Profile: Todd Alexander Romano

One interior designer that I am simply head over heels for these days is Todd Alexander Romano. He is a fellow native Texan who is now based New York. His design career, spanning over seventeen years, was cultivated during his tenure and early training at the venerable New York firms Ingrao, Inc., Saunders & Walsh, and Mario Buatta.

What I adore most is that Todd’s interiors exude an old-world charm, but are still eclectic and youthful in appearance. He is also a master at mixing fine antiques, custom upholstery, interesting art and modern elements to create rooms that are stimulating, yet comfortable. The photos below are Todd’s own New York apartment. It’s still one of my all-time favorites. I can easily imagine a wonderfully chic cocktail—Dorothy Rodgers style—in his amazing living room.



In 1999 he founded Todd Alexander Romano Antiques and Decorations to showcase a diverse and stylish mix of 18th and 19th Century Continental and English Furnishings, 20th Century Classics, Oriental Porcelains and Contemporary Art.

The shop also carries tabletop accessories exclusively designed and produced in Italy for Todd Alexander Romano as well as hand thrown ceramic lamps by Christopher Spitzmiller.

The Todd Alexander Romano Showroom

Todd's work has appeared in The New York Times, Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, House & Garden, Departures, Southern Accents, House Beautiful, Town & Country and Traditional Homes. He has been named to numerous lists of the Top 100 Best Decorators in America.

I will be in New York in April and hope to catch up with Todd over drinks and shop his beautiful showroom. I would also love to meet his Dachsund. Our “first child” was a miniature Dachsund and I still have a great affinity for the breed and their owners.

How would you describe your own personal style?
An exciting mixture of 18th and 19th century antiques and decorations, with clean, classic backgrounds using fresh colors and elements that add a touch of whimsy.

What inspires your creativity and designs?
Travel and exposure to new cultures, architecture and design. I love to tour houses and find inspiration almost everywhere including nature and gardens as well.

What is your most prized possession?
My collection of books first and foremost, then my art.

What is your favorite luxury in life?
Travel comes absolutely first and then eating out (as I am an awful cook!).

What is the one thing in life you cannot live without?
My family, my friends and Bunny, my miniature Dachsund.

Who are your style icons?
Cornelia Guest, C.Z. Guest, Charles James, Francis Elkins, Michael Taylor, Sister [Parish] and Albert [Hadley] of course, Billy Baldwin, Van Day Truex and Stephen Boudin.

Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
Albert Hadley

What books are currently on your bedside table?
Love & Louis XIV; Harbor Hill, Portrait of a House; Somerset Maugham, A Life; For the Thrill of it, and Marion Koogler McNay, A Biography.

Past or present what designers have most influenced your style?
John Fowler, Francis Elkins, Michael Taylor, Sister and Albert, Billy Baldwin, and Van Day Truex.

What is the only other occupation you would consider?
Developing and selling Real Estate. I love architecture and houses.

Do you see the Internet changing the business of Interior Design? If so, how?
Absolutely! There is so much more information out there and it's available to everyone. The average consumer is far better informed and knowledgeable today.

It has, however taken some of the mystery and magic away from the process...not to mention old fashioned glamour, I am not sure this business is quite as attractive as it used to be and that is due in large part to this over abundance of information everywhere!

Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Many thanks to the wonderful MacKenzie Carpenter at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for her great piece 'Bloggers Offer Shelter to Fans of Decor, Design, Style' in today's paper. I am truly flattered by her praise of All the Best and feel honored to be included among the other great bloggers featured in the article.

Christopher Wood

It's most ironic that over the weekend I pulled photos from a March 2007 British House & Garden that featured the Gothic Revival schoolhouse in Somerset belonging to flamboyant art dealer Christopher Wood. As I went online to get his website address I found an obituary from yesterday's Times for Mr Wood.

He died of cancer on January 6, 2009. As a tribute to this fascinating auctioneer, art dealer and author who devoted his career to promoting the arts and artists of the Victorian period, I thought I would share photos of his home.

