Top 10 Posts of 2016

My Top 10 Most Read Posts of 2016 are a complete reflection of the topics I strive for my blog to represent -- Food, Travel, People & Design.....  Many Thanks for your readership & continued support!

• #1 -- Pierre Paulin / Book Review for The Vendome Press
• #2 -- Halloween / Stylish rooms that emulated a darker color palette and rich design
• #3 -- November Covers / My collection of November magazine covers that are tied together with similar color tones
• #4 -- October Happenings / An assortment of events happening around Atlanta throughout the month, including the Grace Bonney discussion & book signing for In The Company Of Women
• #5 -- David Sweeney / Local chef and dear friend David Sweeney extends his artisan talents to crafting one-of-a-kind foraged wreaths
• #6 -- Nashville / Our detailed itinerary for shopping & eating while on a weekend trip to visit family at Vanderbilt
• #7 -- Andrew Crawford / Photos & details from our night at Andrew Crawford's Westside studio for the launch of his latest project, American Forge South
• #8 -- Sunnylands / Book Review for The Vendome Press
• #9 -- Jeanann Williams / Highlighting the work & home of this NYC based fashion stylist
• #10 -- Thanksgiving / A list of my favorite eateries around town & their menu ordering selections for your holiday table

Frank de Biasi

As part of their continuing "House" column, New York Social Diary recently highlighted interior designer Frank de Biasi (pictured), complete with an in-depth Q&A and intimate photos of his lower Park Avenue apartment. Mr. de Biasi worked for a number of years at Christie's, in their estates and appraisals department, and then for over a decade as Head of Interiors for the architect Peter Marino. I've previously posted the work of Mr. de Biasi, having been drawn to his design style for client Emilia Fanjul Pfeifler and her family's home (images included) out on the North Shore of Long Island, featured in Vogue. In that article, published nearly 3 years ago, he emphasized the value of incorporating fine furnishings into the overall decor of the home, despite the pitter-patter of little feet. Also to note, Elle Decor featured interior images of Mr. de Biasi's apartment in the September 2016 issue, read/see more here.

CL * Red Green Gold

Inspired by the colors of the season, Red Green & Gold, a collection of items that caught my eye & currently posted on Atlanta's Craigslist..........

Faux Bamboo Brass Tray Table / Anthropologie Astrid Chair / Patagonia Rain Jacket / Christmas Ornaments / Hunter Boots / Hunter Boots / Vintage Ceramic Christmas Tree / Wood Desk / Casella Floor Lamp / Upholstered Ottoman / Octagonal Fretwork Glass Table / North Face Jacket / Pair of Brass Lamps / Bertoia Bird Chair

Cathedral Antiques Show

In need of a unique gift giving idea? Purchase tickets for someone special (or even yourself) on your holiday list for the upcoming 2017 Cathedral Antiques Show, February 9-11. An annual highlight of the Atlanta decorative arts scene, the show will feature 30 highly-regarded dealers from around the country offering authenticated antique and period furniture, porcelains, fine art, silver, rugs, and jewelry. A who's who of noted tastemakers and trendsetters are included in show's schedule of events. *Tickets available here and also to note, net proceeds from the show will benefit First Step Staffing.

In a previous post, I mentioned the details of the talk & book signing of designer Suzanne Rheinstein as part of the 2016 Cathedral Antiques Show. This year, I am looking forward to seeing guest speaker Alexa Hampton (pictured), distinguished interior designer and author of The Language of Interior Design. Get an inside look at Alexa's signature style with images included of her NYC home, published in Architectural Digest......

Tried & True

*Image

Whether you're hosting a large gathering or an intimate soiree, give my tried & true party planning tips a try.....  These subtle entertaining basics will go along way in making you & your guests feel ever so comfortable.


Coat Rack.....  We live in a quaint vintage bungalow, which means closet space is limited. My solution is a portable coat rack, ready & waiting for guests as they arrive. Rather than falling back on the standard of stashing coats & scarves in the bedroom on the bed, where inevitably by the end of the night, coats have been tossed around and an accessory seemingly always goes missing, I have found that a coat rack is the perfect alternative. I've purchased this portable coat/clothing rack and it works like a charm. Just be sure you have a Phillips head screwdriver for easy assembly. *From previous personal experience & prior to remedying my coat conundrum, in the morning following our annual Christmas party, we located the very soft & fuzzy scarf of one of our guests in our backyard as our dog decided she wanted it for herself. Since then, the coat rack has been my mainstay!

