Dandi Blog

On the weekend a special celebration was held for the impending arrival of Caroline's bub. The shower was organised by three very dear friends of Caroline; Jane, Edwina and Tess, and had an overall theme of doilies and high tea. More photos will follow soon but in the meantime we are showing you the gorgeous handmade invitations (above) which included fabric bunting sewn on, a Polli wooden Doily brooch and were posted in these yummy envelopes by Poppies for Grace, as well as the bunting made for decoration.

The bunting was lovingly made by Tess, using Dandi's Doilie fabric in both Berry and Wisteria. It is double sided and sewn together using bias tape.

We think it turned out so beautifully! Thanks Tess for making such a beautiful project out of our fabric!
If you want to make your own simpler version of bunting we have a tutorial here

Above: One of the garlands hanging above Mindi and Caroline, photo taken by the lovely Nadine of Nadine Prentice Photography. More photos to come soon... stay tuned!

Caroline has recently returned from a trip to France and has lots of lovely photos to share. Over the next week we will post a few images with inspiration captured during her travels. First stop is Paris of course!

It all starts with a view from atop the Eiffel Tower, you can't go to Paris and not have a cliche romantic photo with your loved one in front of this city's main icon. The view from the top is stunning, the city streets seem to radiate out from the towers beautiful gardens. Everything seems so perfectly laid out, inviting you to explore.



Inspiration is everywhere in Paris, these intricate stone carvings are just a small part of the elaborate decoration of the famed Notre Dame Cathedral.



Paris certainly has a mix of old and new to rivaled than anywhere in the world. The most recognised building aside from the Eiffel tower would have to be the Louvre. Caroline also spotted this amazing wall garden that sits nestled amongst two old architectural beauties - its such a contrast but works so well, mother nature is taking over!



Walking the streets of Paris is a highlight in itself, anyone who's been will surely agree that getting lost amongst tiny streets is a wonderful experience- and very easy to do mind you! Whilst trying to find her way back to the hotel Caroline stopped to smell the rambling roses spilling out from door steps and snapped some brightly coloured geraniums on window sills in the Saint-Germain district picture perfect streets. Parisians are so very stylish!

Caroline makes the most delicious preserved lemons and swears by how easy they are to make!

This yummy batch has been getting taste tested by the Dandi ladies this week.

Caroline's Preserved Lemons

6 lemons, quartered
Sea Salt
4 Cardamom Pods
Cloves
4 sterilised jars, around 200ml size

Place a couple of table spoons of salt in the bottom of each jar. Bruise cardamom pods and add one to each jar, scatter over a few cloves. Push lemon quarters into jars, packing as tightly as possible and allowing the juice to come out of the lemons as you go. The lemons should reach the top of the jar. Scatter over more salt and seal. The lemons will be ready to use after one month.

Be careful! Very Alcoholic!

Christmas Cheer

350 ml Cointreau

450 ml Vodka

200 ml lime juice

800 ml cranberry juice

200 ml icy cold water

Mix together ingredients and chill in freezer one hour before serving. Serve with ice and a twist of lime. Makes 2 litres - around 20-25 drinks.

Caroline had an early Christmas celebration this year and decked out 

her table Dandi style to get the mood happening. A plain dyed tablecloth and holly berry napkins were used to set the scene.

Berry red ribbon on simple elegant paper lanterns add a touch of drama 

to the occasion

Edible napkin decorations - yummy plump cherries to accentuate the red.

They even had matching cocktails courtesy of our favourite Dandi

Nadine. Recipe for these to follow!

As we mentioned last week, the Dandi ladies visited Magnolia Square

and did a spot of shopping. One of our favourites was the La Rarastand.

The Dandi girls were already familiar with La Rara (aka Lara Raymond) and couldn't help but buy up lots of her gorgeous handmade cards. You can pick up your own copies at her etsy store - she offers FREE postage!

Such a cute stand (and stand holder!) with so many yummy things to buy!

All the Dandi girls couldn't walk past this gorgeous tea cup card.

Multiple copies were purchased

Caroline was particularly enamored with this design, its so sweet, she

had to buy two copies so she could keep one and give one away!

Very often in life, a change is as good as a holiday, and with this in mind Caroline and Mindi decided to spice up their living spaces with some yummy new cushions from Pad.

We first spotted Pad over a year ago and have been loving their gear ever since. The current collection features an awesome range of colours including fresh green, sapphire and ash grey and the quality of fabric is the very best - durable and snuggly at the same time.

Its fair to say we went a little crazy and our living rooms could now double as Pad showrooms, but the end result breathes new life and inspiration into our worlds and that is what is most important, right?

You can find Pad cushions at the following stores in Sydney:
Magnolia Home and Gift, Shop 6-9/ 19 Bungan St Mona Vale NSW 2103
Essentials or Home, 112 Cronulla St, Cronulla NSW 2230
or at Oz Design Stores nationally