As well as dealing, he was a collector of drawings, Gothic furniture and pots by De Morgan, Moorcroft, Della Robbia and Dresser. “If something in the gallery does not sell, I simply take it home,” he often commented. In 1983 Mr Wood bought the Gothic Revival schoolhouse and furnished it with his customary elegance.

He took particular pains to promote Victorian watercolours, helping to bring back to prominence such artists as Helen Allingham, Albert Godwin, the Fraser family, and the late 19th-century garden painters sometimes derisively dismissed as “the Jolly Hollyhocks School”. You can read more about the beguiling life of Christopher Wood at the TimesOnline.

Soup on Sunday: Curried Carrot and Ginger

Tomorrow I am starting Dr. Joshi's 21 day detox diet and need to plan my recipes accordingly. Trust me, it's not as bad as it sounds, actually you can eat quite well. The most difficult aspect of the detox will be no caffeine or alcohol; however, in my opinion, the food options are delicious. Here is one of the yummy soups that I will have the pleasure of eating this week. Detox or not, I think it's one most people will enjoy.

1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon curry powder (preferably Madras)
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
2 cups chopped onions
1 1/2 pounds carrots, peeled, thinly sliced into rounds (about 4 cups)
1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lime peel
5 cups vegetable broth
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
Plain yogurt (for garnish)

Grind coriander and mustard seeds in spice mill to fine powder. Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground seeds and curry powder; stir 1 minute. Add ginger; stir 1 minute. Add next 3 ingredients. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; sauté until onions begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Add 5 cups broth; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer uncovered until carrots are tender, about 30 minutes.

Cool slightly. Working in batches, puree in blender until smooth. Return soup to pot. Add more broth by 1/4 cupfuls if too thick. Stir in lime juice; season with salt and pepper. Garnish with plain yogurt.

Shopping on Saturday

I have a new favorite hostess gift to give this year. I just adore these beautiful pewter wishbones designed by Tamara Hensick. It's a thoughtful, yet tiny reminder to believe in the power of dreams.

Each wishbone is handcrafted in Los Angeles and sold as a set of seven. You could easily breakup the set and tuck one wishbone in with a gift, tie one around a bottle of wine or give the box of seven to a special person - one wish for each day of the week. Here's to dreaming and wishing you all the best in 2009!

The Ledgend of the Wishbone:

Legend has it that the Etruscans began the wishbone tradition. They believed chickens had fortune telling powers, so in the event that a chicken was killed and consumed for a meal, the sacred collarbone was saved and left to dry in the sun. Tribe members were allowed to make a wish while stroking the drying bone.

The Romans took many of the Etruscan customs as their own and since everyone wanted good fortune, they fought over the bones, breaking them. The tradition eventually was passed on to Europe and America.

It is said that the phrases "I need a lucky break" or "I never get a break" come from being the loser in this tug of chicken bone contest.

$40.00 for a box of seven

Travelogue 2009

Masseria Torre Coccaro in Pulgia ranks near the top of my travel list. Set in a historic fortified farmhouse it's a short distance from the Adriatic.

One of Masseria Torre Coccaro's beautiful bathrooms. Every room comes with it own private garden.

As most of you know, travel has become central to my life these days. In part, living in Scotland has facilitated countless transatlantic flights to be with my family in the States. However, it is more than just the distance and a desire to see family and friends, travel is now a passion and way of life.

On the agenda is the majestic Calistoga Ranch tucked into a private canyon in the Upper Napa Valley.

A big part of our decision to move aboard was the travel opportunities it afforded our family, especially our son. Over the course of the past few years I have become a sufferer of wanderlust. I relish searching for an out of the way destination, a charming village or the perfect hotel. I especially enjoy the occasion to travel and meet the many wonderful people I have encountered since founding All the Best—and the list is ever growing.

Grand Hotel Central in Barcelona is on our list of places to stay this fall. The boutique hotel in Barcelona city centre boasts a spectacular rooftop pool.

