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The Lunar New Year, Dorthy Draper, The Greenbriar, Organization Tips and More on Weekend Meanderings.
WEEKEND MEANDERINGS
Good morning and a happy Saturday to you! It’s time for weekend meandering with my friends Kim and Juliet.
February is a busy month, the Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day, Presidents day and the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Dragon. Every day of the month you could celebrate something if you wanted to.
This weekend at my house we are celebrating the Super Bowl. Bill, my husband, will be dressed in red and gold and cheering on his home town team the KC Chiefs. Football isn’t my thing so I will be wandering in and out for the commercials and the snacks. What about you? Are you a football fan or are you watching the commercials?
Ok, let’s get to weekend meanderings.
The Lunar New Year~Year of the Dragon
Today is the start of the Lunar New Year, known by many names around the globe: Chinese New Year, the Spring Festival, Set or Seollal. It is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar, rather than the Gregorian calendar. Celebrated in China, Vietnam, Tibet, and Korea and here in the U.S, by 8 million whose origins come from the countries mentioned.
Fun Facts about The Lunar New Year & the Year of the Dragon
- Each year in the Lunar calendar is associated with one of 12 Chinese zodiac animals. The 12 zodiac animals in are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Lunar New Year 2024 is the year of the dragon.
- A powerful sign linked with authority, strength and good fortune, dragons are unique because they are the only mythical animal in the Chinese zodiac. Those born in the Year of the Dragon are known for their leadership, intelligence and intensity.
- According to Britanica, “the origins of the Chinese New Year are steeped in legend. One legend is that thousands of years ago a monster named Nian (“Year”) would attack villagers at the beginning of each new year. The monster was afraid of loud noises, bright lights, and the color red, so those things were used to chase the beast away.”
- The Chinese New Years last 15 days, 7 before and 7 after. The last day is the Lantern Festival, which celebrates the first full moon of the year.
- It is traditional for families to clean their house and areas around their house in preparation of the New Years celebrations, this is called “sweeping away the dust.” You drive away the bad luck of the previous year and make way for a new start.
- Doors and windows are decorated with New Years pictures, signs, papercuts,etc, all red. Red is the color that scares away the monster Nian.
- “Making offerings to the ancestors is one of the most important folk customs of Lunar New Year. It is a way to show respect and piety. In addition, ancestral spirits are believed to protect their descendants and to bless them with luck and prosperity in the New Year”(source)
- Last night was New Years Eve, traditionally families gather for Reunion dinner. Most of the food is symbolic with meanings of wealth, abundance, longevity, to name just a few.
- Red Envelopes filled with money are given. “The elderly give red envelopes to the younger generation, which are supposed to suppress evil spirits and convey sincere wishes for good luck. Adults give red envelopes to their parents to wish them good health and a long life.(source)
Speaking of the Lunar New Year, did you see the beautiful and colorful collection at Williams Sonoma? Not only are there pieces for your table but useful tools for your kitchen as well. We bought this rice maker in December and use it all the time, not only for rice but steel cut oats and quinoa too.
In fact, now that my husband is retired he is taking Japanese cooking classes. This rice cooker is going to be working overtime.
Dorthy Draper Decorating Weekend At the Greenbrier
Dorthy Draper and Carleton Varney design fans did you know that you can spend a weekend at the Greenbrier Resort learning all about one of their most famous and long standing projects? Not only do you get to stay in the amazing Greenbrier you also get a look behind the scenes and you get to spend time with the Dorthy Draper design team. Minimalists this weekend might not be your style, but if you love exuberant color, large prints and over the top Hollywood Regency style this is not to be missed.
The Greenbrier is a storied resort nestled in the West Virginia mountains. I have been to visit while we were staying at The Homestead but I have not stayed overnight in this colorful oasis. The Homestead is also a beautiful place to stay with a rich history, not as colorful as the Greenbrier but also beautiful.
