My Favorite Things - Patricia van Essche

One of my favorite memories from this past year is having drinks at the Four Seasons in New York with Patricia van Essche and both of our sisters. As most of you know, I adore Patricia's illustrations and I love to see my blog masthead each morning. I especially love my Christmas hat and I'll miss it once the holidays are over. Thank you Patricia! You can see more illustrations on Absolutely Beautiful Things.


Favorite holiday movie:
The Grinch
Favorite holiday song:
The Nutcracker
Favorite season:
Christmas—I love the holidays!
Favorite City
Christmas in New York!
Favorite food:
Christmas cookies
Favorite actor:
Burl Ives' voice makes me think of Rudolph.
Favorite memory:
Christmas morning! Waking up early to see what Santa brought and St. Nicolas filling our stockings with mandarin oranges.

Five Golden Rings

Gold Jeweled Crown Ring by Most Wanted Design by Carlos de Souza
18K gold coronet glitters in a band of rubies. Cross-shaped crests glow with embedded diamonds from Vivre.

Cathy Waterman Oval Bamboo Ring set in 22 karat gold with diamond bamboo overlay with diamond edging from Barneys New York.

Annette Ferdinandsen 18kt gold ring with pink tourmaline from Ylang|23.

Amanda Jaron Westfield Ring in18kt green gold is an architectural statement that will not go unnoticed from A. Jaron Fine Jewelry.

Alexis Bittar sculpted 24K gold vermeil ring with wood from Alexis Bittar online.

Bing Crosby and David Bowie

This evening my husband bought the CD Now That's What I Call Xmas. It's a compilation of Christmas songs that are popular in Britain. It includes one of our long time favorites Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth.

One of the more unusual moments in pop music history took place Sept. 11, 1977, when the leading American singer of the first half of the Twentieth Century met and performed with one of the more innovative musicians of the last half of the Century. Bing Crosby was in London on a concert tour and to tape his yearly TV Christmas special. It was Bing's idea that he should have a young star as a guest on his TV show. Someone suggested David Bowie.

The idea was that he and Bowie would perform "The Little Drummer Boy" as a duet. Bowie felt the song did not showcase his voice very well, so the writers added "Peace on Earth," which suited Bowie's voice quite well. The two met for the first time on the morning of the taping, rehearsed for an hour and finished their duet in only three takes.

Bing died a month later. The public did not see their performance until after his death.

Edinburgh Photo Tour

Last evening my husband and I went over to Edinburgh for an event at the Parliament. We took the early train to get in a bit of shopping. Princess Street Gardens, a public park at the foot of Edinburgh Castle, was decorated for the holidays and playing host to the German Christmas market. The krapfen (a doughnut made from sweet yeast and dusted with powdered sugar) were particularly good on a cold damp night.

After a jaunt up to the castle gift shop for gifts, we did a mini pub-crawl down the Royal Mile, before making our evening engagement at Holyrood. It was a fun, festive outing and just what I needed during the holiday season.

My Favorite Things - Schuyler Samperton

One of my favorite people that I profiled this past year was Los Angeles-based designer Schuyler Samperton. Just like the interiors she designs, Schuyler is a warm, friendly and lovely person. My favorite recommendation from Schuyler is Jergens self tanner - great for stocking stuffers!



Here are a few of Schuyler's favorite things:

Favorite movie:
Goodfellas
Favorite song:
Jumpin' Jack Flash by the Rolling Stones
Favorite season:
Fall
Favorite city:
Rome
Favorite food:
Baskin & Robbins' chocolate chip ice cream
Favorite actor:
Cate Blanchett
Favorite memory:
Everything about being at Heron Cove in Jamaica

Beautiful Heron Cove Jamaica

Interior Inspiration

I'm running short on time today (Christmas shopping to be done) and I am still obsessing about our master bedroom. So, to keep myself inspired I thought I would post a few of my favorite interiors that I always find inspirational. Have a great day!

Katie Ridder
Peter Dunham
Miles Redd
Steven Sclaroff

Robin Bell

Master Bedrooms

We have a lovely master bedroom in our 100+ year old flat in Scotland. The best features of the room are high ceilings, ornate molding and large windows. That said, it's lacking pizazz. I'm just not sure where I want to go with the overall look. Solid walls, Chinoiserie paper, bold colors, muted tones, stripes, florals...

Below are some of my favorite bedrooms. Hopefully I can draw inspirational elements from these rooms and come up with a game plan. As always, ideas and suggestions are most welcome.

Southern Accents
Domino Magazine
Southern Accents
The World of Interiors

Sterling Silver

Our eclectic collection of family silver that needs polishing!

