DYANNE WILSON
D E LI GHT S | residences
The ambassador can serve up to 18 people for a sit-down dinner in her dining room. At right, the reverse side of the fireplace pictured on page 54. Designer showroom & professional workroom on premises
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up to a comfy space the couple uses as a TV room. The two main reception rooms are divided by a large fireplace, open on both sides. The smaller room has a piano, often used by the ambassador’s husband, who also plays guitar. “The house is very comfortable and spacious,” says the ambassador, who can entertain 200 at a reception and seat 18 for a sit-down dinner. She admits that guests don’t get to try typical Icelandic food at the embassy table. “That’s too hard,” she says, “Most traditional food is based on fresh fish and lamb that’s too hard to import.” She uses a local caterer for formal dinners; she cooks for small groups of family and friends. Beautiful sterling silver flatware and blown glass stemware, all made in Iceland, are used for formal dinners. For summer, the house boasts two outdoor patios, and there’s a basement with a one-bedroom apartment, another bedroom and a conference room. The second floor has four bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. One of those is the pastor’s “painting room” but there’s plenty of room when the couple’s three daughters come to Canada with their husbands and seven children. Over coffee, the ambassador, who is wearing a bright red silk jacket, wiggles her feet and points out her stylish high heeled red “leather” shoes. “Fish skin,” she says proudly. She also digs out a handbag with grey leather fish skin detailing. “That’s the natural colour of the fish.” It probably tasted as good as it looks. What better green product for a smartly dressed Icelandic ambassador to show to Canada? Margo Roston is Diplomat's culture editor.
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winter 2011 | JAN-FEB-MAR