Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Year Dear Friends 2011


Interior designer extraordinaire, Paul Mathieu first showed me a collection of these miniature pieces of furniture made from the cork covers of Champagne. We were visiting his client's house in Aix en Provence and these beautifully crafted pieces have stuck in my head. Viva la France!
The Happiest of times ahead as we enter 2011 with many challenges and surprises. That is what makes life so much fun.
Bon Chance.

Stork Club; New York Memories


Wonderful memories of the Stork Club. The legendary spot where the elegance of New York City flourished during the fifties, and sixties. So festive at this time of year; especially New Year's Eve. Paley Park now stands in its' place; a tribute by Bill Paley to the spot where much "Social" history was made.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

1924 Lanvin Dress Inspires Joe Ruggiero for Sunbrella


This 1924 Lanvin dress inspired the pattern Brazil/Classic for my Sunbrella fabric collection. The interesting play of pattern in black & white has be interpreted for interiors in my textile collections available at Miles Talbott Furniture.

The dress is now part of the collection at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art in the Costume Institute.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

The Movie Summertime & the "red goblet"



During our filming for the "Best of Italian Design" for HGTV, I was able to find a copy of the famous "red goblet" in a shop in Murano. This goblet was made famous in the delightful movie Summertime with Katherine Hepburn filmed entirely in Venice, Italy. If you have not seen this movie it is a must for those who love Venice as I do.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Interview with Carolyne Roehm, Designer, Author.

Interesting interview by Bart Boehlert with Carolyne Roehm designer and author. Great insight of how she sees designing fashion and interiors and a nice visit to her home and her personality.

Something Light for Lunch.


You can not beat the Cheese Souffle and the steamed Artichoke at Swifty's in New York. Have a side of mixed greens and this is heaven. Sorry they are having so much snow in New York. Don't miss the snow but I miss lunch at Swifty's.

Photos: New York Social Diary

Monday, December 27, 2010

Still Festive Around the House!

We're enjoying our decorations during the holiday season. The tulips mixed with evergreens and small red carnations are at their prime and our tree still is fresh. The Sunbrella table skirt certainly performed with spilt gravy, ice cream and a spot of red wine. No worries. Enjoying the time with friends and family.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Enjoyed the movie "The Tourist"


I enjoyed the movie "The Tourist." So refreshing to see a film totally shot in and around Venice. I especially liked the art direction and interiors which brought back memories of our filming for HGTV and "The Best Of Italian Design." I am always taken over by the beauty of Venice; one of the world's most romantic cities. Pictured next to me our producer, Drew Hallman (dark glasses) and to his right, my daughter Beth. If you love Venice, see the movie.
Pictured on top, our visit to the Fortuny showroom and factory. I am pictured with members of the Riad family who now own the company. What a treat to visit this legendary fabric company in Venice.

Deer Valley & Park City Memories.


So many wonderful memories of family Christmas vacations in Park City and Deer Valley, Utah and Beaver Creek and Vail Colorado. Nothing is more fun than being in a Christmas atmosphere, outside with plenty of snow. I cherish these wonderful times.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas to All!

To all our friends on the internet: we wish you a very Merry Christmas and thank you for your friendship and encouragement. We have had an amazing year getting to know new friends and meeting new friends as I travel across the nation and Canada. We look forward to an exciting New Year and wish you all the best there is for you and your families. Thank You.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Christmas Table Decorations in Preparation


The preparations for the Christmas table are just finished and we will get ready for Christmas Day dinner with friends and family. Christmas Eve we traditionally celebrate at Church and dinner afterwards. The hydrangea from the garden seem to be just the right color for the buffet table.

So many wonderful traditions and memories.




Thursday, December 23, 2010

The Pastry Shops of Paris!


The January issue of Town & Country Magazine takes the reader on a delightful tour of the new and old pastry shops of Paris. This is a great trip for anyone who loves these Parisian confections. Count me in!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Christopher Hyland Decorates for Christmas


If you "need a little Christmas" no one does it better than Christopher Hyland. This man can spin a fantasy of delightful Christmas decorations that can get Scrooge in the mood. Thank You Christopher for sharing via the New York Social Diary.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

White Christmas

This is for 50% of the Country. We can only dream in Southern California.

Rain in California.

It may be raining here in California, but some of our stone animals are keeping the Christmas Spirit!

Christmas Wish!

"Instead of thinking about what you're missing, try thinking about what you have that everyone else is missing." Anonymous



Monday, December 20, 2010

Sarabeth's Bakery!


Hat's off to this amazing baker: Sarabeth's Bakery is the place to be anytime of the year but especially during Christmas to celebrate the delicious treats of this amazing woman. I especially like her new book. I will be gifting this beautifully photographed collectors item for any one interested in desserts. I have already given one to my daughter. I hope to reap the rewards. Thanks Sarabeth for a delightful collection of carefully selected recipes.


Christmas in France


How delightful: "Christmas in France." The snow covering the ground during this period of time and the welcome of a crackling fire in a room filled with books, French antiques, fresh evergreen and good cheer. Joyeux Noel.