Marrakech, Morocco: and a tale of starting the year right

It's the New Year.  And I tried to start it right.  With friends in the Peacock Pavilions dining tent.  

We prepared a feast with charcuterie and cheeses brought from Europe, rosemary cocktails, legs of lamb, French onion tarts, vegetable tian, and mini chocolate fondants.  

I passed out slips of paper so that we could jot down our regrets, our sadnesses, our disappointments in 2014.  Then we set them on fire and let them go.  As the smoke ebbed, we began to feel lighter.

Then we looked forward to 2015 with earnestness and with shiny attitudes. We filled in cards with promises and then tucked them into our bags for remembering.  

With those important things done, at midnight we were ready for champagne, drunk in small Moroccan tea glasses of course.  

And then there was dancing until 2:30 or 3am.  

I've felt a weight begin to lift and I feel better. How about you, Lovelies? What did you do to start your New Year right?

Marrakech Morocco: and an end of the year tale of reflection

Marrakech Morocco: and an end of the year tale of reflection

Oh I know it's The Season.  I know it's all about star topped trees and tinsel strands and uncorked champagne.  And I know it's about bright resolutions and glossy mistletoe and Christmas lights.  But I am not going to lie to you -- I won't be sad to see 2014 go.  

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Handiras: and a dreamy tale of glamorous Moroccan bedroom ideas

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Handiras: and a dreamy tale of glamorous Moroccan bedroom ideas

In the winter, my bedroom is command central at Peacock Pavilions. You can see it here. 

I love to cozy into a beautiful bed with crisp sheets, my laptop, and endless cups of coffee.  And adding the ultimate layer of warmth and glamour is the Moroccan wedding blanket, or handira and a super chic Beni Ouarain carpet.

Marrakech, Morocco: and a Moroccan design tale of winter whites and silvers

#TribalChic home decor by M.Montague- Moroccan wedding blankets and cushions for a beautiful white bedroom
tribal chic home decor by M.Montague- luxury Moroccan home goods and design for bedroom decorating

There's snow on the Moroccan Atlas Mountains and they look so close that I'm tempted to reach out to try to touch them.  I'm so inspired by the Wintry wonderland that I thought I'd bring you my own version, right from the rooms of Peacock Pavilions.....  {Moroccan wedding blankets & cushions, right from my shop.}

In Morocco (and more broadly, in Islam), whites, ivories and creams have positive connotations, standing for purity, piety and goodness.  To describe someone as having a "white heart" is a compliment.  Men wear white to pray, and gifts of white (sugar, milk, eggs, etc.) are thought to have blessings.  

Moroccan white symbolism is powerful, indeed.

Add a dash of silver for yet more Moroccan color magic.  In Morocco, silver or white metal is believed to have protective powers and be able to ward off the evil eye.  Wearing, using and decorating with silver is helpful in warding off evil genies, too.  Did you know that genies are thought to outnumber humans?  Ahem, you better get your silver on!!! {Jewelry hand, vintage hammam bowls and sequined shawl/throw from my Souk.}  

Some more pretty whites, ivories and silvers from around Peacock Pavilions.  So dreamy & glamorous, yes?  

P.S. All products sold from our shop benefit Project Soar, but this December, M.Montague is pledging an additional contribution to Project Soar for each product sold at the souk:

$5 from bowls, $10 from hooks, $20 from cushions, and $30 from blankets

For a little extra 'Do Good' spirit, spend more than $250 and shipping is on us with promo code: DoGoodHoliday. 'Tis the season!