THE PARRISH ART MUSEUM'S PARRISH PRESENTS

 

The Parrish Art Museum founded in 1898 by Samuel L. Parrish is home to a distinguished collection of American art from the 19th century to the present with a particular focus on the art and artists of Long Islands East End.  The collection includes the works of many of the most important artists who have lived and worked in the community, including Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock, Dan Flavin, and Roy Lichtenstein, as well as those artists who are part of today's vibrant art scene, such as Chuck Close, April Gornik and Eric Fischl.

One of the museum's most popular fundraisers is Parish Presents, an annual old fashioned holiday bazaar done Southampton style.The weekend shopping extravaganza featured a Silent Auction, Gift Bazaar and Market area with enough beautiful luxury items to satisfy everyone on your gift list. Those serious about design brought their x-ray vision and quick feet to the Preview Cocktail Party's Market Rooms on Friday night where the doors opened promptly at 5 p.m.  Bypassing the open bar and waiters carrying silver trays of hors d' oeuvres, the eager group made a run for the rooms of new and gently used antiques, tableware and art. Dawdlers missed out on a fantastic assortment of bargain priced accessories and furniture which included: antlers, snakeskin embossed boxes, Toile trays, bolts of designer fabric, vintage china and pony skin ottomans. I happily walked away with a fabulous roll of blue and white Manuel Canovas trellis fabric, perfect for some summer decorating!

Photos courtesy of Parrish Art Museum

 

BLACK FRIDAY

 LivingEtc.com

The morning after Thanksgiving brings a tryptophane induced slumber throughout my house that leaves me preferring a quiet and lazy day with plenty time for reading or old movies.  For many,  Black Friday is a full 24 hour shopping frenzy, starting shortly after Thanksgiving dinner and going all night with energy bursts supplied by Starbucks and cans of Redbull.  I know these indefatigable shoppers will be bringing home outrageous bargains for all their hard work, but holiday shopping will have to wait for me.  Today I will be spend  the day recovering from the excesses of last night; too much food, too much drink...and spend the morning under the covers with a cup of coffee and some good reading material. My version of the perfect Black Friday is a well appointed bedroom in a dark, cocoon like black. A luxurious throw and soft lighting will provide the perfect atmosphere for a restful day. Enjoy Black Friday, however you choose to spend it!

 Mary McDonald

 

 BoConcept

 

AmticoBlack

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

We're off the the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a annual tradition for our family. There are new floats to see, crowds to navigate and photos to be taken- somehow we always manage to find the most spectacular view. The music, dancers and floats have a magical appeal to both the young and old and when Santa comes, this year riding his new sleigh, you know the its the official kickoff to the holiday season. Later we will spend the day with family sharing a delicious Thanksgiving dinner and finish the afternoon with a friendly (competitive) game of football.  Thank you for reading and sharing with me--I wish you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving Day!

RELISH THE THOUGHT

If your reading today's post you probably aren't cooking Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow for a house full of hungry guests. Those hosting are too busy shopping, chopping and trussing their turkey to spend time on a little leisurely blog reading today!  As a grateful guest, I think it's a lovely gesture to bring your hosts a little homemade love, perhaps a delicious relish or jam to accompany the turkey.  Quick and simply to prepare, the Calvados Apple Relish tastes delicious and looks like you've been slaving in the kitchen too.  Presented in a pretty glass jar, your hosts will be amazed at your culinary proficiency ensuring your invite to next years table. Happy Thanksgiving!

Calvados Apple Relish
3 apples cored, peeled and cut into chunks
1/4 cup apple cider
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1/4 cup Calvados (Apple) Brandy
pinch of salt
1 sage leaf chopped

Combine all ingredients in saucepan and cook until the apples are al dente and the sauce is thickened.  Cool and pack in glass jar.

FESTIVE FLOWERS

Although I'm reluctant to buy flowers for myself, send me a gorgeous bouquet of roses or peonies and I'm yours forever!  Speaking of flowers,  I received a brilliant floral arrangement from some dear friends a few weeks ago and took a photo while the flowers were in their prime.  Although the type of flowers used were very traditional, the arrangement is a fresh and modern translation because of the unusual method the flowers are arranged.  Five mini groupings of roses, lilies, hydrangea and orchids stand on their own beautifully but together, make a bold visual statement.  I took the photo with the thought that I could replicate the arrangement in some form for my Thanksgiving floral centerpiece.