Dorothy Draper & Company, Inc., America’s oldest established continually operating interior design firm, continues to oversee all aspects of design throughout The Greenbrier since 1946. This colorful weekend, led by members of the Dorothy Draper Team, features behind-the-scenes tours, lectures, and receptions to immerse yourself into the world of Draper!
In 1946, The Greenbrier needed an upgrade after serving its country as Ashford General Hospital during World War II. Famous New York decorator Dorothy Draper was brought in to restore The Greenbrier to its past glory, and in doing so Draper created a bright, colorful look that has become a signature of America’s Resort.
Carleton Varney arrived in Mrs. Draper’s office in 1961 to work as an assistant in the design department. One of his first tasks was to accompany the design icon by train to one of her most well-known and publicized projects, The Greenbrier. Carleton Varney was involved with every aspect of the hotel’s design, including bringing it into the 21st century while maintaining the look that Draper created.
All images The Greenbriar
If you do visit the Greenbrier make sure to take the Bunker Tour. The hotel has an underground bunker that was built in the event of a nuclear war and was to house all the members of Congress and a support staff of hundreds. It was top secret until it was unveiled in 1992.
More About Dorthy Draper
Learn more about the Dorthy Draper Weekend.
Read a first hand account of the Dorthy Draper weekend.
In the Pink: Dorothy Draper–America’s Most Fabulous Decorator
The Grand Design: A Novel of Dorothy Draper
Helpful Tips to Organize Your Home
Image Annie
Since the beginning of the New Year, I have mentioned that I am working on organizing and purging my house. It’s too bad I didn’t wait to start until this week, I could have used all of the tips from Cindy, Annie, Sheri, and Mary Ann. If you have plans to Spring clean your house you will want to check out these tips and posts.
Sheri: The 10 things you should ditch right now, for a healthier home!
Cindy: Organize Your Accessories in Style with These 5 Secret Tips.
Mary Ann: 8 Surprisingly inexpensive ways to organize your closet.
Annie: How to Organize a Small Clothes Closet
WHAT’S INSPIRING ME AROUND THE WEB
Have you seen the pre-spring palette at Tuckernuck? So many great pieces.
Our Most Saved Appetizer for the Super Bowl Last Year
Tour a Classic Charleston Home That Includes a Hidden Pool and Full Guesthouse
Simple home, simple food and simple life, living off grid. I love everything!
Looking for some inspiration for Spring? These floral vignettes are simple and beautiful.
Need help styling your bookcases?
A writer in Paris? You’re living the dream!
40 Simple Daily Habits That Will Make You Happier and Healthier
So many great decorating ideas for a small space.
‘The Taste of Things’ is a sizzling romance and foodie feast .
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT~THIS WEEK ON THE BLOG
Monday I shared a great book and this outfit. Classic wardrobe pieces with a pop of red.
You can find all of the details below.
My friend Michelle, author of Hello Lovely and I shared an artist we each admire. I shared California artist Ria Krishnan
Next I shared 10 Easy Valentine’s Day desserts. Several of the recipes are no-bake so they make easy last minute desserts for Valentine’s Day desserts.
Last but not least, Friday Favorites! There is still time to make one of two of the Super Bowl appetizer recipes. A couple of the books I shared are on the February First Reads list. If you have Prime don’t forget to get your free book this month.
Outfit details below.
UNTIL NEXT TIME
I hope that you enjoyed Lunar New Year, Dorthy Draper, The Greenbriar, Organization Tips and More on Weekend Meanderings.
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Have a great day! Don’t forget to pop over visit my friends Kim and Juliet you can find the links below.
If you missed any of the previous Weekend Meandering posts you can find them all here.
This post contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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I’m from Kansas City too so will be rooting for my home team but like you drifting in and out as I can’t sit and watch a game for 4 hours. By the way a show your husband might enjoy is Midnight Diner on Netflix. They’re short episodes with Japanese subtitles. About a man in Tokyo who owns a diner that opens at Midnight and he cooks for his guests. These are like little short stories. Very good I think. The cooking might be of interest.
