Becky
Friday, July 29, 2011
An Evening in White
Did you happen to see the article in the New York Times titled "How 10,000 People Keep a Secret?". I am in awe! It was started by François Pasquier in 1988 when he returned to Paris after a few years abroad and held a dinner party to reconnect with friends. So many wanted to come that he asked them to convene at the Bois de Boulogne and to dress in white, so they could find each other.
Year after year the party grew. The guests bring tables, chairs, linens, china, crystal, food and champagne. They find out that evening where to go and scurry to the meeting place (in this case the Louvre and the Notre Dame) and quickly set-up tables according to a master plan. All of the men sit on one side of the table, the women across from them. They dine and feast until the bell rings which signals the start of dancing. They dance until midnight when they quickly and respectfully clean-up down to the last cigarette butt.
They disperse as quickly as they came, leaving the landmark as pristine as when they arrived. Perhaps cleaner. They know if they act out, leave debris or otherwise "misbehave" they will be blacklisted from "the list" and never be invited back again. Since this is essentially a private party and since you must know someone to come, the threat of being blacklisted keeps everyone in check.
There are plans in the works for this picnic in NYC on August 25. I am eagerly awaiting my invitation, but alas am not holding my breath.
Here are some inpsirational images should you wish to hold your own "Evening in White"....
Happy dining!
Becky
Becky
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Look for Less: Serena and Lily Pondicherry Headboard
Like the look of Serena and Lily's dramatic Pondicherry headboard?
Serena and Lily, $995-$1,550
Get the look for less from West Elm - it's even on sale in certain stores...
West Elm, $359-$599
Serena and Lily's Pondicherry
West Elm's Scroll
If West Elm's version came with nailhead trim, I'd be all over that for my master bedroom!
Deb
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Trendspotting: Navy and Orange
Did you know that Milly has come out with an adorable children's line? And two of my favorite pieces feature the sophisticated yet punchy and fun combo of navy and orange...
...which got me to thinking about some of my favorite interiors featuring the same color combo...
Have a great day!
Deb
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Martha's Vineyard, Farm Style
As I referenced yesterday, I'm fresh off a mellow five day escape to Martha's Vineyard. Yes, mellow - despite vacationing with six kids age six and under, and sleeping in a haunted bedroom, according to the book Haunted Island", which devotes a whole chapter to our very bedroom as one of the most haunted spots on the island. (Luckily I don't believe in ghosts, except in the middle of the dark night after reading this chapter, when I might believe in them just a little bit.)
Why so mellow? We vacationed on one the most remote spots of the island, virtually devoid of traffic, commerce, tourists and cell/internet connectivity - one of the most beautiful spots you could possibly imagine.
Browsing the latest issue of Elle Decor upon my return, I was interested to see the feature on restauranteur Keith McNally's Martha's Vineyard Farm. . The renovated farm, also located in Chilmark, primarily features vintage flea market finds, and floors and furniture made of reclaimed pine.
Interested in getting this look, affordably? Check out our suggestions below, all taken from the very accessible Bed, Bath & Beyond!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Vacation Redux...
How was my Martha's Vineyard vacation?
Ask me after my espresso! And enjoy these new prints from Annechovie...
Check back tomorrow for a recap, and Vineyard-style design inspiration...
Deb
Friday, July 22, 2011
Camping!
Much to the shock of everyone who knows me, I took my three small children camping in the New Hampshire woods last week, in the process confronting lifelong fears of the dark, the woods, ax-murderers who prowl the woods, and wildlife.
My favorite parts? Stripping away all the toys and technology that sometimes seem to run my kids' lives (I have to ask my 6 years olds how to work my iPad), and watching them revel in catching frogs and caterpillars, chasing each other in the woods, and falling asleep snuggled up to me and each other in their sleeping bags.
Here you'll see a snapshot of the campsite shared by five little kids and two moms for a few days! Livin' large...
Of course the site was exactly as it should be - safe, basic, clean, uncomfortable, bug-ridden and about exactly a mile from my parents 4 bedroom, insulated and comfortable lakefront home should I need an escape route.
I didn't, and the site was perfect for what I wanted my kids to experience. However, I couldn't help but swoon over these images from Country Living's round-up on "glamping" (glamorous camping) sites!
el Capitain Canyon (CA)
Dunton Hot Springs (CO)
Falling Waters (NC)
Luana Spa (HI)
Fossil Rim (TX)
Costanoa (CA)
Are you up for roughing it? Where would you stay?
Deb
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