Finished Bocce Ball Court at Domaine de Manion

My husband, John, had a great idea to create a bocce ball court in our garden near our vineyard. I loved the idea because it would be a beautiful open space. They call it negative space in landscape design, where your eyes can rest for a moment. I loved the idea because there is so much else going on in the garden, and it would be close to our vineyard and social area where people gather.

Bocce ball is a great fun game for all ages. It is played throughout the world, in the category of boules sports, where players or teams play their balls towards a target ball. I see the game played a lot in Europe in the village squares. The French have a similar game called Pétanque.

The hard part was planning how to build a bocce ball court, using material which would fit in with the existing garden and property, and finding the right craftsmen to build it. We had our challenges—such as a substantial sloping grade to our property, where to put all of the displaced dirt to make a level court, an existing mature garden, and barely enough room to maneuver a bobcat loaded with rock. With skill, talent, lots of measuring, and luck, it was accomplished.

I thought it might be interesting to share with you the stages of how our bocce ball court was created. We had the 55’ long x 12’ wide space mapped out. Regulation bocce ball courts are 91’ long and 13’ wide. For backyard courts it usually comes down to how much space you have in your yard or property to dedicate to a bocce ball court. Our court size is moderately sized.

Beginning Open Space

First the space had to be leveled, and in the beginning it looked like we were creating a swimming pool with the north side cut so deep. The perimeter was measured and staked allowing for walking paths on the north, west, and south side. Serendipitously, the east side was created higher and became a natural retaining wall for the existing garden, and for players to sit on if they wished. Used concrete chunks were used for the perimeter wall foundation, as they wouldn’t be seen.

Laying Bocce Court Perimeter with Concrete Chunks

I had in my mind a stone perimeter bocce ball court to repeat the low stone wall in our courtyard and near our barn. The good folks at RCP Block & Brick in Leucadia, thought we were nuts. For me, stone is simply stunning, timeless, very European, and low maintenance.

Our skilled craftsmen patiently built each wall as if it were a jigsaw puzzle, carefully placing each stone in the right spot and at the right level. A labor of love.

Stone Walls of Bocce Ball Court Taking Shape

Next came the many layers that make up a bocce ball court. Leveling the court. Putting down gopher resistant 1/2” wire mesh. Installing dimmable side lights for playing the court at night. Adding a layer of weed cloth.

Installing Gopher Resistant Wire Mesh in Bocce Court

Installing French drains that drain into our vineyard for our rainy season. Grouting the stone walls with finish concrete.

Installing French Drains in Bocce Ball Court

Placing several layers of tiny stone, layer upon layer, packing each layer down, as the bocce court level rose higher. Adding a top finish layer of Black Pearl oyster shell dust from Earth Stone Rock for smooth rolling of the ball.

This whole process took a couple of months, with a few delays here and there. Please share if you play bocce ball or have a court in your backyard. It has gotten very popular, because it is a fun game, very social, and also a large space that requires no water.

Finished Top Layer of Oyster Shell Dust

Finishing touches like lining the pathways with walking bark and a few potted bougainvillea “Thai Delight’ create the finished look. The bocce ball court looks like it has always been here.

Finished Bocce Ball Court Looking South at Domaine de Manion

Now it is time to play and enjoy a glass of wine. Salut!

The Hard Work is Over, Time to Relax and Play Bocce Ball

Dear friends, I will be taking a summer break writing, and will resume this September. Merci always for all of your kind words, interest, and sharing!

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend…Bonnie

Holiday Spirit in the Wine Room

I am thinking of you all through the holidays. May you be surrounded by loved ones and the holiday spirit now, and throughout 2022. My blog posts will return in January.

Love. Peace. Blessings….Bonnie

Woodland Girl Garden Ornament

I could write a book on garden ornaments, so containing it to this short post could be challenging. In the midst of grocery and holiday shopping I found a lovely garden statuary, a vintage woodland girl at Consignment Classics Decor Store. I wasn’t actually going to the consignment shop, but parked nearby, and thought to pop in for a moment.

When I speak to groups, I always mention to keep your eyes open for unique pieces. If it calls to you, buy it, and ponder later where you will put it. Usually these unique finds come out of nowhere, maybe off your beaten path, and at the most unexpected times. It almost presents itself as a challenge. Where will I put it? How will I get it home? Will I be sorry if I don’t buy it? Will it be beautiful as well as functional? What is the history of this piece?

