Crazy For Crackers

I'm trying to get consistent with my posting but the past few weeks have been a whirlwind. There is so much to do and not enough time, the predicament I'm sure many of us face daily. I am however thrilled that the holidays are upon us. Visions of ribbon candy, The Haynes Sisters from White Christmas, and paper whites are dancing in my head...among many other things. I've suddenly developed a strong penchant for crackers after seeing so many chic tablescapes that are including them. We've had them at family dinners in the past, but I think they make for such a fun festive dining experience, especially if they compliment the table scheme. Christmas crackers, though historically an English tradition, seem to be making a comeback, and I'm now crazy for crackers!  

Marbled Party Crackers. Multicolored artisan paper and dip-dyed silk ribbons. An exclusive item from the Sugarplum pop-up, online and also at the St. Regis New York. 

Still crazy for crackers... Fiona Leahy Designs sets a "Chintzmas" tablescape with bespoke crackers tied with a simple grosgrain ribbon. So chic. 

A Saintly Setting

House by House and Garden UK is my go-to for visual stimulation and enchanting tales for all things interiors & gardens. A recent piece on this beautiful 18th century rectory achieves both the visual fairytale and intriguing narrative. A city-couple from London happened upon this gorgeous setting and lucked out just as it went on the market. Clad in wisteria, there is no shortage of greenery, blooms and garden areas which make this property all the more special. Read the full piece here. 

All photography: Alexander James

Cathy B Graham

There are entertainers and then there are entertainers. Part artist, part host and pure magic. These are the people that were born to effortlessly construct experiences for their guests purely out of hospitable delight and the desire to create. They exude graciousness and glow when you enter their world. They are able to throw together a tablescape with the snap of a finger - and they certainly are not getting their inspiration from Pinterest. It is inherently part of their being. We all know a few of those people...

Cathy B Graham is one of those artists. Partly, because she is literally an award winning artist and illustrator enriched by education both at RISD and Parson's. With the launch of her book, Second Bloom: Cathy Graham's Art of the Table and a recent Washington Post article, I thought I'd share some of my favorite Cathy creations. 

As seen in Veranda's June 2017 publication

As seen in Veranda's July-August 2017 publication

Mallorca Magnificence

When I'm feeling overwhelmed during a day of work in front of my computer, I turn to WSJ Magazine. I give myself a few minutes of perusing and mental liberties to become transported to distant lands, philosophies and stories. One of my favorite more recent pieces was written by Sarah Medford which details a dreamy getaway in Mallorca designed by Michael Smith. 

Mallorca has always intrigued me, (especially since I read The Rocks) and this article only heightened my fascination. Michael Smith has designed a splendid retreat for dear friends, rich in pattern, texture and history. Let the photographs enchant you like they did for me, and have a read for yourself (here). 

Cabana Magazine: Issue 8

I just received CABANA MAGAZINE's Issue 8 as a gift from a dear friend who knows my weaknesses quite well. I've been meaning to simply subscribe, however I keep setting out on a mad mission to Barnes & Noble each time another issue is released, in a frenzy to devour and examine every inch of the publication. The bi-annual international interiors magazine is based in London and printed in Italy. At the top of the masthead is founder & editor in chief, Martina Mondadori. Raised in Milan, Martina had a colorful upbringing by influential parents who had distinct passions for travel, obsessive collecting and living to inspire. 

Each issue feels like its own art piece with a heavy handle and cover that is almost always destined for a feature at The Louvre. Issue 8 is no disappointment as it was made in collaboration with Ralph Lauren. It comes in 5 different cover fabrics, all Ralph Lauren. Above is mine, sitting on top of my new sheepskin from Farmhouse Pottery. 

As the UK's Newsstand proclaims: "Absolutely wonderful, so much inspiration for anyone looking at top quality home decoration and if you like the finer things in life, you really will love Cabana. A Print Peach." 

Looking forward to the stillness of the weekend to dive into every page of this 'print peach'...

Troop Misty Moss: The importance of a little fun...

Last year, I invited a bunch of girlfriends up to our Vermont hideaway for a weekend in the wilderness. The November air was crisp and we spent the weekend hiking a misty trail, cooking Autumn-inspired meals and conversing around a campfire. It was that type of good-for-the-soul quality time with friends that, turns out, all needed a little getaway of their own, too. In a silly state as we summited Pico Mountain, we decided to name ourselves "Troop Misty Moss". In part, this was a play off of the iconic 1989 film Troop Beverly Hills, which still remains one of my favorite movies. It could also have been the cold, raw, rainy weather that had us in a slight delirious daze.... From that moment, I embraced the establishment of our troop name and ran with it.... 

This year, we turned things up a notch. Our second annual weekend was another one for the books. We took turns cooking up fabulous cabin concoctions, hiked up to The Long Trail, carved mushrooms, built fires and enjoyed Cheese By Carol. It was a weekend that served as a reminder of how important it is to sometimes take pause from "real life" whilst enjoying the natural landscape with people you cherish. Being silly is also "OK" in adult life... Here's to the the 3rd Annual Weekend next year!

Troops were greeted Friday evening with bandanas for the weekend's hike, local Vermont jam and branded matchboxes. 

My sister meanders through the forest with my vintage Adirondack pack - perfect for holding all the mushrooms and ferns we foraged... 

Our kooky A-frame, ready to greet the troops! 

Cheese By Carol makes a debut by the firepit.... this cheese board didn't last long. 

At Home with Jane Scott Hodges

I've always enjoyed watching the home tours Quintessence conducts with designers and tastemakers. Just yesterday, Quintessence published a video tour with Jane Scott Hodges, the founder & owner of Leontine Linens. The home is a 19th century greek revival Jane Scott and her husband have outfitted in delicious hues, modern art - all with Jane's signature entertaining panache. Have a look at the video piece here. 

Jane's lacquered living room, a space Jane and her husband made larger by removing a wall after they purchased the home. 

An Ode to Fall

One of my favorite editorials....and one that I had forgotten about until I unearthed my Pinterest page looking for some fall inspiration. I wish I could recall the the exact publication - it's killing me that I have no recollection or documentation. The luscious old hollywood locks, fall knits and feminine seduction make for the perfect invitation to a season full of temptations. 

Table for 1

The art of eating alone. Or shall I say, the importance of eating alone. I once went to my favorite restaurant in Mill Valley routinely after my trail runs on Mt. Tam to perch at the bar, have a glass of vino and the special of the day. It was an opportunity to seduce myself with good food and a clear mind. A friend expressed how she thought that was plain odd - indicating that she could never do such a thing. I must say, I think it's incredibly necessary for every male and female to be able to dine alone in public. I was reminded of this the other evening when I went for dinner by myself. Just as yoga feeds the soul, a proper glass of cabernet, white tablecloth and a little solo romance can go a long way. Ponder your life away, or simply stop to smell the (table) rose(s). It's certainly an independent, rather bold act, but one I consider nourishing and necessary... Bon Appétit ! 

Waning Wicker

For anyone that adores wicker furniture pieces, you likely know that the "good stuff" is typically made by hand, lasts for decades and takes a great deal of time to construct. You might also know that there are very few rattan ateliers left in the world. A recent piece in the New York Times T Magazine highlights the romance behind the craft and the three prevailing shops that stand the test of time. Read the piece, here. 

The Ripple console (featured left) is one of my favorite wicker pieces of Soane’s. Here, three of their products sit in their Leicestershire workshop.