A Luxury Mountain Retreat!

This holiday season was jammed pack! GreatHouse was buzzing each day and some nights .....happy customers, workshops and lots of parties! I always try to participate in all the fun that the holidays bring and, after a late season couple of days taking in the sights in NYC with my Granddaughter, Roger and I needed to escape for a few days. I literally dropped my bags from NYC one night, got up the next day and threw some things out of my closet and headed out with my honey for the Adirondacks. We drove to The Point Resort at Upper Saranac Lake. This private Adirondack estate set on the shoreline of a beautiful mountain lake combines the natural world of the outdoors with rustic luxury. The retreat was built by William Avery Rockefeller a century ago when his wife wanted a Great Camp in the North Woods just like many of her socialite friends from the city. An extreme example of "happy wife, happy life" I guess. The Main Lodge was such a beautiful example of natural stone and timber indicative of the old Great Camp "cottages". Those moose antlers! The entry was octagonal with a rustic reeded center table decorated with birch poles and Nordic trees. Hanging on each wall were deer mounts that were wearing red plaid bow ties for the holidays. Inside the main room was a spectacular Christmas tree. I LOVED it as it wasn't perfectly full and triangular as most of the sheared trees we see at nurseries. Decorated with a large antique canoe, antique snowshoes, HUGE pine ones and a big owl. Reminding me of GreatHouse, the ceiling had a beautiful canoe. Two times a week dining is black tie and each night dining is served white glove with full silver service. It was nice for a change and got us ready for the Downton Abbey premiere   I so enjoyed Leonardo and Shawn's company at dinner. They were married at the resort in July. Leonardo, in the black sequin jacket, is the President of Maybelline and Shawn, in black velvet, owns a travel company. They were so much fun as well as handsome and we found ourselves not only enjoying the formal gourmet meals but not so formally with a lot of laughter. I would like to add that 2 ladies wore gowns with trains before I tell you this....when we travel I lay out all my things at home and Rog chooses the bags, etc and packs it all. He's good at spacial relationships and he cares that each space is used...whatever. Well on New Years Eve when we were getting dressed and he was wrestling with his studs on his shirt I couldn't find my black tie dress.....HE FORGOT TO PACK IT!! !! Want to know what I wore?? A $30.00 skirt my sister had given me from Marshalls!!! A professional would have a picture to finish this story but I am the only one who takes pictures in this duo. I have to say it was a really nice gold with blackish pencil skirt and with the black short sweater and some nice jewelry I didn't look bad at all...PLUS the place was very very dark. This is not the first time he has done this. When we went the the Grand Canyon this summer I had no underwear!! That was fun making that discovery next to a river a million miles from civilization!  Looks like there will be a change of operations next trip. The meals with the perfect wine pairings made me forget. Our first course was oysters. After pheasant, venison and homemade agnolotti, dessert was this passion fruit cremeux with mango sorbet and roasted coconut. A beautiful cheese platter was all we could eat for lunch. Our cabin had a big fireplace and each time we left the room I think someone popped in to stoke the fire because it was always burning and a welcome when we came from the snowy outdoors. We also had our own Christmas tree. Sometimes homeowners resist the typical design and accessory elements but I love when a mountain home has rustic pieces. The resort had lots of antlers, birch, reeded furniture and natural wood accessories like this ice bucket. Beautiful bathroom...love the tissue holder. This period painting hung over our bathtub and I swooned over the frame each night. We played darts and pool in the pub room and admired the birch and antler covered pool table. Hand painted lake scenes were commissioned for the table. All activities are included as well as the equipment, including hiking boots! We hiked each day because there wasn't enough snow for skiing and we were told there was a cabin up the woods the staff would have ready for us. Siding was completely covered in bark. When we got there the fire was going and delicious breakfast was waiting with fresh squeezed orange juice, coffee with bottles of Kahlua and Bailey's!  Look at the huge stone over the fireplace opening. Baked eggs with spinach! This is the hearth of the fireplace. I wanted you to see the detail of how they cut the wide plank flooring with the uneven stone. Antique oriental carpets were everywhere. We came upon this timber lean to which had a killer lake view. Pillows and an oriental rug covered the thick mattress. WHERE'S WALDO?? In the main lodge there were 2 wool buffalo check sofas and a dark mohair sofa covered with a fur throw.....beautiful!  Do you see me lying down next to Rog in my shirt dress with my head covered in this pic .....NOT!! Actually I think I'm the only person in the US who doesn't have this shirt...I should get one. Such a beautiful place, and a restful way to recharge gearing up for all the action at GreatHouse. I, of course, worked in some nice antique store visits on our way back and we have started the new year with new deliveries and a big upholstery delivery due any day. I hope you enjoyed your holidays and made wonderful new memories. We, at GreatHouse, hope 2016 is the year of peace for you and for all. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay in touch about the latest happenings at GreatHouse and to be in the know about our super special flash sales you will not want to miss! Talk to you soon,  Bonny   Please note delivery and shipping is available on all items EMAIL ME with any questions.     GreatHouse Bonny Neiman    p.973-714-4541  www.bonnyneiman.com   12 Beechwood Avenue | Summit, NJ Monday-Saturday 10:30-5:30

It's our GreatHouse Gift Guide and fun holiday workshop sign up!

