tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88433846539739174332024-02-07T07:17:49.396-05:00The Devine Life Design, gardening, entertaining, cooking and other amusing things.
Est. 2008Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger316125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843384653973917433.post-49779655136567443682016-07-25T14:05:00.001-04:002016-07-25T14:05:15.056-04:00Garrow Kedigian's Proustian Ambiance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQWJDCpkTr7loe3KPWnkAxyMPojF5inlARWVtSwXSVsPmsHNDCRECttDboEb6OT66VolpfaumZ8_vNCLTvFgfxT8ENGj7htBLWxuyoJ1076DJyVzdwMTk7wfZnJjFYA757AkAhrCzpXlW/s1600/_DSC7684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQWJDCpkTr7loe3KPWnkAxyMPojF5inlARWVtSwXSVsPmsHNDCRECttDboEb6OT66VolpfaumZ8_vNCLTvFgfxT8ENGj7htBLWxuyoJ1076DJyVzdwMTk7wfZnJjFYA757AkAhrCzpXlW/s640/_DSC7684.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The timeless living of Garrow Kedigian</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If Marcel Proust walked into designer <a href="http://www.garrowkedigian.com/">Garrow Kedigian's</a> New York apartment today he would feel right at home. The elegant layered interior reflects the clear link between Garrow and his french roots (he's a member of the noted Petrossian family). The comfortable home has a history of men with great style living in it. Actor Fred Astaire was a prior owner of the spacious Park Avenue nest and frequently hosted glamorous parties for his friends there. Today, that entertaining tradition lives on, the first party Garrow hosted was a black tie move in party the night he bought the apartment and coincidentally he just turned 40 as well. His expertise in the art of party giving was apparent the minute I started talking to him about doing this piece.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdxTGdlXoZSWXqrVU9dfLwnKwTmVOXP8wo2VppufTF4xe4Sbcm_e7fxgjp3DYd0I8BZQjiJJN6Mus7rgEZhOPeE1zBwXCEDo_5dsimDOzcEt4axgTt0RiF62FlWzM4CnTPpStJNaqZQEe/s1600/_DSC7594-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdxTGdlXoZSWXqrVU9dfLwnKwTmVOXP8wo2VppufTF4xe4Sbcm_e7fxgjp3DYd0I8BZQjiJJN6Mus7rgEZhOPeE1zBwXCEDo_5dsimDOzcEt4axgTt0RiF62FlWzM4CnTPpStJNaqZQEe/s640/_DSC7594-2.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Designer Garrow Kedigian</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Tip: Don't over think the details. He advises following your inspiration and keeping it simple.</blockquote>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
What influences your menu choices when you entertain? </div>
<div class="p1">
I like to serve fingers foods that are easy to eat standing up. I often give cocktail parties and the hors d'oeuvres are always passed. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJOz0BvDesQYtq8xzpf6YdcF-sUmiIY0emJfsHWhgIEu2pIUEOUUG5HMRl8sqacSl_2ZR1zqzDbpE2EXm_d43Ll33q8TovRUasnJfytnPXrJSf3jJtWe7AI67bIxyIzQ_Gt3BoPf-0_drg/s1600/_DSC7586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJOz0BvDesQYtq8xzpf6YdcF-sUmiIY0emJfsHWhgIEu2pIUEOUUG5HMRl8sqacSl_2ZR1zqzDbpE2EXm_d43Ll33q8TovRUasnJfytnPXrJSf3jJtWe7AI67bIxyIzQ_Gt3BoPf-0_drg/s640/_DSC7586.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A subtle reminder of the apartments past owner.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Tip: Throwing a great party begins with finding a good caterer and having a good relationship with them. It's also very important to be clear about your expectations. I have a great caterer that I use for everything, <a href="http://soleilcaterers.com/">Soleil</a>. They are really wonderful. </blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhlGxamiohNSwAAh4VFr3kIF3CuzMK8g2E1N8C2swG20ce92JewEpfK_tnItaej9Z7PUKRn5i6OCXcKQ1_ED5_FnZN8gFFv_kaUrUZfDnQctITrqRmXNA_AHHLJu3TVd616O3BFJuGgFl/s1600/_DSC7647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhlGxamiohNSwAAh4VFr3kIF3CuzMK8g2E1N8C2swG20ce92JewEpfK_tnItaej9Z7PUKRn5i6OCXcKQ1_ED5_FnZN8gFFv_kaUrUZfDnQctITrqRmXNA_AHHLJu3TVd616O3BFJuGgFl/s640/_DSC7647.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hors d'oeuvres are always simple and presented on trays to guests by waiters. This array of trays are waiting for the guests to arrive. The black and white fabric is from Garrow's fabric collection.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
Who or what has most inspired your entertaining style?</div>
<div class="p1">
My family is in the food business so that has influenced me, but my grandmother has inspired my style. She hosted a wedding for my first cousin Diane Perrier at her country villa. It really opened my eyes to lavish entertaining with style. Everything was perfect. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhiD7tspjM67BgUl_MYlCWcLcbHm5m2UnrEqpbcjvVJawzch8LbxF_BHwOMthyw095Cx-OYDWkWAVO9coQwp5TpyM2H_t5QF6eM_b9HqNG7fHP2tGlaYbI2ZRvHQEHkAZzKMYqDOeh1YA/s1600/_DSC7663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhiD7tspjM67BgUl_MYlCWcLcbHm5m2UnrEqpbcjvVJawzch8LbxF_BHwOMthyw095Cx-OYDWkWAVO9coQwp5TpyM2H_t5QF6eM_b9HqNG7fHP2tGlaYbI2ZRvHQEHkAZzKMYqDOeh1YA/s640/_DSC7663.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful gold rimmed etched glasses.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Tip: Always serve clear beverages i.e. white wine, champagne or seltzer because they don't stain the upholstery. </blockquote>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAsh9Ht1XBHy67c1vcqmhEPhMLDKy6ZmHStO8lCu2q4VhLHiyzim8_RvRBZRyOuaqek59q6OIpxJWjTPmMBB-eXxTgnaZ9kUykt64NH3Fz3Az1JAJE12U5t9dpEA6iN8aNwtGLFvKxDe3/s1600/_DSC7578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAsh9Ht1XBHy67c1vcqmhEPhMLDKy6ZmHStO8lCu2q4VhLHiyzim8_RvRBZRyOuaqek59q6OIpxJWjTPmMBB-eXxTgnaZ9kUykt64NH3Fz3Az1JAJE12U5t9dpEA6iN8aNwtGLFvKxDe3/s640/_DSC7578.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful flowers are a must. The flowers for this party were done by designer Kurt Miller, <br />who is a frequent lucky house guest. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBPtvo40LGhXyY-lc1yen0BcqUVBgUkJXL_FCsdDVin_wjZFOM_KDShtp6Ov-xqo1vTjZBxvEXloXpNWgxHqJTly3VG33vaMas237l_nhSrxLWJkGzx6POscW1_atghAzuvp2yOXQzKfT/s1600/_DSC7653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBPtvo40LGhXyY-lc1yen0BcqUVBgUkJXL_FCsdDVin_wjZFOM_KDShtp6Ov-xqo1vTjZBxvEXloXpNWgxHqJTly3VG33vaMas237l_nhSrxLWJkGzx6POscW1_atghAzuvp2yOXQzKfT/s640/_DSC7653.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These beautiful malachite boxes are made to order by Designer Kurt Miller.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
Do you have a favorite china or tabletop item that you collect?</div>
<div class="p1">
I have been an avid collector since I was a child. Going to the Paris flea markets is one of my favorite things to do. Since my interiors are very layered I am always on the lookout for great pieces. I love Wedgwood Jasperware and vintage Greek pattern glasses. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843384653973917433.post-55457888520633884902016-07-18T07:27:00.001-04:002016-07-19T12:01:50.935-04:00Million Dollar Interview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMx3pWqmYawltzqdXy1InuxAX-RBclhCA0AM5Unfey86w7XETh8ee-Fw3xbBwdM8rMJ3IvAHZcRqYwMVz8iGIKmOGDz8bGmjZIppQLZzwCeEBTlS4j8qvda68IPR-n_JZx6GXxmcgE0mx/s1600/Michael-Devine-Feature-Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMx3pWqmYawltzqdXy1InuxAX-RBclhCA0AM5Unfey86w7XETh8ee-Fw3xbBwdM8rMJ3IvAHZcRqYwMVz8iGIKmOGDz8bGmjZIppQLZzwCeEBTlS4j8qvda68IPR-n_JZx6GXxmcgE0mx/s400/Michael-Devine-Feature-Image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I am a big fan of podcasts. There are several that I listen to in the car on a regular basis and one of my favorites is <a href="http://milliondollardecorating.com/">Million Dollar Decorating</a>. The host James Swan always presents a really informative and entertaining show with the stars of interior design. Its a bit like a design hall of fame: Suzanne Rheinstein, Alexa Hampton, Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz and on and on the list goes.<br />
Today I am featured in <a href="http://milliondollardecorating.com/">episode 140</a>. So please tune in and listen to a lively discussion of design influences and ideas that have guided my career. Enjoy!<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843384653973917433.post-48943531010595327412016-07-11T13:08:00.000-04:002016-07-11T13:08:52.837-04:00A Day in the Graden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XT6DN8g3MsdzG-TDCNpNr_46nl6XwUYyprc35MDTrbVs1XrKs2OtJh2J3tfwvxOGjSMNPhD0HoyJ2B7AAQfuxwQy88FVhVEoBNVzM4UDLcDWtybYYadFXo6PyGYiP-zOwM1X4ULRdIyu/s1600/FullSizeRender-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XT6DN8g3MsdzG-TDCNpNr_46nl6XwUYyprc35MDTrbVs1XrKs2OtJh2J3tfwvxOGjSMNPhD0HoyJ2B7AAQfuxwQy88FVhVEoBNVzM4UDLcDWtybYYadFXo6PyGYiP-zOwM1X4ULRdIyu/s640/FullSizeRender-2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
One of my favorite ways to spend a summer afternoon is lunching with friends. Our friends Ian and Madeline Hooper recently invited us to a divine Saturday lunch at their house, Rockland Farm. Of course no visit is complete without a tour of the garden. So after lunch we took a walk through their Garden of Eden. The only way to describe their garden is if gardening were an Olympic sport the Hoopers would be gold medalists.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3KbQOQ4v3qoA7Q92DGNq6k2p7sYSpuIzB27fNLoHtxYXdEMFn8hwt3f2PwbAAS0rEHG-jQ-MuqrNYQ3UjE9JZ89u1e7GN04Hq7qwvDJO-YrtdUAHtZkntgowZIcGqDXojJh-v-v9uzNu/s1600/IMG_7819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3KbQOQ4v3qoA7Q92DGNq6k2p7sYSpuIzB27fNLoHtxYXdEMFn8hwt3f2PwbAAS0rEHG-jQ-MuqrNYQ3UjE9JZ89u1e7GN04Hq7qwvDJO-YrtdUAHtZkntgowZIcGqDXojJh-v-v9uzNu/s640/IMG_7819.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Potager with its raised beds and seating area. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Their ten acre farm is a breath taking example of gardening's finest pleasures. A series of gardens rooms that flow one after another that feature a 450 rock ledge with a dry garden, pastoral views of the mountains and a water garden that would make Monet envious are some of the highlights of this paradise.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdHw9e1H5vxKKJ9oweWTAkd1DlAydvNe18K6tJ8bK2mZgpy5hJBdJJPsId3RmJjWAWNoVV-3WP3W33Wg4NKzW4KQ5AKN7RpBgQ3LvMHW4NUk6BnLujqjSwdV35LrmvPo4CFHmmooYS25v/s1600/FullSizeRender-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdHw9e1H5vxKKJ9oweWTAkd1DlAydvNe18K6tJ8bK2mZgpy5hJBdJJPsId3RmJjWAWNoVV-3WP3W33Wg4NKzW4KQ5AKN7RpBgQ3LvMHW4NUk6BnLujqjSwdV35LrmvPo4CFHmmooYS25v/s640/FullSizeRender-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This beautiful support was made from branches found on the property. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Fortunately you don't have to wait for a lunch invitation to see these splendors. This weekend the garden will be open to public on Sunday, July 17th. This is one of three gardens in the area that will be open, for more information please visit <a href="https://www.gardenconservancy.org/open-days/garden-directory/rockland-farm">The Garden Conservancy</a> for details.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCgzaDl4RLT8vv-Io9qAY2_-wrRtDO0LHUqHVq3OiKQ5_Z0-UlkDnQTimTtWGBbRKlzGuGLHoowyh5PXQGjI06zngFRWj4pbtBi93RpMnsfdMbKqlWI8UJgdQomwZYGJWab5QB4q7keV3/s1600/FullSyyytredfvizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCgzaDl4RLT8vv-Io9qAY2_-wrRtDO0LHUqHVq3OiKQ5_Z0-UlkDnQTimTtWGBbRKlzGuGLHoowyh5PXQGjI06zngFRWj4pbtBi93RpMnsfdMbKqlWI8UJgdQomwZYGJWab5QB4q7keV3/s640/FullSyyytredfvizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pool and pergola. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843384653973917433.post-74064232582723090422016-06-30T07:00:00.000-04:002016-06-30T07:00:08.504-04:00A Stylish Setting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Who wouldn't want to spend a weekend at Rosecliff Mansion, the stunning ocean front property on historic Bellevue Avenue in Newport? The house was the setting for the annual <a href="http://www.newportmansions.org/events/newport-flower-show">Newport Flower Show</a>. The show which is fast becoming the grand dame of flower shows on the east coast was brimming with inspiration around every corner. From the judged arrangements to the garden installations on the front lawn of the mansion the creativity of the participants was boundless.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxubZsTJktXpDR28KDv-IwSR4fL44eL2NTWISMLt_KWXarNvWS-xKdGHHnWp9l-khYohLLyqUn_wfKUNyfBnwLnNeCovYSEwqlvTiUIK1UDmOzICfl7ubM3n5_IzcxKJRbUkNqegBIaYJ/s1600/IMG_7750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxubZsTJktXpDR28KDv-IwSR4fL44eL2NTWISMLt_KWXarNvWS-xKdGHHnWp9l-khYohLLyqUn_wfKUNyfBnwLnNeCovYSEwqlvTiUIK1UDmOzICfl7ubM3n5_IzcxKJRbUkNqegBIaYJ/s640/IMG_7750.jpg" width="462" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Our table on the terrace of <a href="http://www.newportmansions.org/explore/rosecliff">Rosecliff</a>. The </span><a href="http://michaeldevineltd.com/collections/fabric" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Fretwork</a><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> tablecloth is made in a custom blue for the show. </span><a href="http://michaeldevineltd.com/collections/fabric/products/garden-folly" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Garden Folly</a><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">seat covers on the white ballroom chairs in leaf echo the lettuce </span><a href="http://michaeldevineltd.com/collections/dinnerware" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Charlotte dinner plates</a><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">from my collection.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Thomas and I were very happy to have been asked to be a part of this esteemed event this year. The table we designed for the oceanside terrace was inspired by the colors of nature that engulf the property: blue and green. We really tried to achieve a modern formal setting that reflected the history of Newport society and that would offer a fresh background for the judged arrangements that were displayed on the table.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZrorrHAcG6IJkUqQ-L0nX9vPOnEcWaH_cnXtVwgfDwzoiBG2WaNbs4PnWh49Ke0jArkMaKWWRWTf0GrzJ9p3g1hCLSASfvdr0bpBbipqTfVUdXG4d1wAC-EFtythTxnkGkoJvBKdHgbF/s1600/_DSC7199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZrorrHAcG6IJkUqQ-L0nX9vPOnEcWaH_cnXtVwgfDwzoiBG2WaNbs4PnWh49Ke0jArkMaKWWRWTf0GrzJ9p3g1hCLSASfvdr0bpBbipqTfVUdXG4d1wAC-EFtythTxnkGkoJvBKdHgbF/s640/_DSC7199.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new <a href="http://michaeldevineltd.com/collections/dinnerware/products/thomas-charger-gold">Thomas charger</a> in gold paired with the <a href="http://michaeldevineltd.com/collections/dinnerware/products/charlotte-dinnerware-collection-lettuce">Charlotte dinner plate </a><br />