This year travel will play an ever-increasing role in my life and on my blog. I plan to take All the Best “on the road” when possible, to meet the many fabulous readers I have come to know and the extraordinary talents that have been central to this blog. A few destinations include New York, California, Texas, DC, West Palm Beach, Pennsylvania, Berlin, Barcelona and London.

70 Park Avenue was one of my favorite places to stay in 2008. It felt like my very own Park Avenue pied à terre. It was designed by Jeffrey Bilhuber and each evening guests are severed wine in the in living room.

I will unveil more exciting details over the next few weeks. Rest assured that the hotels, the interiors, the people and the destinations will not disappoint—there will also be a few surprises for all of you!

Peter Janes + Phoenix Antiques

As it has become custom, I have spent the better part of the New Year sorting through back issues of magazines and filing away select pages in my ever-growing library of binders. While flipping through the February 2008 issue of British Homes & Gardens, I was again charmed by the photos of antique dealer Peter Janes’ Kent home.

The cottage, located in Tunbridge Wells, dates back to 1680. King Edward VII officially recognized the popularity of Tunbridge Wells with royalty and aristocrats by granting the town with a "Royal" prefix. In 1909 the town became known, as it is to this day, as Royal Tunbridge Wells, one of only two towns in England.

Along with business partner Robert Pilbeam, Peter is proprietor of Phoenix Antiques, specializing in 18th and 19th Century French and English furniture. I love the way Peter fuses a neutral color palette with period pieces to create a calm and cozy room. His eye for antiques and his talent for mixing various styles are especially evident in the living room of his cottage.

In order to showcase his antiques, while keeping a contemporary feel and tone, Peter chose plantation shutters and sisal flooring. Each room is painted in Fired Earth’s Chalk White. In the breakfast room a small window was removed and replaced with French doors leading out to the garden.

Perhaps my favorite room of all is the dining room. I love the simplicity of the table and charm of the exposed beams, perfectly balanced by a spectacular crystal chandelier. Simply stunning!

Photos:David Giles

My Favorite Things: Ernest de la Torre

I do hope that you all have enjoyed reading the favorite things holiday series as much as I have enjoyed posting each and every one. Last, but by no means least, is the brilliant Ernest de la Torre. Ernest was one of the first designers that I interviewed for Decorati and has become a fast favorite. What I appreciate most is his instinctive eye for architecture and design, and the subtle influences of David Adler and Mies van der Rohe in his work. Ernest has also designed a full range of unique custom furniture with textiles soon to follow.

Favorite gift to give this year?
Any number of items I collect during the year as gifts.

Favorite gift to receive?
Cash

Favorite way to celebrate the holidays?
In front of a fire at my country house.

Favorite luxury in life?
My country house.

Favorite current book?
A Thousand Years of Solitude

Favorite holiday song?
Rudolph!

Favorite party clothes?
Plaid corduroy dinner jacket from Hermes.

Favorite cookie?
Bottino Oatmeal Raisin

Favorite city?
New York and Lucca Italy in the summer.

Favorite place to shop?
My closet or Hermes!

Favorite movie to watch again and again?
Any Harry Potter film. Each time you see some new visual effect!

Waterford Wedgwood

It’s a sad day. Another iconic company has succumbed to the current economic state. Today Waterford Wedgwood PLC, the maker of classic china and crystal, filed for bankruptcy protection after attempts to restructure the struggling business or find a buyer.

Waterford, Wedgwood and Royal Doulton are quintessentially classic brands that are steeped in a rich history. Wedgwood has been an a beloved name in British pottery for 250 years, and Waterford Crystal traces its lineage to a factory opened in Waterford, southeast Ireland in 1783.

Waterford Wedgwood chief executive officer David Sculley said he was "disappointed" about the bankruptcy filing, but remained confident that a buyer for the company could be found.

Tonight while making dinner I was listening to a commentator on BBC Scotland speculate as to why the group’s U.K. and Irish subsidiaries have had to go into administration and receivership. Some of the blame and speculation was the economy, people scaling back on luxury goods and younger generations not taking an interest in their “grandmother’s” china. I really hope the last of these is not true and a buyer can be found.

