SIMPLE, STYLISH SUMMER TABLESCAPE

As the summer season begins to wind down, I find myself trying to squeeze in as many entertaining opportunities as possible.  Pool party lunches, BBQ dinners, even a morning coffee becomes a chance to enjoy the garden and gorgeous summer weather with friends.  I try to keep summer menus market fresh and as simple as possible, but like to be creative with my tablescape.  Classic and summer chic, you can't go wrong with a blue and white color scheme. Here's my "go-to" summer look-

 My handpainted shell and seahorse dinner plates are a summer staple-I love the whimsical designs!

Kate Spade's Sandpiper dinner plates are a fun summer option

Ruby Lane's cobalt blue water goblets bring the color of the ocean to your table

I shop local farm stands for fresh flowers; sunflowers and hydrangea, which are in abundance now, make an effortless and very pretty summer bouquet

What's your favorite summer tablescape?

LIGHT UP YOUR SUMMER NIGHTS

With summer in full-swing, there's no better time to celebrate the season than with an al fresco evening amongst the summer stars and a dazzling August moon. Whether hosting a backyard BBQ bash or beach bonfire party, set the mood with an assortment of flickering candles, lanterns and torches to illuminate your party in style. 

From modern torches to a classic rattan hurricane, there's sure to be a style to light your way-my favorite picks can be found on Hamptons Magazine here-

Have a great weekend!

RING MY BELL

I recently came across this beautiful bell jar light fixture. Housed within its traditional shape are classic images of nature painted on reverse mirror, so pretty and unusual, I imagined where I might use it. While it would be the perfect pick me up for a traditional dining room, I envision the fixture as a foil in a more modern dining setting-- paired with a set of eggshell blue leather dining chairs and lacquered dining table, the whimsical design would be a standout. 

The bell jar by Canopy Designs, is part of an ecclectic and vast collection of light fixtures. Looking for something a little whimsical?

 or embellished with jewels?

It's all pretty fabulous!

MAD FOR INTAGLIOS

I recently had my bedroom repainted and was faced with a logistic nightmare-trying to rehang a dozen of my favorite prints; classic Intaglio reliefs matted in linen and framed in slim gold frames. What are intaglios? Originally used as seals to identify property in ancient Rome, intaglios were created by carving or engraving an image into precious stone or plaster. My intaglios are plaster and feature beautiful Hellenic figures which look best en masse. I love the juxtaposition these classic images create in a modern room.

Eight of the cameo plaster reliefs frame a white sofa and pair of black lacquer tables on one wall and the remaining four frame my favorite raffia Oly chair. With a little math and a lot of patience (and a large glass of wine) I was able to get them back up on the wall and I think they look spectacular. 

Do you have a piece of art you're mad for?

HAUTE HYDRANGEAS

Big, bold and bursting with color, the hydrangea is a darling of the Hamptons, skirting summer homes and gardens with their beautiful purple and blue hues all summer long. Visit my home and its obvious that they're my favorite summer plant-there are big blue Nicos gracefully falling on the side porch, a parade of red white and blue blooms cover the terrace and a border of blooms adds drama and privacy to the pool area. Gorgeous outside, they also make an incredible summer bouquet--see my favorite ways to display the summer blooms on Hamptons Magazine here-

What's your favorite summer flower?

APOLOGY ACCEPTED

With a summer social calender filled with family gatherings, cocktail parties and intimate dinners, there's always the possibility of a small gaffe or two, but I hope that none of us will have such an infamous night that we'll seriously need to write a note of apology on these cheeky cards. The venerable stationer, Mrs. John L. Strong, has long been associated with traditional, handcrafted fine stationary. Their formal line of beautiful bespoke invitations and social stationary has been joined by a line of modern, ready to write cards, perfect for the contemporary scribe. Just remember, whether you "did it or not", a fun personalized card is always in good taste.

The Goddess Tablet Box is a personal favorite. Who could resist a wood crate filled with beautiful metalic embossed tablets-titled Strength, Wisdom and Beauty?  Truly a devine inspired gift!

CLOSET CONFIDENTIAL-HAMPTON HOSTESS

We're at the end of our Closet Confidential series and I have to give some serious kudos to all the fabulous bloggers who opened their great closets and shared their design inspiration for us all to see.  If you missed some of the series, here's your chance to read them all:
The Punctuation Park
The Alternative Wife
Inspired Design
Classic Casual Home
The Enchanted Home
Pretty Pink Tulips
Of course, it wouldn't be fair if I didn't open the doors to my closet for everyone so here goes...

What are the five essential items in your closet?
Dark wash jeans, crisp white blouse, perfect little black dress, great black pumps and a black faille trench coat.

The one thing that I should get rid of but just can't seem to part with-
I have a Pucci shirt that the dry cleaners destroyed but I can't seem to part with it even though I can't wear it!


Describe your perfect outfit
Jil Sander cotton sateen black trousers, Jimmy Choo kitten heels and a Loro Piana feather light cashmere sweater.

Theres always room in my closet for-
More shoes!

My dream closet would include-
My client has the most fantastic walk in closet that is currently being custom built. One cabinet will have separate drawers for rings, watches, bracelets and a pull out slide for necklaces.  It's so clever!

I never have enough-
Cashmere sweaters-I'm obsessed.

Designer closet envy would be-
Steven Gambrel's Ikat lined closets and my client's new closet, so pretty I've suggested we have a little cocktail party inside to celebrate!

Neat or messy-
I'm being honest here--messy (how embarrassing!)--it starts out neat but then you know...


My latest addition to my closet is-
Milly sundress--I'm ready for summer!

You would be surprised I have/don't have-
Knee high boots-they're not a good look on me.


I have an extensive collection of-
Sandals--I can't resist adding to the collection every summer, especially if I travel to Spain or Italy where you must buy shoes!

Your organizational motto is-
Color code your closet.

What do you like about your closet-
It's great to have a nice long hallway with closets on both sides.  My husband has one side (the shorter side!) and my side has a walk in area with shoe shelves. I also have a pretty raffia ottoman next to a mirrored wall so I can put my shoes on and see how everything looks.

What would you change?
When I designed the closet I put in lots of shelves but not enough drawers.  


Right now your closet is in a state of-
Utter chaos. I just had the bedroom repainted and I have to purge and reorganize asap!


Thanks to everyone who participated--I just loved working on this series with you all!

SHELL GAME

Elle Decor

The ubiquitous large clam shell--its been out and about as a decorative element for quite some time now, but I'm still in love with it.  Stylish and versatile, my shell has been used as a chic floral arrangement holder, a design accessory in the fireplace in the summer, and just looking pretty "au natural" on a cocktail table. How do you feel about this nature inspired design element?

My summer porch vignette

Winter-I used the shell for paperwhites 

chic shells set for a party...

 and other great shell inspiration...