Historically speaking, it does sound a bit odd, doesn't it-- Americans loving England. But it's true: once our disputes over independence were settled, the United States and England became allies, joining forces in major conflicts around the world. And American people grew fond of the charms of England.
I remember playing with my sister when we were children, speaking to each other in our most proper, fake English accents. It made us feel so posh. Americans love the English accent--(I have heard Americans say that the English can curse and it sounds like poetry under that wonderful accent), the Royals, the tea-drinking, the double-decker buses, the red phone booths, the charming cottages and gorgeous gardens, the castles, the literature. Whether or not our perception of the country is accurate, we view England with nostalgia, a place and people who must (at least in our imaginations) lead genteel, quiet country lives, with old families living in gracious old properties. We are drawn to their wit; Americans love British television. And in the case of many of us design hounds, we are drawn to the design of their comfortable interiors. So in honor of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, this very American girl gives a nod to the beauty and charm with which our friends across the pond inspire us.
I remember playing with my sister when we were children, speaking to each other in our most proper, fake English accents. It made us feel so posh. Americans love the English accent--(I have heard Americans say that the English can curse and it sounds like poetry under that wonderful accent), the Royals, the tea-drinking, the double-decker buses, the red phone booths, the charming cottages and gorgeous gardens, the castles, the literature. Whether or not our perception of the country is accurate, we view England with nostalgia, a place and people who must (at least in our imaginations) lead genteel, quiet country lives, with old families living in gracious old properties. We are drawn to their wit; Americans love British television. And in the case of many of us design hounds, we are drawn to the design of their comfortable interiors. So in honor of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, this very American girl gives a nod to the beauty and charm with which our friends across the pond inspire us.
via the decorista
pinterest
For more very British reading, check out the June 2012 issue of Traditional Home magazine, featuring British goods, homes and gardens.
Wishing you a Happy Weekend!
I love the Union Jack. It lends itself to so many decorating possibilities!
ReplyDeleteThat is so funny. My sister and I used to do the same with our bad English accents.."More tea please, dahling." Yep, I am such an Anglophile that I spent my college junior year abroad in England! I can't wait for all the festivities this weekend. Cheers! Connie*
ReplyDeleteKERI DEAR! How are you feeling my friend??? AND YES, the DIAMOND JUBILEE is something I want to keep my eye on this weekend, but I have so many things to juggle! I do agree that anything British is intriguing and I am sucker for any British comedies, epics or poetry. There is just so much beauty in the many cultures around us.
ReplyDeleteDo feel well my dear and have a quiet weekend! Anita
Hi Keri nice to see you about! I'm looking forward to watching a bit of the celebration this weekend. Love that sofa in the first picture there's just something about the Union Jack that speaks to us all.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend!
XX
Debra~
Oh yes I remember the British accents too:) I must say I love all things British from the accents, the decorating style, many of the icons to come out of the UK, Union Jack......and of course all the pomp and circumstance is mighty entertaining! Hope you have a great weekend Keri!
ReplyDeleteI will check it out. Love the first image. I am a sucker for anything with dogs.
ReplyDeleteI have a very soft spot for the Union Jack and all things British. Love the dog on the couch. I'm sure he's British too. x Sharon
ReplyDeleteHi Keri,
ReplyDeleteI am a complete anglophile and have visited the wonderful country many times...I wish I had a British accent...they really do make everything sound better. :-)
Love the pillowed sofa and the wonderful sleeping dog.
Karen
I fell in love with things English when the Beatles came to the States. I ended up marrying a Brit and have lived in London since 1975. I love many things British and the celebrations for the Diamond Jubilee are awe inspiring. There have been some special programmes on TV to celebrate 60 years of Queen Elizabeth's reign as well as street parties in some areas. However, you are bound to see the river pageant on US TV and it is the best view you will get. I went down to the South Bank at Waterloo this afternoon and it was SO crowded you couldn't even get near the river, let alone see anything and the bridges were closed early, there were just too many people. And to top it all, it has been a wash out with quite heavy rain today at times. But in true British style the British have "made do" and everyone seems really happy, taking the rain and crowds in their stride and celebrating in true British style. I think there is a special relationship between the two countries. The Brits generally love the Americans too, maybe it is the common language but I remember in high school we learned a lot about English culture and literature. I think that has contributed to the American love of things British. From Kaye in London.
ReplyDeleteHi Kaye,
DeleteThanks so much for your comment! I do hope you enjoyed the festivities from your very enviable vantage point!
Keri
Dear Keri, as part of the Commonwealth, we Canadians are very proud of our English roots and affiliations with the Empire! I love all the pomp and circumstance that goes hand and hand with the monarchy and it's traditions. But best of all I think Queen Elizabeth has ruled her " kingdom" for all these years with grace and unwavering sense of duty, in her own inimitable style, dedicating her life to her country and the British people. I think she rules!! :). N.xo
ReplyDeleteThat's so nice to hear, The Queen has been around for a long time and it is right that we should celebrate big style.
ReplyDeleteBut as always its a Bank Holiday and a wash out, but that dosen't stop us, come rain or shine you can be assured of a great turn out.
We will be sitting down tonight for the big concert.
Have a good week
See Yea George xxx
Hi Keri - So true! I love the British for many of the stated reasons. For me, garden design is at the top. Many of my favorite gardens in the world are all in England. Hope you are enjoying all the Jubilee celebrations and festivities!! I thought the flotilla event was fabulous!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Loi
Sigh, I'm another Anglophile American...instead of posters on my wall at 16 had a map of England and the tube plan of London hanging up :) I didn't quite get to England but it's just a channel away :) Love your beautiful images and writing on this subject, Keri xo K.
ReplyDeleteHi, i am British :) (feeling patriotic at the moment) I have this wierd fascination with why the American people are so besotted with British culture etc...? I really cant understand it! Personally i would much prefer to live in the US, the only negatives i have are, 1 everyone has guns and 2, those moronic fools with the massive ego's and an IQ of about 6.5 who chant USA for breakfast lol. Everything in your country is modern and looks way more impressive. I live in a world heritage city in England called Bath, it has royal ties with Queen Victoria and is old fashioned with boring Georgian architecture, but so many Americans come here! In my perspective, a city like New York is like nothing in England.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the United States is impressive and like no other place in the world, and I love it dearly! Maybe Americans' love of England comes in part from that human propensity to love what is uncommon. Just as New York is like nothing in England, there is nothing just like Bath (or many other places in England) in the United States. America is rich with history, of course, but England's is so much older which is a source of interest to many of us. I do admit, these reasons must just scratch the surface and I'm sure are highly subjective. Thanks so much for your comment; I hope you'll visit again!
DeleteKeri
I love all things English - especially how they have kept their traditions while moving into the modern world. I am headed to London with my daughter in two weeks to visit my sister who lives there and cannot wait.
ReplyDeleteHello Keri,
ReplyDeleteI could not resist popping in to read this lovely post. I had the good fortune to go home to England for a short weekend the week BEFORE the Jubilee celebrations - I couldn't get away for the BIG weekend - and every time I go back I simply feel I've arrived HOME. I was also mulling over the Silver Jublilee in 1977; where have all those years gone? I was a little girl and I recall my primary school had had mugs designed for the Jubliee. I remember it being one of those never ending summer days one experienced as a child. I watched the festivities on the television.
Good memories.
Stephanie