Mary McDonald as a child celebrating the holidays with her grandparents.Elegance and sophistication perfectly describe interior designer Mary McDonald. Not only do her interiors exude worldliness and glamor, but Mary herself personifies these trait. A few of Mary's Favorite Things:
My favorite gift to give this year?
The Mrs. John L. Strong box of notepads for every room in your house. It is chic and down to earth - everyone could use it. The runner up is a Pagoda stand and calender- I am a sucker for any pagoda!
My favorite gift to receive?
Francis Klein estate jewelry from my handsome longtime beau, always a new surprise!
My favorite way to celebrate the holidays?
My annual Christmas party with new and very very old friends (we are talking high school). For New Years I celebrate with my best friend, designer Michelle Nussbaumer, at her house in Gstaad. It's a full house with children, dogs and house guests. It's always crazy and it's a blast!
My favorite luxury in life?
A couple days ALONE with books. Perhaps in Hana Hawaii, if I can get there. You should all try it! It's an amazing place...but just alone with books is luxury enough.
My favorite current book?
When You are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris. I love a good laugh at the absurdity of life.
My favorite holiday song?
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire...that one...
My favorite party clothes?
Anything with feathers actually. I know...sounds a bit Carol Channing....but what other time can you wear feathers and not look like a showgirl let out for the night!
My favorite cookie?
Those Mexican wedding cookies covered in white powdered sugar.
My favorite city?
Don't have just ONE.
For Beauty - Paris
For Passion - Rome
For Historical Reflection - Fez, Morroco
And of course for jewelry - Jaipur India
My favorite place to shop?
Paris flea markets...all of them! You will find Vintage Hermes bags, 18th Century commodes and lots of junk in between. It is most fun with my friend, antique dealer, Nathan Turner. We laugh all day and buy all sorts of things we don't need.
My favorite movie to watch again and again?
It is neck and neck between The English Patient and Gone with the Wind. Death and Drama...I love it.
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12 comments:
This post was a treat Ronda. I always enjoy reading about Mary. What a great picture!
Thanks Courtney. Mary is great!
Just look at that great photo!
That photo with her grandparents, Mary was already an elegant little miss. Ronda, I really look forward to your interveiws and favorite things columns!
Interesting post. I love the photo and find it fascinating to learn the simple things about famous designers. They always seem to travel to the most exotic places!
She is obviously a super stylish gal and I loved reading about her. Thank you Rhonda, xv.
Joni from Cote de texas first enlightened me about Mary in the most recent Veranda. Your post just enhanced my appreciation for her. Thank you.
I always enjoy the "Favorite Things" type lists -- I especially enjoyed this one as I am a huge Mary McDonald fan! The spread on her office in Domino is always at the top of my inspiration sheets!
-Brett
designbabylon.com
She loves Mrs. John L. Strong, Mexican Wedding Cookies and David Sedaris. She's beautiful and she likes pagodas.
And that photo of her and her Grandparents is perfect. They are great. Get grand-mère a serviette, please, Mary.
I meant to add, I always enjoy the rich details Mary provides with her answers! So generous.
oh yay for the Fez mention!!!
Fabulous! What a little cutie she was (still is)!
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