We've been busier than elves on Beechwood Road! This past weekend the entire town was full of holiday cheer as visitors enjoyed the great weather and many points of entertainment throughout town. It was hysterical whenever I looked out the window to see a horse and carriage clomping up the street...so much fun! Thank you to Summit Downtown Organization for creating such a festive environment. We have put together our GreatHouse Gift Guide featuring some of our favorite pieces carefully chosen for all the members on your shopping list.....lucky them! Festive displays are adorned with Christmas ornaments and holiday soy candles, $34.00. Also featured, above, are our lucite coasters in malachite and leopard, $72.00 set of 4. Bone and horn creamy white boxes, $85.00-$175.00 For the hostess! Artisan gold leaf soap dishes with French milled soaps, $42.00 Artisan gold leaf bowls and vases $48.00-$155.00 Vintage classical plate $65.00 For the special teacher in your life.. Artisan ceramic accessory trays $32.00 arrows, trees and bumblebees Copper rimmed picture frames $28.00, $34.00 For the special exotic sweetie in your life... Genuine ostrich leather clutch with hornback crocodile handle and dust jacket, $165.00 For the glamour girl... Vintage perfume bottles, $65.00-$145.00 Pink lucite accessory box, $145.00 Vintage marble bird bath, $275.00 Vintage silver tray, $75.00 Vintage set of pastel cocktail glasses, $85.00 Vintage Christmas trees with mercury glass balls $235.00-$325.00 Vintage blue art glass bowl $120.00 For the art lover.... Vintage bronze dancers sculpture.  $ 245.00 Vintage metal head vase, $265.00 Upper left -vintage signed pen and ink drawing from France,1 of 3 $425 ea Far right, framed mixed media(Circles) $695.00 Small oil paintings $95.00-$245.00 For the Foodie... Vintage mortar and pestle $225.00 Black marble cheeseboard $54.00 White marble and wood cheeseboard $54.00 European linen kitchen/towels $24.00.dinner napkins $44.00 set of 4 Mother of pearl serving spoons $42.00 set of 4 Artisan pewter napkin rings $18.00 ea. Not only the tree glitters! Sissys jewelry has new arrivals with pieces totally drool worthy. Earrings start at $40.00 and necklaces shown are handmade with natural stones. Some have gold filled beads and hand carved bone feathers. The necklaces top left are sterling silver made with antique European sterling silver watch fobs! Gorgeous! Necklaces shown range from $95.00-$275.00. For the mixologist, his bar will standout with unique vintage pieces. Here are just a few, pictured. Vintage 3 decanter tantalus $295.00 Hotel silver wine/ice bucket $ Antelope horn bottle opener. $155.00 Vintage highball glasses in rack $245.00 Sterling flask $325.00 For the Christmas crazed! Must have original vintage mugs make for a comical Christmas morning, $22.00... A few pitchers too! Vintage Christmas barware many sets varied pricing. Antique handpainted mercury glass ornaments $18.00 ea. Is he always cold?? In stock luxurious 60 X 72 faux fur throws, $375.00 And not too late to order in 3 different sizes and a dozen add'l fur choices. Chunky knit throws, $275.00 For the collector...gifts that will be passed down for generations. Antique steel mounted oak humidor with porcelain lining $ 325.00 Heirloom 19th century inlaid Turnbridge boxes $425.00-$545.00 Antique crystal finial$175.00 Antique gilded pin tray $75.00 Antique gilded fragments mounted on lucite, $95.00  Antique round chinoiserie tray $165.00 Here is a bountiful example of one of our antique cutting boards making your cocktail hour look irrestible! About 5 available. And lucky GreatHouse enthusiasts will enjoy creating their own glittering winter cloche, Thursday evening December 17th at 6:30. It's always a fun experience to sip and create under the guidance of spirited and inspiring Matt Allegretta ....nicest guy around as he takes time from his busy career as display coordinator for Anthropologie to lead us in this hands on workshop. Space is limited so grab your bestie and call to register, 908-522-8900. $55.00 covers your cloche cost. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay in touch about the latest happenings at GreatHouse and to be in the know about our super special flash sales you will not want to miss! Talk to you soon,  Bonny   Please note delivery and shipping is available on all items EMAIL ME with any questions.     GreatHouse Bonny Neiman    p.973-714-4541  www.bonnyneiman.com   12 Beechwood Avenue | Summit, NJ Monday-Saturday 10:30-5:30

Holiday how to and sign up for our cloche workshop !!