At this time of the year I tend to start using the sterling that has been hiding in the drawers for several month, looking dark and much neglected. I love sterling silver, especially cutlery, even though I only use it 8-10 times a year. Whenever I do pull it out and polish away the tarnish I think of my childhood friend whose mother used her sterling everyday. We always ate our Cheerios using well worn Repousse spoons. It felt so grownup, even though it always left a funny metallic taste in my mouth.

My husband's family were quite the collectors (or pack rats depending on who you ask) and we have inherited an eclectic collection over the years. Once again it's time to bring these much loved utensils back to life. We are having friends for dinner tomorrow so you can guess what I will be doing today. As you can see from the photos above there is much work to be done.


If you are a lover of sterling and you're in London you must visit The Silver Vaults. Hidden away behind large safe doors, the London Silver Vaults house a seemingly endless number of silverware dealers.

The Chancery Lane Safe Deposit, as it was formerly know, opened in 1876, renting rooms mainly to London's wealthy elite in order to safeguard their household silver, jewelery and personal documents.

The business remained the same for several years, but with many of the original clientele being replaced by silver dealers who required secure premises for their valuable stock. This need was made more pressing by the outbreak of the Second World War.

As knowledge of the Vaults began to spread, it became a "must" for visitors from overseas seeking quality silver at competitive prices. The rapid expansion of this business led to more dealers renting a room within the now world-renowned London Silver Vaults. It has been in its present format since 1953 and is still the place to shop for fine silver.

Maison&Objet

Many thanks to everyone who responded to my plea for the names of Paris hotels! There were so many great options. There was just one problem—almost everyone was booked! I did manage to find a room at Hotel Louis Deux, a small charming hotel in Saint Germain des Pres quarter. Apparently Maison & Objet is quite popular and I can’t wait to attend.

Twice a year Maison&Objet sets up shop at Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre for five days revealing the latest and greatest in the world of home decoration, fabrics, wall coverings, giftware and tableware.

More than a trade show, Maison&Objet is a concentration of energies bringing together major designers and manufacturers around one concept—the finest in home décor and the art of living.

I am especially looking forward to Maison&Objet éditeurs, a prestigious event completely dedicated to fabrics, and the unveiling of Michael Devine’s new line for 2008 at Parc des Expositions.

I am so excited…it’s as if Christmas has come early!

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My Favorite Things

a favorite ornament from our tree (circa 1940s)

As I have mentioned on any number of occasions Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love this festive time of year and all that it truly represents. One of my favorite Christmas songs is My Favorite Things. I especially love Tony Bennett's version and play it all day long. My husband and I have an ongoing debate as to whether it's Christmas song at all...but that's another story and I know I'm right.

In the spirit of the season I will be sharing with you the favorite things of some of my favorite people over the next few weeks. Enjoy!

My Favorite Things - Anne Harwell

I adore artist Anne Harwell. Her warm personality always comes through in her emails and post comments, as well as her work. If you are not familiar with Anne's work, then do visit her Etsy shop and blog. Her work is so charming and just this week Anne's work was featured on Domino's gift giving gallery.


Here are a few of Anne's favorite things:

Favorite movie:
To Catch A Thief
Favorite song:
Rescue by Desperation
Favorite season:
Autumn
Favorite city:
Paris
Favorite food:
Lobster
Favorite Drink:
Perrier
Favorite memory:
When I was little, dancing around to cheesy Christmas LP's as my family decorated our Christmas tree.

Glasgow Winterfest

George Square, the central square in Glasgow was laid out in 1781. For the first few years however it was little more than a muddy hollow, filled with dirty water and used for slaughtering horses. Between 1787 and the 1820s, the square was eventually opened up and lined with Georgian townhouses as well as hotels. By 1850 the surrounding area had become a centre for mercantile activity and the square became an established public space.

Today the square is dominated by the ornate Glasgow City Chambers, and for a brief few weeks it becomes a winter wonderland.

Yesterday my son convinced me to go ice-skating. Now mind you I have not been on ice skates in more than 20 years and the ground looks much further away in your 30s. Much to my surprise it was like riding a bike and I did not fall even once!! It was good fun and the perfect excuse for a hot toddie!

Profile: Michael Devine

Michael Devine is a popular man. This month alone his fabulous fabrics are featured in House & Garden and Domino, his Garden Folly fabric in red (one of my favorite prints) is being used by Charlotte Moss as a tabletopper in the main area of The Townhouse and in January Michael will be at Maison et Objet Editeurs in Paris.

In addition to fabrics, Michael is the proprietor of Michael Devine Home, specializing in unique gifts and home accessories. After searching high and low for the perfect country house, Michael a former magazine editor, found an 1840’s store front in the village of Kinderhook, New York. After an extensive renovation of both the shop and living space Michael Devine Home opened in September 2006.


