Are there any Rachel Ashwell fans reading today? Yes, I thought so! And probably, like me, some of you have been eager to get a copy of her new book, "Shabby Chic Interiors - My Rooms, Treasures, and Trinkets." Larger in format than her previous books, this one is, happily, again photographed by Amy Neunsinger, the same talented photographer who helped us fall in love with Shabby Chic style in the earlier books.
I like Rachel Ashwell the person as well as Rachel Ashwell the style, and I must confess that one reason I will *always* love her is that she likes tea and the accoutrements of teatime. I predicted I would not get very far into this book before reading about "tea" or "teatime," and indeed I did not. While Rachel's style has evolved over time (and whose hasn't?), I'm happy she continues to find joy in taking tea as well as collecting teawares. Describing this scene she says, "This is a shady spot that I use a lot as it is close to the house and it's just perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. I love having tea parties; I'm much better at teas than dinners." Yes!
I was delighted to find that one of the "celebrity" interiors featured in the book once belonged to none other than designer Betsey Johnson. (Some of you will recall Betsey Johnson's "Tea Party Bracelet" I wrote about earlier this year.) Turns out Rachel and Betsey have never met in person but are fans of each other's work. I can totally see that! And I can also see why Rachel has developed a fondness for collecting "Royalty china." Aren't these pieces lovely? Reading a new Rachel Ashwell book is such a treat, and although in a perfect world she would give us a monthly *magazine* I am quite content to visit the world of Shabby Chic in this lovely new book.
ooooh! I want that book! Thanks for the interesting review.
ReplyDeleteHer new book looks great. I have "Shabby Chic Treasure Hunting & Decorating Guide". It gives wonderful insight into her style and how she achieves it, but not her penchant for tea. Thanks for the sneak peek and review.
ReplyDeleteYes I too love Rachel Ashwell and her Shabby Chic designs- I have to fight my daughter Melanie for the books I own, as she is a fan as well.
ReplyDeletePS, I've enjoyed catching up on the past blogs. Good stuff!
I like shabby chic a lot as a concept. It might describe the clothes I wear, which I've heard said are "cheap chic." --Teaternity
ReplyDeleteBig Fan of Rachel Ashwell here. I especially love her book "Shabby Chic Home" where she describes (with beautiful photos) the renovation she did of her Malibu home. And of course, the pics I liked best were of her table set for tea, and all her tea things. Thanks for alerting me to this new book!
ReplyDeleteI am much better at tea than dinners too. Why is that? Love the Shabby Chic designs.
ReplyDeleteHello, I wanted to let you know that Rachel has signed some copies of her fab new book! They are available at http://www.cicobooks.com and there is a pretty signed bookmark inside.
ReplyDeleteAlso, your post also made me smile :) tea is a simple pleasure but is really one of the best. If only a teapot could talk.