I too am purging so will peruse the organizing articles. Since I was born in the year of the dragon, I’m hope for a ver auspicious year!! Happy Lunar New Year.
Nanci, we are the champions, or should I say the Chiefs are the champions! I hope you enjoyed the game.
I cannot wait to check out Midnight Diner! Sounds perfect.
I am still purging. I think it will be a long year of purging for me.
HAve a wonderful week!
Such pretty cookies! No, I’m not a football fan, so I won’t be watching it. Actually I don’t care for sports. Have fun!
Brenda
Brenda, I am not a sports fan myself. But I do like the game food. Hope that you are on the mend.!
Elizabeth! I’ve wanted to visit the Greenbrier ever since I saw Samatha Brown’s visit probably 20+ years ago. Maybe this year I’ll make it happen. I’ll be watching the game and cheering on our Niners! Also, I’m excited for the commercials for the first time in quite a while … the sneak peaks I’ve seen on social media look promising. And also … the food. I’m not holding back. Happy Lunar New Year! xo
Juliet,
Samantha Brow is amazing, I love her. Do you know that she still makes videos? The Greenbrier is a must, as is The Homestead. When you make the trip visit the White Sulfur springs too!
The commercials were a bit of a let down for me, there is always next year. Thankfully the Chiefs won!
Oh if I were young enough to travel easily I would have to splurge on the Dorothy Draper Weekend! She was a star to me when I was young and her work is in so many of the vintage women’s magazines I collect. And I remember clipping a magazine article from decades ago of Carlton Varney’s home and loved his style so much.
I love Super Bowl Sunday because it makes my husband so happy. I watch some of it and the commercials and halftime but admit I’ll be watching for glimpses of Taylor Swift because she went to high school with my grandson. And I’ll be watching Reba sing the National Anthem because our company once put slate on all the buildings at her home in Tennessee and she was so nice.
I hope it’s a good safe game.
Demean, how nice of you to comment. It is always nice to see you! How are you?
Dorthy Draper is am amazing woman and her life is like a novel. I would love to attend that weekend!
SB Sunday makes me happy for the same reasons, my husband loves the Chiefs and he loved every minute of the game.
Thank you Elizabeth for including our post on organizing!
I love your very French outfit of the week! A trench, stripes and red ballet flats! Perfection!
You are very welcome Annie! Have a wonderful week.
Elizabeth, I am so late commenting. What a fun post.
I appreciate knowing more about Lunar New Year. I really had no idea about the reasons behind a lot of it.Living in California , it’s a big thing and so many here celebrate. It’s a lot of fun seeing what goes on, and getting to Chinatown in SF for the parade is a blast. We have accidentally experienced it and it was so fun. We also have neighbors who give us little gifts and decorate their homes.
I would love to get to that Draper retreat. The Greenbrier always looks so wonderful. I love that it’s so well loved and preserved.
I like you, am not a huge football person and neither is Max, but we watched last night. What a game. Sad for the Niners, but the Chiefs are such a great team too. The commercials weren’t so great, but loved Usher and Alicia!
I really like both your outfits and the red shoes especially! That woven black bag is also adorbs.
How cool your husband is taking Japanese cooking lessons! That will be fun for you both. Hope you have a great week. xo
Kim, when I wrote the post I was thinking about you and Juliet. I have been to Chinatown in SF and love it. I am sure that it is amazing during the New Year celebration.
The Greenbrier is amazing! I can only imagine how wonderful a behind the scenes tour and Dorthy Draper history would be.
Have a wonderful week Kim!
Hi Eliz
Thanks so much for the mention. That collection from Williams Sonoma is fabulous! I meant to stop in the other day and ran out of time. Those loafers are great looking in your outfit of the week! Have a great week!
You are very welcome Cindy. You are right, the WS collection is so beautiful, special pieces to add a pop of color to your table. Have a great week.