On Sunday we thought we'd get a breath of fresh air and go for a stroll in Ghent, navigating the way by some of our favorite haunts.
We started our grand tour with my absolute favourite shop of the city, Au Bon Marché.
You can guarantee you'll always find the unusual here!
We walked along the Korenlei past the restaurant Allegro Moderato. Their Christmas decorations are always very beautiful, very different and never disappointing.
In the Jan Breydelstraat, the Home Linen shop was smelling so delightful of lavender. No matter what time of year it is, if you close your eyes you'll be transported to the Provence!
Even between the two celebrations the beautiful French inspired florist Papaver still looked delightful!
The enchanting world of Demeyer, the antique chandelier specialist was to follow.
It's a shop I've never dared step over the threshold but one I've peered into many hundreds of times! There's something very magical about lights whether electric or candle twinkling on a glass chandelier.
Then to a relatively new shop in town, the Huiszwaluw.
Dicky stocks an eclectic mix of goods including the work of the fabulous Ingrid of Wood and Wool. I think this is one of her crocheted blankets in the window, but don't quote me on that!
Many shops in the Burgstraat were taking part in the unusual exhibition, Tussen Stof en Steen. In many windows you could see items from Freddy Bové's collection.
Including these samplers of knitting and crochet in the window of the fabric and yarn shop, Stoffenidee.
On the St Veerleplein there was the most enormous glitter ball. I would have loved to have seen this at night.
Even the rear of some of the shops backing on to the Kraanlei were dressed for Christmas!
Tierelantijntje, the antique linen, haberdashery, dolls and object d'art shop looked as inviting and enchanting as ever. Sadly it was in darkness. If you see the lights on, the shop is more than likely open. Be sure to push the door hard or you'll think it's closed!
We didn't stop at Julie's House as we had Lily with us. This is a new and very welcome tearoom to Ghent.
On the Friday Market we found some of the buildings reflecting beautifully in a window.
Wandering through the Serpentstraat, the Zsa-Zsa Rouge shops were as colourful as usual!
The costumiers Zoot always have wonderful window displays of their vintage inspired goodies and this one was no exception.
The Belfry looked magnificent against the bright blue sky of winter.
In it's shadows on the Emile Braunplein everyone was having a great time at the annual Ijspiste.
On the other side of the Belfry on St Baafsplein the Christmas Market was still in full swing.
Although the mistletoe man still had plenty to sell.
We stopped for pea soup at Patiron, the restaurant from the Oudburg famous for their quiche.
Lily also had refreshments too!
In the Mageleinstraat the window of the chocolatier Daskalides looked good enough to eat!
While the Soap Story windows were cool and very refreshing!
Finally in the Volderstraat, colour was everywhere. From the satsumas.
To the very colourful baubles of this huge wreath.
with love
Flame Lily xx
