Tuesday, June 10, 2014

country living fair: road trip to rhinebeck

Presenting at the Green Stage
Over the weekend I took a beautiful road trip to Rhinebeck, NY to be a presenter at the Country Living Fair. What a true honor for me to be included amongst this year's stellar line-up!

That's me!
Table dress rehearsal at home
I arrived late-morning with my BFF Cindy and we were treated to VIP parking and a golf cart ride to the stage, which was great since I had a big ol' bin of stuff for my presentation.


Honestly, even though I prepared and rehearsed, I became very nervous while waiting for my turn on stage. I swear I was getting dizzy and then I turned around and who did I see but one of my dearest blogging friends, Claudia of Mockingbird Hill Cottage!

Pretty Claudia and me!
We had met in-person once before and once again connected instantly. Blogging is amazing, isn't it?

My presentation went great and I ended up feeling very at-ease thanks to a smiling and attentive audience. Thank you!

What followed next was a beautiful afternoon and second day of walking and shopping and eating and meeting! Before I launch into a series of photos from around the fair I want to share what Cindy and I did that evening:


We headed to Rhinebeck's town center at quaint Montgomery Street where bright blue hydrangeas and outdoor seating with checked tablecloths instantly drew us to the Liberty of Rhinebeck restaurant. The food was very good but the surroundings and presentation are what impressed us most, especially the use of sugar cannisters as drinking glasses! Brilliant!

A highlight of the trip
After dinner we strolled into bluecashew Kitchen Pharmacy where unbeknownst to us a book signing event was being held for fellow CL Fair presenter, Libbie Summers, whom I had met that afternoon. What fun to chat, buy her latest book Sweet and Vicious: Baking with Attitude and have it signed while sipping my new favorite way to enjoy seltzer -- with fresh mint leaves and watermelon slices (mmmm!).

Dresses are fun but ahhh ... comfy on Sunday in a T-shirt and jeans
Okay, ON WITH THE FAIR!
I have noted vendors whenever possible but didn't catch 'em all; if you recognize a seller, please cite in a comment. I hope you will find the images as inspiring as I do.

A vintage seed box adds a pop of rich color to a rustic table setting on display at South Porch Antiques
Bandanas abounded adding western charm
One of many stylish signs
Reflections of colorful bunting against the bright blue sky via Red Door Antiques
Items in perfect "dirty pink" at the shabbilicious booth of longtime blogging pal Jen of Cottage Flair / The Nosey Goose
Making a case for how to best display pretty dishes
Cindy looking adorbs
A sparkling and unique light fixture


And what did I buy? The usual: lots of little tinkering supplies!

xo
elyse

PS

The summer tour is underway! Hope you can attend a date or two!


10 comments:

Unknown said...

Lovely overview. Silverware in bean box is South Porch Antiques.

Claudia said...

I bought that aqua lamp from Red Door Antiques - such a great booth! And I love Blue Cashew, which used to be on my side of the Hudson River, but then moved over to Rhinebeck. It was so, so wonderful to see you again, dear friend, And to meet Cindy. I'm so happy you had a good time! Here's to meeting up again - sooner rather than later!

xo
Claudia

PS Got a coaching job for 2 1/2 weeks - leaving tomorrow for Chautauqua, NY. Yay!

Theresa said...

Oh what a fun time! I sure wish I could have been there to see your presentation! Enjoy your day dear friend! Sending HUGS your way!

Sam I Am...... said...

I just found your blog and what a treat! Thank you fro sharing Rhinebeck and the CL Fair and all those lovely treasures. I love your background on your blog...I am all into roses and that UK style.
Your book is on my wish list for sure. Good luck with all the signings.

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

I think I should go to this Fair next year! Glad you had fun (and you looked adorbs too)!

Kit said...

Oh how lovely! Makes me wish I could have gone. Love all the photos and they make me inspired. :) Kit

Into Vintage said...

All of it sounds lovely -- I would definitely have loved hearing your presentation not to mention what looks like some top notch vintage hunting! Your are on fire and much congrats with your publishing success.
And your very cute dress ;-)
xo

Cottage Flair said...

Hi Elyse,
It was so great to meet you!!! Rhinebeck was great. I hope it works out that we're both there next year so I will be sure to watch your talk! Thanks for the pic on your blog too!
Jennifer

Libbie Summers said...

Loved meeting you Elyse!!! I hope our paths cross again very soon. Libbie

Danielle said...

Looks like so much fun, Elyse! I want to go next year. x