Lunching with Matthew

For most people daily lunch in ones office is a mundane event at best. Not for the very talented and charming designer Matthew Patrick Smyth. He is known for  creating interiors that have a fine sense of detail and understated good taste. He has also authored Living Traditions: Interiors by Matthew Patrick Smyth. His well appointed corner office has commanding cityscape views that make any meal seem special. He favors take out from the restaurant across the street, none other than the New York classic Le Colonial served on Limoges porcelain. The beauty of simplicity.
Read on to find out Matthews tips for an easy stylish office lunch.

Designer Matthew Patrick Smyth

Tell me about the occasion and what you served.
It’s a picnic in my office. I often do this when I have clients in for meetings. We start with lunch from Le Colonial and then move into business and design after lunch. It’s faster and easier than going out to lunch. 

 
Love a meal with a view.

What influences your menu choices when you entertain?
I try to clear potential food issues with my guests before they arrive.  So many people have allergies, gluten issues and sugar problems that it’s hard to keep up. I also never reach beyond my skills and never experiment on guests.

No stress lunchtime picnic: great take out and serve yourself ease.

Who or what has most inspired your entertaining style?
The late designer Billy Goldsmith. I was his assistant at the time and he taught me that it was all about creating the mood and having a sense of humor and ease.


Has anyone been a strong influence in teaching you the l'art de recevoir?

My friend and client Carol Kalikow who is an amazing hostess.  She whips up dinner parties at the drop of a hat and even cooks all the food herself. Some of the food she even grows on her farm. Her table settings are easy but very thoughtful. Her guests never see her sweat.

Matthew’s favorite dinnerware the beautiful 
faux bois pattern designed by Billy Goldsmith.

Do you have a favorite china or tabletop item that you collect?
Billy Goldsmith did a beautiful line of Limoges porcelain many years ago. I buy pieces as I can. 


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Karena said...

Michael I adore Matt! He did an interview we me once for a feature and is such a gent (as you are!) Now he needs to start collecting some of your fabulous pieces for entertaining and dining!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Painting Central Park!

Dean Farris said...

Michael,

Love a Manhattan working lunch! Great post on Matthew!
I lust after Flora Botanica - but own Louvres by Christofle (Limoges)
We often ordered lunch in when I worked in the office of Robert Metzger
and also when I worked briefly for the esteemed late dealer Garrick P. Stephenson, we had the most sublime silver dollar finger sandwiches from William Poll on Mad Ave !
You should know, as a child of the 1980's I was often seen lunching at Mortimer's having been driven there in a dark green Rolls Royce Silver Shadow ! Divine!

Dean Farris
MP Interiors

The Devine Life said...

Karena you are right Matthew is wonderful and such a great guy! It was a pleasure to do the piece.

The Devine Life said...

Dean sounds like you had more fun in the '80s than I did. Love William Poll so old school and delicious too.

Matthew Patrick Smyth said...

THANK YOU MICHAEL FOR A WONDERFUL STORY AND GREAT COMPANY!

quintessence said...

Love Matthew and your fun new entertaining column!!

The Devine Life said...

So glad you like it! I am super excited about it too. The line up is really diverse and fun. I can't wait to share all of them.

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