Hi Friends,    I was putting together the planters outside the store on Sunday and was showing passers by and thought you would want a replay of my "how to" blog. I added something different which I show at the end. A few announcements as there is so many fun things going on I don't want you to miss anything. Thank you to all for making our Giving Tuesday such a huge hit! It felt good to write a nice check to St. Jude's Children Research Hospital and send it off. This Friday night kicks off the holidays in Summit! Stores are OPEN LATE with specials and we are hoping you and your date "get your jingle on" with us for a sip and shop where one of our signature soy candles will be free with your $40.00 purchase. Luminaries will light the street with music and live singing through town with lots planned. On Saturday starting at 1:30 it's kids day with crafts, stories, free hot chocolate, horse and carriage rides and, of course, Santa. For more information go to www.summitdowntown.org. We are planning a do it yourself holiday container workshop on December 17th with our favorite creative genius, Matt Allegretta. This is a hands on workshop ($55.00) where you will be creating your own masterpiece to take home and be amazed with your own creativity!! LOL!!   Anything Matt is involved in is magical and fun!  Please call 908-522-8900 between 10:30-5:30 to register as space is very limited.   AND....as our gift to you, we will be running super terrific flash sale specials thoughout the season that you will not want to miss. They will be 24 hours only and pictures and details will be posted exclusively on Facebook and Instagram. CHRISTMAS PLANTER HOW-TO!!! My son came home this past weekend for his annual trip to "get the tree".  He is VERY "tree specific", lets call it, but I have to say he must be evolving because when he placed his find in the family room this year the size didn't warrant removing every piece of furniture from the room. HE LIKES IT BIG!!  He does a masterful job of placing each light and then scoots back to the city and I have 2 ladders around old tannenbaum for a month while I try and make it look less like Rockefeller Center and more like home....I truly LOVE Christmas but, probably like you, feel a little stressed with all the opportunities for fun.  I showed a picture of the store planters last week on the blog and many of you commented on them so I thought I could give you a how- to with my own, above. Very easily done. I went to our larger garden center and bought Red branches 2 red artificial fruits I poked on green sticks from the gardencenter 2 picks of artificial magnolia leaves ( love the copper color) Some cedar branches with seeds Some cedar branches without seeds Some evergreen boughs 3 "bricks " of oasis foam Take the 3 bricks and place them hole side down in water, below They absorb the water and also are easy to poke with stuff but so is dirt already in your pots. Cut with a knife to fit.  The planter above is 12 inches in diameter First the plain cedar Then add some cedar with the seeds.. Then add the evergreen for some form Then add the magnolias in the center...the brown color is a nice contrast...and then add..... red sticks for height.  I really wanted full red berry sprays but they only had short ones.  When I cut them I noticed the garden center had  sprayed healthy branches....the branches weren't even dried out yet .   The fruit....you should try and find plastic as in very cold weather the foam ones usually crack and show the white styrofoam underneath. VOILA!! I must add that everything looks great in an antique real stone beautifully aged planter. EMAIL ME for pictures of planters I have available. I placed an antler to bring a little lightness to it. Pinecones also look great!  I added birch poles this year, this pic was a rainy day but I still love them. For your holiday shopping convenience we are now open   on Sundays too from 12-4 pm Our window is sparkling with a winter wonderland display featuring our gorgeous vintage swan I scored years ago from a museum going out of business. The silver foil trees are from the 1960's! Our gift table is full of treasures at terrific price points for everyone on your list. Wonderful hostess and teacher gifts. French milled soap resting on an artisan hand gold leafed soap dish. Price $42.00. Artisan ceramic trays, $32.00. Choose designs of an arrow, full tree or bumble bee. We have many sets of our popular vintage glasses and barware. Everyone loves to give and receive these one of a kind gifts. Exotic ostrich skin bags with hornback crocodile wristlet, $225.00 Lucite coaster sets and decorative boxes and candles ...prices ranging from $34.00-$95.00    Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay in touch about the latest happenings at GreatHouse and to be in the know about our super special flash sales you will not want to miss! Talk to you soon,  Bonny   Please note delivery and shipping is available on all items EMAIL ME with any questions.     GreatHouse Bonny Neiman    p.973-714-4541  www.bonnyneiman.com   12 Beechwood Avenue | Summit, NJ Monday-Saturday 10:30-5:30