We all have our unique property and garden style, color palette, and ambience that we create. There are garden ornaments, and actually garden jewels, that punctuate, elevate, and enhance your garden simply by their presence and where they are located. They can tell a story, or create a feeling for your garden, with one glance.

I have a Mediterranean European garden, and so keep to this style. Stone is one common medium, in water features, statuary, furniture, and materials for walls, pathways and driveways.

This vintage woodland girl, and I am going to have to aptly name her, is solid concrete, showing a bit of patina exposure, is perfect scale, and blends beautifully in her new shaded home under the Torrey Pine tree surrounded by acanthus mollis and camellias. She exudes contentment and serenity. What was once a nice shaded garden, now has a bit of interest and intrigue to draw your eye.

Beauty in the Shade Garden

Where to find your garden jewels? Some sources where you might find your treasures are favorite garden centers and shops, nurseries, friends, consignment stores, flea markets, garage sales, antique shops, home decor stores, retailers, and more. I have gotten some nice pieces from HomeGoods in late winter when they stock their spring garden items. Just keep your eyes open when you shop. It is different for everyone.

Please share a story about finding one of your favorite pieces for your garden.

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend…Bonnie

Autumn Moving Towards Thanksgiving at Bates Nut Farm

A large part of a relaxed Thanksgiving at home with family and friends is careful planning and smart organization. Here are some of my following tips and suggestions to help you with this. If by chance you are travelling this year, well, that is another story!

Organize Yourself

1) Get haircuts, manicures, pedicures, in advance of Thanksgiving.

2) Take in your dry cleaning, tailoring, well in advance.

3) Shop in advance for any necessary wardrobe details.

4) Make sure you have tables and adequate seating for your Thanksgiving crowd.

5) Have your home and garden in order.

6) Polish your silver, copper, and pull out your favorite soup tureen, if using.

Organize Your Thanksgiving Menu

1) Plan your menu. Find your recipes. Check for food allergies. Plan your menu timeline.

2) Check your pantry for ingredients to have on hand. You don’t want to be running last minute to the store for pumpkin pie spice, apple cider, vanilla extract, etc.

3) Delegate menu dishes. Take family and friends up on helping with the cooking and baking, by bringing one of their favorite sides or desserts.

4) Make it ahead, as much as you can! We all know Ina Garten has written a very popular cookbook, Make It Ahead, that details out recipes for making ahead, even Roast Turkey & Gravy, and other delicious recipes.

5) Look back on previous Thanksgiving menus for a refresher. I keep a journal of my dinner party, cooking class, special events, and holiday menus as a reference. Make your traditional dishes, but try a few new ones too.

Create Your Table

1) Set your table a few days in advance, using your preferred tablecloths, napkins, dinnerware, candles, and glassware. Maybe you will want to use your best china and silver, maybe you will want to mix and match vintage finds with character. There are no set rules, only that you love what you create for your table.

2) Keep table decorations low and beautiful for easy conversation and communication with everyone. Think natural centerpieces from the garden such as rosemary sprigs, pyracantha berries, pomegranates, and small pumpkins.

3) Dining by candlelight is magical. Reserve scented candles and votives for perhaps the foyer and powder room. Let your guests enjoy wafting scents of their feast cooking and baking.

4) Allow enough space at the table for each guest, so they don’t feel crowded and cramped.

5) Create a special kids table, young adults, grandchildren, or cousins table. A special table creates a special ambience.

The Art of Seating a Table

1) Consider making fun place cards for your table, especially if you are having more than six people. It is worth creating a good seating plan.

2) Separate couples and partners. Seat extroverts next to introverts. Seat people next to people they have never met before for interesting conversation.

3) As host or hostess, make sure you have easy access to the kitchen from the table.

Make Your Thanksgiving Day Special and Fun!

1) Invite family, friends that are family, new friends, and strays. Invite them into your kitchen to nibble on appetizers, and help with last minute details.

2) Except for photo taking or FaceTiming long distance loved ones, ask everyone to leave their phones, electronics, etc. by the door. Concentrate on engaging conversations. If you do have long distance loved ones to contact on Thanksgiving, designate a special time to call, so as not to be interrupted as you are sitting down at the table.