I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot more from Michael and I for one could not be more pleased. Not only do I adore his fabrics, Michael is a very likable person. I am always both delighted and surprised by the invention of the Internet. Over the past month I have gotten to know Michael through email and find him to be personable and charming. I am frantically trying to schedule a trip to Paris to attend Maison et Objet Editeurs and the launch of the 2008 Devine fabric collection. I hope to have dinner with Michael while I’m there…I’ll keep you posted.

I love the fabric in Aerin Lauder's Long Island master bedroom. Do you have a favorite fabric or pattern in your collection?
Right now, I am really loving one of my newest designs that I will be launching in Paris. It’s called Summerhouse, and it’s an airy floral that’s very cheerful.

Aerin Lauder's master bedroom/House & Garden December 2007

What inspires your designs?
The subtilty of things made by hand and the fanciful effects of the passage of time inspire everything I design.

What are your favorite indulgences?
My all time favorite indulgence is Paris. I love everything about the city and its people. It also happens to be a place I went to school so I still have many really good friends that I spend time with when I am there. My 2nd most favorite indulgence is spending time with my family and friends. Of course, there’s also nothing like a really great party…

How would you describe your personal style?
Classic. Dark suits for the city and sweaters and cords for the country.

What do you collect?
Books, books and more books! They are my constant companions. Since I don’t own a television they transport me anywhere I want to go instantly.

What books are on your bedside table?
Visions of Paradise, Horst Interiors, Le Jardin du Marcel Proust and La Rochefoucauld Maximes.

Who would you most like to meet and how would you spend the day?
Michelle Obama, she has great style and is so elegant. I would like to spend the day listening to her thoughts on improving the image of America and healthcare reform.

Who are your style icons?
Charlotte Moss, Thomas Burak, Madame de Pompadour, John Fowler and Marian McEvoy.

Garden Folly fabric at The Townhouse

Profile by Ronda Carman

Paris Hotels

We may be going Paris to this January and my head is spinning trying to find the perfect hotel room. I've been online all afternoon and evening searching the web. I can be exceeding picky when it comes to hotels and travel accommodations. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

All best,
Ronda

Hot Toddies

When the weather outside is frightful, what could be more delightful than a mug of nutmeg-laced hot buttered rum? Warm winter drinks always seem to add an element of festivity to the season.

When we lived in the States we made hot buttered rum every year for our annual Christmas party. It always seemed like such a traditional British, “Dickens-ish” thing to do. Then we moved to Scotland, hosted our first Christmas party, and no one at our party had ever tasted hot buttered rum (some had not even heard of it!). It was just like the episode of Will and Grace when Grace and Leo order two mugs of hot buttered rum at the Nutcracker. Grace declares that she loves they are drinking hot buttered rum because it is so “Christmassy.” Leo takes a sip and asks, “What the hell is this crap?”

We sometimes get a similar response. However, I now feel vindicated after reading the December issue of Elle (US edition). Caterer extraordinaire, Peter Callahan and the stylish Kate Spade served none other than hot buttered rum at the Spade home for a holiday party.

For delicious recipes look at Hot Toddies: Mulled Wine, Buttered Rum, Spiced Cider, and Other Soul-Warming Winter Drinks. It’s a great little book for the holidays, whether as a stocking stuffer or a hostess gift.


For those who are curious, hot toddy is a name given to any mixed drink that is served hot with alcohol. Although it originated in Scotland, there are many variations; the essential elements are a spirit base such as brandy, rum or whisky; hot liquid — hot tea, coffee, cocoa or water; a sweetener, such as honey, sugar or syrup. If you spend a winter in Scotland it’s no surprise that warm, bracing drinks were invented in the country.

Hot toddies are traditionally considered appropriate for relaxing in the evening before retiring, or following exposure to severe weather. So curl up by the fire and enjoy a steamy, frothy Irish coffee or steaming mulled wine.

Postscript - It's evening here in Scotland and we just returned home for the winter festival in George Square. Once home my husband made hot toddies from Mr Boston Bartender's Guide...yummy!
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Shopping on Saturday

Beautiful Swarovski Crystal for everyone on your holiday list. I'm loving the USB memory key and the Ziggy ring. Happy shopping!

USB memory key disguised as a lock. Polished stainless steel and Silver Shade crystals set in Ceralun(TM) with slide-out and hooking mechanisms. For 1 GB of data (about 250 songs or 1’000 photos) with password protection, high-speed USB 2.0 interface.

A rhodium-plated ring in bezel-set clear, Crystal Satin and Black Diamond crystal.

Ziggy Ring - Asymmetrical 925 sterling silver ring set with Jet and Jet Metallic Silver crystals of different cuts and sizes including stars on the sides, all set in Ceralun(TM) for a most dazzling effect.

Beverly Hills Evening Bag - Ultra chic black evening box in Jet Crystal Mesh; ruthenium-plated magnetic clasp incrusted with a 0.1 carat diamond in the baguette-cut Jet crystal.