It’s my understanding, according to The New York Times, that the remaining subsidiaries, including those in the United States, Germany and Canada, remain unaffected.

My Favorite Things: Thomas Burak

While the holiday season may be over for most, I thought that I would extend it for just a few more days and post two more ‘favorite things’ before taking down my holiday blog header.

One of my best memories, hands down, from 2008 is our Thanksgiving spent with Thomas Burak and Michael Devine. Not only is Thomas a brilliant interior designer, as evidenced by his home, he is a fabulous cook and tablescape artist. I’m not certain that ‘tablescape artist’ is an actual title, but it does accurately describe his artistic genius when it comes to flowers and tables.

You can also visit Eddie Ross’ blog to see more photos of Thomas’ beautiful handiwork.

Favorite gift to give?
I have a tendency to shop throughout the year for special things that remind me of the recipient. Perhaps a special pair of cufflinks, jewelry or accessory found at an antique show or flea market. I once found a beautiful cream damask tablecloth and napkins bordered in Bordeaux and rose. It was not only the perfect color but the monogram was MFB—my friend’s very initials.

Favorite gift to receive?
A phone call or an invitation to dinner from a friend that I haven't heard from or seen in a while and of course anything I receive from the love of my life, Michael Devine.

Favorite way to celebrate the holidays?
I will have to ditto Michael's response to this question. Christmas Eve with Michael Rosenberg, Leonard Kowalski and Catherine Carter at our home in the country.

Favorite luxury?
Time and more time to spend with Michael and friends. Over the holidays we put up our tree with friends and Kir Royales—festive and fun. That is luxury!

Favorite book?
I am currently obsessed with the many design books that I received for a recent birthday.

Favorite holiday song?
We need a little Christmas from Auntie Mame. May not actually be considered a holiday song but I make it mine because we always need a little Christmas right this very minute!

Favorite holiday clothes?
I have a favorite Valentino red velvet shirt and a Valentino pearl grey silk shirt that I just had duplicated in Purple silk. These 3 glitzy shirts worn with grey flannels get me through the season.

Favorite cookie?
Nothing better than a great chocolate chip cookie. But, I would never turn down an oatmeal raisin or ginger snap or any cookie for that matter.

Favorite city?
Venice for the pure fantasy and Paris for its beauty, food and outdoor cafes. It's also so romantic. C' est magnifique!!!!!!!

Favorite movie?
Auntie Mame, the old girl knew how to live.

Favorite place to shop?
The Paris Flea Market. It is such fun, I can always find something I don't need but want there.

Soup on Sunday: Roasted Cauliflower & Boursin

We have been on a Boursin kick in our home this holiday season. As you can image I am back to the gym with full force starting tomorrow! The other night my husband created a delicious creamy Boursin cheese sauce tossed with pasta that was simply amazing. We have one last round of Boursin in the refrigerator and felt that it needed to be put to good use. I think this recipe sounds just about perfect. For the record, I have not tried this soup before, but plan to make it today. I’ll let you know my thoughts, and if you try it, please do likewise.


Roasted Cauliflower and Boursin Cheese Soup

2 large head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 yellow onion, peeled and diced
4 potatoes, peeled and diced
1 round of Boursin cheese
2 quarts of vegetable stock
¼ cup dry white wine
salt to taste
Fresh chives
Homemade croutons (optional)

Preheat oven to 425°F.
In a large roasting/baking pan toss cauliflower with oil to coat and roast in middle of oven about 30 minutes, or until golden. Once roasted, remove from oven and set aside. In a stockpot melt butter, sauté onion until translucent. Then add potatoes, roasted cauliflower, vegetable stock and wine. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes. Remove from heat.

Wisk in the Boursin cheese. Once melted through, transfer soup to blender, working in batches, puree until smooth. Season to taste with salt. Garnish with fresh chives and homemade croutons.

Serve with a dry wine (Pouilly-Fumé) and a small salad.

