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.
Entertaining
The Best Berry Cobbler Ever
Here’s the perfect, scrumptious, super-easy summer dessert. Seven ingredients, melt, mix, pour, bake, boom. Recipe in post.
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.
Perfect Summertime Hostess Gifts – Great Paper Placemats, Napkins, Plastic Tumblers
When I came across this image, I sighed, from the Adams Calyx ware, to the Kirk Repoussé silver, to the precious hot-pink Chinoiserie placemats. It was a long sigh. Let’s start with the placemats. Turns out the placemats come in paper pads–brilliant summer hostess gifts! (One for them, one for […]
Sharing the Love From Design Chic Blog – Re-capping NC Luncheon – Pretty Table Settings
What a great–as in really good–surprise to wake up Monday morning to the blog My Design Chic post about my recent visit to Greenville, NC, where I spoke to a room full of wonderful women. It was an honor to be in MDC and a privilege to be back to where […]
Planning a Wedding? Going to One? Please Read This.
Impeccable advice for planning a wedding with style and grace.
Comfort Food for Company – Linguini and Sausage Casserole
If you want comfort food, and and something you haven’t had 72,000 times, here you go. We like this linguini and sausage dish anytime of day.
For Valentine’s Day – Your Own (Edible) Love Shack
Love shack, baby love shack. Who knew gingerbread could be so risque? Those frisky little fillies at the Solvang Bakery, that’s who.
Living Artfully – At Home With Marjorie Merriweather Post
Now that civilization as we know it has temporarily returned to the Colonies with the resumption of Downton Abbey, the most divine book has come my way about Living Artfully: At Home With Marjorie Merriweather Post…
Thanksgiving Decorating… and Puzzle Winner Announced
Thanksgiving at Rancho La Zaca, 2012. Ideas and inspiration for your holiday decorating.
Thanksgiving Puzzle Giveaway!
Here’s something fun everybody can do at Thanksgiving that does not involve a football, a television, a parade float, a stick of butter, or even an iPad. Seriously! Start a new family tradition! Does not contain trans-fats! Good for you and good for your brain. And did I mention fun… Are you puzzled??? (wink, wink)
Joyful, Joyful! Wedding Pictures From Rancho La Zaca (Finally)
Finally I got married (again) at the tender young age of don’t-make-me-say-it. And finally a year (and two weeks) later I am getting around to the photos because so many of you were so adorable to ask. Or maybe you were just been being nice… but JIC, here they are.