Saturday, November 29

Thanksgiving 2008



I consider myself to be undeniably blessed and most fortunate to have so many wonderful people in my life. Ever since I started All the Best it seems as if the best of all worlds have collided and I am the lucky recipient of its offerings. Of course I am most grateful for the support of my husband and son, both who encourage me on a daily basis.

Over the past two years I have had the pleasure of corresponding with so many fantastic readers and industry icons, several of whom have become close friends. Not only have I benefited from these remarkable friendships, but my family has as well. This year Thomas Burak and Michael Devine, two of the most gracious men I know, invited us to New York for Thanksgiving. It was one of our finest Thanksgivings in recent memory—delicious food and libations, gorgeous surroundings, a stunning view of the Empire State Building, a crackling fire, enlightened conversation, laughter and great friends. Thank you Thomas and Michael you truly are the best!









Monday, November 24

Off to New York for Thanksgiving




We are off to New York for Thanksgiving. I have always wanted to spend this wonderfully American holiday in the Big Apple. As a child I longed to watch the parade from a window just like Susan Walker (Natalie Wood).

This is our first Thanksgiving in the States since moving to Scotland and we are very much looking forward to being with great friends. Enjoy the beautiful images from Gourmet.

Friday, November 21

Happy Weekend


We are heading to the Highlands for the weekend. I think it will be too cold for me to wear similar attire, but I do love these J. Crew adverts. More to post on Monday. Happy weekend!

Thursday, November 20

Profile: Michael George

Untitled, August 2008

I am so excited to share this profile today. I recently discovered the brilliant work of New York University Photography and Imaging major Michael George. I love to support the work of up and coming artists and Michael’s work is truly superb! Not only is he genuinely gifted, he is really young (barely in his 20s). If he is this talented now, what will a few more years bring?

I've highlighted a few of my favorites that just might make the perfect holiday gift this year. For more information you can contact Michael directly. Enjoy!

Untitled, 2008

What inspires your work?
I'm inspired by photography's ability to prove that the world has a natural formal order by grabbing a slice of time or space, even if there's chaos that lies just outside the frame.

What is the one thing in life you can't live without?
The ocean.

What is your greatest accomplishment to date?
Founding the Tisch Photography Magazine Club within my university. It began as an idea over the summer and suddenly we are due to publish our first issue in early December.

Lost Series 1, 2007

What is your idea of earthly happiness?
Acceptance. People get nothing out of denying others from their lives.

What is your most prized possession?
Can I make it a three-way-tie? My journal, my copy of Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (a novel by Jonathan Safran Foer), and my Bruce Davidson print from the 'Brooklyn Gang' series.

What books are you currently reading
?
On my own: 'The Tipping Point' by Malcolm Gladwell
For class: 'The Marx-Engels Reader' and 'On Photography' by Susan Sontag; 'The Photograph as Contemporary Art,' by Charlotte Cotton.

Anthony, 2007

Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
Living: Todd Hido
Deceased: Richard Avedon

How do you see the Internet changing the world of art and design?
For one, many photographers now think of their series not in the sense of a gallery space but a computer monitor. This has many implications that are both exciting and daunting. I believe it also has allowed people to expand their knowledge of other artists so that they are not caught in the tunnel vision that results from only viewing exhibitions at galleries or museums.

What is next for Michael George?
I plan to continue my project entitled 'Brink' over Winter Break and hopefully I'll get a chance to travel and expand on my 'Us & Them' project. Other than that, who knows?

Profile by Ronda Carman
ALL PHOTOS ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE ARTIST

Wednesday, November 19

Will Shelter Magazines Weather the Storm?


A recent article in The New York Observer (No Shelter in a Storm! As Economy Quakes, Home Mags Teeter) started me thinking about a subject that has been on my mind for quite some time. Are magazines becoming obsolete? With the increasing number of blogs, online magazines and the recent economic downturn we seem to be witnessing the irreversible and inevitable death of many magazines.

Personally I DO NOT want to see my favorite shelter magazines fall by the wayside! So my question is this: is it possible to have both a vibrant blogosphere and our beloved magazines? Can the magazine industry make financial ends meet? What more can be done in order for magazines to survive?

