Tablescapes and a Basil Cocktail

These tablescapes are from Vanderbilt & Conmpany in St. Helena, Ca. What a store! If you love tablescaping, this is one store not to be missed. The above tablecloth was one of my favorites. Could be dressed up or down. Just a true classic.

French and Italian linens, pottery, Telavera, dinnerware and accessories from all over the world.

Just a color feast for the eyes.

The layering of colors and textures was exquisite.

My all time favorite photos of dinnerware layering and table dressing (for inspiration) is Horchow catalog and online and Neiman Marcus online.

I was so inspired by these scapes, as soon as I got home, I started on my tablescape for Halloween.

Vanderbilt's was such a joy to wander through and they were so nice. OK, finished with tablescaping and on to one creative drink recipe from the trip. After a very inspiring, relaxing day, had dinner at Press and ordered a Basil Beauty (highly recommended by a waitress at The Marketplace). In one word, "mmmmmmmmmmm". So smooth and refreshing. I grow basil in my kitchen AeroGarden and use it daily. So the thought of experiencing this yummy cocktail was too good to pass up.

As Embury Cocktails put it, "...the fresca appeal of the basil and lime and the and tangy, complex 209 Gin with its dynamic bergamont and cardamon notes made the Beauty the perfect means of rejuvenating a grape-weary spirit, and just in time to enjoy the late afternoon sun over the hills."

BASIL BEAUTY (from Embury Cocktails) 5-7 fresh basil leaves

1 medium lime

1/2 oz of simple syrup (recipe below)

3 oz of No.209 Gin

Place the basil leaves in a mixing glass with a little lime juice and muddle 5-7 times. Add ice, 3 oz of No.209 Gin, simple syrup and the remaining lime juice to the mixing glass. Shake all the ingredients for about 30 seconds. Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass and top with one fresh basil leaf. Simple Syrup

In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water to a boil; simmer until the sugar is dissolved, 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely. The syrup can be refrigerated in a glass jar for up to 1 month. Go, enjoy.