Wildly anticipated… at long last… just in time for the holidays… TA-DA!!! California Cooking and Southern Style was released yesterday and we are all a-buzz here at Rancho La Zaca. ESPECIALLY about the first official post-publication review in the Head Butler… Click on it. It’s short, I promise, and it […]
Flowers & Gardens
Drum Roll Please… Announcing New Book! Sneak Preview!
About time, I know! I’ve been bustin’ to tell you and I hope you’ll be bustin’ with delight, if, um, not at the seams… because it has some seriously good calories. Coming in November, it’s called California Cooking and Southern Style—100 Classic Recipes, Inspired Menus, and Gorgeous Table Settings. A mouthful […]
America’s Best Party Hosts… Gosh!
I’m just not one of those people who wins things. Except for that time I played Bingo with my sister at a spa like ten years ago. My prize was shower gel and moisturizer and I had them bronzed for posterity. Now I might bronze my party shoes. What a […]
Goodbye to Bee Cottage
The rumor is true. I am selling Bee Cottage. Have sold it, in fact, closing this fall. And yes, it is hard to let go. Really hard. Lump-in-my-throat-all-summer-hard. But there comes a time. If His Grace (aka my husband for new readers) hasn’t taken a shine to it by now, […]
Happy Thanksgiving Decorating and Beyond
Happy Thanksgiving from our ranch to yours. Here’s a glimpse of last year, in case you’d like a little last minute inspiration. These feathered turkeys have become a staple in the entry hall. I ordered them from the Internet (no idea the source, sadly). This is his mate on the opposite wall. You will […]
The Power of Flower (Magazine)
Hi. Been a while. Confess I’ve been seeing a lot of Instagram on the side. And then there’s been this book thing… But we are still buds, you and I, right? Good. I missed you….Hey, do you know Flower magazine ? Begun in 2007 and growing ever since, there isn’t anything else like it. It’s all about “floral lifestyle.” I’m not sure what that is, but I think I have one.
Tablesettings From New York’s Prettiest Party
Just a lovely way to start your day, or end it… The Horticultural Society of New York held its annual dinner-dance this past week, a beautiful night for a great cause.
The Slightly Wacky and Totally Wonderful Madoo Gardens in “World of Interiors”
Just the word “Madoo” makes me smile. It means “my dove” in Scots and is but a hint of the charm, whimsy, and wonder that is this jewel of a house and garden in Sagaponack, New York. How great that Madoo gets its due in the vaunted British World of Interiors […]
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 […]
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.
Invasive Plants–Just Don’t Do It
It’s all fun and games, people, until some planet loses a species. You know what I’m sayin? I’m talking about invasive plants–you know, the pretty ones that are easy to grow and spread, and then take over the world? As we plan for fall gardening, let’s do our part to stop these botanical bad guys before they start…