in lettuce and <a href="http://michaeldevineltd.com/collections/dinnerware/products/charlotte-dinnerware-collection-celeste-bleu">Charlotte dessert plate</a> in Celeste Bleu.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The custom blue of the my fretwork fabric printed on white fit the bill and when paired with the blue, green and gold of my china it really looked crisp and summery. A clean, modern and traditional table perfect for today.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vgU5acfhVT6fKUC-DXG1mljRWsyFJV8n5Kle0lO5YagHlpO7EWM-gLFicV2RmDNnCWj8n4ZJR03ePQjeKtoI6IiQNZ2lBMAlbfTWatRSQqNYBylJvcZwdf62QtudVxPcFlZNRw-Cz7qT/s1600/IMG_7743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vgU5acfhVT6fKUC-DXG1mljRWsyFJV8n5Kle0lO5YagHlpO7EWM-gLFicV2RmDNnCWj8n4ZJR03ePQjeKtoI6IiQNZ2lBMAlbfTWatRSQqNYBylJvcZwdf62QtudVxPcFlZNRw-Cz7qT/s640/IMG_7743.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://privatenewport.com/author-bettie-bearden-pardee/">Bettie Pardee's</a> summery arrangement. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The four flower arrangements that were displayed on the table were done by the shows participates and were judged arrangements. I was very lucky that Newport style maven <a href="http://privatenewport.com/author-bettie-bearden-pardee/">Bettie Pardee</a> decided to come out of flower show <span style="background-color: white;">arrangement</span> retirement and do one for our table. Hers was an airy symphony of <span style="background-color: white;">complimentary</span> blues and greens that fit the table perfectly.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4i8apmHbToacuKspW-zZYlCnQpfgqZtxuNBncm7J9B9Z4OL_9NzdDXQZIZZrspX_Bi3Je3v4n2Yq6hLZPSWAkBkyqNmcueG5C_cchTvONG9Ve_aNcVZhav37GNjexujVaNSfNdoHWvyOk/s1600/IMG_7744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4i8apmHbToacuKspW-zZYlCnQpfgqZtxuNBncm7J9B9Z4OL_9NzdDXQZIZZrspX_Bi3Je3v4n2Yq6hLZPSWAkBkyqNmcueG5C_cchTvONG9Ve_aNcVZhav37GNjexujVaNSfNdoHWvyOk/s640/IMG_7744.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrangement by Jeri Bedient.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Jeri Bedient did a wonderful arrangement that used an heirloom punchbowl from her collection. I got to meet Jeri while I was there and her arrangement is as delightful as she is. She went out of her way and bought my book to have an idea of our style and her interpretation of it was pitch perfect.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzvpjyMNoS059Bvxa91zrOZjasEj3Wj6WaMNm8u5ncLL69Yb92tYYuYJfSl__G0VgWXaaqsgjCB8LPIBZuDDo8a5_5Kg5dxAMRAXfbI_aYWRekWaHuDS_2nKuDdEn2RStlacsKYFLDPqR/s1600/IMG_7740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzvpjyMNoS059Bvxa91zrOZjasEj3Wj6WaMNm8u5ncLL69Yb92tYYuYJfSl__G0VgWXaaqsgjCB8LPIBZuDDo8a5_5Kg5dxAMRAXfbI_aYWRekWaHuDS_2nKuDdEn2RStlacsKYFLDPqR/s640/IMG_7740.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Custom napkins by <a href="http://www.juliab.com/">Julia B.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The amazing Julia B. and her line of custom linens came to the rescue and created these amazing monogramed napkins for the table. Since Thomas and couldn't decide which monogram to use we split them fifty fifty and alternated napkins on the table.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtw8PyHZ5Ms1cnZ-96Nt5fsUj2SQZgL9J_7ODcMg9XHUd66nflfv6eX0bP20fGjZ_6KL3QtnyiY_8RIHJQZ6hrbrtjp3sIBUT965-1zvPDWuNPEk8K5aCxJ9EyQOkhtmgAxNkq2FGRCd90/s1600/_DSC7131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtw8PyHZ5Ms1cnZ-96Nt5fsUj2SQZgL9J_7ODcMg9XHUd66nflfv6eX0bP20fGjZ_6KL3QtnyiY_8RIHJQZ6hrbrtjp3sIBUT965-1zvPDWuNPEk8K5aCxJ9EyQOkhtmgAxNkq2FGRCd90/s640/_DSC7131.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand painted place cards that I made to echo the Garden Folly fabric motif. Vintage place card holders from Etsy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Why are fun place cards so hard to find? I had a deuce of a time finding cute ones. So I decided just to make my own using watercolors in a fun loose style. Presto, interesting and unique place cards. For additional images please check my<a href="http://instagram.com/michaelddevine/"> Instagram</a> or our <a href="https://www.instagram.com/traditionalhome/">Traditional Home Magazine Designer Takeover</a> feed from the show, both have fun videos and a broad array of beautiful images from the show and Newport.<br />
<br />
We are thrilled that we have been asked back to do it again next year! The shows theme is Fete des Fleurs: <i>Paintings and Parterres </i>and will be held again at Rosecliff and starts June 23, 2017. </div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843384653973917433.post-9147371276532653892016-06-20T18:45:00.000-04:002016-06-20T18:45:19.931-04:00An Event of Beauty<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YMhXIU6iNigyrGhLNmHt8hGsDSdqasv2dGwfPkagBR32LXKY2O17q9Gg74ZKNlly-pHQUwwvDeZ7XOS2N80HSHpLT1nNqRH9LOROoruqXAuvZNA8EpdYmtXSRPcDcU3oZSqY7CFgAKjy/s1600/NFS-Rosecliff+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YMhXIU6iNigyrGhLNmHt8hGsDSdqasv2dGwfPkagBR32LXKY2O17q9Gg74ZKNlly-pHQUwwvDeZ7XOS2N80HSHpLT1nNqRH9LOROoruqXAuvZNA8EpdYmtXSRPcDcU3oZSqY7CFgAKjy/s640/NFS-Rosecliff+2016.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosecliff, the setting for the Newport Flower Show.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One of my most memorable book signing events that I have done was two years ago at the <a href="http://www.newportmansions.org/events/newport-flower-show">Newport Flower Show.</a> To have had the opportunity to spend a weekend in Newport, Rhode Island against the back drop of the stunning <a href="http://www.newportmansions.org/explore/rosecliff">Rosecliff Mansion</a> surrounded by the beauty of the show and the location was a a magical dream. Needless to say when I was asked to be a part of this years show it took about a spilt second to say yes.<br />
Thomas and I are thrilled to be designing one of the two show exhibit tables that will be featured on the oceanside terrace of Rosecliff for the <i>service a la Russe</i> floral class. Using a custom color of my fretwork fabric as a tablecloth, my hand painted dinnerware of course and <a href="http://www.juliab.com/">Julia B.</a> custom napkins as a foundation we have set out to create a fresh summery take on formal dining. I will also be showing my new Thomas gold chargers for the first time on this table.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkP2QemY1-s5jC0p32gj5u6xF_W4m6pACFLOdbXLcukPOwbwgIrzO4hyphenhyphenuAgaqjl9ts8XD-zZqPR-FYdSY8_C8NqTQJbxE0Z1ORF0eWWHYLMyKMSv36RW2vqXljxEDCztZQB4CGAfcsyLx4/s1600/_DSC6196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkP2QemY1-s5jC0p32gj5u6xF_W4m6pACFLOdbXLcukPOwbwgIrzO4hyphenhyphenuAgaqjl9ts8XD-zZqPR-FYdSY8_C8NqTQJbxE0Z1ORF0eWWHYLMyKMSv36RW2vqXljxEDCztZQB4CGAfcsyLx4/s640/_DSC6196.jpg" width="420" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sneak peek of the upcoming table setting. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This year marks the 21st year of the show whose theme is <i>Gilded - Artful Living</i>. The show starts this weekend Friday June 24th to Sunday June 26th. You can follow all the fun of the show, the table, flowers, gardens and mansion on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/michaelddevine/">Instagram</a> feed. We will also be taking over <i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/traditionalhome/">Traditonal Home Magazine</a>s </i>Instagram starting Friday night at 5 pm for the weekend during our #designertakeover.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYen5SL_jfz9sFR14JnVd03MZnaM7Y6sUVe0IfNJSWm2U_gqSyGndCcZaZlxtv9xp4hwarux5Ytro3mxxLqKMB4vofROT0FnK61OkrjXuW2u6GFO9qWgrsWPoGV57mHg5i0CENXyUisJte/s1600/574a807e-6ec9-4e06-9675-96ac3b005c11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYen5SL_jfz9sFR14JnVd03MZnaM7Y6sUVe0IfNJSWm2U_gqSyGndCcZaZlxtv9xp4hwarux5Ytro3mxxLqKMB4vofROT0FnK61OkrjXuW2u6GFO9qWgrsWPoGV57mHg5i0CENXyUisJte/s640/574a807e-6ec9-4e06-9675-96ac3b005c11.jpg" width="536" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Designer Bunny Williams</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
There will be numerous speakers throughout the three day speaker series which is kicked off by a luncheon lecture by designer Bunny Williams on Friday. She will be discussing garden design during her lecture <i>Classic Style Inside and Out</i>. Saturday's luncheon presentation is by floral designer Bruno Duarte, who will be sharing his design experiences during his lecture <i>Leaf Manipulation/</i><br />
<i>Floral Art</i>. The full list of the topics and times is available <a href="http://www.newportmansions.org/events/newport-flower-show/lectures-and-demonstrations">here</a> for all the great things happening at the show.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkkv608k0Ld9YFrbgx7qKUOIbg73EjGgcJcLcQPumCnAdsiSV4H_BhFsegNU1GAJIup-qwfYvOZ1PdVgfEWqurGl6rduC1d0esnaSd7XpH35zYveLT_azacDMjx2fhuH3JwdxcjVIdhid/s1600/NFS+garden+2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkkv608k0Ld9YFrbgx7qKUOIbg73EjGgcJcLcQPumCnAdsiSV4H_BhFsegNU1GAJIup-qwfYvOZ1PdVgfEWqurGl6rduC1d0esnaSd7XpH35zYveLT_azacDMjx2fhuH3JwdxcjVIdhid/s640/NFS+garden+2015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of last years inspiring display gardens at the show. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was fascinated by the display gardens that were installed on the lawn of Rosecliff. The originality of the plantings and colors as well as the execution is amazing. In addition to amazing floral displays, fantastic speakers and events there is an entire array of vendors with tempting wares in the Oceanside Boutiques and the Gardener's Marketplace.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843384653973917433.post-70072733712392962052016-06-09T18:22:00.000-04:002016-06-09T18:22:20.034-04:00Hello Summer!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WA_S6r-ALAM6Pb4s2adNprgCjmMP7SMc4zleQOIj6tUF2ncSAqX5GwC5qSfKi1rEsWs0ViQz2tjZK655ZHAu22N2S64KM6qXk_y6Lyi9ti-NYtTX2JOKjFGf4Cg_1cVLmBiALdMLJ-Fc/s1600/_DSC6612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WA_S6r-ALAM6Pb4s2adNprgCjmMP7SMc4zleQOIj6tUF2ncSAqX5GwC5qSfKi1rEsWs0ViQz2tjZK655ZHAu22N2S64KM6qXk_y6Lyi9ti-NYtTX2JOKjFGf4Cg_1cVLmBiALdMLJ-Fc/s640/_DSC6612.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The library/dining room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Everyday is all there is" is a quote I learned from my mentor and and former boss Suzanne Rheinstein, explained the New York designer Eliza Dyson while I was interviewing her. Eliza and her husband are known for their impromptu dinner parties which they love to give. She finds it much more fun and comfortable to entertain at home, which was recently featured in the December issue of House Beautiful. The airy Park Avenue apartment features a large dining room that doubles as a library, "we love books and love to share them, my husband is always sending guests home with them," she said. I was lucky enough to catch up with her and glean some entertaining tips before the family decamps to their upstate country house for the summer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KdIIrljvbwXFaGklov9TYBpedr2Sy3ICBsKxN0_3Yb5e297NYX5n8qwy4VL8Q7_Eou1z4QSRCiAhKzGEMQQ0L3UCDzdwZ4soEFRl9c-XYKvICOFAxctfimgeknK-XzKaeGmgHaXm0fTJ/s1600/_DSC6708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KdIIrljvbwXFaGklov9TYBpedr2Sy3ICBsKxN0_3Yb5e297NYX5n8qwy4VL8Q7_Eou1z4QSRCiAhKzGEMQQ0L3UCDzdwZ4soEFRl9c-XYKvICOFAxctfimgeknK-XzKaeGmgHaXm0fTJ/s640/_DSC6708.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eliza Dyson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tell me about the meal you made.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The beginning of each summer we host a Welcome Summer Dinner for friends. We serve crispy fried chicken, a refreshing feta and tomato salad with mint and basil, corn pudding and the easiest dessert in the world, a buttermilk pie, our friends love it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYt2ZO0vRdYJp00iO-57SsqX9PZGJFS6GkYBbc2RJqTiauJn706o52SNHNE97awn9112yP42gschTiQj9k04weTUfrkrnAGQ2yfzWYmv3IpQjD2Ei6ex-kk3NET7R40ycXfP2otpybK-W/s1600/_DSC6624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYt2ZO0vRdYJp00iO-57SsqX9PZGJFS6GkYBbc2RJqTiauJn706o52SNHNE97awn9112yP42gschTiQj9k04weTUfrkrnAGQ2yfzWYmv3IpQjD2Ei6ex-kk3NET7R40ycXfP2otpybK-W/s640/_DSC6624.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peonies from her mothers garden in her home town of Millbrook, NY. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Do you have a signature dish you make?<br />
Now that we have kids we like easy to prepare foods. In winter we make Osso Bucco often and we love pasta. Our favorite pasta cookbook is Pasta Fresca by Viana La Place and Evan Kleinman. We use is all the time, the recipes are easy and quick to prepare.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Tip: When setting the table mix good with everyday. The contrast makes for an interesting table.</blockquote>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EOwHuoI6j9sHsY14W5RwTB-I179umzxSnlarVOlRMgR3UHeWL56PLZ_fn4bKYZXj-6EUoSv9TgCxt_2v6s7HMowYwBt6b6PY4BVOKNY3k2ZcsnnJqRVMovILEA0ZQkIrWSH9DPPof36E/s1600/_DSC6636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EOwHuoI6j9sHsY14W5RwTB-I179umzxSnlarVOlRMgR3UHeWL56PLZ_fn4bKYZXj-6EUoSv9TgCxt_2v6s7HMowYwBt6b6PY4BVOKNY3k2ZcsnnJqRVMovILEA0ZQkIrWSH9DPPof36E/s640/_DSC6636.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The antique Nuremberg china, an assortment of hotel sliver, William Yeoward glasses, vintage salad plates from Etsy and monogram linen napkins all from Eliza's extensive collection of tableware.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="text-align: left;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Who most influenced your entertaining style?</span></span></div>
<span style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">My mom. She is an amazing cook and loves to entertain. When she has a large group she likes to use luncheon sized placemats on the table because they are smaller than normal ones and she can seat more people at the table. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Her tables are always beautiful and fun, for example</span><span style="font-size: small;"> at Christmas she literally covers the table with chocolate soldiers, it's so fun!</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">Tip: Always hire a teenager if you can or somebody to do the dishes during the meal. It makes it so much easier and you get to enjoy the evening more if you don't have to think about cleaning up after the guests leave.</span></blockquote>
</div>
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjv5e9McDayoDf2Ft4N5ZaX5GfpcyIpA5i0mujlZhgXi3zAQsiYvXAzLGJJ2W8awJNSO3JZ5gbNKcYBmojufyQ3qtQqkojeSiYNtwKOARYPjpfUn247ToUKrUtk-S0Po6RBf6t4RZD_vQ/s1600/_DSC6665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjv5e9McDayoDf2Ft4N5ZaX5GfpcyIpA5i0mujlZhgXi3zAQsiYvXAzLGJJ2W8awJNSO3JZ5gbNKcYBmojufyQ3qtQqkojeSiYNtwKOARYPjpfUn247ToUKrUtk-S0Po6RBf6t4RZD_vQ/s640/_DSC6665.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Welcome Summer Dinner features a delicious main course of fried chicken and tomato feta salad. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What experience has set your entertaining style?<br />
When my husband and I were first married we moved to LA. It was there that we developed our style. We had a garden that was filled with beautiful citrus and avocado trees, it felt like we were living in Italy. We had friends over for dinner all the time. Before the kids, we did elaborate meals and complex dishes now everything is much simpler.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Tip: When I need a great simple dessert I use Fresh Direct. They have these amazing frozen chocolate souffles that come in beautiful ramekins that only need to be baked. It couldn't be easier.</blockquote>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSw-6TWI6bzBouq_kICGHY7yQv4dcV0ay0Rf0Q7VHjuT7os0pnBHTbMld1Vb-fS3o03dc2GQh2idMr7-Vdmj8CXsuePQZi-faHH1nV7HrdtBbQZ7ZXQ1pKp6cEV-ZLHIYFooeZHUrurfHT/s1600/_DSC6684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSw-6TWI6bzBouq_kICGHY7yQv4dcV0ay0Rf0Q7VHjuT7os0pnBHTbMld1Vb-fS3o03dc2GQh2idMr7-Vdmj8CXsuePQZi-faHH1nV7HrdtBbQZ7ZXQ1pKp6cEV-ZLHIYFooeZHUrurfHT/s640/_DSC6684.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buttermilk pie with local blueberries is Eliza's go to easy dessert recipe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Do you have a favorite tabletop item you collect?<br />
Like my mom, I love anything to do with the table. I have a large collection of china and glassware. I also like unusual serving implements, like small silver shovels for salt cellars or bottle sleeves for jars of hot sauce.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843384653973917433.post-62992941233462354632016-06-06T09:06:00.000-04:002016-06-06T09:06:08.274-04:00Out and About<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyiXuFowQB3NFeCxCGbzSduNfaUW0TPiKx2S90mjVA_AxHfxBCAfXfQomGCuNfPt7QINCWI4r_-LfxAgp2m6bkV5FoC7kofpvO1be9iCzIJjADwrm_syucKbEJ0I8YBGqbj3sYwDSy-I4/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyiXuFowQB3NFeCxCGbzSduNfaUW0TPiKx2S90mjVA_AxHfxBCAfXfQomGCuNfPt7QINCWI4r_-LfxAgp2m6bkV5FoC7kofpvO1be9iCzIJjADwrm_syucKbEJ0I8YBGqbj3sYwDSy-I4/s640/unnamed.jpg" width="640" /></a><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am really excited to be speaking to the New Canaan chapter of the National Charity League tomorrow night. This mother and daughter organization was founded in 1925 to do charitable works in the community. Today it's scope includes community service, leadership development and cultural experiences.</div>
<div>
