Design, Design & Décor, In the Garden, Living with Style, The Parterre Bench

The Holiday Parterre Bench

December 13, 2018 by Bettie Bearden Pardee
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For me, as for many of us, Christmas decorating is steeped in tradition. The treasured hand-me-down and collected-over-the-years ornaments that are lovingly hung on the tree just as they have always been, the stockings at the fireplace, the wreaths on the door, and the garlands up the stairwell are all part of a cherished ritual of the season.

But then Instagram came into my life, a beast that had an insatiable need (actually, more like a demand) for constant content — pictures, images, snapshots, whatever they may be called. I actually relished this opportunity to stretch my imagination. And within a seeemingly short period, I had 35K “Followers” all over the world (to my utter surprise). A good reason to break out of my mold and reconsider Parterre’s decorations for this holiday!

My recent post illustrated an example of these  in our library, which focused on a rustic theme.  So, I wondered,  why not carry this theme into the solarium where the Parterre Bench reigns supreme in the winter? The solarium also serves as a de facto greenhouse, so it’s a cool-ish space. This “Brrr” factor prompted the use of a look I never tire of — leopard and fur (faux). Soon, a tongue-in-cheek version of an Austrian schloss  had been created, all set for snuggling up and sipping and supping. Who knows, maybe snow is just around the corner, too.

The Parterre Bench, a member of the family and at home anywhere — not just the garden.

Merry, Merry and Happy, Happy!

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About Bettie Bearden Pardee

Author of Private Newport and Living Newport, garden furniture designer (The Parterre Bench), national lecturer, and entertaining expert. An honoree for the second year on "The Salonniere 100 America's Best Party Hosts", she was also the host and creative producer of "The Presidential Palate: Entertaining at the White House".

10 thoughts on “The Holiday Parterre Bench”

  2. What a lovely post. Thank you so much for bringing all this beauty to me this cold grey morning.
    MissLindyS

  4. 35,000 Followers! So Fortunate to have you right here in Newport.
    As Always, Thank you for sharing.
    Edward

  5. Merry Christmas, Bettie, from Madison, Georgia.
    I really look forward to your postings.
    Wish you and Neale would come see me!!
    Maybe in 2019!!!
    Chris

  6. Merry Christmas! You are brilliant and have simply outdone yourself with this. That is stunning! I adore that wreath and framing that room with garlands across the archway. Simply stunning! Miss you. Xo

  7. Looks warm and cozy and inviting. And love the fact that the fur is faux…Thank you for that!

  8. It’s all beautiful. I especially love the swag and garlands with the little lights over the door and cascading down alongside the door frame, and the wreath which is lit up and hanging over your parterre bench.

    1. Thank you, Lisa, I, too am very happy with the final result!! It’s adding another dimension to our 2018 holiday home. Merry, Merry to you and yours

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