I'm spoiled because my corner grocer carries the most wonderful selection of fresh seasonal flowers right outside my door. They also make a great cappuccino and sell homemade mozzarella--but that's another story. This morning I found a beautiful assortment of of flowers which included roses, carnations and hydrangea in the red, yellow and white color palette found in the inspiration arrangement. I used a round vase which I filled with fresh cranberries and arranged the flowers in small clusters by type.  It was easy to do and I'm really pleased with the results. Almost ready for guests!

Fresh flowers from my corner market

Inspiration Bouquet

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE SIDES-APRICOT GRAND MARNIER SAUSAGE STUFFING

As much as I love a good turkey, for me, Thanksgiving is all about the sides.  Nutritionists say that an average Thanksgiving dinner clocks in at about 4500 calories; I can assure you that the bulk of those calories appear on my dinner plate as buttery mashed potatoes, sweet potato souffle, green beans with frizzled shallots and apricot Grand Marnier Sausage stuffing.  It may be blasphemous to take sides with the "sides,"but these vegetable dishes represent our family traditions and people find comfort in making and serving those foods that remind them of their childhood. For example, every family has their own particular take on sweet potatoes- we have always served a souffle of sorts with a buttery pecan and brown sugar topping. This dish is a beloved family favorite, so it was particularly unsettling when a three potato gratin ended up on the table instead one year.  It was delicious but it wasn't our dear old sweet potato souffle. Our family has since returned to our "roots" and we're all that much happier because when it comes down to it, the traditional familiar dishes of the holiday are the real stars of Thanksgiving, just don't tell Tom.

Here's my recipe for Apricot Grand Marnier Sausage Stuffing, which is a family favorite. The sweet taste of the apricots and Grand Marnier are the perfect compliment to the fresh fennel and sausage. Try it,  you won't be disappointed.

APRICOT GRAND MARNIER SAUSAGE STUFFING

2 pounds of day old white bread torn into 3/4" chunks
1 stick of butter melted, plus 1 tablespoon
1 cup of chopped onion
1 cup of chopped fennel
A bunch of fresh tarragon and sage, chopped
4 ounces dried apricots
1 cup Grand Marnier liquor
1 pound sweet sausage with fennel
2 cups of chicken stock

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Fry the sausage breaking it into small pieces until cooked through, about 7 minutes. Move to a large bowl. Cook onions and fennel in 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter until translucent, about 4 minutes.  Add to the cooled sausage mixture. Place the apricots in the cup of Grand Marnier and let it sit for 10 minutes until the apricots are plump. Reserve the liquid and julienne the apricots.  Put the apricots into the sausage mixture. Take the day old bread and place into a large bowl.  Add the Grand Marnier liquid and half a stick of butter and toss lightly.  Season with salt and pepper and add the sage and tarragon. Stir in the cooled sausage mixture and add the rest of the melted butter.  Toss lightly and add some of the chicken stock until moist.  Turn out into a butter baking casserole and bake uncovered for 40 minutes.

CARDS FROM CAVALLINI & COMPANY

While it's true that my free range, organic Thanksgiving turkey hasn't yet arrived from the fancy turkey farm in Virginia, invitations for holiday parties have started to appear. I love the holiday season, especially in New York, when store windows come to life and the city appears to be covered in a blanket of soft white lights. It truly is magical!  But the appearance of those invites sets off an internal alarm for me because I haven't purchased my holiday cards yet.

Every year I promise myself that I will choose my cards in September, have them addressed and stamped by October and have them waiting to mail the Friday after Thanksgiving.  This perfect scenario has yet to happen--more often than not I can be found addressing envelopes the night before I catch a plane to Palm Beach, and yes there have been years when I've written them on the plane.  The problem is that there are so many wonderful choices.  For years we've used photo cards which requires a slew of pictures to be taken and then finding just the right one out of the bunch. I don't think that I can top last year's card, a moss green linen card with a photo of my family and a full view of the Eiffel Tower in the background. It was beautiful.