I will talk about entertaining in style this summer, ideas about gardening and other topics of interest. There will also be a book signing before and after the presentation. Hope to see you there!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843384653973917433.post-34043017188736951832016-05-26T07:56:00.000-04:002016-05-26T08:30:33.640-04:00Alfresco Breakfast with Julia B.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbzRqsYd0teXpwH2ITIRBhEpmfAxOfuTb_Yu0S9kIL_Y860mZepJNBQASAK_7RdjoZoNEJDiaaLBliO5aBGrYo5OvpJmtdV9Rxhdl6fIL4a1haqJnD_1c4iv3DhXj4cw42H96Bqr1qFUB/s1600/_DSC5930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbzRqsYd0teXpwH2ITIRBhEpmfAxOfuTb_Yu0S9kIL_Y860mZepJNBQASAK_7RdjoZoNEJDiaaLBliO5aBGrYo5OvpJmtdV9Rxhdl6fIL4a1haqJnD_1c4iv3DhXj4cw42H96Bqr1qFUB/s640/_DSC5930.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peonies, tulips and freesia a combined to make an pretty bouquet for the table. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My husband and I just hosted a post prom party out here for our daughter, you can't imagine what it was like having that many kids here. As my husband said afterwards, "we can check that off the list never again" said designer and entrepreneur <a href="http://www.juliab.com/">Julia Berger.</a> as we walked into her beautiful Connecticut garden recently. The woman behind the the luxury custom linen brand Julia B. really loves to cook and entertain friends and family frequently in her home. Her elegant casual style is reflected in everything she does including the way she entertains. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPJXfR5PrPOp4Fqk3NTH3Ntcw9KgC1QOQ32AiHIxhSUElbnNyRUjhu8T7PZWRB0HZyN1CxC5N9q-C5GWg2Qziix-ItKt8-II19bxGbQI5JmYKag6RGqiNGuv-25Q2KFU5ugHc5et0UvHJ/s1600/_DSC5947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPJXfR5PrPOp4Fqk3NTH3Ntcw9KgC1QOQ32AiHIxhSUElbnNyRUjhu8T7PZWRB0HZyN1CxC5N9q-C5GWg2Qziix-ItKt8-II19bxGbQI5JmYKag6RGqiNGuv-25Q2KFU5ugHc5et0UvHJ/s640/_DSC5947.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A profusion of purple and white Iris bloom in the background around the gardens seating area. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tell me about the occasion and the meal.<br />
Breakfast is a colorful mix of fruit, organic yogurt and fresh squeezed orange juice. "I was inspired by the light and fresh colors of my <a href="http://michaeldevineltd.com/collections/dinnerware">Michael Devine</a> china that works really well with the colors in my linens," she explained over coffee.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Tip: Always have the bar set up and well stocked for your guests before they arrive. In fact, I like to be 99% ready when my first guest walks through the door. It makes for a stress free evening.</blockquote>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ckjxCtI_Znx5OoQcX_pVbnXzqYfh1PNNqxiiEjqI54RQfpl7Q9O_d2xaharQbApoWb5oKG2gvH5uuZmQOPh89GjFAbV6OPXIe_F04PXOTa28Zn9yJ54D7ppAM-r0G-GFDhrD8ZS2KCDT/s1600/_DSC5918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ckjxCtI_Znx5OoQcX_pVbnXzqYfh1PNNqxiiEjqI54RQfpl7Q9O_d2xaharQbApoWb5oKG2gvH5uuZmQOPh89GjFAbV6OPXIe_F04PXOTa28Zn9yJ54D7ppAM-r0G-GFDhrD8ZS2KCDT/s640/_DSC5918.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A colorful breakfast to start the day served on Marie Daage for Michael Devine hand painted Limoges china <br />
and coordinating Julia B. napkin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What influences your menu choices when you entertain?</div>
"I really love food and to cook, I find it relaxing" she said as we sat down for the interview on the first summery day the area has had. She inherited her Japanese mother's love of cooking and entertaining. She spent much of her childhood between her mothers native Japan and her fathers home town of San Francisco, which Julia explained has given her a freedom to mix cultural references in her entertaining and cooking.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Tip: Make ahead of time easy to serve hors d'oeuvres for guests to serve themselves. I always have both hot and cold ready and waiting.</blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmTFjEH2SbHg6_irDjblwIKd7qXXvV85L0dQe5JSGm0UJ7nfNQjhNown7qV4lxwIjnWDdiAvIDXvhEeQZK_MXJyw1sZMsR8XFZtN5S6f_KrZGyvExZfm2xeugkQTAmlbjLBwDaMzaVkRp/s1600/_DSC5909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmTFjEH2SbHg6_irDjblwIKd7qXXvV85L0dQe5JSGm0UJ7nfNQjhNown7qV4lxwIjnWDdiAvIDXvhEeQZK_MXJyw1sZMsR8XFZtN5S6f_KrZGyvExZfm2xeugkQTAmlbjLBwDaMzaVkRp/s640/_DSC5909.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.juliab.com/">Julia B</a>. is known for impeccable hand embroidered custom monograms on her linens. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Who has inspired your entraining style?<br />
"My mother has been a huge influence for me. She always entertained and I was always encouraged to be a part of the event no matter the age of the guests or the level of formality. Alice Waters is also an inspiration for me. Everything she does is so simple and real," she explained.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Tip: When traveling be on the lookout for new or unexpected food or flavor combinations. I am often inspired to try things at home that I first had somewhere else. </blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjdilwrCNAYj5rhLEe56c0d88HNlm7Lwn4WKKjEbrRFDJqiZNOnQ22fgOQONyc7m5PegTxqw_2d8P3rKA3ean0YzmNisjeqmKFx2HHTcmofLmndJ3PUcVWfr1sJW4d9U3cIagktlQYdQA/s1600/_DSC5959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjdilwrCNAYj5rhLEe56c0d88HNlm7Lwn4WKKjEbrRFDJqiZNOnQ22fgOQONyc7m5PegTxqw_2d8P3rKA3ean0YzmNisjeqmKFx2HHTcmofLmndJ3PUcVWfr1sJW4d9U3cIagktlQYdQA/s640/_DSC5959.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julia's range of color covers the gamut from subtle to fresh and crisp. The Thomas charger doubles as a <br />
tray for the healthy berries and organic yogurt and Julia B. napkin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Do you have a favorite china or tabletop item you collect?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Antique linens are a passion of mine, I have a huge collection. I also love to collect china, glass, silver, salt cellars and vases, really just about anything related to the table. Since we entertain at least two times a week I use it all, all the time," she gushed. When pressed about why she is always hosting she said that there was a rather thin selection of local restaurants that they like. Also Julia explained, "What greater luxury than to be invited for a lovely meal, have great conversation and throughly enjoy yourself in someones home?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJC-a3i3rrjq3msm6p_NvgU3V0tqEi1lfRYghwubQx4Ski0sX6A3vinl5_v-Tq3SviBHxgo1whSTtiSbfNcDkQsD7ZLZVU6_K4T4-j-PbcGxpCtRqP9bsjij0l2Lj8RYxHdhIGuNV1dhm/s1600/_DSC5892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJC-a3i3rrjq3msm6p_NvgU3V0tqEi1lfRYghwubQx4Ski0sX6A3vinl5_v-Tq3SviBHxgo1whSTtiSbfNcDkQsD7ZLZVU6_K4T4-j-PbcGxpCtRqP9bsjij0l2Lj8RYxHdhIGuNV1dhm/s640/_DSC5892.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An assortment of Julia's accessory collection antique silver creamer and sugar with silver <br />
sugar spoon and Michael Devine tumblers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843384653973917433.post-4679906988191958732016-05-23T10:43:00.000-04:002016-05-23T10:43:23.302-04:00Then and Now <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9QBxvZWnGN8fkyU2QcqQHGDJpW5xYkHSujSRW4rNgpdLZW70WiAvMnZcTr8NP24cWUjv7hWVbyPySYIZ60OFZA8RzOUeY078r1LyJj4oSOKf1no-XJgn2x9jDlQmxOFkQKxJx3J5f7JJ/s1600/IMG_7339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9QBxvZWnGN8fkyU2QcqQHGDJpW5xYkHSujSRW4rNgpdLZW70WiAvMnZcTr8NP24cWUjv7hWVbyPySYIZ60OFZA8RzOUeY078r1LyJj4oSOKf1no-XJgn2x9jDlQmxOFkQKxJx3J5f7JJ/s640/IMG_7339.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The retreat in its beautiful home today. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of the most fun projects I have worked on was for the Berkshire Botanical garden summer event in 2010. Designers were asked to repurpose a prefab shed into a magical space. Since I had already done this with my own Bagatelle in my garden I knew what a creative project it would be. The sheds were sold to benefit the garden and it remained a bit of a mystery to me where mine ended up.<br />
<div>
At last the mystery is solved. It was bought by a romantic husband as a surprise for his wife in Connecticut which you can the read the moving story in detail in the summer issue of <i>Country Gardens Magazine</i>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsB77QEmG1Vhj4FT4rJpeW4wX0910q6iskDrY_DGGSPnSIkbJXfdWe5F1BCkp2jMJHcQ9ZGdUjqMnZPSJnxDLNEBMHxxvIjS6an10MOaGtB4fqF3e3mHIWVyhf9rDqsMoeIy9OMDszP4zo/s1600/IMG_7337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsB77QEmG1Vhj4FT4rJpeW4wX0910q6iskDrY_DGGSPnSIkbJXfdWe5F1BCkp2jMJHcQ9ZGdUjqMnZPSJnxDLNEBMHxxvIjS6an10MOaGtB4fqF3e3mHIWVyhf9rDqsMoeIy9OMDszP4zo/s640/IMG_7337.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The current issue of Country Gardens with its cover story about the current owners garden and shed. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I often wondered what the new owners changed. Did they take down the <a href="http://michaeldevineltd.com/collections/fabric/products/chantal">Chantal</a> covered walls, take out the flanking mirrors or repaint the floor? Judging from the photos in the magazine the current owner and avid gardener Alecia Evans, left everything is intact with the exception of the furnishings. I was pleased to see they really did like it right down to the deep magenta doors and trim.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eo2rcDnE2BflBvnRt6wxxdd6nRlANMrpDG7OaymjgY494Wt5dA8voyXa4Q8QDuINe-xC_-QGa-0L6FtEBLK1Ww4qYly7e7NP1A91GlTrjJo-uH7poVEm-cgBiSAhbxcyoA41rUlS7t_5/s1600/IMG_1262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eo2rcDnE2BflBvnRt6wxxdd6nRlANMrpDG7OaymjgY494Wt5dA8voyXa4Q8QDuINe-xC_-QGa-0L6FtEBLK1Ww4qYly7e7NP1A91GlTrjJo-uH7poVEm-cgBiSAhbxcyoA41rUlS7t_5/s640/IMG_1262.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were very lucky the weekend the show opened the cherry tree happened to be in bloom. <br />It was pure chance that the door color matched the tree. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To see in detail what it was like during the summer of 2010 this is the <a href="http://thedevinelife.blogspot.com/2016/01/revisting-garden-bloggers-retreat.html">link</a> to the story detailing the steps involved in transforming the space.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4Pj1IQdHKmOBZ1nBHdL6u6qn6GsSnQwzztakbDCHkYiQfit5gGv43_3s8DB7OnI4X6BoJHMfYzB6HtZDdJ97dNogUsMZmAtrkKS16XbMmBr5Jsk5gGqWNyr7peSOyeQ0iJ18OBpwJANj/s1600/IMG_7340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4Pj1IQdHKmOBZ1nBHdL6u6qn6GsSnQwzztakbDCHkYiQfit5gGv43_3s8DB7OnI4X6BoJHMfYzB6HtZDdJ97dNogUsMZmAtrkKS16XbMmBr5Jsk5gGqWNyr7peSOyeQ0iJ18OBpwJANj/s640/IMG_7340.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The poetic country decor of the shed today. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843384653973917433.post-58191190684610980442016-05-16T07:00:00.000-04:002016-05-16T07:00:34.793-04:00A Visit to Grandmothers Garden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHy7qlscAlI7CbqvUFP62TOebD4kxH7wduOPCmmboPervDTOY0Lv88iXD5KWcb63Xra021ehLmdSiR2LiZOaVPRsWYMNuvr1NRaiCAG1GuQ_VnM0_ieSpjCS43zKLNkFzSfFntDaz6z2xZ/s1600/in-the-garden-aka-celia-thaxter-in-her-garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHy7qlscAlI7CbqvUFP62TOebD4kxH7wduOPCmmboPervDTOY0Lv88iXD5KWcb63Xra021ehLmdSiR2LiZOaVPRsWYMNuvr1NRaiCAG1GuQ_VnM0_ieSpjCS43zKLNkFzSfFntDaz6z2xZ/s640/in-the-garden-aka-celia-thaxter-in-her-garden.jpg" width="520" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In The Garden by Childe Hassam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Take a trip back in time to the late 19th and early 20th century by visiting this summers New York Botanical Garden new exhibit <i><a href="http://www.nybg.org/impressionism/">Impressionism: American Gardens on Canvas</a>.</i> The poetic ideal of a grandmothers flower garden never looked so good as it does in this show. The exhibit examines, through both period paintings and an extensive garden, the connection between painting, gardening and defining American ideals and identity through the landscape. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixU6yM3wYLMM8hff322D2feBwhzjhnmjQfS94x4b5MiSm-mp69ymo_IIwpmwJNDScEE4fOYAKi73ozBgvsyE72c2uKSJn0veAKzVWfNxlaaz1uueanWBPnFKv903Oc5xjUDc_OZzpolckd/s1600/imgres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixU6yM3wYLMM8hff322D2feBwhzjhnmjQfS94x4b5MiSm-mp69ymo_IIwpmwJNDScEE4fOYAKi73ozBgvsyE72c2uKSJn0veAKzVWfNxlaaz1uueanWBPnFKv903Oc5xjUDc_OZzpolckd/s640/imgres.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Porch by William Chadwick </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The American Impressionist painters on exhibit were known for their work in the northeast. Such notable painters as John Singer Sargent, Childe Hassam and William Merritt Chase have places of honor in the show. The joyful paintings and inspired planting combinations provide much inspiration for both an accomplished gardener or a novice. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0m7vwdaPrUkzAxCf-Ch-CoT4lRIJSZKdU1jAlkMnB6fTYgsY0iOfK_Tg1yiohqioPG3I2axgWneaoFGKUtHPjjxR4TK3Mv-3ltBVeHEvp7SppsGZlLmBmmjyzYzqWia6t83Cy94glO05G/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0m7vwdaPrUkzAxCf-Ch-CoT4lRIJSZKdU1jAlkMnB6fTYgsY0iOfK_Tg1yiohqioPG3I2axgWneaoFGKUtHPjjxR4TK3Mv-3ltBVeHEvp7SppsGZlLmBmmjyzYzqWia6t83Cy94glO05G/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just like grandmothers. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory houses a full scale replica of a grandmothers garden complete with her front porch with rocking chairs. This garden will be at the peak of bloom all season and it is an opportunity to see plants and colors that reflect the period. The show runs through September 11th. For more information visit the gardens website <a href="http://www.nybg.org/impressionism/">nybg.org.</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQylbjxMsaM-Unj-5yUcOuC9rNDvlsK_6teDMY0EZ9NIA38J8Px-okK27szmmldth6A7RsLt9OF7-_oISpMs841Iz3a3XyxSeK5szeexs0x6TTT8GIGbwjWba1Lw115rhZK1NQKjxpTXi/s1600/IMG_7312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQylbjxMsaM-Unj-5yUcOuC9rNDvlsK_6teDMY0EZ9NIA38J8Px-okK27szmmldth6A7RsLt9OF7-_oISpMs841Iz3a3XyxSeK5szeexs0x6TTT8GIGbwjWba1Lw115rhZK1NQKjxpTXi/s640/IMG_7312.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A garden paradise where everything is in full bloom at once. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843384653973917433.post-50510316315291156092016-05-12T16:50:00.002-04:002016-05-12T16:50:28.359-04:00Lilac Brunch<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7c2S7EWYles2QHVJqZsoxoIWk1pCzlG5_BYb_1uvdo0LMpCWo-ZUT9yZwgX7VaY0sC-pLadhaE0iAvO9gcRfSqbtGbZN2mKFckxg9FCMo-U9FWdmZLOoOnZO8vHDMj6VYlx0s_YeDyXa/s1600/mdp_00037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7c2S7EWYles2QHVJqZsoxoIWk1pCzlG5_BYb_1uvdo0LMpCWo-ZUT9yZwgX7VaY0sC-pLadhaE0iAvO9gcRfSqbtGbZN2mKFckxg9FCMo-U9FWdmZLOoOnZO8vHDMj6VYlx0s_YeDyXa/s640/mdp_00037.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
My obsession with Lilacs continues with this post, I just can't get enough of them when they are in bloom. One of the pleasures of being up in the country is seeing random groups of massive lilac bushes alongside the road. It's a pretty wonderful sight, their range of purple flowers set off by the clear blue sky and dark green leaves with the mountains in the distance, breath taking.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
This Spring didn't only bring the lilacs it also brought me a miserable cold that won't go away. So to make it easy on myself, this weeks post is from my book <i>An Invitation to the Garden. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4YrGMPevtrUAgVaCbmxYHYnkouAAHKZZpqmW4NGdnc5NRFdRwBlpNGpqnUqHgLSI8w5Vk4WQqknGojsQQU_4Dz2tJ0N4UDcnJeakiJxRo1Mvp1hu_Xna3xwMLVwYV9wkdjm9bG2D0uVb/s1600/mdp-00001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4YrGMPevtrUAgVaCbmxYHYnkouAAHKZZpqmW4NGdnc5NRFdRwBlpNGpqnUqHgLSI8w5Vk4WQqknGojsQQU_4Dz2tJ0N4UDcnJeakiJxRo1Mvp1hu_Xna3xwMLVwYV9wkdjm9bG2D0uVb/s640/mdp-00001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lush centerpiece of lilacs filled the table.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The prefab garden building was made by the Amish and serves as a pretty great outdoor dining room. It's been a lot of fun over the years to decorate and change out. Since its only light source is candle light there is a real sense of stepping out of time when seated with friends around the table. </div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzXOwby153OuxD_nDZDXYIPtXxf7ZXxK7pBW8OD17UpnoFpgqeNuapLkvlu34XtqlYZbH22FpE1xkGAvSaDATwglkvqiLt66spw2Zchhu-MWBjZC7FWO9DSOU-E3_JVi1Gk-X8EhHHVGf/s1600/mdp-00019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzXOwby153OuxD_nDZDXYIPtXxf7ZXxK7pBW8OD17UpnoFpgqeNuapLkvlu34XtqlYZbH22FpE1xkGAvSaDATwglkvqiLt66spw2Zchhu-MWBjZC7FWO9DSOU-E3_JVi1Gk-X8EhHHVGf/s640/mdp-00019.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our outdoor dining room tented in my Garden Folly fabric is the <br />