For the past several months I have been feverishly researching blogging trends. Primarily I have looked at how magazines, advertisers and bloggers can work together to promote a stronger readership while building a community of individuals who share a similar interest. Likewise, I have argued that many of the shelter magazines can, and should, create mutually beneficial relationships within the blogging world.

I do not see this as an 'us' versus 'them' issue. Several magazines have taken steps in this direction, but many have skirted the issue or failed to clearly see the potential. It's not enough for a magazine to have merely a 'web' presence. In my opinion, this is not a smart move, as it seems that the balance of power and influence is tipping, noticeably, to the Web.

Why is the balance tipping? First and foremost, it is a very personal means of interacting, communicating and receiving feedback. Most importantly blogs allow for active, not passive, readership. Another huge bonus is that blog content is instantaneous and, quite frankly, it is cheap! Not just in terms of cost to produce, but advertising as well. This is NOT an argument to do away with magazines. For me, nothing can replace my glossy magazines. I am merely stating a few well-known facts.

Do I believe that blogs have a greater advantage over magazines? Not necessarily. Nor do I believe the sky is falling on all magazines. The smart ones will find a way to reach out and weather the storm. I would love to hear your thoughts on the issue and if there are any interested parties, I am more than happy to share my thoughts and research.

Tuesday, November 18

Deconstructing the Art Wall

An eclectic assemblage of art hanging in the Kate Spade SoHo store--a mix of sizes, styles and mediums.

I recently came across this brilliant post from Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan Co-Founder/NY Editor for Apartment Therapy. Maybe some of you have seen this before, but it's new to me and seemed worthy of sharing. I for one struggle with hanging art. I know EXACTLY what I want, but I don't always execute my plan to perfection.

This is the starting picture - the keystone - everything hangs off of image number 1. Nothing maintains the horizontal line. Every picture "steps" down.

All the pictures "weep" or "slope" down from that center picture. The pictures in this assembly center around one picture and then "cascade" down on both sides.

Look at the keystone picture, there is an X and Y axis to the whole collection. Outside of picture number 1, these four pictures anchor the whole wall.

More Beautiful Walls of Art:

domino magazine

domino magazine

Miles Redd

Muriel Brandolini

Monday, November 17

Profile: Vicente Wolf


I am fairly certain that I am not alone in my admiration of designer Vicente Wolf. Once described as part tastemaker, part interior decorator, he is undeniably a long established and well-respected figure among the design elite.

Characterized by classical lines, contemporary design and unique decorative objects, Vicente’ rooms are always sublime and never austere.

In addition to design, Vicente is an accomplished photographer and author of two books, Learning to See and Crossing Boundaries: A Global Vision of Design. He is currently planning his third book for launch in 2009.

Never one to rest on his laurels, Vicente most recently tossed his hat into the blogging ring. Last month I had the chance to speak with Susan Moolman, Director of Public Relations for Vicente Wolf Associates, at the blogger panel in NYC. After the panel we spent time chatting about the merits, conception and the benefits of blogging. Vicente’s new blog is now live, and, as one might expect, is both informative and beautiful.


What is your most prized possession?
My Maine Coon Cat, Nene. He is my bed companion, my wake-up alarm, my napkin when I don’t have one and a welcome ‘miaooow’ when I get home.

Who are your style icons?
Gene Kelly for his athleticism and for always putting himself together with true American style.

Photographer Richard Avedon for his greatest quality - that casual self-assurance that only a great master can have.

Karl Lagerfeld for his great style and for being able to travel different roads while always staying true to his point of view.


What books are currently on your bedside table?
Auction catalogs from Sotheby’s and Christie’s of photography auctions in the UK, France and the US.

The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How The War on Terror Turned into a War on American Ideals by Jane Mayer

New York Interior Design 1935 – 1985, Masters of Modernism by Judith Gura.
I am so proud to be included in this beautiful book.

What is your favorite luxury in life
?
Flying Emirates First Class, just because I can.

What is the only other occupation you would consider
?
I would definitely be a full time photographer.

Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
Bill Gates. He is someone who is so capable of looking within to have created Microsoft, yet still be expansive enough to care about the world would be a wonderful person to collaborate with.


Past or present what designers have influenced you most?
David Hicks. His blending of contemporary and traditional always feels very present. I find the past leaves me more for the future than the present does.

