A Cottage To Covet

It has been a long while since I devoted time to this blog, an outlet I tend to crave when things are chaotic. Alas, here I am. Between working, traveling, planning a wedding and plotting a renovation, I find myself here dreaming and lustfully admiring this space. Designed by Anne Hepfer, this dreamy cottage nook is one I wish I could slip away to, savor a perfect coffee and admire the blue and green through the windows. I love the upholstered banquette seating, black trimmed awning-style windows and divided dining... a fun mix of modern and traditional while paying homage to the grand outdoors (another thing I crave when overwhelmed). To view more of this project, click here.

To view more of this project, click here.

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