Other Pursuits
Design & Passion
Spanish Linens
Now Available on Etsy
While living in Barcelona and the Costa Brava (that area north of Barcelona on the Mediterranean coast), I started to explore local flea markets and thrift stores. I did not find many as charity and consignment shops are almost non-existent. I was faced with this when I left Spain and had to shed my belongings. I had wrongly assumed there were some equivalents to Goodwill, The Salvation Army or church thrift stores. It made me realize how many charitable and philanthropic organizations surround us in this country as well as the tradition of fundraising and individual contribution. Maybe the social services or family interdependence in Spanish culture are responsible for this difference, but there was a definite contrast. With the help of my trusty side-kick, Gladys (more about her another time), I amassed a collection of these treasures which were then carefully washed and ironed, and given a label (created with artist Cynthia Fitting) which reads "C. Blakeney Turo Parc, Barcelona." I brought this collection back with me to California and they are now available on Etsy.
I eventually resorted to sitting cross-legged on the ground and going through bag after bag of cotton and linen of dubious origin. Many were too damaged or stained to consider but I managed to find some wonderful pieces. Each new pillowcase, sheet, or nightdress was unique and embroidered with monograms, flowers, Deco patterns, and borders in a variety of colors and styles, some adorned with lace or other trims.
Anyway, in these forays, searching for things of interest, I found some vintage Spanish bed linens. My main vendor was a gypsy family at the weekly "Los Encantos" flea market. I seemed to be one of a few who were interested (and eventually probably too interested) in these hand-worked pieces. Mostly the result of long-dispersed dowries, the craftsmanship and attention to detail was wonderful. Not cleaned and pressed into neat arrangements, these linens were brought to the market in big black plastic garbage bags!
Kitchens in the Vineyards | Charity Event
Each April, five hosts in the heart of wine country graciously open the doors of their stunning estate homes for Kitchens in the Vineyards, Napa Valley's favorite home tour, benefiting Music in the Vineyards.Once again this year was a one-of-a-kind tour featuring kitchens, dining rooms, entertainment areas and gardens, all enhanced by professional designers. Each unique home also offered tastings by our region’s favorite chefs and the opportunity to meet local authors.
Design & Staging by: Christina Blakeney Manoir Français
Nestled on the valley floor amid a redwood grove, this elegant country home features a pristine landscape with cabernet vineyard, rose gardens, citrus plantings, pillared terraces, a lap pool, and New Orleans-inspired décor.
Restaurant Table Staging
Staging photographs for Napa Valley restaurant promotion.The art work and all accessories selected and staged by Christina Blakeney & Co.