3) Plan a Thanksgiving playlist that sets the mood, and carries the day effortlessly. There are many, many playlists to choose from on Pandora, Amazon Music, iHeart. Traditional Thanksgiving Music, Thanksgiving for Kids, George Winston Autumn, Thanksgiving Piano Music, Thanksgiving Country, Swingin’ Thanksgiving, and Thanksgiving Classic Music. Better yet, if you have musical family and friends, encourage them to play a little for everyone throughout the day/evening.

4) Set up a self-serve bar with Champagne, Cocktails, Wine, Sparkling Water, and maybe a Holiday Punch.

5) Plan your day as a marathon, rather than a sprint. Allow time for socializing and mingling. Spread your menu over several courses such as salad, main course and sides, cheese plate, and finally desserts. It is a shame to spend hours in the kitchen, to have Thanksgiving meal finished in twenty minutes. Pause, and pace.

6) Take a break before desserts for a walk on the beach, walking the dog, walking in the woods, catching the sunset, or enjoying a cozy fire. Live in the moment the whole day.

7) Pull out the family albums of years past to look at. Encourage everyone to share stories and fun times.

8) Be ready with games such as Scrabble, Monopoly, Yahtzee, Scrimmage, Charade, or cards for everyone to enjoy! Later in the evening, maybe there is a traditional family movie you always watch together, or share a special movie together.

9) Designate a special someone in advance, to say grace and a blessing for Thanksgiving. It can be someone who does it beautifully each year, or someone new each year. It could be even multiple people too!

10) Maybe you have a special volunteer clean-up crew who would like to help you out, by clearing the table, doing the dishes, and making “take it home” packages. Sure, take them up on that!

11) Ask everyone to wear a hat for fun!

Setting the Scene for a Perfect Thanksgiving

Remember to…

1) Live in the moment, especially on this very special day.

2) Really look at the smiles, twinkling eyes, and perhaps sounds of “oohs and ahhs” in response to the Thanksgiving feast.

3) Reflect on what you are thankful and grateful for in your life, and with surrounding loved ones.

4) Take in the aromas, scents of the beautiful food before you.

5) Think of loved ones, past and present who are not able to join you on this day.

Bon Appétit et Happy Thanksgiving….Bonnie

With the holiday, there will be no blog post next week!

Vintage Tray Proudly Holds Autumn Splendor

A couple of years ago I gave a tablescaping workshop for one of my garden clubs. I thought it would be fun to revisit my notes and handout and share these with you. This is the time of year when we start thinking about the holidays, gathering closer our families, more entertaining, and heightening of our home decorating.

First, think about the basics of tablescaping. Second, don’t be afraid to mix faux and real. Third, use what you love. Fourth, when decorating, choose objects and pieces that can easily transition from fall to holiday (see some ideas below). Fifth, can I use the “beauty and function” principle, will it be beautiful as well as useful in my space.

Here are some of my ideas and suggestions to get you started.

Tablescaping Ideas

“Simplicity is the best elegance.” Tablescaping is the art of decorating your table with your personal signature, and for the pleasure of sharing and bring joy to others.

Elegant Holiday Tablescape. White. Gold. Monogram China. Pearl Napkin Rings. Rosebud Centerpieces.

Basics:

Know and start with your style. Classic, Country, Eclectic, Modern, Rustic, Traditional, etc.

Find your theme. What do you collect, what do you love.

What types of pieces can bring interest to your table and hold materials.  Baskets, Brass, Ceramics, Copper, Crystal, Ironstone, Mercury Glass, Pewter, Silver, Transferware, Wood Pieces, etc.

Use pieces that can do double duty and easily transition autumn into holiday.  Antlers, Burlap and Burlap Ribbon is your best friend, Magnolia Leaves, Whole Nuts, Moss, Tabletop Topiaries, Pomegranates, Pinecones, Silver, White Pumpkins.

What is your color palette, and color accents?  Blue, Brown, Green, Grey, Gold, Neutral, Pastels, Red, etc.

Use what you have. What is in your garden and on your property? What might your neighbor share with you? What have you collected over the years? What do you have which can be re-purposed?

Include an element for a pleasant surprise. Something unexpected that might evoke a smile.

Keep in mind your intention, menu and presentation of food. Buffet style, formal sit down, or simply a pretty vignette that creates a mood. Elevate serving pieces when using buffet style.