Flickr image

My Favorite Things: Kate Schelter

The Schelter family skiing in Zermatt, Switzerland for Christmas - 1987. Kate is wearing the little red "bomber" in the middle.

I first featured the extraordinary Kate Schelter back in June when I started my ‘style file’ profiles. Kate is one of those amazing women who can mix various looks and styles so effortlessly and always look impeccable.

It was through my connection with Kate that I came to know Tracy Smith (House of Lavande), Amy Lagae and then Victoria Amory. I love the circles that are woven through this wonderful world called blogging. I can’t wait to reflect on all the people I will meet in 2009 at this time next year.

My favorite gift to give this year?
I will give tiny TOMS to all my nieces and nephews as I prepare to go to Argentina in January for a shoe drop to donate thousands of shoes to kids in need.

My favorite gift to receive?
I don't need anything! The cheesy clichés is true: all I need is loving friends and family and colleagues and I'm happy. I get enough free-bees through work so I'm stocked! Or, if I want something I usually just get it for myself.

On a practical note, I want to finally buy myself an apartment in my building this year. Oh, and I want the Tony Duquette coffee table book!

My favorite way to celebrate the holidays?
Go far far far away from anything that's marketing Christmas - Maya Tulum or the Jamaica Inn. Or be with family around a fire.

My favorite luxury in life?
Having my own business. My time. Back rubs. First Class. Comfortable high heels. Finding a great deal. I'm a sucker for a bargain!

My favorite current book?
A Man in Full, by Tom Wolfe. I'm can't wait to read Malcolm Gladwell's new book, Outliers. He's one of my favorite living authors.

My favorite holiday song?
Chopin Nocturnes; Mozart played on a grand piano; Wes Anderson movie soundtracks always have very sweet songs (Mark Mothersbaugh); The Charlie Brown Christmas Special soundtrack (Vince Guaraldi)

My favorite party clothes?
Wolford fishnets, Alaia heels, sequined Gryphon jacket, lots of House of Lavande jewels, Cecelia stingray clutch.

My favorite cookie?
Cookie Dough (is yummier), but I prefer pie a la mode.

My favorite city?
NYC!!!! (Paris and Istanbul a very close second)

My favorite place to shop?
eBay and sample sales—straight from my favorite designers.

My favorite movie to watch again and again?
Sixteen Candles and Flight of the Concords DVDs

My Favorite Things: Andrew Puschel

The fabulous 110-year-old fabric house, F. Schumacher & Co., has long been one of my favorites. It seems that I am not alone in my opinion. Everyone from Dorothy Draper to Jamie Drake has collaborated with the iconic company.

Through the wonderful world of email I have gotten to know Andrew Puschel, the fifth-generation descendant of the founder Frederic Schumacher. Andrew has done an amazing job of revamping the firm’s website and reaching out to designers and bloggers alike.

Andrew has taken a keen interest in sustainable practices and is now working on launching an organic line of fabrics.

My favorite gift to give this year?
An IOU—just joking! Pillows made out of Schumacher fabric. Right now people are seeking more comfort than ever in their homes and pillows are a great way to give new life to a room.

My favorite gift to receive?
Time with my family and friends.

My favorite way to celebrate the holidays?
Heading home to see my family and childhood friends.

My favorite luxury in life?
A much needed vacation during which I have no cell phone or Internet.

My favorite current book?
Anything by Bill Bryson.

My favorite holiday song?
Christmas Song by Dave Matthews. A different take on a classic story.

My favorite party clothes?
A tacky reindeer sweater.

My favorite cookie?
A classic sugar cookie with a liberal sprinkling of green and red sugar crystals.

My favorite city?
New York City...as if there were any question!

My favorite place to shop?
Amazon.com

My favorite movie to watch again and again?
Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase.

Oh, and my favorite drink...
Egg Nog!

My Favorite Things: Todd Romano

One of my favorite designers, hands down, is the talented Todd Romano. I am so grateful to my friend Mel Morris for putting me in touch with Todd. In January I will feature a full interview and profile, but for now you can enjoy reading a few of Todd's favorite things.