setting for many fun meals with friends. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The painted floor that I designed was interpreted from brickwork patterns which I painted on the floor in a dark green and white combination. It's very gratifying to paint a floor and a bit of a challenge at the same time. I think everyone should give it try.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyAmMMLsDPhyphenhypheno4bb3PNXqoU8jEGoi1VhmVeHp7f6zc1wc3Ze7C7NvjQhTfnF9xHoXQL2xGp0BUbnvlBFcVyqNIrjt-AdLDNrfNOuBY8R7r3XB0pVwFurSip3VCEYcvglvamxLJVAIl822/s1600/mdp_00086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyAmMMLsDPhyphenhypheno4bb3PNXqoU8jEGoi1VhmVeHp7f6zc1wc3Ze7C7NvjQhTfnF9xHoXQL2xGp0BUbnvlBFcVyqNIrjt-AdLDNrfNOuBY8R7r3XB0pVwFurSip3VCEYcvglvamxLJVAIl822/s640/mdp_00086.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lilacs blooming in the garden.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The great thing about lilac bushes is they are pretty much carefree once planted. A clip here and there to keep the shape but otherwise they are happy on their own.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoHj24_e679tW2GKHsx2lb4gYXEW_t24D_blaCVpRJuCHOuXvTLbT1_yYbJpJlunwCATWRGJv8H1Ht6k7laRnH7_bBdDQptrEt_Qr4HV9S-eHm48Ub5xiu-NEmaG7hZ7_kd0SudB3qW-j/s1600/mdp_00018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoHj24_e679tW2GKHsx2lb4gYXEW_t24D_blaCVpRJuCHOuXvTLbT1_yYbJpJlunwCATWRGJv8H1Ht6k7laRnH7_bBdDQptrEt_Qr4HV9S-eHm48Ub5xiu-NEmaG7hZ7_kd0SudB3qW-j/s640/mdp_00018.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lilac water in a William Yoeward pitcher.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lilac flavored water is great to serve and an unexpected surprise. Its easy to do just add a few flowers to the water a few hours before, let stand and serve chilled. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU68TZMt0JQP7NEyXym_VveMCuayfuDmCkBi9zfR7MK-oYn2ud55mW7jqgMauWUgv3vRiIiyqBDM4UEZo-MDhSP98vIoM2weV1oa-0N7XMZPmWdrRFk9rcXYv0iolOAq4rh-BFi7UIgA_4/s1600/DSCN8215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU68TZMt0JQP7NEyXym_VveMCuayfuDmCkBi9zfR7MK-oYn2ud55mW7jqgMauWUgv3vRiIiyqBDM4UEZo-MDhSP98vIoM2weV1oa-0N7XMZPmWdrRFk9rcXYv0iolOAq4rh-BFi7UIgA_4/s640/DSCN8215.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mottahedeh monkeys played in the flowers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843384653973917433.post-31302510076526883312016-05-09T10:25:00.000-04:002016-05-15T18:54:33.625-04:00Treasure Hunt<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GCZ-6t2AHXCwOp7G0vhfvgFU_UGd_f_hHnZUSur3TYPeq706_THUMHZr4j1as94mUcSXNw3GhrqYUGcPG85TqZR3fOzNsMyaDUKvTmlTwxPdDJgKBuWJScWgZiKHg-4ZzxOckeq09V3C/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GCZ-6t2AHXCwOp7G0vhfvgFU_UGd_f_hHnZUSur3TYPeq706_THUMHZr4j1as94mUcSXNw3GhrqYUGcPG85TqZR3fOzNsMyaDUKvTmlTwxPdDJgKBuWJScWgZiKHg-4ZzxOckeq09V3C/s640/unnamed.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There isn't a more fun way to spend sunny day than roaming the wares of Brimfield. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The start of another summer season of flea marketing has arrived with tomorrows opening of <a href="https://brimfieldantiquefleamarket.com/">Brimfield Flea Markets</a> in Brimfield, MA. Billed as "Americas oldest outdoor antiques market" the six day event draws dealers and shoppers from far and wide. The shows series of numerous fields hold untold treasures for those people, like myself, who are willing to pick through the massive offerings. Tomorrows outing we are on the lookout for various accessories to finish the exhibit table we have been asked to do for the upcoming <a href="https://brimfieldantiquefleamarket.com/">Newport Flower Show</a> (more on that in an upcoming post). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course having a list is more of a guide. As anyone who has gone to a flea market knows other foreseen treasures are usually found instead of what is on the list. Its just the nature of the adventure. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843384653973917433.post-39384877902851744192016-05-02T18:52:00.001-04:002016-05-02T18:52:53.358-04:00The Many Shades of Lilac<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWZTUmH1x353E-fi_3Aid_h5VwOu40Q3-nU9MM0MHQfhrpm-11UagToYJ4EaDrfc4r47jIvTpBbsM5q0AT7iGVMyFRvweS2cIoB4FA_DPHL9ideCtgKhhTJzxx-9xk-gEVoj9NwbpTZa2/s1600/_DSC5451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWZTUmH1x353E-fi_3Aid_h5VwOu40Q3-nU9MM0MHQfhrpm-11UagToYJ4EaDrfc4r47jIvTpBbsM5q0AT7iGVMyFRvweS2cIoB4FA_DPHL9ideCtgKhhTJzxx-9xk-gEVoj9NwbpTZa2/s640/_DSC5451.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pale beauty Blanche Sweet lilac named after the silent film star.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since Thomas Jefferson planted his lilacs in 1776 this flowering bush has captivated American gardeners. The delicious scent always reminds me of warm spring mornings from my childhood. My sister and I would have to walk through a hedge of lilacs on our way to class. When the time came to install my own garden they were the only large bushes that I used in my garden. After all, how can you have a country garden without them?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ413SnAxgJD19B5xUXN6Kq-rWIxiWtdNrKnTMuZ_6P4BNuP_VwpJ26tkBvGaX3iwVeYWG_cQn-8Lh1ENZvPzXiODD5hPiUaLLTzLGRLbTDaMqfo3puQVGGgaVO5a3jQpddhiYPMUx2Vc3/s1600/lilac+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ413SnAxgJD19B5xUXN6Kq-rWIxiWtdNrKnTMuZ_6P4BNuP_VwpJ26tkBvGaX3iwVeYWG_cQn-8Lh1ENZvPzXiODD5hPiUaLLTzLGRLbTDaMqfo3puQVGGgaVO5a3jQpddhiYPMUx2Vc3/s640/lilac+.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is nothing like a wall of fragrant lilacs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"When, on a summer evening, the melodious sky growls like a tawny lion, and everyone is complaining of the storm, it is the memory of the Méséglise way that makes me stand alone in ecstasy, inhaling, through the noise of the falling rain, the lingering scent of invisible lilacs."</span> <i style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Marcel Proust</i></blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzPLmbwXLtNzeCid70jsFo_E8kF8Wyitg_ffoQHTELK7tHLh-EGwW6MkQMrnUoi5_ShM0DRw_PbomdY8howXM5jS9REK0UUwbiU7MwQFIX8VInRyv2js7liGWrXAHRR2UNq49qn17SUeM/s1600/shades+of+Lilac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzPLmbwXLtNzeCid70jsFo_E8kF8Wyitg_ffoQHTELK7tHLh-EGwW6MkQMrnUoi5_ShM0DRw_PbomdY8howXM5jS9REK0UUwbiU7MwQFIX8VInRyv2js7liGWrXAHRR2UNq49qn17SUeM/s640/shades+of+Lilac.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An array of shades of lilacs from pale to dark. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The array of colors is fascinating, from white through dark purple they provide a medley of tones in the garden. These photos were taken at the <a href="http://www.bbg.org/">Brooklyn Botanic Garden</a> where they have a veritable <i>forest</i> of lilacs. It was so inspiring to see them planted with paths and grassy areas in the center of the various groves. I am already planning to do a forest of these spring beauties in my next garden.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQJK0pKcPiRKgIAKI8W_SFvGXc_p6OgplYTZR9iwKrZQy4abX_feTZzb5xhgC0I6YciSP2Ec6bvVQ8X4bS3Jf7yFCcBtPbvfJbmZwp5sT_dIrHH21YIc-ArmJZk0YnHATTAnuxAjlIs4Z/s1600/_DSC5370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQJK0pKcPiRKgIAKI8W_SFvGXc_p6OgplYTZR9iwKrZQy4abX_feTZzb5xhgC0I6YciSP2Ec6bvVQ8X4bS3Jf7yFCcBtPbvfJbmZwp5sT_dIrHH21YIc-ArmJZk0YnHATTAnuxAjlIs4Z/s640/_DSC5370.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Louvois" or common lilac.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843384653973917433.post-50746710696812292912016-04-28T08:07:00.000-04:002016-04-28T08:07:40.550-04:00A Louisiana Lunch with Keith Carroll<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpuKB5LT5iwx8Sx70JfsO-4ke14jhL66hH6wCMLg_KRdarT7dP5gUWNfrkX2vApSwO0G_eh2WkEVeDjf2797TEYkS83-M1p3I2Nmv7Yo3SLcUysJJoTn7QPlnBIfnt0JuMxMyQsWQRQ1-/s1600/_DSC5750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpuKB5LT5iwx8Sx70JfsO-4ke14jhL66hH6wCMLg_KRdarT7dP5gUWNfrkX2vApSwO0G_eh2WkEVeDjf2797TEYkS83-M1p3I2Nmv7Yo3SLcUysJJoTn7QPlnBIfnt0JuMxMyQsWQRQ1-/s640/_DSC5750.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The graphic quilt used as a tablecloth was made by Keith's mother.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Is there anything that can be more charming than a delightful southerner? It's been my experience that southerners take great pride in living up to their reputation for being masters of gracious hospitality, even after they are transplanted up north. New York based interior designer and Louisiana native <a href="http://www.keithcarrolldesign.net/">Keith Carroll</a>, is the epitome of this southern ethos and his entertaining style, like his design style reflect both the warmth and tradition of the south.<br />
His numerous New York projects are a blend of the classic good taste with a modern influence. This Hampton Designer Showhouse veteran, describes his work as "southern style with city chic". He likes to use color and pattern in his rooms and like the table he set for todays post has an air of effortless style.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCISTcPsDGBz_gAjMgt23bVY4RNKjLA6d5JJa012yhU8WTvmkYZbz23TvZuLvlI1xsr9d7KKimocmIgNTebvA5KkisptoUeBXwGx58gROYQb_0tsIov0wcb8JsuZBDqwdGoF9a4UT7vR4/s1600/_DSC5789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCISTcPsDGBz_gAjMgt23bVY4RNKjLA6d5JJa012yhU8WTvmkYZbz23TvZuLvlI1xsr9d7KKimocmIgNTebvA5KkisptoUeBXwGx58gROYQb_0tsIov0wcb8JsuZBDqwdGoF9a4UT7vR4/s640/_DSC5789.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Designer Keith Carroll.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tell me about the meal you prepared?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is a typical southern lunch based on the foods that I grew up eating. A chilled or frozen starter is a very typical way to start a meal followed by a Jumbo of chicken, shrimp and sausage with potato salad on the side. Dessert is a Million Dollar Poundcake made from my mothers recipe. It's made with a pound of butter so its very rich and decadent.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyG2Y6h1WaJUEtgbeulo7X57b6i3c7F9AaOAExTmGHKEVd6a5L9GiZ2gThzb53oxGrM8371ibMmBbQQIKnzJl9dpL_MRAixMlU7WrHwOcMTsshy9X_LqvrDxTHSyKLfqpUvLjIQ5qp86-7/s1600/_DSC5736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyG2Y6h1WaJUEtgbeulo7X57b6i3c7F9AaOAExTmGHKEVd6a5L9GiZ2gThzb53oxGrM8371ibMmBbQQIKnzJl9dpL_MRAixMlU7WrHwOcMTsshy9X_LqvrDxTHSyKLfqpUvLjIQ5qp86-7/s640/_DSC5736.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A plate of of Pimento Cheese sandwiches and Prosecco are ready for guests in the entry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Who influenced your entertaining style?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My mother played a big role in setting my style. She was a great cook and always made big meals with tons of food. The great restaurants of New Orleans and the way they mix the types of foods they serve and the flavors has always inspired me. </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course the southern idea of having a good time all the time is something I live and entertain by.</blockquote>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNLq-IPZ7DIhMDflYDNuNdjJyJpxWOwImgba6oCLHbpIZdwy-rPdFxd0dQdWoZ6Hm5x8-zR9ct3OYWmtawDyvNo407H-q9bK-VV8IvpePJcn5IEQHQ8B2MMsgs2n4jjYPj9ufBZ3KmZ_Y/s1600/_DSC5765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNLq-IPZ7DIhMDflYDNuNdjJyJpxWOwImgba6oCLHbpIZdwy-rPdFxd0dQdWoZ6Hm5x8-zR9ct3OYWmtawDyvNo407H-q9bK-VV8IvpePJcn5IEQHQ8B2MMsgs2n4jjYPj9ufBZ3KmZ_Y/s640/_DSC5765.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The charming dinner plates are made from the artwork of Louisiana native African-American folk artist Clementine Hunter.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
Tip:<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Have something ready for your guests when they walk in...a cocktail, nibble, etc. It's makes for a warm welcome.</span></blockquote>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4mWR80qLxtXTubV2lRtl5-LZf3cq99Tcu8Lf43rRKkoh6vsxaWMnlpgZ1fIJoGfps3sKbxA9pk3LwkrzDDdKqFOR0KZhyphenhyphenjrav6xL4cHQkVmEFRl-mjZcN1esBd2K3QNiy6kF7fFS64Kz/s1600/_DSC5813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4mWR80qLxtXTubV2lRtl5-LZf3cq99Tcu8Lf43rRKkoh6vsxaWMnlpgZ1fIJoGfps3sKbxA9pk3LwkrzDDdKqFOR0KZhyphenhyphenjrav6xL4cHQkVmEFRl-mjZcN1esBd2K3QNiy6kF7fFS64Kz/s640/_DSC5813.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A frozen fruit salad to start the meal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Tip<br />
Include something fun and whimsical on the table...it gives guests something to talk about!<span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Tip<br />
Start the meal with an unexpected appetizer...not the usual green salad. A frozen salad or unique chilled soup. Keep it fun and interesting!</blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7uYxvOtjaTyudd6YYX6yfPcC9cW6gZdZUioEmfdCrzgrlSvVwYmO56MpzCsTIWnVmCn3YF1imWO0UFu4IN8IJIzVpN9JpahgskBy9dH4EMCDgIrReKaFRZiUKuqhn5piBUPntOiFWmlM/s1600/_DSC5785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7uYxvOtjaTyudd6YYX6yfPcC9cW6gZdZUioEmfdCrzgrlSvVwYmO56MpzCsTIWnVmCn3YF1imWO0UFu4IN8IJIzVpN9JpahgskBy9dH4EMCDgIrReKaFRZiUKuqhn5piBUPntOiFWmlM/s640/_DSC5785.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A homemade Million Dollar Poundcake with strawberries was served for dessert.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What tabletop items do you collect?<br />
I collect old Sheffield silver plate candlesticks and odd pieces here and there. My most recent find was a small box that the dealer called a sugar casket.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzC0q8Czaop8wS8piLdj4aQputt2z8Vrp-jDp0HoaTIFgGX83kzcHcu8E3-fKfYJEx-TqSX18xMCVPViGgpJgJarEo0gXiAXl0jnpjPbTrlrV9VWyjdWS5yJxpElhwkRMjCaKmWGPhl__4/s1600/_DSC5769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzC0q8Czaop8wS8piLdj4aQputt2z8Vrp-jDp0HoaTIFgGX83kzcHcu8E3-fKfYJEx-TqSX18xMCVPViGgpJgJarEo0gXiAXl0jnpjPbTrlrV9VWyjdWS5yJxpElhwkRMjCaKmWGPhl__4/s640/_DSC5769.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A country fresh mix of tulips and Queen Anne's Lace were used for the center piece.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843384653973917433.post-28309571831018479962016-04-25T10:29:00.000-04:002016-04-25T10:29:31.259-04:00Tulips Grow in Brooklyn<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSX_954s7RN_GXnq12xQzDgw1bHNXZrkbZR2DZRfzsjaLT89IiqVYwF9sb0ILb3zwpUHqifyw87485ZSV-bRhTaglNr1_fSZe8OjrWagV4vylLNqDsVMmYBn1jYjoKbuemKjiXZGcueMZH/s1600/_DSC5611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSX_954s7RN_GXnq12xQzDgw1bHNXZrkbZR2DZRfzsjaLT89IiqVYwF9sb0ILb3zwpUHqifyw87485ZSV-bRhTaglNr1_fSZe8OjrWagV4vylLNqDsVMmYBn1jYjoKbuemKjiXZGcueMZH/s1600/_DSC5611.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A vibrant and joyful tapestry of tulips in the Annual Border at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now I understand why the Dutch caused one of the first financial bubbles in the 17th century with their obsession for tulips. After seeing the ravishingly beautiful beds of tulips at the <a href="http://www.bbg.org/">Brooklyn Botanic Garden</a> it all made sense. I was lured to the garden by the promise of cherry blossoms, which were beautiful indeed as were the lilacs, but the tulip beds were a spectacular riot of blooms in a rainbow of colors and varieties. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The garden is in Prospect Park in Brooklyn and since it started in 1897 has been growing ever since. Its 52 acres are divided into numerous types of gardens that are all worthy of a blogpost in their own right. I am sure that there is a return visit in my future since I want to see the progress of the espalier fruits trees in the fruit garden. But that's another tale. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NN6KEQj9GYuTYjXNKhhZkZ1MTRSj9Acmzs6N8K5gA8SGyrweoDOPKF6nh2RrNQixI0SCG4Ew0TDHwmDCc7Kw6oV0vvQLxSHdjM8w0aARWHRA9vkX_5GmE_GxhfrRANGg1I9olqZogskr/s1600/MASS+COLLAGE+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NN6KEQj9GYuTYjXNKhhZkZ1MTRSj9Acmzs6N8K5gA8SGyrweoDOPKF6nh2RrNQixI0SCG4Ew0TDHwmDCc7Kw6oV0vvQLxSHdjM8w0aARWHRA9vkX_5GmE_GxhfrRANGg1I9olqZogskr/s640/MASS+COLLAGE+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mix of colors and types of tulips creates an unforgettable display.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The annual border is planted in colorful drifts of tulips that create a breathtaking display. It's a far cry from what the majority of home gardeners plant. </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br />Clearly the effect is in <i>massing</i> and not <i>sparseness</i>. </blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQggCaBSWN4MKs3GNHIRMTMVvWWRKm_RgfMGHuLvQfxRHVLAvR3GWYco-zLQwIjJ1RoGcrAKjLKF2J7iieQbNKkOwTQr20xU_gyAHsIJOFGvSZ9YteyggS2c-M0UQptZWCfU0bzLIBaMza/s1600/LA+BELLE+EPOQUE+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQggCaBSWN4MKs3GNHIRMTMVvWWRKm_RgfMGHuLvQfxRHVLAvR3GWYco-zLQwIjJ1RoGcrAKjLKF2J7iieQbNKkOwTQr20xU_gyAHsIJOFGvSZ9YteyggS2c-M0UQptZWCfU0bzLIBaMza/s640/LA+BELLE+EPOQUE+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Belle Epoque tulip.