I am wearing my heart on my sleeve, pulling that curtain aside and spilling some beans today.
I have been working on a few fun things over here-
and today I am sharing all the details and the very first look at my brand new book.
French Country Cottage Inspired Gatherings.
‘From the time I was a young girl, I remember being quite enamored with anything to do with gatherings, from dinner parties to lakeside getaways with family and friends to Thanksgiving dinner at my grandmother’s house in the mountains.
There was something about those special times that held a certain fascination for me, even when I was little. When I knew that there was a special occasion coming up on the calendar, I got a little bit giddy with the anticipation, knowing what was sure to be an enchanted event was just around the corner.
Now that I am older, I think back to our gatherings when planning and hosting my own, and while I have vivid memories of the elements and layers that went into each one- the china patterns, the tablecloths and the particular food are not what stand out to me.
It is much more the feeling. The sights, sounds, smells, and ambience of the gatherings that create that ‘magic’ that have stayed with me.
The sweet smell of my grandmother’s fudge that you could almost taste from the moment you stepped in her front door for Thanksgiving dinner.
The crisp mountain air and smell of smoke from the campfire, the ghost stories and scratchy wool camping blankets wrapped around me.
The burst of yellow and pink in the wildflowers gathered up from the garden and placed on the table for a summer evening barbecue.
Gatherings are not just tables and lavish occasions. They are the beach picnics in the sunshine and salty ocean air, an impromptu picnic in a field, a quiet morning sipping coffee while watching the sunrise with your sweetheart or camping trips complete with all the layers of thick, plaid cotton sleeping bags- and evenings lying cozy next to the fire staring at star filled skies and talking until you fall asleep.
There is something about those moments.
That simple old fashioned feel good feeling – when it seems the world stops for a few minutes while you look around at people making sweet memories. ‘
Lots of butterflies in my stomach writing this post but I am so excited to finally be able to share more about my book with you.
Of course, when I was writing and photographing this book, the world looked a little bit different than it looks right now. But I do think we all need beauty and inspiration more than ever and so I hope this brings many smiles, a peaceful break and ideas right now.
I am looking forward to when we will all be able to gather with our families and friends and celebrate everyday and special moments together- just like I know you all are too. My hope for this book right now is that the ideas and inspiration from the settings inside these pages will inspire you to create some of your own gatherings at home – create some special moments with your family while staying safe- and also give you a head start on planning for more celebrations that are coming. And I think those are going to be so wonderful. 🙂
Inside the pages of Inspired Gatherings you will find settings in inspired places like flower fields, the lake, a vineyard etc. and you will also find settings that are inspired at home. A table by the barn and in the greenhouse, a grazing breakfast in the kitchen, a bohemian table under the tree among many others. And it isn’t all about tables-there are many quiet moments for two & things like coffee with someone special while watching the sunrise over a lake. It is a book that is full of ideas that came about from looking at the world around us and being inspired to create special moments with those you love.
Inspired Gatherings releases on May 26th and is available for Pre- Order at Amazon right now.
Something you might not know is that every single pre-order is so important for the success of the book – soI absolutely appreciate you ordering your copy early if you are so inclined.
These are just a few sneak peeks- I couldn’t wait any longer to share with you! I will be sharing more & lots of behind the scenes stories (there were a few doozies!) in the coming weeks and I am planning some fun virtual things where we can connect and chat just like at a regular book signing.
Thank you so much as always for your friendship- I am so grateful for you and your support.
This book would not be possible without each of you.
I hope that you enjoy
French Country Cottage Inspired Gatherings
as much as I enjoyed writing it.
xo
Courtney
Jo-Anne's Ramblings says
Great news
The Enser Establishment says
You do such beautiful work!! So inspiring! Can’t wait to see the whole book!!
Mary from Life at Bella Terra says
Courtney, I just pre-ordered your book. How exciting for you (and for me!). The sneak peek looks so lovely and magical. So looking forward to it arriving at the end of May. Everything you do is just so darn beautiful. So happy I met you at the Patina Farm book signing event!
Anonymous says
Hi Courtney,
I was told that Amazon no longer delivers to Australia…..can this be confirmed or denied please? Many thanks Anna p.s I was so looking forward to your book.
Karrie Elizabeth says
Oh me oh my…as i am skipping in my head of all places…lol. I simply can’t wait to devour this book filled with so much eye candy inspiration! Congratulations on your new baby ????
Carol says
Hello Courtney
How do you just received your first book in the mail today believe it or not and I place my order now for your second but once it’s released. Congratulations!
Mary says
Hi Courtney, I'm thrilled about your new book and just ordered it. It looks beautiful and I know it will be full of eye candy like your previous book and a welcome diversion from all the craziness that's going on these days.♥
Adrienne says
Awesome! I pre-ordered mine this morning and can't wait to receive it. I get so much inspiration from your posts and can't wait to have your lovely book in my hands. 🙂 Congratulations to you! How exciting.
Teresa Gonzales says
So excited for the new book-ordered 2 copies-one for each home. You are so talented.
Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage says
Congratulations Courtney! J.
Rosemary & Thyme says
Oh my, Courtney. This is so exciting! A book from you on entertaining and table settings. I am already swooning over the tables and scenes featured on your sneak peek. Thank you for writing this book for us and for the years of mesmerizing inspiration. Good look to you and congratulations.
Warm regards,
Janet
Rosemary & Thyme Blog
Cynthia Andrelchik says
I have pre-ordered this scrumptious book- but can’ figure out how to send you confirmation.
Courtney says
You can fill out the form in my shop- (see page here on the blog for the link) or email it to me.
Debi ford says
I received my gifts today and thEy are so lovely! Thank you so much! Looking forward to getting my book next week!
Courtney says
So glad that you like them!! Thank you so much for preordering!!
Sara-Laura Bagés says
En français s’il vous plait…ou espagnol?
Courtney says
It is in English. I am not sure if they publish/translate to French or Spanish.
Lynn Jackson says
I pre-ordered your book on April 30th.
Courtney says
Thank you Lynn! I hope you like it!
Karins Kottage says
You continually amaze me with your gorgeous tablescapes and home decor ideas! I really want to jump into the pages of your blog, book and videos! Everything is spectacular! I am hoping to get your new book for my birthday as I have hinted to my family that is what i want 🙂 I wonder if you would like to link up to my Centerpiece Wednesday LInky party I have going on right now to share this post or really any of your posts with my readers. I would love it! I would love to have you come and link up to my Centerpiece Wednesday Linky party and share this or any other posts that you would like https://karinskottage.com/2020/06/linky-party-happy-4th-of-july.html Hope to see you there!
Karin
Courtney says
Thanks so much Karin- you are so sweet.