Looka here: Very exciting. This is not quite the final cover, but close. The revised subtitle is “How I Made a Muddle of Things and Decorated My Way Back to Happiness,” is kinda long, I know. But when I put it to a vote with you, dear readers, it was […]
Decoration & Design
A Glorious Way to Spend the Day…an Ojai Oasis Overflowing With Great Design Ideas
Like a beautiful, sunny melody, I can’t get this image out of my head. It could be the South of France or the North of Italy, but in fact it is the Southern California home of Brooke and Steve Giannetti. Sumptuously featured in the current issue of Veranda, the article was written […]
Into the Woods With Designer John Oetgen
How about a cozy, contemporary cabin to snuggle into on a wintry day? Then snuggle in with this month’s issue of Veranda. “Cozy” and “contemporary” aren’t often best buds, but here is Atlanta designer John Oetgen showing us they indeed can be…
Great Gift Books About Beautiful Lifestyles
You can’t go wrong with a book, that’s the good news as we round the Christmas clubhouse turn. Here are a handful of design books, a history-style-picture book, a royal historical novel, and a charming how-to-live-a-lovely-life book by a fellow blogging friend.
Making a Little Space for Life
Have not forgotten you, nor fallen off ladder while decorating, nor been engulfed in Yule log flames, figurative or otherwise. Just been trying to make a little space for life. I’ve been out of the habit so long I honestly don’t know quite how to go about it, especially here at Christmas time.
Holiday Centerpiece With Birch Bark, Foliage, Fruit, and Flowers
Here is an impressive but easy centerpiece for the holidays or any day. For mantel or table, the size and height are easily varied. Use any combination of foliage, fruit, and flowers. Make a mess and it will still be beautiful. It’s an anything-goes thing.
Thanksgiving Decorating at Rancho La Zaca, and a Printable Place Card
Is Thanksgiving your favorite? Mine too. What is that about? Is it what Christmas used to be about? You know, family, friends, congenial gatherings, gratitude? Just a thought. It’s also one of my favorite times at our home, Rancho La Zaca. Here are a few highlights from last year and perhaps some inspiration for you this year.
Jewelry and Joie de Vivre – Verdura’s Sparkling Exhibit
Oh, there are bigger, flashier exhibits, but “The Power of Style: Verdura at 75” is transporting. No where else will you see such gorgeous jewels alongside such rare period photos of the film stars, royals and swells who wore them.
Postcard From Bhutan No. 2 – Caution: Flying Phalluses
Prompted by Sunday’s T Magazine article on Bhutan, and by your response to my first Postcard From Bhutan, I thought you might like to see more of its attractions, these man-made and as lovely as the country’s natural scenery.
You Will Truly Be Inspired by Tradition With Norman Askins’ New Book
Atlanta architect Norman Askins finally has a book, and it was worth the wait. Aptly entitled Inspired by Tradition, the volume is filled with beautiful architecture and (bonus!) terrific interior design.
Postcard From Italy No. 3–A Cathedral and a Nap in Siena
You may recall that my dear husband is happy to travel in Italy #aslongaswedon’thavetogotoanychurches. Nothing against churches, he is just more interested in wars and things. But I was determined to go to Siena and by dern see that cathedral. I would find a way…
Summer Supper in the Garden at Bee Cottage
At least once a summer I like to have dinner in the garden where we do it up. So we did it up last weekend.