Over the years I've collected entertaining books...and Entertaining Books. I find that the most, entertaining books, are those that are reflective of their region. Junior League cookbooks are always great for this ( a favorite of mine: Kansas City Jr. League's circa 1985 ) . Combining menus and table settings that reflect their respective environments, these books are great hostess how-to manuals. I think some of the best come out of the Southern states because there's such a definitive sense of tradition and particular way of doing things and let's face it - they know what's up when it comes to entertaining.
'Palm Beach Entertaining - Creating Occasions to Remember'
'Palm Beach Entertaining - Creating Occasions to Remember'
'Palm Beach Entertaining - Creating Occasions to Remember'
Then you have the coastal towns of Florida - practically a foreign culture to many of us West of the Mississippi and Rockies. Palm Beach with it's Caribbean waters and a world filled with a, seemingly, endless amount of outdoor soirees on balmy evenings. It exudes such an ease to the glamour.
'Palm Beach Entertaining - Creating Occasions to Remember'
I was recently introduced to the book, 'Palm Beach Entertaining - Creating Occasions to Remember' by Annie Falk. The book is a compendium of the relaxed and sparkly entertainment style for which Palm Beach is known. Beautiful photos of tablescapes and parties accompany menus and recipes to borrow and recreate. Making it the perfect planning book as we ease our way into summer.
I've been blessed with a few creative talents - that I take no responsibility for. They were just part of the package at birth. They seem to be floating around in my family's gene pool in abundance, most of which are akin to a good party trick although some I've actually been able to use to turn a buck or two. And I am thankful, don't get me wrong: I am thankful, everyday, for all that I've been given. But when I'm not navel gazing and my eye is drawn to somebody else's creative gifts I dare say, sometimes, I get a little envious. Singing. I can't sing for crap. I don't even try. Writing, like, real writing - so envious of the Nora Ephron and Ann Lamottes of the world. Because, to me they're like the rockstars, you sort of fall in love with them because they're so good at expressing what you're thinking.
Now, here's a sort of random one, graphic artists. A really good graphic artist can use shape, color and a good type to express EVERYTHING with efficiently and simplistically. I'm convinced it's the visual version of writing. This is all a very long prelude into introducing today's graphic art rock-star and get a little patriotism in to the day. Check out, Meg Jannott's series of brand each of the 44 Presidents of the United States of America.
A few of my favorites:
"This was created as a personal project to push myself creatively while
also having the determination to keep up with a series of designs.
I wanted to do something different and came up with branding the Presidents of the United States. With each one being unique, I thought that this might yield some interesting results."
Monday, April 15, 2013
Happy Monday, y'all! For the first time in 11 years I had no, Coa-jelousy. Usually, when the desert music fest rolls 'round I have various conversations with friends and husband about why we didn't go and why don't we get a group to go next year. This year? Not really. Plus, I'm sort of thinking it's not as cool as when it first started. I mean, my eleven year old and friends are talking about wanting to go. Things become canned when they go suburban and you know it's become mainstream when little kids are talking about it. It's Urban Outfitters: Indy to those who don't know better and a corporate machine to those who do. But. Hey, what do I know. I just say No-chella.
A few things on the week's to do list for you. I'm a contributor to Williams Sonoma's Designer's Marketplace which is an excellent resources for anyone in the design world. I sit with good company as several designer/design bloggers also contribute to great articles on all aspects of the business of design. Speaking of which, come check out my newest article which discusses: The real design challenge, running your own small business. I'd love to hear your thoughts as I think we can all be of great value to one another in this area. So come on over and give me some, unique hit love.
The other great news is that we have a new interview up over at, The Skirted Round Table. This week we sit down with the absolutely LOVELY, Carolyne Roehm. As always we get the inside scoop on her life's path from St. Louis to NYC from assistant to Oscar de le Renta to reknowned clothing designer, from interior designer to author of her newest book, Flowers. This is a woman who has, seemingly, done it all. Again, an inspiring interview that you wont' want to miss. Go here for the listen or, as always, subscribe to us on iTunes.
Who can forget this beautiful, digital canvas wall photographer Pieter Estersohn created for his son's room. The photo is one of his own; taken of his own bedroom when he lived at the Maharani of Deograrh's palace, outside Udaipur, India. There's nothing about that, that's not totally awesome.
Until I stumbled across this post on Milk, I hadn't see the rest of the Father and Son apartment that over looks, New York's Gramercy Park. And, while that wall still takes the cake, the rest of the pad is pretty sweet. (like, can we talk about that door??)
Even in LA, where the weather seems eternally spring-like, come May a certain freshness seems to sweep over the landscape, dusting away winter and leaving the town with a certain extra bit of shimmer around the already vibrating edges. With Violet colored Jacaranda trees lining the streets and Bouganvialia vines bursting magenta against cornflower skies our normally smoggy conditions seem fresh, bright and renewed. The air conducts an energy that lends itself to warm evening cocktail parties and reuniting of friends making May the perfect month for one of LA's most exciting design events, La Cienega Design Quarter's annual Legends of La Cienega.
This year marks, LEGENDS 5th year. The 3-day
celebration of design brings together VIPs and tastemakers
from the worlds of interior design, decor, art, fashion and architecture
for receptions, keynote panel discussions, cocktail parties,
exhibitions, book signings, personal appearances and special events.
In other words, it's an event not to be missed. I for one love LEGENDS because it has a definitively hip, fresh vibe. The keynote panels are always a great source of inspiration, meeting the authors behind the books at the signings, is always fun and just the general socializing with fellow design enthusiasts is always great fun.
I also love the Window Displays, executed by note-able designers, each done revolving around a theme. This year's theme, will be "Time Capsule: The Past, Present and Future of Design". Along with the windows will be:
Keynote panels
Roundtable discussions
Showroom events
Book signings
Exhibitions
Open Houses
I've been asked to be a blog ambassador to the program and so will be updating, here, from time to time leading up to, and through the event. In the mean time, mark your calendars, you won't want to miss the biggest design event in Southern California.