Step-by-Step Flow

1)    Place your tablecloth, table runner, antique shawl, etc. on your flat surface. Select neutrals easily carry into different seasons.

2)    Place your desired theme or objects in place.

3)    Start layering your tablescape by filling your theme.

4)    Continue to layer with smaller objects.

5)    Add accent color, glitter, and glow.

6)    Remember simplicity, and less is sometimes more.

7)    Transitioning from autumn to holiday is as simple as using neutral table runners, tablecloths, and pieces that double duty. Take out autumn pieces that don’t, and add in your favorite holiday choices.

Autumn Suggestions

Setting the Mood. Carolyn Roehm says “Texture is the preeminent design feature in fall.” Fall is all about abundance and warm tones.

Branches

Eucalyptus branches and berries, Dried Kiwi Vines, Lemon leaves, Grapevines, Magnolia Branches and Leaves, Olive Tree Branches, Smoke Tree Burgundy, Pink Pepperberry Stems, Pyracanthus Branches and Berries.

Foliage

Acacia, Cypress, Dried Leaves, Juniper, Privet and Berries.

Flowers

Dahlias, Chrysanthemums, Ornamental Millet, Roses and Rose Hips, Sunflowers.

Dried

Bark Pieces, Indian Ornamental Corn, Ornamental Grasses, Hydrangeas, Seedpods, Wheat. 

Fruit

Apples, Clementine, Figs, Kumquats, Oranges, Pears, Passion Fruit, Persimmons, Pomegranates.

Nuts

Chestnuts, Hazelnuts, Walnuts, Macadamia Nuts.

Gourds, Pumpkins, Squash

All kinds, colors, and shapes.

Miscellaneous

Antlers, Baskets, Burlap Material & Ribbon, Candles, Copper Pieces, Feathers, Plaid Material & Ribbon, Pine Cones, Silver.

Holiday Table Ready for Tea

Holiday Suggestions

Setting the Mood. Holidays are about anticipation, celebration, glow, glitter, heartfelt giving, and joy.

Foliage

Boxwood, Juniper, Magnolia Branches, Tabletop Topiaries, Pine Branches, Privet Branches,

Flowers & Bulbs

Amaryllis, Dusty Miller, Paper whites, Poinsettias, Star Hydrangeas, White Chrysanthemums.

Fruits

Whole Cranberries, Dried Pomegranates, Oranges.

Nuts

Chestnuts, Hazelnuts, Walnuts.

Objects:

Beeswax Candles and Figurines, Candles, Crowns, Ornaments, Santos, Strands of Pearls.

Pine Cones

Natural, Colored, Glittered.

I would love to hear how you decorate for fall into the holidays, and your favorite tablescaping ideas. Please share.

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend…Bonnie

The Floral Palette Shop on Girard Street in La Jolla

From time to time I write about “Places to Know” around San Diego County which are special. I was not familiar with The Floral Palette until a dear friend highly recommended I stop in and explore their original Rancho Santa Fe location at 16089 San Dieguito Road, Suite H101. Recently, owner, Natalie Maxwell has opened a second location at 7643 Girard Ave. Suite B in La Jolla. Both locations are closed on Sundays.

If you are not familiar with The Floral Palette, I would like to introduce you to it now. The flower arrangements are stunning, fresh, and very creative. Besides flowers, it is quite an extraordinary gift shop with areas that cover culinary, entertaining, holidays, accessories, baby, and much more. Both shops are expansive and beautifully merchandised, it really is a dilemma narrowing what to buy for your special someone or yourself!

The Floral Palette, La Jolla Location.

In the Floral Palette La Jolla location, there is an honest to goodness mouth-watering “Patisserie” in the back for coffee, croissants, Paris-oriented patisseries, and breads.

The Floral Palette, La Jolla, Surprise Patisserie in Back

I could go on and on raving about The Floral Palette, but the best thing is to check it out for yourself, whether the Rancho Santa Fe or La Jolla location is more convenient. Better yet invite a friend, or a loved one and make an adventure out of it.

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend….Bonnie

Simple Autumn Tablescape

Not all pumpkins are orange, some are silver. Meaning use what you have. Borrowing the phrase from a Christmas card I received one year, “If you love what you have, you have everything.”