How would you describe your personal style?
I am a combination of sarcastic and sweet, funny and dead-pan, hard-working yet an escapist, political and unconscious, politically incorrect and concerned all mixed into a Latino interior and covered in a shell of New York (sophistication?). While I’m fully committed when I commit, I don’t like to be nailed down to one thing.

For the past 35 years I’ve seen myself as a modern designer with a strong reference to the past and, when I’m not designing, I take photographs and travel the world.

How has the Internet changed the business of interior design?
It may make it more commercial and more communal, but the human connection and the creative eye still rules.

Sunday, November 16

Soup on Sunday: Onion Soup with Gruyère Flan

Beautiful illustration by Russian illustrator Elena Tsaregradskaya

A different way to make onion soup. Cover the flan with enough soup so there is a surprise waiting in the bowl - everyone loves surprises. Serve with a great Pinot Noir and hot crusty bread for a wonderful Sunday supper.

Soup
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 cups sliced onions
1/3 cup pearl barley
3 tablespoons dry Sherry
8 cups beef stock
4 fresh thyme sprigs

Flans
3 tablespoons butter
2 cups diced onions
3/4 cup whipping cream
3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 1/4 cups (packed) grated Gruyère cheese

For soup:
Melt butter with oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions; sauté until caramelized, about 20 minutes. Add barley and Sherry; cook 30 seconds. Add beef stock and thyme. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Discard thyme. Simmer until barley is fully cooked.

For flans:
Preheat oven to 300°F. Place six 3/4-cup custard cups or soufflé dishes in baking pan. Melt butter in heavy medium skillet over medium heat. Add onions; sauté until tender but not brown, about 8 minutes. Cool slightly. In a large bowl beat cream, eggs, salt, and pepper until smooth. Fold in onions and cheese. Divide among prepared cups. Fill baking pan with enough hot water to come halfway up sides of cups. Bake flans until centers are softly set, about 35 minutes.

Cool flans 10 minutes in pan. Cut around flans to loosen; turn out each in center of soup bowl. Ladle soup around flans and serve.

Serves 6

Saturday, November 15

Shopping on Saturday: SFERRA and Paul Hooker

One of my very favorite patterns, Saxon, in chocolate embroidery showcases exquisite stitching.

With the weather turning colder I have been thinking about blankets and bedding. Some of you may remember my blog post on bedding and thread count earlier in the year. I stated in that post that I have always been perfectly happy with my soft jersey knit sheets and was not certain that some linens and bedding warranted such high price tags.

Well, you all weighted in on the issue and I was proven wrong. Over the summer I received a beautiful set of SFERRA sheets (great gift!) and now I must confess that I am a believer. Not only do I love my SFERRA linens, but I love the history of the company too. It has to be said that I also like the SFERRA price point.

SFERRA began as a purveyor of fine Italian lace in 1891. As the turn-of-the-century approached, the company's industrious founder, Gennaro Sferra, left Italy for the United States in hopes of attracting a market for his intricate Venetian lace cuffs and collars. He found his clientele in the well-heeled guests who frequented the grand seaside resorts that once dotted the East Coast from Maine to Palm Beach, and traveled regularly to sell his goods.

The beautiful Bristol throw blends pima cotton and alpaca in a soft, lustrous weave.
$150.00

Recognizing the growing demand for delicate hand embroideries, Gennaro decided to take the next step in building his business. In 1905, he opened Factory 5007 San Severo, located in the shadow of the Rialto Bridge in Venice. Twice a year, Gennaro returned to his homeland by steamer to create a new collection of the most luxurious linens, handmade laces and embroideries.

A generation later, in the 1940s and 1950s, Gennaro's two sons, Enrico and Albert, expanded their father's collection to include the most luxurious European linens of the day—Ireland's renowned double damask, France's refined Alençon Laces and the beautiful embroideries from Belgium and Switzerland.

SFERRA changed hands in 1977 when Paul Hooker and his partner George Matouk purchased the company from the Sferra family. Through the power of email I have gotten to know Paul Hooker and his commitment to excellence. I can honestly tell you that he is truly the best.