Guest Towels & Tray.....  Freshly pressed linen hand towels in the powder room look beautiful when you set them out at the start of a party, but by the end of the night, they're typically found sink-side in a wrinkled ball. My solution and I can't stress it enough, is to provide paper guest towels. Guest towels can be as simple (white dinner sized napkins) or elaborate (monogrammed) as desired. Read more suggestions from my previous post -- The Well Appointed Powder Room. *Guests towels & tray make a terrific hostess gift as well.

Pantone + EBTH

Taking inspiration from Pantone's Color of the Year for 2017, Greenery, I've selected green infused decor & accessories that caught my eye and currently available on Everything But The House. If you're not familiar, EBTH is an online live auction marketplace specializing in offering an assortment of items from estate and personal collections located around the country. EBTH has cleverly bridged the auction house to the estate sale, and in doing so, reinforces the importance of buying seasoned items as well as allowing shopper interest to set fair market value.

*Links below + some of these pieces end tonight!

Louis Vuitton Golf Ball Pouch Wristlet / Pair of Chinese Green and Yellow Guardian Lions / Goyard Honore Paris Bag / Pair of Mid-Century Italian Cast Aluminum Arm Chairs by Castelli / Lime Green Moroccan Leather Pouf / Robbie Kemper Original Abstract Expressionist Acrylic on Canvas "Green Stripe" / Chinese Inspired Double Strand Beaded and Carved Glass Necklace

David Monn

'Tis the season for festive entertaining.....  And owning a copy of David Monn: The Art of Celebrating is an inspiring must read during this holiday season. For over a decade, David Monn has wowed party-goers with his over-the-top designed events. Trusting David's vision to elevate the party experience to an art form, clients turn to him to create one-of-a-kind soirees, from city galas to intimate affairs. David Monn: The Art of Celebrating highlights 26 of David's breathtaking projects, paired with personal photographs from his archives of exquisite party details.

Within the pages of the book, we as readers are treated to an insider's guide to David's design philosophy. Yes, these parties may at first glance appear larger than life, however, David relies on a very simple approach to crafting his events. He notes how every unique project emerges from a foundation rooted in 3 principles -- Authenticity, Scale and Detail. From this infallible framework, David masterminds his memorable masterpieces. Eye-catching images from this hardcover book included are a testament to David's extraordinary event planning talent.

*David Monn: The Art of Celebrating is dedicated to legendary New York Times photographer Bill Cunningham, who passed away in June 2016. David writes a very touching account & gives thanks to Mr. Cunningham for publishing images in the NYT of his first public event held in 2004.

**I have The Vendome Press to thank for extending me a copy to preview.

Noteworthy * DEC 8-12

Hit the ground running today through the weekend & spilling over into Monday, with an assortment of holiday shopping + happenings to check out around town.....

• Thursday December 8th, beginning at 2pm EST, Atlanta based artist Sally King Benedict (a piece from her portfolio pictured) will be offering on her website for sale all ceramics, original works on paper and Lacefield Designs pillows remaining from her participation in last weekend's Garden & Gun Jubilee
• Thursday December 8th, 7pm, A Cappella Books hosts Gavin Edwards, author of The Tao of Bill Murray, for a book signing
• Friday December 9th, 6-10pm, Polly On The Avenue annual artisan holiday shopping party, continuing through the weekend, SAT 11am-6pm & SUN 12-5pm
• Saturday December 10th, 6-10pm, Paper Ghost Studio is hosting their Gift Show, offering an assortment of handcrafted & unique items
• Today through Sunday December 11th, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Home for the Holidays, an annual designer showhouse and marketplace benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
• Monday December 12th, 7pm, an intimate 7-course dinner prepared in collaboration by chefs Meherwan Irani, founder of Chai Pani, and Asha Gomez, founder of Spice To Table, in celebration of Asha's recently released cookbook, My Two Souths 

Studio Sale

Friend and Atlanta based artist Michelle Armas is hosting a Studio Sale in collaboration with fellow artist Jessica Durrant.....  Sunday, December 4th, 11am.....  Ice House Lofts in Decatur.

*Read more about Michelle from our Q&A here.....  + some examples of Michelle's work included.....

December Covers

Donna Hay / House & Garden / Elle Decoration / Home & Decor Singapore