Settling in to Summer

It seems that I tend to write near holidays as of late. Apparently they are moments of reflection.

We just returned from a trip to California to visit some dear friends. It truly warmed our hearts to have a week spending time together with our littles while enjoying the landscapes of the Bay Area that were such a big part of my life.

And now, with the July 4th holiday days away, we settle into summertime on the east coast and attempt to somehow slow down our fast and furious life. We have trips planned up and down the coast this summer, but we’re excited to relish in this sacred time with our family and the weather we dream about for months prior.

Of course, I couldn’t leave our trip to California without a visit to MARCH SF. I love admiring their exquisite pantry, kitchen and home items while scheming up reasons to procure more splatterware. Below, a snap of their custom colorways of their Italian handmade dinnerware pieces...the perfect palette as we welcome all things red, white & blue this weekend.

Summer in a Photo

Summer is so close, I can taste it. Below, an image that has always depicted summertime splendor for me — Tom Scheerer’s family’s home in East Hampton. The beautiful wallpaper, a bold stairway and pingpong table in the entry just do it for me. Pretty, uncontrived and whimsical. Outside, a tall privet and potted plants beckon. Sublime!

Photography is by Tria Giovan.

Easter Sunday

Easter was a bit different this year. We spent it up north in our little cabin enjoying quiet time with family and an Easter lunch on Sunday with friends. Admittedly, we were a tad cooped up in the house as mud season in Vermont has commenced, coupled with the fact that it snowed on and off — those factors can make the idea of outdoor activities a tad lackluster — however it ended up being a restorative few days I find myself reflecting on.

I don’t cook as often as I’d like, but I do enjoy cooking when we are in Vermont as the access to local produce and provisions makes it all the more inspiring. Saturday morning brought a trip to the Woodstock Farmers’ Market for local vegetables and sweets for the table (chocolate caramel eggs, of course!), followed by a trip to The Village Butcher to pick up our leg of lamb roast. I managed to procure some beautiful purple asparagus from Hawes Fine Foods in Providence prior to our road trip, which I am still dreaming about! It had an elegant nutty taste with a perfect simple crunch — an intoxicating taste of spring. My husband cooked the lamb to perfection, and of course, as a nod to my Mother and Grandmother, it was accompanied by mint jelly (the bright green old school variety right from the jar), potato gratin and a spring salad.

For the table, new D’ASCOLI linens brought a casual cheery pep, muscari from Farm & Flora for a little life from the garden and bunny rabbit place card holders from Reed Smythe for some cheeky practicality. The plants of course made their way back to Rhode Island with us, and I’ll plan to snip the pansies and pluck them into ice cube trays for spring sips.

As someone that loves connecting others in my personal and professional lives, I think perhaps that is what I adore about planning for some of these holiday celebrations. They become a result of a creative curation and collaboration, and for me, a chance to continue to build my collections of tableware. From the bounty from various farmers and proprietors, to little details from my favorite retailers, the end result makes me so happy.

And now, a new week begins. I gave myself some time this morning to ease into the work week with a coffee and stroll, and now, it’s time to dive in.

Here’s to spring!

Spring things

It’s the time of year when my spirits really perk up. My Gardener’s Bed Book says that when you start to hear the “peepers” at night, that’s when spring has truly landed. As such, we have been leaving a bedroom window open at night to take in all of the earthly tunes as my heart embraces the thought of spring and summer. I’ve begun some weeding maintenance and love seeing the little buds form on the shrubs we planted last year. Rebirth and renewal. I think we all need that more than ever.

In the spirit of a joyful spring, enjoy this beautiful plate from the Casa Cabana x Richard Ginori collection. I love its tangerine hue, the delicate floral motif and the happiness it brings me upon inspecting it. I love my Richard Ginori plates, but might have to indulge in these which are perhaps more suitable for the warmer months. See more, here.