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.
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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.
Printable Thanksgiving Place Card or Menu
Here you go, a a shotgun-toting turkey as printable place card or menu hand painted by moi. Drag the image to your photos, and print on watercolor-textured (or other) paper. It will look like you did it yourself. Wink-wink! This one is probably best as a 4×8 or 5×7. Here is the full version, printable… Continue reading Printable Thanksgiving Place Card or Menu
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.
Carolyne Roehm Remembers Oscar de la Renta
Carolyne Roehm worked for Oscar de la Renta when she first came to New York in the 70s, fresh off the bus from St. Louis. Read her wonderful memories and see her pictures here…
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.
Postcard From Bhutan No. 1
Turns out there is much to love about a country that measures its Gross National Happiness. The Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan, land of the thunder dragon, is between Tibetan China and India, in the Himalayas east of Nepal. It is the size of Switzerland and mostly mountains and woods, hence its legendary natural beauty. On an Indagare Insider… Continue reading Postcard From Bhutan No. 1
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.
The World Is a Great Mirror
The world is a mirror. I always say that whenever something in life goes off the rails, first thing to do is look in the mirror. I say that. Sometimes it takes a while to get to it… but the answer is always there.
Get Saucy! Brilliant Olive-Caper-Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette for Fish or Chicken
“Brilliant” is a strong talk for a simple sauce and not used lightly. I definitely don’t use the sauce lightly. I double the recipe and eat the leftover with a spoon. Olives, capers, herbs, lemon, olive oil and vinegar, boom. No cooking. Make it in advance. Make it at the last minute. Make it for your friends. Just make it.
Start the New School Year With “The Alchemist”
“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too,” says the boy to the sun, in Paul Coelho’s The Alchemist. If I could teach children anything, it would be that. Well, that and manners.
Tea Towels Make Great Gifts (We Love These Lily O’s)
As we are still in high season for hostess gifts, it is especially thoughtful to give things people actually want. A fresh, pretty tea towel gives any kitchen or bar a lift, and life’s little lifts add up. These “Lily Os” were sent me by a friend and I love ’em. Bright and cheery and based on the charming watercolors of artist Thomas Vieth, who, with wife Susan, founded the company.