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 😉 but no reason to… Continue reading Drum Roll Please… Announcing New Book! Sneak Preview!
Home & Garden
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 huge honor–and surprise!–to be named… Continue reading America’s Best Party Hosts… Gosh!
Guess Who’s in Salonniere’s Top 100: America’s Best Party Hosts
I am! Don’t know what came over them, but I am so honored. Oh my heavens. Fell slam off my chair, I did. Salonniere is a brilliant (obviously ;)) and stylish full of beautiful images, chic people, and smart advice about entertaining in particular and hospitality in general, which we can’t have too much of. Thank… Continue reading Guess Who’s in Salonniere’s Top 100: America’s Best Party Hosts
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, he’s not going to. Oh,… Continue reading Goodbye to Bee Cottage
Coming to San Francisco!
Will be making a mad dash to San Francisco this week to speak at the fabulous de Young Museum. It is their celebrated, annual Bouquets to Art event. I am pinch-hitting for my friend Carolyne Roehm, who has family matters to attend to. She was, as she always is, very generous to suggest me… Continue reading Coming to San Francisco!
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 notice they are both Toms.… Continue reading Happy Thanksgiving Decorating and Beyond
My Chat With the Washington Post
So you think it’s time I did a blog post, or what?! I know… So here we are. Was just chatting with The Washington Post’s Jura Koncius and readers of her “Home Front,” answering great decorating questions and dispensing my so-called wisdom;) “Home Front” is a weekly jewel of design advice and info. I was happy to discover it, and you will… Continue reading My Chat With the Washington Post
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.
Create a Chic and Stylish Bedroom on a Student’s Budget
School’s out for summer, but it won’t be long ’til it’s in again and time to decorate your (or your child’s) dorm room or apartment, or maybe you just want to freshen up a bedroom for summer. Oh, and you want a designer look, but not the designer. Two clever North Carolina gals have started a “luxury dorm brand” called LeighDeux, because both of their names are Leigh. Cute. And so are their designs.
The Magic of Tidying Up, Even (Especially?) for Non-Minimalists
FINALLY a way to be happy with the stuff I love (and there’s a lot); to get rid of what I don’t (a lot of that, too); and how to decide which is which. With no guilt. Srsly.
Travel Essential–Best Little Hair Dryer Ever
As you prepare for summer travels, you might try this little jewel of a hair dryer: the Babyliss Pro. Tiny and lightweight, but will blow your hair clear into next week if you want it to.
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.