My favorite gift to give this year?
My new scented candles that I created and produced in France. One is a delicious Tige de Bambou and the other is an earthy Thẽ.

My favorite gift to receive this year?
Any type of book dealing with history, architecture, design etc.

My favorite way to celebrate the holidays?
After spending time with my family and friends in Texas, it's great to be back east curled up in front of a fire with a book in hand and my dog asleep at my side.

My favorite luxury in life?
After travel of course, eating out as I can't cook!

My favorite current book?
Love and Louis XIV by Antonia Fraser

My favorite holiday song?
We Wish You a Merry Little Christmas—The Judy Garland or Nat King Cole versions.

My favorite party clothes?
Tartan wool slacks and a bottle green velvet dinner jacket.

My favorite cookie?
Any kind! As long as they are homemade and fresh out of the oven!

My favorite city?
After New York, Paris and Tangier.

My favorite place to shop?
Paris and the South of France.

My favorite movie to watch again and again?
That's tough for me as I really love the movies…. probably my all time favorite to watch over and over again though is All About Eve.

My Favorite Things: Eva Jeanbart Lorenzotti

One of my favorite places to shop and browse for ideas is the fabulous VIVRE. And, as one might expect, the brainchild behind the company is equally fabulous!

Your favorite way to stay chic during times of recession?
Smile! Wear fabulous things that you have collected over the years. Be proud and learn how to mix pieces in a creative way that will in turn look fresh and undated. Entertain at home with homemade, simple dinners, delicious drinks, light candles, play good music and surround yourself with great friends.

What is your favorite hostess gift to give this year?
A good luck token! I collect Amulets from my travels and love giving something that symbolizes safety and brings good blessings to the house and hostess.

What is your favorite tip when it comes to holiday entertaining?
I like details that are untraditional and unexpected – it gives a twist on how you celebrate – use artichokes on your table instead of holiday ferns and avoid predictable color palettes.

What’s your favorite stylish and heartfelt gift?
Something special and lasting. Take lots of photos and fill a beautiful album (my favorites range from Smythson to Sam Flax) with the pictures and a personal note on the first page.

What is your favorite floral arrangement for the holidays?
I love flowers in abundance. I pick one color of flower and fill a large hand woven basket to the rim! It is difficult to overdo it with flowers. I like flowers that not only match my color scheme, but are also visually interesting and unexpected.

Your mother-in-law is a former Vogue editor and house guest, what is your favorite dish to serve her for breakfast on Christmas morning?
Eggs sunny side up with Russian Caviar.

Your favorite new item from VIVRE that everyone should own?
I adore our ultra fine cashmere travel kit with a featherweight cashmere wrap. It is the perfect size and weight and comes in three very versatile colors. It is what I am giving everyone for Christmas!

A Burning Question

Growing up my family opened all of our gifts to each other on Christmas Eve and then Santa would leave his gifts on Christmas morning. My husband's family opened all of their gifts on Christmas day. For the past 15 years it has been our tradition to open one gift on Christmas Eve and all the rest on Christmas day.

My husband claims that my family is 'unique' in their tradition and no one else opens all of their gifts on the 24th of December. So I thought I would ask all of you to tell me your tradition. I have set up a poll to help settle this friendly dispute and please feel free to leave your comments, I do love hearing from all of you!

My Favorite Things

Being that today is my favorite day of the year, I thought that I would share with you some of my favorite things. I have had so much fun learning about the favorites of those I admire and still have several to post before the end of 2008. I had not intended to post my own, but several of you have asked in emails and comments so I decided to play along.

I wish all of you the very best this holiday season!


My favorite gift to receive?
Books, books and more books! And a bottle of Pol Roger.

My favorite way to celebrate the holidays?
At home with my family! We always attend a Christmas Eve service, come home to a decadent meal and open one gift. Christmas day is a low-key affair with a delicious meal late in the afternoon.

