I AM REPOSTING THIS IN THE HOPES THAT THE FOUR PHOTOS THAT DID NOT APPEAR ARE NOW LEDGIBLE! 

IN ADDITION: ELENOR HAS A CORRECTION FOR HER COOKIE RECIPE…PLEASE CHANGE TO

CUT DOUGH LENTTHWISE 6 TIMES TO MAKE 7  — 1 1/2 WIDE STRIPS…

 

I adore mantels and take photos of them whenever I see them, in friend’s homes, in public spaces, private clubs, you name it I take a photo of them…here are a few of my favorites

My pride and joy, my “malachite” fireplace handcrafted for me by my dear friend, Mark Heister.  Isn’t it the most beautiful piece imaginable and it even has flickering “flames”!  I have majorly overloaded it, but that is my entire home, layer upon layer upon layer, upon…you get the idea.  Here I display my favorite photos, two magnificent Opaline lusters that seem to match my wall color exactly (a gift from the Heisters), a vintage clock found at an antique fair years ago and a truly special (bargain) mirror also found at another antique fair (both long before the Randolph Street Market came to be!) The art piece, pietra duro (I don’t think I spelled this correctly, sorry!) doves with a pearl necklace,  is one of my most favorite treasures given to me by my Mother, Ruth, ages ago as a surprise Christmas present, I had coveted it for a long time.  I won’t part with it for the world.  Also note the footstool in front of the fireplace, one of the few needlepoint pieces I didn’t do myself also fashioned by Mark, from a needlework piece he found antiquing, as a Birthday present. I will do posts on my footstools (yes, there is a collection of them!) as well as my needlepoint pieces. The tiny bit of chair you see is where I “live” and is covered in a paisley shawl (yes, I collect those as well!!) and upholstered in many different fabrics and trim, love it so much!  Of course, more stacks of books.  Just a peek at a corner of my tiny abode.  Photo was taken by the brilliant Christine Hawley (you will see more of her work going forward, and yes, she is the daughter of my recipe contributor, Elenor Hawley!)

 

A friend’s home in Indiana, elegant and simply adorned with silver candlesticks and vintage clock.

A mantel used to display some of the owner’s vintage porcelain collections with an oil painting, of a still life, hung above it…again pure lines and very English traditional objects and presentation.

An inlaid marble mantel and surround unadorned with important painting being the focus.  Traditional sconces on either side to emphasize the formality.  In a private club.

I love this Chinoiserie setting, perfection!  Also in a private club.

A modern approach, still balanced with some of the owner’s treasures.  A friend’s home in Indiana.

I hope you have enjoyed this snippet of some of my favorite mantels.  Do share some of yours. All photos were taken by me on my iPhone with the exception of the one of my home.

Time to get ready for the Holidays with some cookies….here you go…

ANOTHER FAMILY TREASURE FROM ELENOR HAWLEY’S RECIPE BOX

CRISP CINNAMON DIAMOND COOKIES (TOMMY’S FAVORITE!)

2 1/4 cup flour

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup butter room temperature (2 sticks)

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla

Yolks of two large eggs

White of one large egg, slightly beaten

1/2 cup sugar mixed with 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Mix flour, cinnamon, and salt.  In mixer beat butter with 1 cup sugar nd vanilla until creamy, beat in yolks.  At low speed stir in flour mixture, 1/4 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Put in small container, cover tightly, and refrigerate at least one hour, until firm, or overnight.

Heat oven to 375º.

On a lightly floured surface roll out dough to a 13 1/2″ x 10 1/2″ rectangle.  Cut dough lengthwise 6 times to make 7 1/2″ wide strips, then cut diagonally to make diamonds. Brush top of each cookie with egg white & sprinkle with sugar-cinnamon mixture.  Transfer cookies to ungreased baking sheets, be sure to leave room between each cookie and bake 8 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer, gently, to wire rack to cool.

Store in airtight containers.  Nena’s note, from what I understand they won’t be stored for long, they will be will be stored in tummy’s!!!