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The creamy beige/tan and frills of La Belle Epoque put it at the top of my want list for next years garden. </blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This tulip combined with the beige/tan heirloom rose <i>La Cussie de Nymphe</i> would make a stunning arrangement. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaC-GvxW90zSQ5fMYK7zF4uFMUmfy2XCjApnUHpVu5f0g8db1u3Cuzh1Nr1rtmHOWyPQYGiAr-wB1SXHQqJHyHco4R7dMQ4dsh_5ewncVF0ldWG42tujzBAJkTNAA444K5bZ1XFKRERjLx/s1600/_DSC5598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaC-GvxW90zSQ5fMYK7zF4uFMUmfy2XCjApnUHpVu5f0g8db1u3Cuzh1Nr1rtmHOWyPQYGiAr-wB1SXHQqJHyHco4R7dMQ4dsh_5ewncVF0ldWG42tujzBAJkTNAA444K5bZ1XFKRERjLx/s640/_DSC5598.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Star is a beauty of green and white.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were so many beautiful tulips that it was almost impossible to edit my favorites. The ones shown here are the tulips that made my <i>must have</i> list for next years garden.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBTGzJj7-dxB-nSDcnciAkWiifLMwqCjA-1q8kdAlnp1pEBbksM3xrTOgxkJI_fXfZRem1GgyZcfRPFyV53G5xYa-SB1GJJqxeabdJek0iZEsbnAgSJS5vsLIqeRqYgzywvr5iHj3wsdS/s1600/_DSC5661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBTGzJj7-dxB-nSDcnciAkWiifLMwqCjA-1q8kdAlnp1pEBbksM3xrTOgxkJI_fXfZRem1GgyZcfRPFyV53G5xYa-SB1GJJqxeabdJek0iZEsbnAgSJS5vsLIqeRqYgzywvr5iHj3wsdS/s640/_DSC5661.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angelique Pink</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Angelique pink and Apricot Parrot were both in the Fragrance Garden. The garden was created in 1955 for the blind and all the plants are labeled in brail. Its is wonderful place and a must see during a visit to the garden.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyhSKRCB6zVICCC1nyGBv0AWmYEMa4I5fCft9aRlhltbWWF1fwlyg-rBa_k-ZXnuRKv7Q_I2WQz7QtHMwfy6Oo8TMawGXUoWGQqDpY03ZA-nTpiG1LSNyGTH0rZh9A1PHz6VLEm8uhITl/s1600/_DSC5665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyhSKRCB6zVICCC1nyGBv0AWmYEMa4I5fCft9aRlhltbWWF1fwlyg-rBa_k-ZXnuRKv7Q_I2WQz7QtHMwfy6Oo8TMawGXUoWGQqDpY03ZA-nTpiG1LSNyGTH0rZh9A1PHz6VLEm8uhITl/s640/_DSC5665.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apricot Parrot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcb0yW6T7cJP5G9RxYxmqZpYahSKNk-hy0-fkr1Bch8pUb5LERhtHpWJg_UP8v1_KR1sFgvTH8ftYbvsdHEvG5l3G7P6fdZHaj2bg_Y_5dUbysAdz_f5yd9-9mHc-dayG0bKaSt3bgsCaK/s1600/_DSC5677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcb0yW6T7cJP5G9RxYxmqZpYahSKNk-hy0-fkr1Bch8pUb5LERhtHpWJg_UP8v1_KR1sFgvTH8ftYbvsdHEvG5l3G7P6fdZHaj2bg_Y_5dUbysAdz_f5yd9-9mHc-dayG0bKaSt3bgsCaK/s640/_DSC5677.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apricot Beauty and hyacinths</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I really like the idea of combining hyacinth and tulips. Ah next year, there is always next year in the garden.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225, USA40.6688898 -73.96507109999998915.146855300000002 -115.27366509999999 66.1909243 -32.656477099999989tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843384653973917433.post-34109669614231571712016-04-21T17:03:00.000-04:002016-04-21T17:03:57.278-04:00What's James Serving?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtofZlzefYSanMfmMYdiMY927Tcr75FjP9arEnErWQrA6BFHjEGZgK4_DzVg7IR9LcNgti73lw7TvsMdk7qyL6YXnhuiQlvKxnELCsU0kJh2gq_t1CB2ZJoDZBiDTUSXYgJ7_gaCB_Gdg/s1600/_DSC5281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtofZlzefYSanMfmMYdiMY927Tcr75FjP9arEnErWQrA6BFHjEGZgK4_DzVg7IR9LcNgti73lw7TvsMdk7qyL6YXnhuiQlvKxnELCsU0kJh2gq_t1CB2ZJoDZBiDTUSXYgJ7_gaCB_Gdg/s640/_DSC5281.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The style setters intimate dining room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anybody who gets to spend about more than a minute with James Andrew is doubtlessly enchanted by his warm and clever wit. Known for his style blog <i><a href="http://www.whatisjameswearing.com/">What's James Wearing</a></i> and his <a href="https://www.instagram.com/james_andrew/">Instagram</a> feed he has made a name for himself not only as a talented <a href="http://www.jamesandrewinteriordesign.com/">interior designer </a>but as l<i>e nec plus ultra </i>dandy about town. James started his career at the esteemed firm Parish Hadley and quickly developed a taste for bespoke everything. He easily translates his fashion to the table and creates welcoming environments for his guests that compliment his delicious cooking.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenf3JpVwSQQ2Uw6dkibor4kxftw5vwDC1C5fJM1k2Rj8PiPsvKtVSazhljgT5lPAQ6fukVU3H26W7MFTy2MW2uriFjQLS_Vfiet-Jj3gKiQOaMpB5oNQprOyqlUqRi8iwxVDrYGX9eJ2E/s1600/_DSC5312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenf3JpVwSQQ2Uw6dkibor4kxftw5vwDC1C5fJM1k2Rj8PiPsvKtVSazhljgT5lPAQ6fukVU3H26W7MFTy2MW2uriFjQLS_Vfiet-Jj3gKiQOaMpB5oNQprOyqlUqRi8iwxVDrYGX9eJ2E/s640/_DSC5312.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The host: designer James Andrew in front of his vast collection of design books.<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Tell me about the occasion and meal you made. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Just a little luncheon for four f</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">riends. We started with Alex Hitz's sour cream </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">corn cakes with creme fraiche and salmon roe foll</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">owed by his </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">chicken curry and a salad of s</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">pina</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">ch, red on</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">ion, duck prosciutto and </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">blue cheese with a red wine vinaigrette. The dessert was pinea<span style="font-size: x-small;">pple upside down cake, all so delicious and rather easy to make.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkpj-8Fx8wh12Mc-Du-FsoOqWcWQlRJXVbBpXoEpnQagT9mExlvAQgjm12viz7I0WC3reCm5s4QbsAaBzuraRKh3xSy1uAFWIq1QWu9nUDSzSFgSkb1fFN010Y82Xz8B2FIXYFhmiym3v/s1600/_DSC5290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkpj-8Fx8wh12Mc-Du-FsoOqWcWQlRJXVbBpXoEpnQagT9mExlvAQgjm12viz7I0WC3reCm5s4QbsAaBzuraRKh3xSy1uAFWIq1QWu9nUDSzSFgSkb1fFN010Y82Xz8B2FIXYFhmiym3v/s640/_DSC5290.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A paisley table cloth and Aynsley dinner plates create the background for each place setting. An inspired mix of a patterned salad plate and napkin add interest to each place setting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">What influences your menu choices when you entertain? </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There are seasonal considerations - I love<span style="font-size: x-small;"> a trip to the local farmers market, then there are moods and them<span style="font-size: x-small;">es that come into play - I keep it simple for the most part - I think it is such a treat to entertain at home- and I want everything to have a sense of ease about it<span style="font-size: x-small;">!</span></span></span></span><div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I like to start with a little cocktail hour in the living room - drinks and</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> some </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">little nib<span style="font-size: x-small;">bly things and then go into the dining room for dinner.</span></span> </blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREde28nZsueHGVvD-Yf3IFN8oBi6MeHP4Wr39vDG2IkXlQVo-WBs3tAVOSJPPKbsUz3Uk5JAHulqKNJ4wXLNenB5oJ6iygFTtuoE1gGQbW9qOrA1z1uHnOXpvgUpkKxn2y-PUA4hC5vCd/s1600/_DSC5301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREde28nZsueHGVvD-Yf3IFN8oBi6MeHP4Wr39vDG2IkXlQVo-WBs3tAVOSJPPKbsUz3Uk5JAHulqKNJ4wXLNenB5oJ6iygFTtuoE1gGQbW9qOrA1z1uHnOXpvgUpkKxn2y-PUA4hC5vCd/s640/_DSC5301.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">A collection of patriotic red, white and blue glasses and centerpiece add sparkle to the table.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Who or what has most inspired your entertaining style? </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There a</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">re so many people and things that have inspired me over the year<span style="font-size: x-small;">s - as a child I was fascinated by the Julia Child show, The Tiffany Ta<span style="font-size: x-small;">ble Settings<span style="font-size: x-small;"> books were ama<span style="font-size: x-small;">zing. I was honored t<span style="font-size: x-small;">o create a table setting at Tiffany's while I was an associate at Pa<span style="font-size: x-small;">rish Hadley<span style="font-size: x-small;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Style icons like Deeda Blair, Valenti<span style="font-size: x-small;">no, Alberto Pinto, T<span style="font-size: x-small;">he Duchess of Windso<span style="font-size: x-small;">r, The Slatkin Clan- the list is endless - these people have inf<span style="font-size: x-small;">ormed my own taste and how I set a <span style="font-size: x-small;">tab<span style="font-size: x-small;">le and aspire to enter<span style="font-size: x-small;">tain.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFhPv3vXY2RuG27iL6h1H0q3wc4TU4vVi3TQKMBK0VFBSL-XKp6kkl9Th4Z0-j2SRpKrfK_S7srweDPROzmCM3fQjQTkfVIT0-aLjhOh_CPZ_LnK7OIcxePon4Y9wudiVJcoidmWBDR8N/s1600/_DSC5285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFhPv3vXY2RuG27iL6h1H0q3wc4TU4vVi3TQKMBK0VFBSL-XKp6kkl9Th4Z0-j2SRpKrfK_S7srweDPROzmCM3fQjQTkfVIT0-aLjhOh_CPZ_LnK7OIcxePon4Y9wudiVJcoidmWBDR8N/s640/_DSC5285.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using an object like this melon tureen makes a great no fuss alternative to flowers as a centerpiece. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Do you have a favorite china or tabletop item that you collect?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I am a bit of a hoarder- as you can see my place is b<span style="font-size: x-small;">eginning to look a bit like a chic episode of "h<span style="font-size: x-small;">oarders buried alive" <span style="font-size: x-small;">Th<span style="font-size: x-small;">ere are so many <span style="font-size: x-small;">things that I like - and an elegant eclectic mi<span style="font-size: x-small;">x is most appealing to m<span style="font-size: x-small;">e<span style="font-size: x-small;">!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843384653973917433.post-86417630021890072162016-04-18T12:34:00.001-04:002016-04-18T12:34:48.165-04:004 Favorite Garden Seed Sources<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Spring is in the air and gardens everywhere still hold the magical promise of the perfect season ahead. I have carefully selected the seeds and made the plan for my own little parcel of paradise. There will be the prerequisite assortment of our favorite vegetables, flowers, herbs and fruits for the picking throughout the coming months.<br />
This year is the tenth anniversary of the garden. I am not sure where the time has gone, but I can say with certainty that I have learned a thing or two along the way. One of the most important lessons I picked up is that the beauty and abundance of the garden is a direct correlation to the quality of the seeds and plants planted. In others words: start with the best and you end up with the best.<br />
There have been times that on impulse or from laziness I just picked up a pack of seeds off the rack along the way. There is one company that seems to have racks just about everywhere I turn that drives me to distraction and the depths of remorse long after I can fix the problem. Case in point, last summer I needed some extra zinnia seeds. Instead of ordering them online from one of my favorite companies, I opted to save the postage and pick them up at the super market. The package promised a glorious mix of shades of pink. The "glorious mix" turned out to be fire engine red. Red is not pink nor was it a glorious shade.<br />
So, to save others from a similar fate, I am sharing my 4 favorite sources for seeds that I have have ordered from time and time again without worry. Happy gardening!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLhsclb86gJlPd-foT2m4kZz-RzMNXi1v0GNDoQ9YJW8Ung0w-uz50Fu02m770c4XSr1EneYvkKAZCKOCGCsG7rxhPTKrvFxJYntj6hlS1IW8jWCwuqnreMJ1M4LfDvrqoYoessNbcuQG/s1600/DSCN8654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLhsclb86gJlPd-foT2m4kZz-RzMNXi1v0GNDoQ9YJW8Ung0w-uz50Fu02m770c4XSr1EneYvkKAZCKOCGCsG7rxhPTKrvFxJYntj6hlS1IW8jWCwuqnreMJ1M4LfDvrqoYoessNbcuQG/s640/DSCN8654.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">The garden in late spring already has a variety of lettuces and roses ready to be picked.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For flower seeds I rely on the great assortment at <a href="http://www.rareseeds.com/">Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds</a>. The depth of variety is fantastic and the print catalog is a work of art each year. I got my first and happily only packet of scented tabacco there. I say only because it has become a welcome invasive plant in the garden because it reseeds everywhere. In addition everything they sell is heirloom, no GMO's here. Order early, I have been surprised by out of stock notices more than once.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cAeYE8pxaaGDUEENViBfFLNXH3IUDraslm_j-sfTnFWsMVsgO4RNbEWSQxepIqiAigLXy24hGbs-SYBYDwQb1TDPOW8a_puxPsYd3Md1qM7u-BuNjPUfB7KFYUoZD6rv7ZR0Bjnzk9xI/s1600/DSC_0934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cAeYE8pxaaGDUEENViBfFLNXH3IUDraslm_j-sfTnFWsMVsgO4RNbEWSQxepIqiAigLXy24hGbs-SYBYDwQb1TDPOW8a_puxPsYd3Md1qM7u-BuNjPUfB7KFYUoZD6rv7ZR0Bjnzk9xI/s640/DSC_0934.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A must - the white flowers of scented tobacco fill the garden with a heavenly fragrance each summer. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Pomme de terres are a favorite food group in our house. I always turn to <a href="http://www.kitchengardenseeds.com/">John Scheepers Kitchen Garden Seeds</a> for their <a href="http://www.kitchengardenseeds.com/seed-index/fruits-and-vegetables/potatoes/potato-dutch-bintje.html">Bintje Dutch Potato</a> tubers, it is by far our favorite potato. Of all the many things I have tried from this company I haven't a single complaint. They have never disappointed me. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9V_HJlFh2ngvCJTDTMTb_I_yv6aZxigcXRGMwX6HtvDVlLvrXtZWebcKJliO7aZySHE7P6uIR_GEvXqQBdiEMB_u-TXJ-BRMXyCP6VE6XKWrIcHK6o3qTFlMWlw8qGvBVjWUIcNTLuuB/s1600/DSC_6327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9V_HJlFh2ngvCJTDTMTb_I_yv6aZxigcXRGMwX6HtvDVlLvrXtZWebcKJliO7aZySHE7P6uIR_GEvXqQBdiEMB_u-TXJ-BRMXyCP6VE6XKWrIcHK6o3qTFlMWlw8qGvBVjWUIcNTLuuB/s640/DSC_6327.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These potaoes par boiled and tossed with butter and summer savory make a great side dish. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The cool thing about <a href="http://www.territorialseed.com/">Territorial seeds</a> is that it is a seed company geared to four season gardening. Clearly with a garden in the northeast that is a challenge. However, the varieties they sell have a long range of season which helps maximize what I can grow in my small garden.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGkw119SOIjw-7EbwkiPMJsesRT8lCvksB3RjdcFXB2CNdiZsQOqfveuiDgMhOLcS5HQUaVY60l-C-FN4LT4SMdzIOTT2Shh-iLhuKtjXVq4bdxs5VdoAdgymAhY23DtfOQ-EA8XSpZ55/s1600/DSC_8091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGkw119SOIjw-7EbwkiPMJsesRT8lCvksB3RjdcFXB2CNdiZsQOqfveuiDgMhOLcS5HQUaVY60l-C-FN4LT4SMdzIOTT2Shh-iLhuKtjXVq4bdxs5VdoAdgymAhY23DtfOQ-EA8XSpZ55/s640/DSC_8091.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The garden mid summer: a wealth of abundance with the air of a jungle. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www-gourmetseed-com.app-hosted.com/">Gourmet Seeds</a> is a company that also offers a great range of varieties but it also sells the Bavicchi seeds from Italy which I really like. The salad greens and range of peas and beans is really great. They, like the other three seed companies that I like are heirloom driven and and do not use GMO or treated seeds.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3zEAzJKhTYUyvKVlVa0rFBlygiGG1RcmYfz0KeNglF5o6SDgRzBDlwOCTv0-RSEjYexsOv0IY5VncTvC7qBlnEY08apjihs0jPmWxs_RO2RnBxa0B6YoqjCjGRcTpHZI0LBfZcLQ1iB7/s1600/DSC_0638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3zEAzJKhTYUyvKVlVa0rFBlygiGG1RcmYfz0KeNglF5o6SDgRzBDlwOCTv0-RSEjYexsOv0IY5VncTvC7qBlnEY08apjihs0jPmWxs_RO2RnBxa0B6YoqjCjGRcTpHZI0LBfZcLQ1iB7/s640/DSC_0638.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomatoes ripen in the sun alongside leeks, lettuce and white marigolds in the background. <br />My idea of garden happiness.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843384653973917433.post-32732844794479530832016-04-14T07:00:00.000-04:002016-04-14T07:00:28.439-04:00To Post or Not to Post<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In this day of people documenting just about every move they make on social media, is it cool to do it in other peoples homes? That was the question that <i>Washington Post</i> writer Jura Koncius recently interviewed me for her article <i>Lets get this party started: How social media has changed entertaining. </i>The piece covers all the bases and offers several opinions on the subject.<div>