My favorite luxury in life?
Travel and a great massage! I suffer wanderlust often these days and long for my next trip, holiday or visit to the States. This comes from a girl who was once terrified of flying and honestly believed that I would never visit Europe due to my fears—now I live in Scotland!

My favorite current book?
I have a stack next to my bed and read several at once, often not finishing a book for months. As of today I can now add Michael S. Smith Houses; Regency Redux by Emily Evans Eerdmans; High Style by Ron Woodson and Jaime Rummerfield to my bedside table.

My favorite holiday song?
My Favorite Things—both the John Coltrane and Tony Bennett version are brilliant.

My favorite party clothes?
A Josephine Sasso dress with great jewelry!

My favorite cookie?
Peanut butter! (This is a difficult decision though since my wonderful husband bakes a wide range of cookies for the holidays.)

My favorite cites?
Paris, New York and Edinburgh

My favorite place to shop?
Online and used bookstores.

My favorite daydream?
The day that my name is in print and my book is on the shelf of a bookstore!

My favorite holiday movie to watch again and again?
Christmas Vacation

My Favorite Things: Michelle Adams

One of the hottest fabrics designers to emerge in recent years is the brilliant Manhattan based Michelle Adams, founder of Rubie Green. After studying apparel and textile design at Michigan State University, Michelle landed her dream job—a coveted position with domino magazine. While working on the magazine’s inaugural "green issue," she realized no one was making eco-friendly textiles in classic prints and saw an opportunity to combine her two passions: design and sustainability. So, in 2007 she left the magazine to start Rubie Green.

During her time at Michigan State University she took a course in sustainability that opened her eyes to the importance of environmentally friendly design. "My professor believed that if we are going to put more products onto the earth then we needed to do so responsibly. It's a concept that has stuck with me throughout the entire manufacturing process, despite the fact that it would have been twenty times easier to manufacture my fabrics in the traditional ways."

You can view all of Michelle’s gorgeous fabrics online. I love the new Jackie pattern, but East Village in raspberry is still my very favorite.


My favorite gift to give this year?
Design books! I'm currently obsessed with the domino Book of Decorating, Thom Filicia Style, and Live Forever: Elizabeth Peyton.

My favorite gift to receive?
This year I'm hoping for the faux fur neck warmer from Banana Republic! It looks like real fur...but it's not!

My favorite way to celebrate the holidays?
Driving with my family to our cottage. It's about a 3 hour drive, and we sing Christmas songs and make fun of each other the whole way there.

My favorite luxury in life?
An afternoon nap

My favorite current book?
The domino Book of Decorating

My favorite holiday song?
Winter Wonderland by Aretha Franklin

My favorite party clothes?
Costume jewelry, playful silhouettes and high heels.

My favorite cookie?
I have a bit of a sweet tooth, so I LOVE sugar cookies! Mrs. Fields' Sugar Butter m&m is a bite of heaven.

My favorite city?
I think you know the answer to that…

My favorite place to shop?
J. Crew

My favorite movie to watch again and again?
Something's Gotta Give. I've probably seen it 100 times!

Photo: Patrick Cline

My Favorite Things: Karen Carroll

There is nothing like Southern hospitality, and Karen Carroll, Editor and Chief of Southern Accents, not only embodies this classic trait, she capably shares it with millions of devoted readers.

Like most Southerners, I was raised on Southern Living recipes (I've even had a few of my own published) and have read Southern Accents since I married in 1993. Early on it became my secular bible, and now living in Scotland, I delight in the visual reminders of home.

What sets Karen apart from the crowd is her graciousness, professionalism and accessibility. Again and again she elevates the South through the pages of her glorious magazine.

My favorite gift to give this year?
We're cutting back for everyone but the children in our family this year, not only because of the economy, but also because we're blessed to have so much already. I'm trying to go "Martha" and make a lot of things--we'll see how that goes! I have a 3 year-old niece who is totally into her princess phase, so she's getting a lot of sparkly Cinderella and Snow White things.