I started my search for the perfect card this week at Kate's Paperie and found this charming vintage postcard of the Eiffel Tower which reminds me of our trip to Paris. The line of cards by Cavallini & Company have an old-fashioned feeling that may be the perfect choice this year- I'm feeling very nostalgic!

 

 

I recently visited my sister Christine, who lives in Westport, CT. with her husband and two adorable young daughters. A former  Ralph Lauren buyer, she brings style and creativity to nearly everything she does, so it came as no surprise when her contribution to the annual school bake sale was a basket of beautifully packaged cookies in cellophane bags with bright grosgrain ribbon bows.  The fall inspired Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies stood out in a sea of brownies and cupcakes, a delicious departure from the run of the mill bake sale treats. The spicy cookies are cake like and deliciously moist with a healthy dose of chocolate bits. Best of all, they take only 15 minutes to prepare. I grabbed a small bag of cookies to take with me but they were so good that a few crumbs and the pretty ribbon were all that remained by the time I got home!

These cookies would make a delicious addition to your holiday dessert table or consider arranging a wicker basket filled with the packaged treats for your guests to take home with them as a delectable reminder of their Thanksgiving dinner.

PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES  

Prep Time: 15 min 

Cook Time: 15 min

Serves: 60 cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 cups (12-ounce bag) milk chocolate chips, not semisweet
• Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper

Directions 

Spray cookie sheets with nonstick spray or line them with parchment paper.Using a mixer, beat the butter until smooth. Beat in the white and brown sugars, a little at a time, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs 1 at a time, then mix in the vanilla and pumpkin puree. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Slowly beat the flour mixture into the batter in thirds. Stir in the chips. Scoop the cookie dough by heaping tablespoons onto the prepared cookie sheets and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cookies are browned around the edges. Remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let them rest for 2 minutes. Take the cookies off with a spatula and cool them on wire racks. 

Recipe courtesy George Duran

HOW TO HANG YOUR ART SALON STYLE

Elle Decor, So Chic: Glamorous Lives, Stylish Places

Whenever I travel, I always try to bring home something beautiful to remind me of my trip.  More ofter then not, the keepsake will be an inexpensive small painting, drawing or photograph that I found in a little antique shop or open market.  Over the years my penchant for collecting had left me with an enormous assembly of art.  Many of the pictures lined the walls of my home, but there was a growing group that lay sadly stacked against a bedroom wall. A move to a new apartment was the catalyst for me to my to begin to create a fabulous wall of art from my diverse collection.

After a little research, it became apparent to me that the best way to showcase my vast picture collection was Salon Style (also called Gallery Style), a hanging method that works well with a variety of art mediums and frame sizes.  The name Salon Style came about during the 19th and early 20th centuries when huge exhibitions (Salons) where held to showcase artist's work.  With space at a premium, the artwork was hung from the floor molding up to the ceiling, utilizing every inch of free space. 

 The style is free flowing and organic in nature and works best with a variety of art. A few simple rules need to be followed to ensure a beautiful esthetic:

1. Place the pictures you want to hang on the floor and choose one to be your focal point.  This picture doesn't have to be in the middle of the room, but it will be the point from which the rest of your collection will radiate from.

2. Shift the pictures around until you find an arrangement that pleases you.

3. It's best to hang the largest picture at eye height, which is about 66" from the floor.  Then start hanging the rest of your collection around the "anchor" picture, allowing  2-4" space between each picture frame.

4. Have fun!  The beauty of this picture hanging method is that you can always add to your collection.

 If you want a more unified appearance to your collection, take a design page from Philip Gorrivan's Salon Style dining area. His collection of pencil and charcoal drawings all share similar gold frames with matting in neutral shades of cream and green.

Philip Gorrivan, Elle Decor

Elle Decor

 

Domino Magazine

Miles Redd,  Elle Decor

NAUGHTY OR NICE ?

Leave it to Kate Spade to deliver these cheeky gift enclosures, perfect for holiday gift giving. The red hot card reads "Naughty" on the front and opens to "You better be good for good for goodness sake." The hot pink card reads "Nice" on the cover and  opens to read "I checked the list twice".  You decide who makes your "Naughty" or "Nice" list this year! Find the cards by Cranes & Co. at Kates Paperie.