The luxurious Cortland Herringbone, woven from the finest 2-ply cashmere in a subtle herringbone weave.
$540.00

Profile - Paul Hooker:

What is your most prized possession?
Well, since I can’t consider my wife and children “possessions” it would be the family picture of them taken at the Jersey Shore. It hangs in our living room at home.

Who are your style icons?
Not any particular person; rather, any gentleman wearing a navy Hickey Freeman suit…Cole Haan wing tips saddle color…belt to match….Faconnable French-cuff striped shirt and Faconnable stripe tie…the key would be the colors in the shirt and tie, and the varied stripes in both, working perfectly together to pop the suit.Pocket silk to set it off of course.

What books are currently on your bedside table?
The Post American World by Fareed Zakaria
The Fog of War: Lessons from the Life of Robert S. McNamara by James G. Blight
Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution--and How It Can Renew America by Thomas L. Friedman

What is your favorite luxury in life?
Forced time off so I can relax without feeling that I should be doing something else. That would mean a 17 hour First Class flight to Shanghai. There is nothing else that I can do (I can’t even check emails!!) so why not relax...eat...drink...and read...thus, the forced relaxation.

What is the only other occupation you would consider?
Professional baseball pitcher. Period.

What do you love most about owning your own company?
The autonomy, and knowing that the buck stops here, and that’s right where I want it to stop.

What makes your sheets so wonderfully luxurious?
I could tell you but then I would have to...OK, I will anyway...we’ve been working on that special combination since 1891 with the best weavers in Italy. It is that perfect combination of the best Egyptian Cotton yarns and the most time-tested weaving technique followed by the world’s best bleach/dye house that uses our special formula. It gives the fabric that wonderful feel of luxury. And finally, the very skilled Italian seamstresses, sewing the finished product to perfection. Leave out any of these, and it just wouldn’t be SFERRA.

Who would you most like to meet and how would you spend the day?
My first choice would be Jesus Christ, but I wouldn’t want to have to die just yet to do it! So, we’ll go with Warren Buffet. Spending the day with him, soaking up as much as I could learn from the most successful investor in America.

Friday, November 14

Great Designs for Children

The Philippe Starck Louis Ghost armchair (far right) is now scaled for the wee ones. The Lou Lou Ghost, $133, is available from Kartell.

The December issue of Architectural Digest is on newsstands now and it’s an issue not to be missed! Architectural Digest, the international magazine of interior design, always delivers stunning interiors, private retreats and sophisticated spaces to its style-conscious readers. This month is no exception. As expected, the magazine is packed with gorgeous photos and well-written articles, however I particularly love the special section for budding connoisseurs—25 Great Designs for Children.

Hats off to AD for featuring 25 unique ‘gift’ ideas for children that emphasize thoughtful design (some bordering on the whimsical) over plastic, nondescript ‘everyday’ toys. This content breaks the traditional AD mold. Regular readers will know that the magazine does not usually feature designs geared towards children.

The prices range from the $14.99 mechanical paper dragon to the $13,5000 circa 1890 pull-along floor train. A few of my favourites include:

Early Bird bookends, $89, from Cocoon Couture for little bibliophiles.

Walter Ruffler's mechanical paper dragon, $14.99 from Nova 68, would make a great stocking stuffer.

Many thanks to Margaret Dunne, executive editor of Architectural Digest, for taking the time to speak with me about the wonderful designs featured. For more imaginative furniture, fabrics and toys see the December issue.

Wednesday, November 12

Thad Cline Jewelry

My fabulous find for the day is Thad Cline Jewelry. Is this necklace not stunning? I LOVE this piece...can you hear me Santa?

Five hand-carved Buddha on a hand
hammered mangled hoop.
$487.50

Turquoise disc in a stunning double swirl gold setting.
$237.50

A massive vintage abalone button cradle a hematite “pearl” with sterling caviar at the base.
$400.00

Tuesday, November 11

Profile: Scott McBee


Many thanks to James Andrew for introducing me to artist and designer Scott McBee. The wildly talented New York based artist will show his painstakingly precise and stunningly beautiful gouache paintings this week at the Chinese Porcelain Company. A celebration of the “Grand Dames” of the sea, Scott’s nautical series reflects a life long passion for ocean liners. His fervour and appreciation for ocean liners, those spanning from the early 1900’s to the early 1960’s, began after his parents took him to see the movie Poseidon Adventure and a tour of the original Queen Mary in Long Beach, California.

