My Favorite Things: Michael Devine

Michael Devine with his Grandmother

My Favorite Things series was such a hit last year that I thought I would do it again this holiday season. Not only is it one of my very favorite songs, but also I love to know what others cherish and hold dear, especially at this time of the year. Having just kicked off the holiday season with Michael and Thomas, this seemed an appropriate first profile. I particularly love the photo of Michael with his “first style icon” as he lovingly referred to his Grandmother.

I have so many wonderful profiles to share with you over the next few weeks so be sure to bookmark All the Best. I would also like to know your favorite things. You can email me at allthebestblog@gmail.com or leave them in the comment section. I will compile at list of readers’ favorite things and post it on Christmas Eve. You can include a photo too if you wish and I will select a few to publish.

Michael Devine:

My favorite gift to give this year?
The notepad and pencil cup from my new signature collection in the patten Bagatelle. It's so handy—the pad is easy to find even on my messy desk.

My favorite gift to receive?
Every year Thomas has one standard gift to give me—a year worth of Aqua Di Parma cologne. It’s my favorite scent.

My favorite way to celebrate the holidays?
We have hosted a very, very small dinner on Christmas Eve with our friends Michael Rosenberg, Leonard Kowalski and Katharine T. Carter in the country for the last several years and now its tradition.

My favorite luxury in life?
Spending time with Thomas with nothing to do is a rare luxury. Especially in the country since the office is always just short distance away and there is always some work that needs to get done.

My favorite current book?
I just started Make Way for Lucia by E. F. Benson. I can't put it down, mostly because it reminds so much of Kinderhook.

My favorite holiday song?
I'll be Home for Christmas. It may not be my favorite, but it's most appropriate, especially to my dear sister and family in Illinois. It seems like I end up singing it to her every year. Next year....really!

My favorite party clothes?
My J. Press red plaid pants. I am ready for those the day after Halloween.

My favorite cookie?
Peppernuts made by my surrogate mother Karen Stransky, from back home in Grand Detour, Illinois. She sends them to me every year along with my favorite fudge. It's always a highlight of my holiday season.

My favorite city?
Paris, Paris, Paris!

My favorite place to shop?
FNAC any of them—I can spend hours in one.

My favorite movie to watch again and again?
Chocolate - The story and Juliette Binoche are beyond.