Why stop at gift enclosures? These audacious Kate Spade Naughty or Nice dinner placecards will liven your holiday dinner party. What card do you think would end up near your dinner plate?

PRETTY AS A PICTURE-RALPH LAUREN FRAMES

Gardiner Chainlink frame from Ralph Lauren

On a recent visit to the Ralph Lauren emporium, housed in the old Rhinelander Mansion, Christmas was in full swing. Bing Crosby crooned holiday ballads and the woodsy scent from the signature  Holiday candle collection infused the air.  I strolled past the beautiful round mahogany table in the entry hall groaning from the weight of a large blue and white jardiniere filled with fresh holly and red roses. Scattered photos of models and their pedigred pups were perched in their stylish silver picture frames. A preppy, chic, Christmas was in full swing and I was in heaven!  I padded my way on the threadbare old Persian carpets to the fourth floor, home to linens, china and silver and always a great place for stylish gifts and inspiration.

The rooms tall black etageres and bedside tables were lined with Italian leather boxes and beautiful silver frames.  I don't think there is anything lovelier than a beautiful collection of curated family photos in gleaming silver frames. I was immediately drawn to the Gardiner Chainlink frame, a square frame with a delicate heirloom bracelet surround.  But there so many beautiful frames to choose from, and all on sale.  I'm hummed  a few bars of White Christmas with Bing and went shopping!

Chapman crocodile embossed frame

Barset wood and silver frame

Lauren Equestrian Braid Frame

Austen Horsebit Corner frame 

PROSCIUTTO AND PARMESAN PUFFS

 

My secret cocktail crowd pleaser is a three ingredient, delicious puff of an hors d'oeuvre, that takes only twenty minutes to prepare. The recipe was created one day under duress--a group of hungry friends arrived after an afternoon of tennis and I was left scrambling in the kitchen for something to serve. The bowl of Spanish olives and roasted nuts didn't sate their voracious appetites so I pulled out a hunk of delicious Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and some Prosciutto de Parma. Rolled into little puff pastry bites, the combination made a beautiful pinwheel puff that took minutes to prepare but looked like I'd been slaving all afternoon.

The key to the recipe is the quality of the ingredients--don't skimp! Buy real Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto de Parma, the complex flavors of these Italian classics marries beautifully in a buttery, delicious morsel. Serve with a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio and enjoy.

Prosciutto and Parmesan Puffs
Preheat oven to 400 degrees


1/2 sheet of Puff Pastry (Pepperidge Farms)
2 ounces thinly sliced Prosciutto de Parma
1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated

Thaw pastry according to package directions.
1. Put pastry half of 17 ounce Pepperidge Farm box (one sheet) on lightly floured surface. Cut into 3 long pieces and work with one piece at a time.
2.  Press grated cheese gently into pastry, making a light cover
3. Lay slices of prosciutto in a single layer on top of cheese. Leave 1/4 inch on side so filling doesn't fall out.
4. Gently roll pastry into pinwheel-should be 3/4 inch wide for mini bite but can be made larger if desired.
5. Cut pastry into 3/4 inch slices
6. Lay the slices, cut side down, on a cookie sheet.

7. Cook until puffy and golden, about 15 minutes

DONOVAN HOUSE WASHINGTON, D.C.- STYLISH TRAVEL DEAL

Characterized in the past as staid and a bit-dare we say-dull, Washington, D.C. has quietly become a vibrant hot destination. With the stylish Obama's setting the tempo, D.C. has become electrified--new restaurants are popping up daily creating a culinary frenzy in a town that used to settle for a scotch and decent T-bone. The renaissance has carried over to the cities chockablock museum scene with exciting new exhibits and trendy galleries lining the regentrified city blocks. Of course, a trip to our Nation's Capital isn't complete without a tour of the White House and visits to the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial...  the list goes on!

Thankfully, where to stay is much easier undertaking than trying to plan your weekend itinerary. The Donovan House, part of the Thompson Hotel chain, is a recent addition to the boutique D.C. hotel scene. The sleek and sophisticated rooms feature leather wraparound beds, cocoon spiral showers and are stocked with a slew of  amenities--Kiehls bath products, Dean and DeLuca stocked mini bar items and Sferra sheets. Best of all, the hotel is running a weekend room promotion of $129.00 from the listed rate of $399.00 which can found on Tablet Hotels. Happy travels!