I was more than happy to share my thoughts on the topic (which you can read <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/lets-get-this-party-started-how-social-media-has-changed-entertaining/2016/04/08/270dd008-fb4c-11e5-886f-a037dba38301_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-cards_hp-card-lifestyle%3Ahomepage%2Fcard">here</a>). </div>
<div>
What I could also have really gone off on is how the cellphone has changed dining out. I am the only one who doesn't understand people talking/texting on their cell phones while seated at a table with one to five other people? But I digress.<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRBL5X6gi-KtL3_Ac4DlAdG0Yd4FkPc0NbXXcYwXbnk0eJxH_eUTjldjkcSz3O9fMPHSbmePV54aF3dTcnkYYc-maH6jq55ofy7Jxv_AGIQYhytJqd5eY5XDBvcy1acd0_OlSZVHnMvQH/s1600/%2524-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRBL5X6gi-KtL3_Ac4DlAdG0Yd4FkPc0NbXXcYwXbnk0eJxH_eUTjldjkcSz3O9fMPHSbmePV54aF3dTcnkYYc-maH6jq55ofy7Jxv_AGIQYhytJqd5eY5XDBvcy1acd0_OlSZVHnMvQH/s640/%2524-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">A summer dinner in my garden in Kinderhook. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843384653973917433.post-75597081717741147272016-04-11T10:01:00.000-04:002016-04-11T10:01:49.748-04:00To Market, To Market<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Another amazing New York Tabletop Market starts this week at <a href="http://www.41madison.com/">41 Madison</a>. With all the great new tabletop collections to see I hope you will make time to come to the <i>Traditional Home magazine</i> panel discussion Thursday April 14th. I am thrilled to be on the panel with noted designers <a href="http://www.katieleede.com/home/#/Home/">Katie Leede</a> and <a href="http://www.robertpassal.com/">Robert Passal</a>. <i>Traditional Home </i>Senior Style Editor Krissa Rossbund will lead a lively discussion on the the importance of tabletop in design projects.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9oCebUQLan9PMFs-UnAXyrJdLJZCePsltugQM6kBwCDleguetzqh4mpUe6gFeEmCeku4FdkLS67WlRnU-24-MpAgmDEtH9YA8iCANZ8TI08CA-2_AFAk5KLs6MeZzF28MOboks3_HvBz/s1600/a4f396ce-3f83-4488-bb84-abf20a896d96%255B3%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9oCebUQLan9PMFs-UnAXyrJdLJZCePsltugQM6kBwCDleguetzqh4mpUe6gFeEmCeku4FdkLS67WlRnU-24-MpAgmDEtH9YA8iCANZ8TI08CA-2_AFAk5KLs6MeZzF28MOboks3_HvBz/s640/a4f396ce-3f83-4488-bb84-abf20a896d96%255B3%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Also while you are New York be sure to stop by <a href="https://www.william-wayne.com/">William - Wayne</a> and check out the newest addition to my dinnerware collection: cereal bowls. These elegant bowls are the perfect size for breakfast cereal or an evening bowl of pasta primavera.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiw_sOi2q5oqwh79c_zCvlDIQdWcpvj7nAS0rVbr1M_VWs_XIGnFppC6VWOL7XNQuv6LR7Y7q-4qme1Y9dPoySl9S_nCMIdUk_sDUwhKUdKntYlBb2AhaO8TLPIEAzKm7bmtA5x4HSCCL/s1600/_DSC5266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiw_sOi2q5oqwh79c_zCvlDIQdWcpvj7nAS0rVbr1M_VWs_XIGnFppC6VWOL7XNQuv6LR7Y7q-4qme1Y9dPoySl9S_nCMIdUk_sDUwhKUdKntYlBb2AhaO8TLPIEAzKm7bmtA5x4HSCCL/s640/_DSC5266.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bowls are available in four colors in both the Thomas and Charlotte patterns. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843384653973917433.post-79775877408176606622016-04-07T07:00:00.000-04:002016-04-07T07:00:21.754-04:00Splendor in the Grass<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhca6jEZ4kfj4fNoQrGL4b0-x6f7S3H0YDGpMtOUHfBL_ul8VEIE6JLTCXCblOsyJHbnR6tSieD6diNdP-emifx59YCxha-0Ztj1O1QyPy6hHu5vi3nHykzkYvyTwfDwuPifdal2yiTEWJH/s1600/DSC_9112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhca6jEZ4kfj4fNoQrGL4b0-x6f7S3H0YDGpMtOUHfBL_ul8VEIE6JLTCXCblOsyJHbnR6tSieD6diNdP-emifx59YCxha-0Ztj1O1QyPy6hHu5vi3nHykzkYvyTwfDwuPifdal2yiTEWJH/s640/DSC_9112.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under the old Willow Tree on a summer day is the perfect setting for a picnic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There's a wonderful farm down the road from us in the country that's surrounded by an old orchard. This idyllic spot boosts not only a beautiful rippling pond but also a magnificent old weeping willow tree that was made to picnic under. After coveting this little oasis for years I finally approached the farmer and asked if we could have a little picnic under her willow tree. He quickly agreed and off we went. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AbfQJtvDQGkggn5gUIOKNWEASlraOCbY4L4cAuySYV7b1FP072irbsCzCg8Pa3bN9r9YqqCn9dJZAcXbgN9B_9_CLIvvPUu2RWamlxVecJ-jRwMp9CnNYTx2YfRSZLVilLde0F27Vlg8/s1600/DSC_9159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AbfQJtvDQGkggn5gUIOKNWEASlraOCbY4L4cAuySYV7b1FP072irbsCzCg8Pa3bN9r9YqqCn9dJZAcXbgN9B_9_CLIvvPUu2RWamlxVecJ-jRwMp9CnNYTx2YfRSZLVilLde0F27Vlg8/s640/DSC_9159.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A relaxing setting for picnic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think simplicity is the name of the game with this type of picnic. I opted to use a vintage patchwork quilt to compliment the rural setting and blue willow china. Each guest received a tray to hold everything to make eating easier. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeO0pt1hyphenhyphenH-0_VSgdus8P8LkcB3f__Wf0otCyQCRaVSzIUrRoJC8PC7o1f7wmn57S7EyFoV-r0LAgjyxbw94i6LLr7FKiQBzKMhmnQomWP91lbMqVlF8A_V6JHCs1nTUF-ulR94-Rrzz7/s1600/DSC_9172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeO0pt1hyphenhyphenH-0_VSgdus8P8LkcB3f__Wf0otCyQCRaVSzIUrRoJC8PC7o1f7wmn57S7EyFoV-r0LAgjyxbw94i6LLr7FKiQBzKMhmnQomWP91lbMqVlF8A_V6JHCs1nTUF-ulR94-Rrzz7/s640/DSC_9172.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Daisies made a great country style centerpiece for the afternoon. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
An assortment of easy food made it a snap to prepare. Classic picnic fare: fried chicken, biscuits and Alsatian potato salad were the components of the main course. A vintage wicker basket held the beverages steady and made a convenient container for the flowers.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIy8yd6xMnQ7cFcMXw_wS-C42-u1NntWXp6N7IMls-1YNxuAsihqfCXZ4ii1fy82fe5FY4MPmUnGJWqP-iue-CeD0i_DffDnfN_MRseHvLxA28AiqK6L13bo_tXaaXYhyphenhyphenHogK4QaZst9m/s1600/DSC_9191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIy8yd6xMnQ7cFcMXw_wS-C42-u1NntWXp6N7IMls-1YNxuAsihqfCXZ4ii1fy82fe5FY4MPmUnGJWqP-iue-CeD0i_DffDnfN_MRseHvLxA28AiqK6L13bo_tXaaXYhyphenhyphenHogK4QaZst9m/s640/DSC_9191.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch is served. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dessert was a chocolate sheet cake that I made from my grandmother's recipe. It was given to her by her good friend and neighbor. I have updated it slightly to make it easier to follow. It is great for a crowd. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGM7vKkLkehsI-Tj1LkQb33zRHVScClyOiWARTB7ghOY3aRGYxv35T2RmZNun-F8ISdM3ghyphenhyphenZ3XtLk6vxK-N9Bh5MHTXyjFrpAGENE3_K5qNXq9MZJJSiGyjGulNZjPt6cKK0vwOPf1YsH/s1600/13+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGM7vKkLkehsI-Tj1LkQb33zRHVScClyOiWARTB7ghOY3aRGYxv35T2RmZNun-F8ISdM3ghyphenhyphenZ3XtLk6vxK-N9Bh5MHTXyjFrpAGENE3_K5qNXq9MZJJSiGyjGulNZjPt6cKK0vwOPf1YsH/s400/13+cake.jpg" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A crowd pleaser chocolate sheet cake with chocolate nut frosting. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chocolate Sheet Cake</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This recipe is made in a 11"x13" sheet cake pan. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Serves 10-12</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 cups granulated sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 cups all purpose flour</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 stick butter</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 cup oil</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4 tbsps cocoa</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 cup water</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 cup buttermilk</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 eggs room temperature</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 tsp vanilla extract</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 tsp baking soda</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Preheat oven to 400 and grease pan. Mix together sugar and flour in a large bowl and set aside. In a large saucepan combine butter, oil, cocoa and water and bring to a boil over medium heat and mix well. Pour this mixture over the flour and sugar. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Pour into prepared pan and bake 20 minutes. Set aside and allow to cool.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Chocolate Nut Frosting<br />
1 stick butter</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4 tbsps cocoa</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
6 tbsps buttermilk</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 1lb box powdered sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 tsp vanilla extract</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 cup chopped walnuts </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Combine first three ingredients in a large sauce pan and bring to rolling boil and remove from heat. Add remaining ingredients and mix. Pour over cake and spread evenly. Serve on its own or with ice cream.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSmjXh5qH5fyIBhUgvtoBjO8jQwE9m9yQLxESpc2wHkHANPE9NYgyTPycLotZsqQE3pXqJ4HH5pEdniuWHacds0Yo6MTakTn6UHqJP8hWq81qBWTe4Tn1gRBKoSNyxIKbnuAygTaeMvs2/s1600/DSC_9135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSmjXh5qH5fyIBhUgvtoBjO8jQwE9m9yQLxESpc2wHkHANPE9NYgyTPycLotZsqQE3pXqJ4HH5pEdniuWHacds0Yo6MTakTn6UHqJP8hWq81qBWTe4Tn1gRBKoSNyxIKbnuAygTaeMvs2/s640/DSC_9135.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bucolic farm scene made the landscape complete. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843384653973917433.post-11482900540131128782016-04-04T07:00:00.000-04:002016-04-04T07:00:16.059-04:00The Magic of Chatonniere<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6a9DrPugJNVz1T59kKeb3gSDRxGSBCWLaUg73huimpBh0gDpo7z8jBaWwp8PZiW8uEflmubFfqZsM2PtxavVpv6iSZvcV20KsKQzatpoms3r6G1mLie3L6QwchPGFu7AB0jj5awZXn910/s1600/CIMG0538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6a9DrPugJNVz1T59kKeb3gSDRxGSBCWLaUg73huimpBh0gDpo7z8jBaWwp8PZiW8uEflmubFfqZsM2PtxavVpv6iSZvcV20KsKQzatpoms3r6G1mLie3L6QwchPGFu7AB0jj5awZXn910/s640/CIMG0538.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chateau de Chatonniere</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few years ago I had the pleasure of visiting many of the famous gardens of the Loire Valley in France. I think this is to a gardener what going to the Super Bowl is to a football fan: the ultimate experience. Of all the gardens and all the chateaux we visited during this trip, it is one of the lesser known ones that continues to inspire me today. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEp2br70Mc7bnL6t9lICM_JgnPGPSbE-QXgnyi0NSn4vZTfLXeovreeRAH9RTZALB6paz6jz92BlKPzvdwWhLRrSAP-7Fd8R5MGdLZxGTmtCSEN4hJce-X10YPjkuLFD89ZsPQzhSmalY/s1600/CIMG0318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEp2br70Mc7bnL6t9lICM_JgnPGPSbE-QXgnyi0NSn4vZTfLXeovreeRAH9RTZALB6paz6jz92BlKPzvdwWhLRrSAP-7Fd8R5MGdLZxGTmtCSEN4hJce-X10YPjkuLFD89ZsPQzhSmalY/s640/CIMG0318.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Garden of Abundance is a stunning potager that is laid out after the shape of a rose leaf. <br />
Each boxwood bordered section is filled with different vegetables that change through the season. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This marvel of gardening imagination lies off the beaten path in the Vallee de L'indre. The property has been in the family since 1955, it was in the '80s that under the guidance of its owner Beatrice de Andia that these thirteen different gardens took shape. The former director of the l'Action artistique de la Ville de Paris chose a literary theme for each of the different spaces.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78k2vYEa7fYp2RKt_7bhSoTWzA1uWVSrhPrq3UkbSLizcxoRJ_z0hXvF2bUaveW6IpgLnvSH7-kGoHabzPeoNSSsjIRI8VvoLU55vLW5HDGOW5Y-SELRnRKJ-WFJutcmlUdhLDSfh1ZgH/s1600/herb+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78k2vYEa7fYp2RKt_7bhSoTWzA1uWVSrhPrq3UkbSLizcxoRJ_z0hXvF2bUaveW6IpgLnvSH7-kGoHabzPeoNSSsjIRI8VvoLU55vLW5HDGOW5Y-SELRnRKJ-WFJutcmlUdhLDSfh1ZgH/s640/herb+garden.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above a detail of the simple bed borders. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Eighty squares alternate with herbs and grass in the Science Garden. This checkerboard effect is achieved with 2"x4"'s planted in the ground. This is a technique we borrowed and have used in our own garden. It was easy to install and is very low maintenance. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jg8CEnuvR1LcAnHMWM672Snk6B3Dax3NGW8AzFP06V43jG7-dSyPkXXV0UHS9mEA34icwJ3PtoZmD5JF5SC2E1Nu7h2S6vR959CyScxc5knerUDxMKlBokv16F8TcBfYY72Ry730HaXT/s1600/CIMG0306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jg8CEnuvR1LcAnHMWM672Snk6B3Dax3NGW8AzFP06V43jG7-dSyPkXXV0UHS9mEA34icwJ3PtoZmD5JF5SC2E1Nu7h2S6vR959CyScxc5knerUDxMKlBokv16F8TcBfYY72Ry730HaXT/s640/CIMG0306.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Garden of Romance made from willow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of the most intriguing gardens on the property is the Garden of Romance. It is composed of thirty rooms crafted from woven willow. Multi colored roses climb over it and to create a very poetic garden walk. The rooms are complete with windows in them which offer select views of the garden.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTe2j3dMzrNguxpI3_mGcqor6XCF-6e8XbS-oTEazvkGIzMLdN1q-GPbtNksWTqRzZQN5osVgUltH4ijYKY9Pf_sxUOLlgK1cXYqNRDWJ1alK7j_IkR44KLm0J8_5y7sehgK-mbhyphenhyphendvuD4/s1600/willow+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="497" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTe2j3dMzrNguxpI3_mGcqor6XCF-6e8XbS-oTEazvkGIzMLdN1q-GPbtNksWTqRzZQN5osVgUltH4ijYKY9Pf_sxUOLlgK1cXYqNRDWJ1alK7j_IkR44KLm0J8_5y7sehgK-mbhyphenhyphendvuD4/s640/willow+room.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Details of the woven willow walls. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There is nothing done in a small way in this garden. An entire hillside has been planted with multi colored cosmos. Each year the garden plants 130 pounds of cosmos, bachelor buttons and poppies. It is the work of 6 gardeners to maintain the property. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qxyq9dPUEsIGFcwRpgalT69MNKzuuLpD1G_Sksljh4CohVOInu9rgQN8_NPb9EOFLgHx2QeGnhxMsq6qp_v8jFmtI4aYVBr0GIuG1VJlj75JcKyr63LCiUOMW3x4gfyBYMeJ803oc-AR/s1600/CIMG0517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qxyq9dPUEsIGFcwRpgalT69MNKzuuLpD1G_Sksljh4CohVOInu9rgQN8_NPb9EOFLgHx2QeGnhxMsq6qp_v8jFmtI4aYVBr0GIuG1VJlj75JcKyr63LCiUOMW3x4gfyBYMeJ803oc-AR/s640/CIMG0517.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paradise, a hillside blanketed in cosmos. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4HANL4k78uyYpzPi-3kXvZEL0uJi6wDGt3SRhMmj1ZjWUQms4qIeEKwpx7egKGtfTQ_Jdsn2Sxd_UH1cXb8DKCKq-KyvtJbsZJXo_xMSkkLiikrnGTp2jBciPA96fbJa4MwOyrEM3nGP/s1600/cosmos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4HANL4k78uyYpzPi-3kXvZEL0uJi6wDGt3SRhMmj1ZjWUQms4qIeEKwpx7egKGtfTQ_Jdsn2Sxd_UH1cXb8DKCKq-KyvtJbsZJXo_xMSkkLiikrnGTp2jBciPA96fbJa4MwOyrEM3nGP/s640/cosmos.