Keith Langham’s 2012 Olympic Connection

To continue our Olympic homage to Britain in a rawthuh roundabout way, we turn to renowned New York designer and friend Richard Keith Langham, whose work most certainly has a British sensibility, espousing as it does an affinity for good curtains and refined comfort. Keith is also a B.R.I.T. of another ilk: Boy Raised in… Continue reading Keith Langham’s 2012 Olympic Connection


Happy 4th of July From Rancho La Zaca

I’m back at the ranch this week and Cowboy (for new readers, His Grace the Cowboy is my sweetheart) and I have my nephew and three of his buds flying in from Georgia. For their 18th birthdays my nieces and nephew each get a trip with Auntie anywhere they want to go. John Rex wanted… Continue reading Happy 4th of July From Rancho La Zaca


14 Decorating Tips From a Darlin’ Dining Room

The other night I was lucky to be invited to my friend Valerie Smith’s for dinner in East Hampton. Valerie is a designer and the beauty and brains behind East Hampton’s beloved  Monogram Shop, the go-to place for hostess gifts and great things for the house. Just visiting the shop is an inspiration, so imagine what it’s… Continue reading 14 Decorating Tips From a Darlin’ Dining Room


A Scintillating Summer Cocktail – “Il Spriz”

I’ll cut to the chase: It’s a drink called “Il Spriz” made by Mionetto, the same Italian company that makes Prosecco, which I thought was the Italian version of Champagne until a reader corrected me, below. (Grazie Franco!) Il Spriz is a symphony of citrus and herbal flavors–slightly fizzy, fresh, tingly and crisp. I swooned… Continue reading A Scintillating Summer Cocktail – “Il Spriz”


Postcard From Burgundy – Part 5 – le Fin (the End)

As I was saying, from a bicycle you see aspects of scenery you might otherwise miss from a Ferrari, and there is something to be said for that. Bicycles also have more head room. That you have to wear one of those dorky helmets seems a small price to pay. What I don’t understand is… Continue reading Postcard From Burgundy – Part 5 – le Fin (the End)


Postcard From Burgundy – Part 3 – Bopping Around Beaune

Beaune is a charming town, walkable, manageable, with good little shops, and a bustling Saturday market. Good food too of course. And wine, which you know. One of my favorites was Laronze-Decor, managed by the charming and gracious Nicolas, whose family owns the shop, and come to find out a kitchen shop and bed and… Continue reading Postcard From Burgundy – Part 3 – Bopping Around Beaune


East Hampton Memorial Day Highlights

If you’re in a small town and they have a parade, you must always go because you are guaranteed to feel good. Parades exist for the sole purpose of show, smiling and cheering. Memorial Day parades in particular honor our military and all who serve country and community. In East Hampton and small towns everywhere… Continue reading East Hampton Memorial Day Highlights


New York Flower Show Dinner Dance – Part 2

New York Flower Show, Part 2. Drumroll please. (In case you missed, here’s Part 1.) Benefitting the Horticultural Society of New York, and therefore all New Yorkers and the universe. Also some great ideas here for you to try at home. Or not. Here’s my table, by the talented team at Plaza Flowers, who are… Continue reading New York Flower Show Dinner Dance – Part 2


New York Flower Show Dinner Dance – Part 1

In a city of beautiful parties, this is one of the most beautiful. And fun. As a board member of the Horticultural Society of New York and a chair of this party, I am biased of course. But don’t take my word for it, look: By Jodi Zimmerman Designs. Love me some pink. The theme this year… Continue reading New York Flower Show Dinner Dance – Part 1


Possibly the Best Pasta Ever

I have eaten this pasta for 3 of the last 4 days and still want more. So dang good and not one of the same old recipes. This one, oh, this one will make you want to slap your grandma. It’s a smokey-sweet-savory mixture of sausage, caramelized onion and fennel, asparagus, artichoke hearts, spinach, olives, a… Continue reading Possibly the Best Pasta Ever


One Little Thing: an Inspired Invitation

This is the cutest thing. Why not turn an ordinary supper with a girlfriend into an occasion? Doesn’t have to be the Moulin Rouge–just one little thing that’s special. That is all you need to create a sense of occasion in everyday life. If not now, when?! So here’s what my friend Nina Griscom did… Continue reading One Little Thing: an Inspired Invitation


Just Back From Lost Angeles

Have to admit it is exciting to be in Los Angeles for Oscar weekend and friend Alex Hitz’s super fun party which ended at around 2 with the diehards gathered around the kitchen island singing at the tops of their lungs to every song, using whisks as microphones. Umhmm. I’m not saying I was one… Continue reading Just Back From Lost Angeles