Trad Floral

While I am not exactly Eddie Ross when it comes to creating flower arrangements, I did learn a ton of helpful hints from his You Tube tutorial on the subject. And since I usually go with a single type of cut flowers thrown in water, I thought it would be fun to take a stab at making a "traditional centerpiece" using the Oasis foam method. (I know, so 1980's).

My first attempt was for brunch at a friend's house (above) and consisted of about $25 worth of pink and white tulips, green spider mums and belles of Ireland. I can't wait to try it again--although next time I hope my arranging skills yield something more like this...

Photograph and flower arrangement by Eddie Ross

Joye Hirsch

I was so sad to learn that one of Atlanta's great interior designers, Joye Hirsch had recently passed away from ovarian cancer. Her neutral palette and edited design style helped set her apart from the crowd in a time when Atlanta was still clinging to chintz and chotzkes.

My time working with Joye was brief, but she was instrumental in reintroducing me to the Atlanta design world after my time in New York. Her appreciation for contemporary art was equal to her knowledge of American antiques and I credit her for acquainting me with the local galleries and the work of artists like Peter Garfield. Her basement studio was also where I got to know Lee Kleinhelter of Pieces when we were both working as Joye's design assistants years ago.

Joye Hirsch's work has been photographed for numerous magazines over the years, including the most recent issue of Southern Accents where a Hanukkah table she designed is featured.

We will miss you Joye.

(Photographs by Erica George Dines for Southern Accents, November/December 2008).

On The Other Hand

There were a quite a few things I liked in the December Pottery Barn catalog (even if they are knock-offs)...

Banyan Leaf Bowls

Cloisonné Ornaments

Mercury-Glass Votives

Bulldog Bottle Opener (of course, this could just be a Georgia thing).

Leather-Bound Journals and Pencil Boxes

Oh, how I love catalog season. I must add that the HUGE new store at Lenox Square that opened this summer is worth a visit if you are in Atlanta.

Stick A Fork In Me, I'm Done

For the last ten years, I have been using my great-grandmother's sterling silver for everyday use. In the beginning, it made me feel special, elevating all of those takeout moments into something a little more highbrow. But this morning when I reached for a spoon, all I found was an unappetizing black film coating dull and lifeless metal. I know my silverware needs to be polished, but didn't I just labor over that chore a couple of weeks ago? I can't take it anymore. Today I broke down and ordered dishwasher safe, stainless steel flatware. Convenience winning out over style feels kind of like trading in the convertible for a minivan, but I am hoping that I can satisfy both the angel and devil sitting on my shoulder with this Kyoto Flatware from Crate and Barrel. I already had a few rogue pieces of this pattern floating around, and I like it for it's similarity to Tiffany and Co.'s 1961 sterling Bamboo pattern below. (The pattern is discontinued, but can be still be collected via Replacements).


The good news is that my old silver will be polished and ready the next time I need it. In the meantime, I may take a cue from the Asian motif and incorporate orchids into the holiday table as Cottage Living has done.

Park Avenue Bites

Tinsley Mortimer's quintessential Park Avenue dining room, via Jennifer Jane's Style Journal.

Last year...
Park Avenue Potluck.

This year...
The Park Avenue Diet.

Even though I need this year's version, I think I would enjoy last year's guide to Park Avenue eating more.

Outdoor Living, New York Style

As much as I heart NY, the lack of private green space was one of the issues that sent me packing for hometown Georgia. However, it looks like Charlotte Moss has the right idea for her own New York townhouse above.

(Photographs by Mark Heithoff).

I am especially digging the teal, chevron-slatted chairs. Now that I am back in the South, I can see Chinese fans from Pearl River Mart making useful dinner party favors on a hot summer night.

For more Moss musings on entertaining and the merits of the outdoor fireplace, see New York Magazine's "Hyper Design" Issue or her latest book, A Flair for Living.

An Early Spring

Ashley from Decor Amor was kind enough to leave a comment this week and I am so glad she did. Ever since, I have been trolling her blog filled with seriously beautiful floral photography and more.

In addition to the flowering inspiration, Decor Amor introduced me to Fab India, an exporter of hand-printed Indian textiles at very affordable prices. (Above is the Gulmarg tablecloth in green). I am already imagining an alfresco table set for Spring cookouts.

Perhaps an updated version of this vignette, which I believe was torn from a Martha Stewart Living (and obviously folded up) at least ten years ago.

The Raj at Table

From 1858 to 1947, the British occupation of India created a new dining culture when the flavors and table customs of both countries collided. The March issue of Elle Magazine pays homage to this crossover with a British Raj style dinner party hosted by Allison Sarofim for the creators of the Marchesa fashion label.
Inspired by and in celebration of the Marchesa 2008 Spring line, Sarofim says, "I wanted that Victorian English-meets-India fantasy feel." Champagne served in an eclectic array of glasses adds a vaguely aristocratic vibe to an otherwise common Indian curry menu. (Photos by Ditte Isager for Elle Magazine).

Indian influences appear in many of the dresses from the Marchesa Spring line, which in turn inspired the meal and decor.

While Sarofim choose to be her own chef, I would personally go with takeout. (The dish above is Chicken Curry with Basamati Rice). Carlos Mota set the table with orchids, silver candlesticks, garlands draped over Chivari chairs, and elephant place cards from Mrs. Strong (which I know is also a favorite of Courtney).

For the rest of the article and more photos, pick up a copy of Elle Magazine. For more on the "culinary landscape" of the British Raj, Elle recommends David Burton's The Raj at Table: A Culinary History of the British in India, which is a cult-classic among history buffs and foodies alike.

Harvest Gold

I am not going to lie. Thanksgiving is not my favorite holiday in the aesthetics department. While I love the idea of being grateful for your blessings and celebrating the harvest, for the most part, Thanksgiving is just a drably-hued obstacle in the way of the Christmas countdown.

This year, however, Martha Stewart is challenging my prejudice with her shimmering, golden tabletops--borrowing a bit from her palette for Christmas 2006 (below). And while I am not much of a cook, the Carmelized Apple Spice Cake dusted with gold has me intrigued enough to study the mechanics of the recipe.

The Art Directed Table

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas over at the Spade's house...


Elle Magazine attends a holiday dinner hosted by Andy and Kate Spade in the December issue. Celebrating retirement perhaps? The table setting was inspired by the Kate Spade for Crane peony stationary. (Click on photo to enlarge details).

An otherwise traditional table setting is challenged by contemporary art. Red painting is by Terry Winters. Black and white prints are by Hugo Guinness. (Photographed by Jason Frank Rothenberg for Elle Magazine).

Crafty Devil

Just when we think we have Martha's Halloween game plan all figured out (hand-dipped candy apples, intricately carved pumpkins, etc.), she warps our fragile little minds with an offering of "glittered skeletal parts".



Thankfully she stays true to her brand by using "vintage glass glitter" for this project. (Careful kids--it's made of real glass shards). For more traditional decorations and recipes visit Martha Stewart Living.

In other Martha Stewart news, it has been announced that her team is joining E. & J. Gallo Wineries in a new venture, "Martha Stewart Vintage". Good thing? MSNBC has the details.

Cake Walk

Protect your next birthday cake with these silver plated candle holders. Then serve it on green beaded plates. From Source Perrier.

Targé

Victoria Hagan Trellis Linen Coasters Set in Blue or Green, $12.99 at Target.

Succulence II

Potted echeveria favors at an alfresco dinner party in Malibu.

(From Martha Stewart Living, September '07).