. (1) you met your husband in an antique store. (2) family heirlooms. (3) Chet Baker (4) Casablanca.
    For starters.
    Enjoy. Romantic means to enjoy the moment.

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    1. I would LOVE to visit you and I'm sure we'd be best friends. I wonder what your favorite romantic movie is. Mine is a toss up between Out of Africa and The Way we Were. Yes, I do adore Robert Redford! Loved your comments as always. Pat

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  3. Thank you for this inspiring post. Every photo is lovely.
    Marilyn

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    1. Thank you so much Betty. Wishing you a lovely Valentine's Day. Pat

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  5. What a sweet romantic post!

    Happy Valentine's day to you also ~ FlowerLady

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  6. Feel like have been transported to another country, your intention maybe? At least know now am not too old to escape in my mind to another way of thinking, imagining.
    Always enjoy your lovely posts.
    Enjoy weekend.

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    1. Thank you so much for your wonderful comments. You get it! We're never too old to imagine our dreams. Hugs, Pat

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  7. What a pretty blog. Everything looks so elegant. Nice job. My favorite is the hat box with the black gloves and pearls. Reminds me of Mom for some reason. It is probably the pearls. She did love hers.

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    1. Thank you Jan! Remember when we used to wear gloves, short ones for church and long ones for dances? Big hug, Pat

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  8. Love that petunia coming up in a sidewalk crack! I notice a snapdragon seedling coming up in a protected spot this morning. Perhaps Spring will be just around the corner!

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    1. Thanks for visiting Monika. With the warm weather we're having this week, I can't help but be on the lookout for anything green (or red) coming up. I love snapdragons but haven't seen them yet. I do have tons of larkspur leaves though. Hope cold weather doesn't nip them. Pat

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  9. Pat, what beautiful photographs and a lovely post. I hope that you have a wonderful week and a very Happy Valentine's Day!!!

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    1. Thank you Shannon. So glad you enjoyed the post. I received an early bouquet today and the fresh flowers felt so springy! Pat

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  10. Oh it's quite romantic indeed. Enjoy!
    Blessings from Harvest Lane Cottage,
    Laura

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    1. Thank you Laura. Guess we don't have to wait for Valentine's Day to be romantic! Pat

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  11. Pat,
    Truly romantic inspiration...

    Judith

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  12. 'Tis the season for romance. I love your unexpected beauty ... and it's red too!
    Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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    1. Thanks Cindy! I've just been out walking through the mess of a garden and see a few more bits of unexpected beauty peeking through. Can't wait til spring. Hugs, Pat

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    1. Aww, thank you so much Katie! I love these kinds of comments. You made my day. Pat

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  14. Lovely words and lovely photos from a gentle soul. Very much enjoyed.

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    1. Thank you Catherine! I really appreciated your kind words. Pat

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    1. Thank you so much Carole! What a beautiful thing to say. Hugs, Pat

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  16. Lovely photos and suggestions! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  17. Wonderful thoughts for Valentine's day....

    Judith

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  18. Lovely post!! The beautiful red flower was amazing!
    I can't find an email address for you, could you please "e" me...I have a question for you!
    Many thanks, and blessings to you,
    J

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    1. Thank you J! I appreciate your sweet comments on this and a previous post (black bathroom). I'm still looking for black towels! Please feel free to send your question to this blog on any post and I'll be happy to answer. Hugs, Pat

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  19. You are such a romantic, Pat, and you gave lovely tips for creating a special setting for Valentine's Day (or any other). Loved hearing about how you and your sweet husband met, btw. Thanks so much for linking up with us at Vintage Charm--

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    1. Thanks so much Diana. I hope you have a lovely Valentine's Day. Hugs, Pat

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  20. I am a big noticer of unexpected beauty! Love to see it in everything. Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!

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    1. Thank you Sherry! Lots of beauty all around if we slow down and notice it. Sounds like you do that! Hugs, Pat

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  22. Loving those doves! Thank you so much for sharing at Thursday Favorite Things. Happy Valentine's Day!

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