Executed in acrylic, Indian ink and gouache, the 3-foot by 9-foot stunning works of art pay particular attention to detail and historical accuracy. "Ocean Liners: The Golden Age" features such famed ocean liners as the Normandie, the Queen Elizabeth, the Monarch of Bermuda and the Bremen.


Scott received his BA in graphic design and illustration from San Diego State University. After attending university, he moved to NYC to launch a successful career in commercial illustration. Since 1991 he has worked with major advertising firms such as Ogilvy & Mather, BBDO, Gray, Jay Walter Thompson and currently with Young and Rubicam. In addition to his commercial work as a storyboard artist and art director, he is also a published children’s book illustrator and an accomplished painter.

Scott’s work is currently showing in the windows of the landmark NYC Saks Fifth Avenue and will be showing at the Chinese Porcelain Company from November 14 - 21, 2008. The opening reception is Thursday, November 13 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at the Chinese Porcelain Company.


Several prominent collectors in the US and abroad have begun amassing Scott’s work. Unfortunately I will miss the showing, but I am looking forward to meeting Scott in a few weeks. If you get the chance, you should try to make it to the Chinese Porcelain Company this week.

Chinese Porcelain Company:
475 Park Avenue at 58th Street
Manhattan, New York
(click on the images above to enlarge)

Which artist, historical or contemporary, do you most admire?
Klimt, Rodin, Da Vinci and Lempicka just to name a few.

What inspires your art and ideas
?
Nearly everything I that I see. It can range from architecture, history, fashion, nature, the arts and my mood.

What is the one thing in life you can't live without
?
The ability and freedom to express myself.

What is your greatest accomplishment to date?
Making the move to NYC and flourishing.

What is your idea of earthly happiness?
Having everyday to work or create something amazing in my studio by the beach. By late afternoon I take a break for some sun and a romp in the ocean, have some lunch and go back to creating. Traveling the world and spending more time with my loved ones.

What is your most prized possession?
This wonderful and healthy body I inhabit.

What books are on your bedside table?
The Power of Now, Harmonic Wealth, Alexander the Great, The story of San Michelle.

Who would you most like to meet and how would you like to spend the day?
Madonna or Angelina Jolie. Talking, eating great food by the beach, getting to know each other and riding jet skis!

Profile by Ronda Carman

Sunday, November 9

Soup on Sunday: Hot and Sour Pumpkin Soup

This soup was inspired by the beautiful illustration by Laura de Búrca and my desire to cook with pumpkins this month.

1 large onion, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
2 tablespoon chopped peeled fresh ginger
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 (3-lb) sugar pumpkin, peeled, seeded, and cubed (6 cups)
1 cup dry white wine
2 qt vegetable stock
6 lemongrass stalks (bottom 5 inches only), coarsely chopped
3 to 5 fresh (1 1/2-inch) Thai coarsely chopped and
4 kaffir lime leaves (fresh or frozen)
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup Asian fish sauce
1 tablespoon sugar

Cook onion, garlic, and ginger in 1 tablespoon oil in a heavy pot over moderate heat, covered, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, about 4 minutes. Add pumpkin and wine and boil, uncovered, until wine is reduced by about half, about 5 minutes. Stir in stock and simmer, covered, until pumpkin is tender, about 20 minutes.

Heat remaining tablespoon oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté lemongrass, and chiles, stirring, until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.

Purée pumpkin mixture in batches and return to pot. Stir in lemongrass mixture, lime leaves, lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar. Simmer, uncovered, 20 minutes. Pour soup through a sieve, discarding solids, and season well with salt and pepper.

Serves 4 - 6

Saturday, November 8

Shopping on Saturday

Think of the most fabulous members-only club and you are on the right track to understanding what Cocosa offers the fashion connoisseur. Cocosa is an invitation-only fashion destination, offering its members exclusive access to carefully curated private sales at very special prices. Cocosa launched last month in the UK, working with such designers as Amanda Wakeley, Pringle, PPQ, Christian Lacroix, Matthew Williamson and Temperley.