I created this simple autumn tablescape using one of my black and white tablecloths, choosing white dinnerware and napkins to match, finding tawny russet candles in my closet, looking for colored dollies in my drawer but finding forgotten beautiful autumn leaf dollies instead, adding a black ribbon to my vintage candlesticks, bringing out my little prized silver pumpkin that illuminates at night, and buying two Wee Bee pumpkins at the market. Simple, yet it creates a playful seasonal ambience that is perfect for everyday autumn, or could be further embellished for that very special harvest dinner or Halloween evening.

We all use the term “tablescape” effortlessly these days, and many of you I am sure are wiz’s at your own creative tablescapes. According to Wikipedia, tablescaping was first mentioned by television Chef Sandra Lee in 2003, so the term is less than twenty years old. Tablescaping is an example of a term called portmanteau, which is a word that blends the sounds and meanings of two words. In this case, “tablescaping” is a combining of table and landscape. Another example of a portmanteau would be combining breakfast and lunch to make “brunch.” An alternative definition of portmanteau is a large suitcase or trunk, usually leather, and able to open in two equal parts. So you can see easily where the term comes from.

I tend to decorate my four seasons and tablescapes with objects from the garden that are natural such as flowers, gourds, pumpkins, pinecones, greenery, magnolia branches, etc. It is hard to beat the beauty of mother nature. I also have saved treasures that I have bought over the years, or cherished gifts given to me by friends and family that can add a special charm.

Tablescaping is fun and creative for all to enjoy. Think of what you have, besides what you might need, and how you can create a truly amazing beautiful table. Think along the lines of color, texture, surprise, and of course, season. A beautiful seasonal tablescape heightens a room, your dining experience, and makes fond memories.

Lucky Pumpkins

Please share your favorite autumn tablescape ideas!

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend…Bonnie

Polished and Ready Jam Copper Pot

Copper pots and pans are one of the essentials in a French Country Kitchen, not only for their glowing beauty, but fine functionality. Copper conducts heat very well, cooks food evenly, cools quickly, and will last forever when properly cared for. Most copper pots are tin-lined, and eventually this tin lining wears out with use, and the piece should be re-tinned by a retinning specialist. Be aware that tin melts at 450 F. degrees, so cooking in tin lined copper pots should be below that temperature. Confiture or jam making copper pots don’t need to be lined, since there’s enough sugar in jam to prevent the fruit acids from reacting with the metal. Always cook your fruit and sugar together, never cook fruit alone in a copper pot. Copper mixing bowls often aren’t lined as well, especially those intended for beating egg whites.

Some people like to keep the aged copper penny patina, and others like their copper bright and polished. It is a personal preference. Wrights Copper Cream is a good commercial copper cleaner. An old standby recipe to clean copper is mix 1/4 cup salt, 1/4 cup cup flour and enough white distilled vinegar to make a thick paste, use a soft cloth to rub the paste on the surface of the copper. Buff the copper pan until it shines. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly. Over time your piece will begin to tarnish, and you simply repeat the process again.

You can find new pieces online easily, or if you favor the hunt, search out wonderful pieces at French flea markets. It is usually the vintage, well-worn patina pieces with a history of their own, that are the best treasures to find. I can’t tell you how many copper jam pots I passed up over the years in France. I simply didn’t have immediate needs to be able to ship it home, it was generally took bulky to carry, and I didn’t want to risk damaging a piece checked in my baggage in my cross Atlantic travels.

The universe works in wonderful ways. Recently I was helping my Mom and Dad clean and organize their downstairs kitchenette. What was tucked away in one of the cabinets, was this beauty, a huge confiture copper pot—big enough to hold all of your fruit and sugar for making jam at one time. My Mom gave it to me, and I did get it home safely in my luggage. It is special to me for sentimental reasons, coming from my Mom and her kitchen in Europe, and now passed on to me. It was like finding a diamond in the rough, and fulfilling the dream to have one and display it in my home.

Copper Jam Pot Washed and Ready to Polish

Some Related Copper Websites:

Mauviel

Williams Sonoma

Elsie Green

The Cooks Atelier

East Coast Retinning

Nicholas Retinning, (No Website), 4641 Telegraph Road, L.A., CA 90022, (tel) (323) 263-0028, Est. 1965.

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend….Bonnie