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 19th century greenhouse stands in the background (left photo) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The garden of the senses was breath taking with it array of delphiniums, bachelor buttons, cosmos and roses mix with numerous other plants and flowers. It is next to the chateau's dovecote and has a beautiful fountain in the center. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPuTCmNtPqIHk1gFZwpvulxDeYzOf6YMEFP0frsvQLr19PVg40bPUMXtvoJOjF7SvVaHF4JXmYN4HeAxymnV2IuopwSsvD6ZCZY9sobjKl6r6_VN3CJxDcgz9U78G2p5l3HjYsnw4ssPE/s1600/CIMG0461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPuTCmNtPqIHk1gFZwpvulxDeYzOf6YMEFP0frsvQLr19PVg40bPUMXtvoJOjF7SvVaHF4JXmYN4HeAxymnV2IuopwSsvD6ZCZY9sobjKl6r6_VN3CJxDcgz9U78G2p5l3HjYsnw4ssPE/s640/CIMG0461.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standard roses stand at attention in the exuberant garden of the senses.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The property is ringed by forests which create a perfect background for the gardens. Strolling through this series of gardens with each one more spectacular than the last was unforgettable. Turn a corner and there you are, unexpectedly in a breathtaking forest carpeted in white and pink cyclamen. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPk9FHIZukhJD6U1kaRTpJAySe_9mRWIvTThBS1DNAPQXdJK4tDBsN-5kWmEmMslBjMb1-V9xzZ9ax-_wpnGtwA72G2QxwrfNB7-bjf7on-gVaLsAkAMkft0bYdYR9GAA_vWYyTxj6yG-a/s1600/Cyclamen+walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPk9FHIZukhJD6U1kaRTpJAySe_9mRWIvTThBS1DNAPQXdJK4tDBsN-5kWmEmMslBjMb1-V9xzZ9ax-_wpnGtwA72G2QxwrfNB7-bjf7on-gVaLsAkAMkft0bYdYR9GAA_vWYyTxj6yG-a/s640/Cyclamen+walk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two acres of cyclamen blanket the forest floor. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since we were there in the fall the dahlias were out in force. Now, if you want to see dahilas the place to go is <a href="http://www.labourdaisiere.com/">La Bourdaisiere</a>, owned by the Prince Jardinier, but that will have to wait for another day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCOI4jv4nLZ5Ji_ka67jtOE1pkQ97fWjdFCq_SDEX9GQjufuRexZVd9j5uJfqvK5qVUjD0Pmb2NU1Ec-IQ0oE9rKPoDOPu-vFCNVayT6m3o4f5aTvwXy7VSVvqAHrl9JEut2IIau8OXtV/s1600/CIMG0528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCOI4jv4nLZ5Ji_ka67jtOE1pkQ97fWjdFCq_SDEX9GQjufuRexZVd9j5uJfqvK5qVUjD0Pmb2NU1Ec-IQ0oE9rKPoDOPu-vFCNVayT6m3o4f5aTvwXy7VSVvqAHrl9JEut2IIau8OXtV/s640/CIMG0528.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White dahlias standing happily at attention.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843384653973917433.post-39465021486176069362016-03-31T07:00:00.000-04:002016-03-31T07:00:14.355-04:00Setting the Stage for Glorious Dining<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsvaR32OZcPUiU3eMaO8V9JLnpYN2El4zNAq6qIAA-HQ646z6KWayyevstCr-N1yDyKVpNlJ8SBXWXMDltDtORdrL9T1d5BUsY4n_gcmBLBIFUh2C1-hQHwdIgrA08r7iAwd9c_3rgCcv/s1600/_DSC5218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsvaR32OZcPUiU3eMaO8V9JLnpYN2El4zNAq6qIAA-HQ646z6KWayyevstCr-N1yDyKVpNlJ8SBXWXMDltDtORdrL9T1d5BUsY4n_gcmBLBIFUh2C1-hQHwdIgrA08r7iAwd9c_3rgCcv/s640/_DSC5218.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sunny corner of the de la Renta dining room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A cache of vintage '80's and '90's House & Garden magazines provided the inspiration for todays post. The stockpile was recently uncovered in our storage area and a review of begone eras has made me long for their return <i>toute de suite</i>! I was amazed when looking at these rooms and the collections many of the owners displayed. The attention to detail and sensitivity in these rooms is really incredible when compared to what passes for stunning design today. An endless array of white rooms with bare windows, a few pieces of rather uncomfortable looking furniture combine to create a look that is more interstate motel than multi million dollar estate. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If what I just described is your thing than I am not sure you will find much interest in this post. However, if a few people still enjoy comfortable well appointed rooms with style and personality than todays post should come as a welcome respite in a cookie cutter world. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCPzTgy7w4l9rcog7fCEka00hYo-Kae3eehteYubV8eEHZZoMISVAoTQfUB4UzKH9Xpe0XPbLLjs8w5Jk4M2EsMiSS7yxp9tv55MI7CHvtM2lu9kvIeeHX__Kw6sog6v-Ll4nuq1ws_WS/s1600/_DSC5214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCPzTgy7w4l9rcog7fCEka00hYo-Kae3eehteYubV8eEHZZoMISVAoTQfUB4UzKH9Xpe0XPbLLjs8w5Jk4M2EsMiSS7yxp9tv55MI7CHvtM2lu9kvIeeHX__Kw6sog6v-Ll4nuq1ws_WS/s640/_DSC5214.jpg" width="468" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opulent pattern and colors for the eye to feast on looking into the dining room. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The master of haute style Oscar de la Renta was featured in his Connecticut home in the July 1986 issue. The style icon was at home with miles of chintz on the walls and furniture, tables loaded with photographs in silver frames and books. The dining room was no less beautifully thought out as you can see from the above image. The walls were masterfully faux painted by Patrick Boivin with inspiration from the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pavlovsk_Palace">Pavlovsk Palace</a> near Leningrad according to the article written by <a href="http://langrallandsollis.com/">Carolyn Sollis.</a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEXsDejASygGmSYy6x_qWji2iMBLYaQ9YKWNfmBGYK0RRG-j8wK3iz23v2g9vu0C9460sK8vBTEvvLbyL9S5yowLp0eC7rPNJ9sHSCdCygPp0oQZV_fN5hlcMP2T1GRK4Y6OUnCndx_89/s1600/_DSC5230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEXsDejASygGmSYy6x_qWji2iMBLYaQ9YKWNfmBGYK0RRG-j8wK3iz23v2g9vu0C9460sK8vBTEvvLbyL9S5yowLp0eC7rPNJ9sHSCdCygPp0oQZV_fN5hlcMP2T1GRK4Y6OUnCndx_89/s640/_DSC5230.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very American dining porch by Sister Parish in Saratoga NY.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This room is part of a farm house that Sister Parish did upstate in Saratoga, as seen in the July 1991 issue, horse racing capitol of the Northeast. The home was one of many that the owner had, according to the article she almost forgot she owned it. The easy country style dining porch has much charm (a word not often used today) and a collection of antique Majolica decorating the side board and on the table. The arrangement of multi colored zinnias in the Majolica pitcher on the table is a country classic. A rather grand faux painted horse statue stands next to the table recalling the local attraction and the purpose of the farm.<br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcY-CR1GRFDwjbjc_SgQdUiTMeIF-nBK_pOajUfn6hST7lsAzDZuCZADySK_pay2J_kKQGQpinQ-GEWH-wlVYnSgzrKq6Sc_WAE39P4eHHkTYh436hVSmRNogfyx9XSE-bu80X9inXJkj/s1600/_DSC5225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcY-CR1GRFDwjbjc_SgQdUiTMeIF-nBK_pOajUfn6hST7lsAzDZuCZADySK_pay2J_kKQGQpinQ-GEWH-wlVYnSgzrKq6Sc_WAE39P4eHHkTYh436hVSmRNogfyx9XSE-bu80X9inXJkj/s640/_DSC5225.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A soft ivory dining room in the Southampton house of Mark and Duane Hampton.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mark Hampton is an American classic and so is his dining room in the Hamptons. The room has faux painted trompe l'oeil moldings and deep ivory walls according to the Feburary 1988 issue. The table is set with antique blue glass pieces from the collection that his wife Duane collected and masses of garden roses bank the sideboard. The place settings are not particularly fancy but have pitch perfect weekend style down to the slightly crumpled napkins.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYi_0ZrQYj881kwjNJosxJSz2msXCZ8Sr3oa9UifvWWr7fmOYna4o0IarFYICkgzfi5lydO5wRcKjW3tje6iO_du3Drv5DyBjbR78CLwgKBnQ67mk1Kwt9bqIMBsoWJebay7EGaHXqoKM/s1600/_DSC5232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYi_0ZrQYj881kwjNJosxJSz2msXCZ8Sr3oa9UifvWWr7fmOYna4o0IarFYICkgzfi5lydO5wRcKjW3tje6iO_du3Drv5DyBjbR78CLwgKBnQ67mk1Kwt9bqIMBsoWJebay7EGaHXqoKM/s640/_DSC5232.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Valentino original on the <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Island of Capri.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Decorated with airy frescos, the dining room in Italian couturier Valentino's Capri get away is haute style as seen in the June 1991 issue. The table is set with D. Porthault linens, a collection of Neapolitan porcelain and a summer classic red geraniums. Style and ease the ideal summer combination.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7zUZ_XrZqZ-bN2Y0YojYnPlVvRxRQGX3hxOu4RZhGm2n-4o4UcsOXArSfQ-6kEtbN3aC419_B5PeD2iN_bzzV7Ngl6qh9cyqigeUR3mxNscn8yJT5X3sDfy1-vF6v_SaXT-FcA3ZOnuf/s1600/_DSC5222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7zUZ_XrZqZ-bN2Y0YojYnPlVvRxRQGX3hxOu4RZhGm2n-4o4UcsOXArSfQ-6kEtbN3aC419_B5PeD2iN_bzzV7Ngl6qh9cyqigeUR3mxNscn8yJT5X3sDfy1-vF6v_SaXT-FcA3ZOnuf/s640/_DSC5222.jpg" width="490" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cheerful breakfast table in the Porthault country house near Paris.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since 1925 the famous French textile family has kept a house outside Paris as a weekend place the May 1991 issue stated. The sideboard laden with an arrangement of flowers stands by the inviting breakfast table set with Porthault lines and china. The day would be off to the right start at this pretty and simple table. It also stated that many of their customers come in twice a year to buy their linens and stay at the Ritz or the Plaza Athenee. I wonder how customers still fly to Paris twice a year to buy their linens?</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843384653973917433.post-24990237690175352042016-03-28T15:35:00.002-04:002016-03-28T15:35:18.659-04:00A Fine Setting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlPYTDie1igjxrxLKTPLkStEMMkh2qq069hTFQy02a5Kkrivu9ZBAzl0wC-AcNdT3-pnyq2s3CeYlSx_03llt5DMcIFT8t2yc7ZroAP20FQfeNoSXgVze4H3CodiqtzfJ2KR51DB7qNRP/s1600/_DSC5205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlPYTDie1igjxrxLKTPLkStEMMkh2qq069hTFQy02a5Kkrivu9ZBAzl0wC-AcNdT3-pnyq2s3CeYlSx_03llt5DMcIFT8t2yc7ZroAP20FQfeNoSXgVze4H3CodiqtzfJ2KR51DB7qNRP/s640/_DSC5205.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The window display of Michael Devine dinnerware at William & Wayne.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
"I'd love to put one of your favorite new collections in my Lexington Avenue window," read the message I received from William Meyer. Meyer is partner with Wayne Adler who together created New York's great independent home store <a href="http://www.william-wayne.com/">William - Wayne & Co. </a>The <a href="http://michaeldevineltd.com/collections/dinnerware" target="_blank">collections</a> he was referring to were my hand painted Limoges pieces that are created from my fabric designs by Marie Daage in Paris. So off Thomas and I went to our first meeting and less than a month later I am thrilled to report the window is installed on Lexington Avenue as promised.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2OF7_7zCfZOhRpsrPzhBwY2vXd4ckZLYV4av10uCqUPXmopmDBA1E21b16GwUSPLOIVvDQFkru3WeXxnBuw3_OcI36x6yLUL90Q_HDPxv_IYvu7GXywczVD8Pa3b0hDmjHb9M5mR4q7L/s1600/_DSC5177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2OF7_7zCfZOhRpsrPzhBwY2vXd4ckZLYV4av10uCqUPXmopmDBA1E21b16GwUSPLOIVvDQFkru3WeXxnBuw3_OcI36x6yLUL90Q_HDPxv_IYvu7GXywczVD8Pa3b0hDmjHb9M5mR4q7L/s640/_DSC5177.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is never a shortage of blue and white in the shop.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What makes the store so wonderful is that its variety is more like a curiosity shop than a home goods store. The chock a block space is filled with every item that one could need to finish a decorating project or pick up a last minute hostess gift. Meyer believes, "I want to have something across the board for everyone. Even if it is a five dollar gift. I want to be able to give the customer something that is beautifully wrapped and ready to go."<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBG2ySMchQulU9JbSancR3VV_0YakHbac3FbFAQXN_3MBIrjjWGBqI-Q8_I4nm8oRNU3iMNYpWPae8wJJdWPf9rshdZlMoHPx8lHzGWE2V2VCKlrCJDb_6_8xCu8BL6m_Ol-BgEOtgvZn/s1600/_DSC5185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBG2ySMchQulU9JbSancR3VV_0YakHbac3FbFAQXN_3MBIrjjWGBqI-Q8_I4nm8oRNU3iMNYpWPae8wJJdWPf9rshdZlMoHPx8lHzGWE2V2VCKlrCJDb_6_8xCu8BL6m_Ol-BgEOtgvZn/s640/_DSC5185.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A best seller. Pig doorstops. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's a formula that was clearly working the afternoon I was there working on the window. A steady stream of well heeled customers, many who were greeted like old friends seemed to file through the door and just as often left with a find in a bag on their arm.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYj44oj-4k3k5ryP35fKYbdAC8_0WaA6VDpROS4zt60OeflmSKeGC-VfMMVXieszpH_8zCXMv5fU_Fu-RWh2Hm5xv_P2fYws9_dpxaFdExIf_5DRuw7KZmrHSOjxuXwCAXi0Re9tV1fbbo/s1600/_DSC5186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYj44oj-4k3k5ryP35fKYbdAC8_0WaA6VDpROS4zt60OeflmSKeGC-VfMMVXieszpH_8zCXMv5fU_Fu-RWh2Hm5xv_P2fYws9_dpxaFdExIf_5DRuw7KZmrHSOjxuXwCAXi0Re9tV1fbbo/s640/_DSC5186.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small tables, lamps, brackets, pillows and accessories compete for attention in this corner.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The store started in 1989 downtown in a former antique shop. Meyer is a natural for retail since he grew up in his family's retail business. He also was lucky enough to have parents who took him to auctions as a kid where he developed his eye for design. His passion for tabletop started at home as well, "I always loved to set the dining table as a child," he explained. Today its the corner stone of the business.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzDL55vZ0chbJcv0HeQXRxbNSiS3ljY6pav1ZeuN_bgR-D5h_eeZu1wDi2rqb-vECV1Wofbv72Gn7IkzYbCkR3aJHOhgBmNMoCWEpGSUmUNIRV7rL7PLMIs46zSO0B_fCTa2T202oB0-8/s1600/_DSC5196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzDL55vZ0chbJcv0HeQXRxbNSiS3ljY6pav1ZeuN_bgR-D5h_eeZu1wDi2rqb-vECV1Wofbv72Gn7IkzYbCkR3aJHOhgBmNMoCWEpGSUmUNIRV7rL7PLMIs46zSO0B_fCTa2T202oB0-8/s640/_DSC5196.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new cereal bowl <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">collection </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">(bottom right) vies for attention in the window. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My <a href="http://michaeldevineltd.com/collections/dinnerware">collection </a>fits right in with the assortment of tabletop that the store stocks. I am delighted that they are the first to carry the wonderful new cereal bowls that I added to the collection. They are available in all the current colors and patterns and like the rest of the collection are made to order. William - Wayne & Co. is open from 10:30 to 6:30 Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. 846 Lexington Avenue between 64th & 65th Streets.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqXo1RkL1vkUDeyFRFwgod_Cktou68uKfcHVpW6s3gjQ4lE50I6RFi4YVSqnWJDCJYkK3HI3lBaXHjY0A8SyMG5ui9A1Y4PsE5jzYZtDJLCx5B1POqOxW-gXbCojQ_1n88K5bwlJqqi1g/s1600/_DSC5201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqXo1RkL1vkUDeyFRFwgod_Cktou68uKfcHVpW6s3gjQ4lE50I6RFi4YVSqnWJDCJYkK3HI3lBaXHjY0A8SyMG5ui9A1Y4PsE5jzYZtDJLCx5B1POqOxW-gXbCojQ_1n88K5bwlJqqi1g/s640/_DSC5201.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The completed window.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843384653973917433.post-5045719353169876202016-03-24T07:00:00.000-04:002016-03-24T07:00:02.192-04:00Lunch with the Inimitable Marian McEvoy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOQuyW6wtz-r35kTSO3pmBan_12J24A1DjFVneRDEZsgoVSikqFTz8NDju-FcVb14HguBwNJbi96qBrwTCqursopI69CskoGUr5g7bFR4HAzVdRsRAKlmgvs8G24gKTGQaK60ULI4zYIC/s1600/_DSC4950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOQuyW6wtz-r35kTSO3pmBan_12J24A1DjFVneRDEZsgoVSikqFTz8NDju-FcVb14HguBwNJbi96qBrwTCqursopI69CskoGUr5g7bFR4HAzVdRsRAKlmgvs8G24gKTGQaK60ULI4zYIC/s640/_DSC4950.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Springtime arrangements of found greens mixed with <br />