 

SPARKLE AND SHINE KITCHEN

Photo courtesy of Amanda Nisbet

I've been looking for the perfect light fixture for a dining room and it hasn't been easy.  My list of wants is short but exact--a chandelier that is delicate, jewel-like but not exaggerated or excessive.  Scouring my sources for one such chandelier,  I came upon this photo of a kitchen designed by Amanda Nisbet Design that features a pair of gorgeous chandeliers.  Bingo! 

Charming and witty, Amanda has an incredible eye for color and composition that she brings with stylish panache to each room she designs. An Upper East Side fixture with a lovely family herself, Amanda is known for designing rooms with playful color palettes and a sophisticated touch--always with a mindful eye to the comfort and needs of the family. 

The kitchen's plain white cabinets, minimal hardware and traditional wood island allows the center of attention to be fixed squarely on the star-the pair of Serena chandeliers by Oly Studio. The luminescent circles of capiz and brass detail on the delicate drum chandeliers define the room and create a central focus. Barely there lucite chairs provide both form and function-the iridescent seat cushions are upholstered in family friendly fabric and the clear chairs don't distract from the delicate chandeliers. Who wouldn't love to cook in this glamorous, cosmopolitan kitchen?

Serena Drum Chandelier is available at Oly Studio and Tonic Home

MAD FOR PLAID

Elle Decor

I'm mad for plaid but only in small doses--a soft blanket or pillow on a lounge chair or sofa provides just the right amount of plaid panache for me and can be easily changed based on the season and my ever changing whim. I think style icon Lee Radziwill's pied-a-tierre in Paris, which  features a vintage cream Christian Liaigre's sofa stylishly draped in an earth toned plaid throw, hits just the right note.  Subtle and casually chic, the plaid throw softens the sofas angular shape juxtaposing nicely with the paired glass and brass coffee tables. Ms. Radziwill makes it look oh so easy!

 

If you like the throw featured in Lee Radziwill's living room-- the iconic Burberry plaid blanket is always in style and in cashmere, naturally!

Elle Decor

The handsome guestroom of design team Mark Badgley and James Mischka at their horse farm in Kentucky.  Vintage Louis Vuitton luggage serve as a side table. Crisp Sferra white linens and a vintage plaid Ralph Lauren blanket evoke country squire elegance.

If you like the Badgley Mischka bedroom you may like the Adrianna taffeta pillow by Ralph Lauren.

House Beautiful

 Black Stewart Tartan from Ralph Lauren Home cozies up a towering great room in Sun Valley. 

  

Rich winter Tartans can be found in Ralph Lauren's Indian Cove bedding.

William Sonoma Home offers chic cashmere plaid throws in jewel tones.

 

KLEMT AND STRUDEL-SUNDAY AT THE NEUE GALERIE

After a hectic week, I was looking forward to a lazy Sunday of reading the New York Times cover to cover in bed and meeting a friend for a "catch up coffee" at the Neue Galerie.  But my Sunday became busy with chores and the Times was left only half read- thankfully, I squeezed in a brief trip to the Galerie with my friend and it was wonderful.

The Neue Galerie, housed in one of the venerable Vanderbilt mansions off Central Park and 86th Street, specializes in Austrian and German art. Their latest exhibit, From Klemt to Klee: Masterworks from the Serge Sabarsky collection was a lovely Sunday distraction, perfect for a short museum visit. We chose the Cafe Sabarsky, one of two cafes in the Galerie for coffee and dessert. Inspired by the Viennese cafes at the turn of the century, the Cafe is a beautiful gem outfitted with period objects by Josef Hoffmann and Adolf Loos. Authentic touches like marble topped tables combined with a vast menu of Austro-Hungarian specialties make the Cafe Sabarsky a rich dining eperience. Perched on a beautiful antique marble table were a delicious assortment of Sacher and Linzer tortes, strudels and cakes. A homey apple strudel caught my eye. My friend chose the house specialty, Klimt torte, a decadent hazelnut and bittersweet chocolate confection. We shared our desserts accompanied by a cup of coffee from Meinl's of Vienna--we were in heaven!

Delicious strudel

Gustav Klimt portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer

Neue Galerie