high stakes hostess

We're hosting Thanksgiving at our house this year. I'm freaking out a little.  It may seem early to worry, but here's the thing; Thanksgiving comes with a lot of expectations.  We've hosted Christmas morning plenty of times and breezed right through.  The children opening presents, a great breakfast and bloody mary's are all that's required.  But Thanksgiving is another story.  It doesn't come with the automatic, built-in fun of watching children open gifts. I'm worried it will be boring.

So...what to do??  For me, it helps to get planning.  Here are some of the ideas I'm mulling around.

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This family started the most lovely tradition.  At holidays or even Sunday dinner, they sign the tablecloth and then the Grandma later embroiders everything they wrote.  I really love this idea for our family. Such a wonderful heirloom.

Your can read their whole story here.

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Sparkling Rosemary Cocktail

Typically, we don't have a kids' table...but this is really cute.  The 'Thankful Tree' is such a great idea.

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Have a great day!!!

mystery solved

Friends!! Thank you so much for coming back.  I am so sorry that I have been away.  Sometimes, life boggs me down a bit.  I've been thinking about WLS so much and am very happy to be back.  And while I have been away, I've been obsessing a bit.  About fabric...and all the lovely things I'd like to do with it. 

As a result of said obsessing, Peter Dunham has stolen my heart.  It isn't a healthy relationship as it is seriously one-sided.  But its a relationship! The Fig Leaf draperies below, in particular, have really been on my mind.  So not only was this room designed by him, the draperies and sofa cushions use fabrics that are also his design.

All photos via peterdunham.com

Have a great day!!!

outstanding in the field

Almost as we speak, I am booking a flight to Austin.  My dear sister suggested that we try one of the seasonal farm dinners put on by Outstanding in the Field.  They have taken farm to table yet another step by travelling all around the U.S. & Canada, partnering with local chefs and farms...then they do this:

outstanding in the field

The dinner we are attending is being hosted by Erin Flynn & Skip Connett of Green Gate Farms.  They have restored this historic farm in East Austin, "transforming a rundown spot in a once-blighted area into a beautiful place for the community to gather and grow good things." Chef Todd Duplechan of Lenoir in Austin will be preparing dinner. 

Lenoir, Austin

This is how the team from OITF gets around.

Some loot from a farm share at Green Gate

Have a great day!!

flora & fauna

Stephen Gambrel gets me every time.  He can do no wrong.  I could post about him every single day.  This photo was first published in Elle Decor June/July 2004 and was also published in their most recent issue.  I'm not sure, but I don't think they do that very often.  Even eight years later, the powder room is as current as ever.  According to Elle Decor, Mr. Gambrel covered the walls of the powder room in his 1810 Sag Harbor home  with pages from a reissue of Cabinet of Natural Curiosities by Albertus Seba.

Elle Decor

Enjoy this tour of the rest of Mr. Gambrel's lovely home.

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Happy Weekend!!

just read

Just finished reading The Rules of Civility by Amor Towles and loved it.  The story takes place in 1930's Manhattan.  Such a great read that left me pining for old New York.  The book features a few photos by Walker Evans. Honestly, I couldn't put down this book. According to Towles, he wanted to show how the decisions we make in our twenties affect the rest of our lives. He does so beautifully.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has a beautiful collection of Walker Evans photos.  

The Beresford

Mr. Towles has a beautiful website dedicated to this book with lots of extra info and a q&a.  I even found a playlist he created on Amazon; you can get it here.  He will even stop by your book club discussion of his book provided you are meeting in Manhattan between Canal & 34th streets. This, however, is not for the faint of heart! I suspect that Mr. Towles is even more well read than his heroin, Katey Kontent.

The Plaza

Have a great day!!!



dots to dot

These dots are such dreamy reinterpretations of a classic.  I want to somehow incorporate them in everything.  Everywhere.  They are so crisp and fresh and could invigorate almost any tired old space.  Perfect for a tired old Monday.

get it

firecracker

sevenberry

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Have a great day!!

face it

Okay, it's time to face facts.  Even though it is still 90 degrees outside summer is really over.  School is in full swing.  The holidays are starting to lurk.  I actually really love the holidays.  A lot. And like any good girl scout, I find that I enjoy things most when I am well prepared.  For me, being prepared for the holidays begins with the bar.  A lovely bar sets a great mood, is well & creatively stocked, and is ready when friends pop over. 

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Try the bar checklists here and here. 



Have a great day!!