roses flanked the place settings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">On the banks of the Hudson River there is an enchanting house that is home to one of the design worlds greatest legends, Marian McEvoy. The formidable McEvoy, was a fashion editor at <i>WWD</i> and <i>W</i> in Paris at Fairchild Publications before becoming editor in chief of <i>Elle Decor</i> in the ’90’s. She left <i>Elle Decor</i> and took the helm of <i>House Beautiful</i> magazine in 2000. Today the former editor in chief and noted style maven has long since traded the editor's hat for a garden hat and embraced country life with her typical zeal. Her legendary style is well documented as is her passion for sea shells, pine cones, glue guns (she wrote a craft book about them) and she is also an accomplished and gracious hostess. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I have always been fascinated by her quick wit and brilliant conversation. I first met Marian when I was an editor at <i>HFN</i> magazine while she was at <i>House Beautiful</i>. It was during her tenure at House Beautiful that she launched my line of hand printed fabrics by being the first to publish it. I am delighted that over a delicious roast chicken lunch she cooked herself at her magical house, Marian shared her insights into stylish entertaining. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaUqteJt7e0dJNLLuHo7jN2h-OL1J-cNTVxCiMj_TCvX0riHD7CtJOFUNd8LeMerPWyUjcLoh6R5042gFsUi3OTrJSQ2g3AIgf0cs3amiK2_I3pCA0xbNVeKOmveLPJWSFdSpUqTKyAPP/s1600/_DSC4985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaUqteJt7e0dJNLLuHo7jN2h-OL1J-cNTVxCiMj_TCvX0riHD7CtJOFUNd8LeMerPWyUjcLoh6R5042gFsUi3OTrJSQ2g3AIgf0cs3amiK2_I3pCA0xbNVeKOmveLPJWSFdSpUqTKyAPP/s640/_DSC4985.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The one and only Marian McEvoy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">What is your entertaining philosophy?</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1">I really don’t do much fancy cooking she explained. Simpler fare is the way to go. Our lunch was roast chicken, potatoes and brussel sprouts for a main course followed by an arugula salad and cheese with a simple dessert of pineapple with local organic cardamon ice cream followed by coffee. When I was a fashion editor living in Paris I would go to Italy and have these big dinners with the Missonis and Gianfranco Ferre. "They would always serve pineapple as dessert. It helps break down the fat,” she said. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1">She always sets the table the night before and turns the glasses upside down, it's one less thing to think about the day of the dinner. She also is adamant that there is never any type of packaging on the table, use bowls for condiments. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxo-tudXGbrxhLlfooY0yZReI3PoqIU6juZzUUnWLYdoBxQ4qNpSgNqHFgqhH-XMyyR2nWSBqeQ3OIN3AqQFE4p2-SPYUodZuejSJ6ZMHnnyPImNet4KWbpg-Dm7abyC3RptMWSC3qz0q/s1600/_DSC4946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxo-tudXGbrxhLlfooY0yZReI3PoqIU6juZzUUnWLYdoBxQ4qNpSgNqHFgqhH-XMyyR2nWSBqeQ3OIN3AqQFE4p2-SPYUodZuejSJ6ZMHnnyPImNet4KWbpg-Dm7abyC3RptMWSC3qz0q/s640/_DSC4946.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dining room overlooking the Hudson. She frequently changes <br />
the wall panel colors. It is easy and she can do it herself.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">What influences your menu choices when you entertain?</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">“I cook alone,” she said matter of factly. You need to make the dishes that you can do well. Marian recommends making everything before the guests arrive and keep the meal warm on platters and in bowls so there is no fuss when you serve. </span>I will spend a lot of time making soup and I love chili. I put out about ten condiments for guests to choose from-they love it. You get to see adults behave like children!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1">“Don’t be afraid to serve meatloaf to a fancy crowd! Guests love it and it can be made in advance,” she said with the assurance of someone in the know. I sometimes make a simple Apple Brown Betty for dessert - just butter, lots of apples and walnuts, never cinnamon. Cinnamon definitely is not on Marian’s favorite spice list, “Cinnamon is overrated," she said with disdain, "people use it where it doesn’t belong.” </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vnHyCZEydaX1i8vrPSn-Fo1QI9z_Kba65gFHGuWDgGAYm83zCHeTDoQEN9lvsywUZGeOXFd7sO5BMl55j3Wch332Nua3n0jhCBnDmXQDUzweXQmyF8ISwKYdcIePuXzjlvlqPATPAF8w/s1600/_DSC4968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vnHyCZEydaX1i8vrPSn-Fo1QI9z_Kba65gFHGuWDgGAYm83zCHeTDoQEN9lvsywUZGeOXFd7sO5BMl55j3Wch332Nua3n0jhCBnDmXQDUzweXQmyF8ISwKYdcIePuXzjlvlqPATPAF8w/s640/_DSC4968.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A basket of Easter eggs, some of which were made by the <br />
hostess in a simple silver basket.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Who or what has most inspired your entertaining style?</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1">It was her mother’s sense of drama that played an important role is shaping her entertaining style. “One Easter she had a trough of baby chicks down the center of the table,” she recalled. There was a real sense of occasion for every meal in the McEvoy house. Her life in Paris was a critical influence. Everything was beautiful and studied. Plates weren’t loaded down with huge portions. She clearly prefers sit down meals. </span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="s1">“Never buffet!!!” she exclaimed as if it were a fate worse than death. “I don’t want a plate on my knees.”</span></blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeUF2TCZ33HGh6qyA7MlAzX-6HEqsHlMca4TSjRU_KBJNpXMHoTc5uXtWEvqLrPO4AyC1XW6MfNMEBeDO7BWVtN-a1FXGi93RF3pCe0tEgPhPLVvk-m94N1c5RPhjufFwhgXipQbjbNZP/s1600/_DSC4971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeUF2TCZ33HGh6qyA7MlAzX-6HEqsHlMca4TSjRU_KBJNpXMHoTc5uXtWEvqLrPO4AyC1XW6MfNMEBeDO7BWVtN-a1FXGi93RF3pCe0tEgPhPLVvk-m94N1c5RPhjufFwhgXipQbjbNZP/s640/_DSC4971.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Additional seating with colorful chair pads line the wall of the dining room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Has anyone been a strong influence in teaching you the l'art de recevoir? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1">“There were so many moments in Paris that influenced my style. My friends Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge did everything impeccably, down to the last detail. Even a glass of champagne was perfection. I had many aha moments with them,” she explained with a vague note of wistfulness in her voice. Asked about the couple’s collection of houses she especially loved the Moroccan house.</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="s1">“White walls and chintz, very daring at the time.” she proclaimed referring to her friend Yves Saint Laurent's house.</span></blockquote>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgwuFZ9Jma36vurdcIGuhAc7jQ_ElBSd1lMnhoF0Xgoa4iUhz-YDaODQD8MqxXo8MQ5qlSBLjWed7Tu3MgQiZCI4jldI5kDiiHQlVmFfPsAF5AxAxqK-fQyO4ZRd_YdURQERRs6zKN4s3/s1600/_DSC4934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgwuFZ9Jma36vurdcIGuhAc7jQ_ElBSd1lMnhoF0Xgoa4iUhz-YDaODQD8MqxXo8MQ5qlSBLjWed7Tu3MgQiZCI4jldI5kDiiHQlVmFfPsAF5AxAxqK-fQyO4ZRd_YdURQERRs6zKN4s3/s640/_DSC4934.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the lower level of the house a river facing room with a stone fireplace is a winter retreat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Marian's Tips:<br /><span class="s1">Home grown flowers last longer than store bought ones. </span><span class="s1">There are some beautiful weeds, don't be afraid to use them in arrangements. </span><span class="s1">The dining table is sacred. Make an effort to dress and wear shoes at the table. </span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwq9g1Q43IM7ZFG0BGrhNq6ZMvl-XhYc3tCmsG81trUgsqygh6ay5lgmv201kJcVYvwA9ci2y1N41d5N1GJVxBCVvpM__fIqsgt5x2WAH63tmjZ3eTvaec7XgfhgwkurSDORWQyOmrpprm/s1600/_DSC4939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwq9g1Q43IM7ZFG0BGrhNq6ZMvl-XhYc3tCmsG81trUgsqygh6ay5lgmv201kJcVYvwA9ci2y1N41d5N1GJVxBCVvpM__fIqsgt5x2WAH63tmjZ3eTvaec7XgfhgwkurSDORWQyOmrpprm/s640/_DSC4939.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being the crafter that Marian is, her dedicated craft room reflects her assured style and passion for nature. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Do you have a favorite china or tabletop item that you collect?</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">She explained she has thirteen sets of dinnerware. E</span>verything from simple to over the top: Charles Mason, lots of Frenchie Limoges, German sets, some Gumps, and blue and white Spode.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="s1">“I like to dress the table for the season, so I use different sets at different times of the year. In winter it’s Spode India Tree and lighter colors for summer,” she said. </span></blockquote>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7HuFhjAZn0S3rYNH01TSL2xRv_q6Ri4SHEu3pd6wv43WknpVI_xVug2cv6znLXgCxbq_rsjeD0ndVDSkjX1fPU_iDWHotQpE1jfeXIeZNkW11Xo0MuJCsNbWY9kxnzxR-UlL4PZhlX9X/s1600/_DSC5021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7HuFhjAZn0S3rYNH01TSL2xRv_q6Ri4SHEu3pd6wv43WknpVI_xVug2cv6znLXgCxbq_rsjeD0ndVDSkjX1fPU_iDWHotQpE1jfeXIeZNkW11Xo0MuJCsNbWY9kxnzxR-UlL4PZhlX9X/s640/_DSC5021.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee is served on a tray with typical attention to detail. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8843384653973917433.post-30992673238126528362016-03-21T07:00:00.000-04:002016-03-21T07:00:07.257-04:00How My Garden Grows<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLx82X-2yHDGjpdgPlMEH5mMmvcJFGKEYLowM27rgqZzi-Rvo8iFasmmsKlS3CZkgj9gS6hY4n3maQri8njOg2R3buRGGP9qUx9PY0ZmwFAtKlUQLQmYW4fV5FsGsqv0p1PJgxe2sz9kA7/s1600/DSC_7567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLx82X-2yHDGjpdgPlMEH5mMmvcJFGKEYLowM27rgqZzi-Rvo8iFasmmsKlS3CZkgj9gS6hY4n3maQri8njOg2R3buRGGP9qUx9PY0ZmwFAtKlUQLQmYW4fV5FsGsqv0p1PJgxe2sz9kA7/s640/DSC_7567.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The garden in mid summer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Often after a presentation or in a conversation about my garden I have noticed several recurring questions that people have. Last week, I spoke to a crowd of two hundred plus ladies of the Johns Island Garden Club and Johns Island Garden Group in the Floridian paradise known as Johns Island. During the question and answer period the same questions came up again and I decided to do a blogpost addressing them for others who might be interested. Most of the answers are in my book about the garden, <i><a href="http://michaeldevineltd.com/products/an-invitation-to-the-garden" target="_blank">An Invitation to the Garden</a></i> but one or two may not be directly answered there. </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
In no order, here are the answers to the questions of how do I....?</blockquote>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsOtkirqY9WLJm5SVjWhlZV4ztmiGosdwCHps6y2PO_J66JgOJ2RaDhYQwg_h_nli95hWHp_AQWwdIMyTrSyIYqXTJAwT58SVb2QFUJ-g31Wlf-j26_OEYecj5wfwkYJCiWcNctt12D4U/s1600/DSC_1423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsOtkirqY9WLJm5SVjWhlZV4ztmiGosdwCHps6y2PO_J66JgOJ2RaDhYQwg_h_nli95hWHp_AQWwdIMyTrSyIYqXTJAwT58SVb2QFUJ-g31Wlf-j26_OEYecj5wfwkYJCiWcNctt12D4U/s640/DSC_1423.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">late summer m</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">orning in the garden.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
How did I design the garden? </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
Truth be told I have always loved gardening since childhood.</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When it came to designing my Kinderhook, NY garden, I was deeply inspired by one of the wonderful garden books by <a href="http://www.louisajones.fr/" target="_blank">Louisa Jones</a>. Her book the <i>Kitchen Gardens of France</i> is chock a block with great photographs and information on creating the perfect potager. It is the foundation book of my extensive garden book library. A must have. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4gNwC2TfuBcZL_9IIRmX7y9iXaYZa2gnN3AQKSDkt0G5DRaInfmdjBVKWXgc3BERvcBHoTdxYCzbyF2lA70ILwlvRL0eElcqRYpQUnUYnWisxupMP2suRGgfHZG3FPinvNPabFQQqra0/s1600/DSC_0140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4gNwC2TfuBcZL_9IIRmX7y9iXaYZa2gnN3AQKSDkt0G5DRaInfmdjBVKWXgc3BERvcBHoTdxYCzbyF2lA70ILwlvRL0eElcqRYpQUnUYnWisxupMP2suRGgfHZG3FPinvNPabFQQqra0/s640/DSC_0140.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willow panel clad raised beds. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Where did you get the willow panels to cover beds?<br />
They came from a company called <a href="http://www.mastergardenproducts.com/willow_edging.htm" target="_blank">Master Garden Products</a>. They have an amazing assortment of different types of beautiful fencing. We also bought the rolled heather fencing that covers the Bagatelle roof from there. The customer service is good, but the website is really challenging to use today as it was when I first used it ten years ago.<br />
One other note about the beds. I recommend using an organic dark stain to paint the cedar beds first before applying the panels so the natural doesn't shadow through.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8TLNMcnSa4Fd4eMyQ00wa9m4crWdyCfY8nsMgCqVqslE2DPgMXg259ncrDvBLC9KWo2XN-S7O759PyVMGl9Kuv8dZyFkVtK0AJ4F3FUY03jRlwEP7UU96bi9UYzb8d8O9Yme-Mzpcrb2/s1600/DSC_2068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8TLNMcnSa4Fd4eMyQ00wa9m4crWdyCfY8nsMgCqVqslE2DPgMXg259ncrDvBLC9KWo2XN-S7O759PyVMGl9Kuv8dZyFkVtK0AJ4F3FUY03jRlwEP7UU96bi9UYzb8d8O9Yme-Mzpcrb2/s640/DSC_2068.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An assortment of my favorite watering cans. They are filled with water after each <br />
use so the water is ambient temperature when I use it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What fertilizer do you use?</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's the same every year. I use organic <a href="http://www.algoplus.net/sc_flowergardenproducts.html" target="_blank">Algoflash</a>. </blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It does wonders for the roses and they have different formulas for different types plants. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRc0dmYhfhL1w0gPVSa2QrDRKnnpWZmnBUE5gYzGxS73VWSFDYAT_LB6z6w_Ybj06iuL2WuxNKz8Nt3u4zG9s71itzId04DRzIyZuK4mP5DaS_ADEQfr2RrHwDg17aBJ__yzI-vl8Hybxb/s1600/DSCN8780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRc0dmYhfhL1w0gPVSa2QrDRKnnpWZmnBUE5gYzGxS73VWSFDYAT_LB6z6w_Ybj06iuL2WuxNKz8Nt3u4zG9s71itzId04DRzIyZuK4mP5DaS_ADEQfr2RrHwDg17aBJ__yzI-vl8Hybxb/s640/DSCN8780.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The delicious Madame Caroline de Testout basking in the morning sun. She is supported <br />
by the grapevine that runs up the side of the Bagatelle. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Where do I buy my rose bushes?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have tried several different companies that specialize in heirloom roses over the seasons. I keep coming back to <a href="https://www.antiqueroseemporium.com/roses/527/madame-caroline-testout-cl" target="_blank">Antique Rose Emporium</a> in Texas. They have a great selection of hard to find antique roses and they just work in my garden.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIfTttaiLL_Ze-jti2q8xNnbxb1oRCqlQiu8-YA2bE9vAkHmAHmD2H8w_CVQnIsg4BXgS0K2gfjGyr5B1C7gNK42RScs4y6kF7fY8_E0c7Mj3xpHZDbE4qaC7bubivWVs-aY4d0BkjHzH/s1600/DSC_4067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIfTttaiLL_Ze-jti2q8xNnbxb1oRCqlQiu8-YA2bE9vAkHmAHmD2H8w_CVQnIsg4BXgS0K2gfjGyr5B1C7gNK42RScs4y6kF7fY8_E0c7Mj3xpHZDbE4qaC7bubivWVs-aY4d0BkjHzH/s640/DSC_4067.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raspberries ripening in the summer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Where do I buy my raspberry plants?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I planted everbearing Heritage plants along one side of the fence in the garden. They are fantastic and produce abundantly twice a season. I have had great luck with buying them from <a href="https://www.indianaberry.com/" target="_blank">Indiana Berry</a>. I also planted a few Anne variety yellow raspberries. They were a big surprise, in the next garden I will plant many more of those. They are sweeter and definitely more delicate than a red raspberry. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1