My favorite gift to receive?
Doesn’t matter whether it’s a trinket or something luxurious as long as the giver has put some thought behind picking out something they think I’ll like. And hopefully they’ve wrapped it in beautiful paper and ribbon. Call me superficial, but I can get as excited by packaging as what’s inside!

My favorite way to celebrate the holiday?
Always with family. We usually go to my parents or my husband's. This year we're hosting at our house.

My favorite luxury in life?
Time to myself with a glass of wine, a good book and a bath.

My favorite current book?
I always have several books going at once on my bedside table. I’m currently reading Hot, Flat, and Crowded by Thomas Friedman, Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama, and One Fifth Avenue by Candace Bushnell.

I can’t say that any of them would qualify as a favorite book, but I have to confess that I keep reaching for Candace’s. Frankly with all the stress going on in the world, it’s just easier to fall asleep reading something that is pure fluff.

My favorite holiday song?
I love holiday music and must have over 100 Christmas cds. "We Need a Little Christmas," by Johnny Mathis (from one of my favorite movies, Auntie Mame) and "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," by Andy Wiliams are two of my traditional favorites. And I'm currently obsessed with the Flo Rida and Trey Songz remix of Jingle Bells on Gap.com.

My favorite party clothes?
Sounds boring, but I usually go with something black. But always with great shoes.

My favorite cookie?
My mother's sugar cookies with royal icing--I've never tasted better. And I also love macarons from Laduree in Paris or Sucre in New Orleans.

My favorite city?
Venice. To me it's the most magical city on earth.

My favorite place to shop?
Takashimaya in New York and William Yeoward in London. I also loved Charlotte Moss' townhouse in New York. I'm still mourning its closing.

My favorite movie to watch again and again?
The BBC version of Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. It's 5 hours long, so it's impossible to do in one sitting, but I'll never tire of the Regency interiors or the complicated courtship between Mr. Darcy and Lizzie Bennet!

Christmas Menu

Every year when I plan my holiday table and menu I turn to the photos of renowned Atlanta interior designer Dan Carithers' Christmas table. After all these years it still inspires me and it is the reason I started collecting red stemware.

Growing up in my home we only had turkey on Thanksgiving and therefore I do not associate the icon bird with Christmas. Unlike my husband’s upbringing, Christmas Eve was the big night in our house. While his mother roasted a turkey for Christmas day, my mother would make chicken in wine sauce served over wild rice on the 24th of December. I can smell and taste it now, even as I write.

Over the past 15 years my husband and I have melded the best of each of our families’ traditions to create our own. We now have a special Christmas Eve meal after a candlelight service and another decadent meal Christmas day.

In some areas of my life I am a purest, however, when it comes to Christmas dinner, I enjoy planning a new meal each year. This year my husband and I have been dreaming up classic recipes that conjure up a bygone era—Brandy Alexander and Sidecar cocktails, Iceberg Wedges with Roquefort Dressing, Potted Crab Royale and Brandy Bread & Butter Pudding.

For my Brandy Bread & Butter Pudding I am using Victoria Amory’s recipe and for Potted Crab Royale I am referencing my copy of René Verdon The White House Chef Cookbook.

Chef René Verdon was appointmented by Mrs. Kennedy in the spring of 1961. He soon established a reputation for his superb dinners, luncheons, and buffets. He infused the White House with French elegance, much to the dismay of many. Verdon, the first official White House chef, resigned in 1965 when President Johnson demanded that he cook Texas-ranch style.

René Verdon’s Potted Crab Royale

1 pound cooked crabmeat, finely shredded
4 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon white pepper
dash cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons bread crumbs

Directions:
Mix crabmeat with butter, cream, mustard, salt, pepper, cayenne, Worcestershire sauce and 4 tablespoons of Parmesan; toss lightly.

Divide among 6 lightly buttered ramekins. Sprinkle each with the remaining Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs. Bake in a 400° F oven for 10 minutes or until golden.

I believe these photos came from Food & Wine, but can not locate the source. Please let me know if you have more details.