Bonjour, dear friends! I hope that the new year has begun beautifully for you, filled with joy and bright promise. In this season, I relish being able to gently and thoughtfully embark on this annual undertaking of a fresh adventure of great possibility.
After the sometimes over-the-top glitter and sparkle of the holidays, nothing is more cherished than a pure and serene pause of renewal. To that end, I gathered white flowers and plants of grace and peacefulness to adorn my desk this month. Hellebores, hyacinth, roses, tulips and frilly ranunculus create a scene of calm and serenity.
Outside my window, the gray days only enhance the neutral beauty of Parisian stone work, while the black railings dress up each window with a lacy iron petticoat, all of which I’ve endeavored to echo with black, white and cream accessories. I’ve always loved color but this classic restrained palette with touches of gold has become a favorite.
The fragrance of hyacinth is one of the most evocative of all bulbs, offering an instant emotional boost. The vintage notecard of pigeons at the Eiffel Tower was from a dear friend many years ago and I love the atmosphere it projects.
This fluffy green and white ranunculus is called “Igloo” and it’s featured in my upcoming book, Ranunculus. And what to say about hellebores? Simply among my very favorite garden plants of all time. We planted many varieties over the years in the garden in Seattle and I do miss them. So these sweet potted versions will eventually reside on the kitchen balcony here and brighten the courtyard view.
Do you collect pretty boxes? I have many and admit to purchasing items simply for the packaging. This Ladurée white embossed box is in celebration of their 160th anniversary. Of course, one has to do something with the macarons that are packed inside!
My rose notebooks with gilded edges and ribbon markers are from a discontinued collection by Fringe Studio. The notecards I recently had printed from a photograph I took of a door at Versailles. They are being sent as thank yous to my clients and customers, so you might receive one from Paris!
Ranunculus “Igloo” here again.
Sending wishes for a year that brings you and your loved ones health, happiness and all that you desire. And my gratitude to you always for being here.
Love,
G
Georgianna, you know I absolutely love, love, love this winter white post that complements my white truffles recipe as a match meant to go hand in hand. Now if only we weren’t on separate sides of the pond. Your flower arrangements and photos are stunning. Xo, EE
Hi Ellen,
Yes, they are definitely right along the same path! xx Georgianna
So lovely and so welcome from the cold, brown ground of western Pennsylvania
Thank you, Rita! I know winter can be so bleak and dreary but it won’t be long until everything is growing again.
All my best,
Georgianna
Greetings from soggy Los Ángeles, CA. Love the hyacinth in black and white containers. Each of your photographs here are breathtaking. I too cannot complain about our current wave of on going rain here. More to come. Looking forward to what this rain will give us in the way of May flowers. Also, looking forward to your new book. Very exciting!
Hi Jennie and thank you so much! The rain is truly so good for California but I know there has been a lot of flooding and I hope it hasn’t affected you badly.
But yes, it will be green and flowery soon. I lived in LA for quite awhile and know how lovely it can be with the air washed clean and the mountains green.
Thank you on the new book – I’ll be announcing more next month.
All my best,
Georgianna
BEAUTIFUL setting of the Winter Whites! My Christmas decor was blk/wht stripe with silver, gold, green, and red. My umbrellas are blk/wht. stripe. I agree the black iron work is gorgeous in the rain. I have ironwork on my sunroom windows. And iron fence and black iron urns in garden. Wishing you much joy the New Year!
Hi Nancy and thank you so much! Your Christmas decor sounds gorgeous and I love black and white stripes.
Wishing you a wonderful year ahead, too!
My best,
Georgianna
Your desk is gorgeous! I love the bright white and peaceful flowers. If you ever sold pictures of your desk, I’d buy one. And, of course your chandelier is beautiful! Welcome to the New Year!
Thank you so much, Jaclyn! I love the peacefulness, too.
And I do get requests for photos of the desk so will work on making this available. (The chandeliers were the first items we put into the apartment!)
Happy New Year to you! I hope it’s fabulous for you.
G
This post was very soothing. It’s the first one I read from you and I am really interested to read more now! Your work space is very inspiring! Thank you for sharing with us!
Hello and thank you! I’m so glad you found the post soothing. It’s my pleasure to share the beauty of Paris and I’m so glad that you enjoyed the post! My best, Georgianna
Stunningly beautiful and inspiring post, Georgianna! Perfect serenity and calm of the new start that January brings. xxx
I’ll always love your dreamy photography. These colours make me feel calm.