Because all of you are truly are the BEST, Cocosa has offered a special membership to All the Best readers. You sign up to the site using the exclusive invite code: bestblog. This invitation to join will expire on 21st November and there is no cost to join.

Each Cocosa sale is announced to members in advance by e-mail, is focused on one specific leading designer brand at a time and is offered online for 48 hours only. Each item has limited availability. Unfortunately, shipping is only offered to residents of the UK—perhaps that will one day change. Have fun shopping!

Friday, November 7

Profile: James Andrew

Over the past few weeks I have become e-friends with the fabulous James Andrew. Many of you may remember his wonderful apartment in Elle Decor a few years ago, and his recent profile on the popular feature 'What is in Their Library' on the stylish blog The Peak of Chic. James and I had the chance to catch up by phone earlier in the week and have made a date to have drinks when my husband, son and I are in New York for Thanksgiving. He truly is a captivating and gifted person.

Growing up in Rhode Island, James became fascinated by the extravagant beauty of the Newport summer cottages, a fascination that ignited a lifelong obsession with interior design and living a stylish life. During the 1970’s a copy of his mother’s Vogue captured his heart and imagination, namely the innovation of Parish-Hadley. “I knew then that I wanted to be an interior designer. I was completely enthralled by the beautiful interiors.”

Yet like so many, he lost track of his dreams, opting for the more conventional road of banking and commodities trading. Unhappy with his decision, he gave up the world of finance and went to work for Ralph Lauren's Home Collection. James remained with Ralph Lauren for eight years.


As providence would have it, his boyhood idol, Albert Hadley, invited him to join Parish-Hadley in New York. After two years of working along side the master at Parish-Hadley, he founded his own design house, James Andrew Interior Design, Inc. Mr. Hadley continues to be one of his most valued friends and confidants.

In addition to interior design, James is passionate about fashion and has recently launched a new website, What is James Wearing, where he shares his ideas on personal style and fashion. What I admire most about James is that he has a very clear idea of who is and how we wants to present himself to the world. I hope you enjoy his new site as much as I do.


How would you describe your own personal style?
Elegant, contemporary and eclectic.

What inspires your creativity and designs?
My creativity and designs are constantly inspired by all that I see everyday, from a walk down a NYC side walk to a stroll through the streets of Cap D'antibes. And of course, shopping, travel, art, fashion, books and magazines.

What is your most prized possession?
A pair of Louis XVI chairs that were given to me by the legendary interior designer Albert Hadley.

Who are your style icons?
My list of style icons is quite long, Albert Hadley, David Hicks, Billy Baldwin, Cary Grant, Tom Ford, Gianni Agnelli, The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Charles de Beistegui, the firm ‘Jansen’, Nancy Lancaster, Frances Elkins, Dorothy Draper and the list goes on.....


Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
Our new president-elect and Mrs. Obama. I would love to decorate the White House. I would remain true to the historical decoration, but would add contemporary art and furniture by American artists. I would like for it to be more reflective of who we are as a country today. Would you like to start a campaign for me? :-)

What books are currently on your bedside table?
Money and the Law of Attraction by Esther and Jerry Hicks; Harmonic Wealth by James Arthur Ray; books on the power of positive thinking; Mlinaric on Decoration

What is your favorite luxury in life?
Time, Dom Perignon Rose Champagne and flying in a client's plane.

Past or present what designers have most influenced your style?
Albert Hadley, David Hicks, Billy Baldwin, Peter Marino, Jean Michel Frank, Paul Dupre Lafon.

Profile by Ronda Carman

Thursday, November 6

Nathan Turner + Carolyne Roehm

I mentioned last week that I had to miss Carolyne Roehm's chic book party given by host extraordinaire Nathan Turner at his fantastic LA shop. Luckily, Nathan graciously emailed me photos to share with all of you.

The beautiful Carolyne Roehm signing copies of A Passion for Blue & White

Flickering candles, gorgeous white flowers and, of course, blue and white porcelain

Property developer John Bersci and the lovely Mary McDonald

Carolyne's books artfully stacked on blue and white fabric

Nathan Turner and the always fashionable Sally Perrin

More candles and flowers

Mary McDonald and Carolyn Roehm

Miguel Flores-Vianna holding the adorable Nacho, Carolyne Roehm and Nathan Turner

Beautiful blue and white