On the other hand and on a more stylish note I was finally able to visit The New Traditionalists showroom to which I had been invited a couple of times before and wasn’t able to visit.  I was familiar with their elegant furniture, having seen them at furniture fares but going to their showroom and seeing them more closely and getting to know a little bit more about their construction made me like them even more.  Their hand rubbed wood finishes are exquisite and the fabrics are of great quality.  It kind of reminds me of the honest construction of the Art and Craft movement.  The people there are very friendly and  by the way, their marketing strategy rocks my world.  I mean seriously, it’s amazing! I have never received a newsletter from any other company that includes a recipe for a cocktail.  One of the nicest newsletters that stayed with me read:  “Come and visit us and then go and have lunch at Balthazar”  how chic is that?