Drinks and dining al fresco…all summer long!! As we celebrate the joys of summer, how can we not be thinking of the great outdoors??  Our favorite fathers, graduates, bridal couples and birthday babes are all wonderful excuses to entertain al fresco…if you need an excuse at all!

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The Summary

  Marlene shows us al fresco dining all Summer long

  All of Marlene's ideas are shoppable via a text widget

Al Fresco Dining All Summer Long

1. Al Fresco Dining

June is here…ushering in seaside and backyard fun in the sun!! All we need is a little color and menu theming ~ planning! Is this your special time to have wine tastings - cheese and cocktail parties, BBQ’s, beach brunches or family reunions??

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Vietri Drop Blue Decanter (Gracious Style)VIETRI Drop Glassware Collection (Bloomingdale's) | Vietri Santorini Diamond Cheese Board (Neiman Marcus) | Antonini Olivewood Cheese Knives Set (Williams Sonoma) | Personalized Nickel Champagne Bucket (Williams Sonoma)

Al fresco dining has come from Italian inspiration yet, it has become a universal joy - from cities, to lakesides, beaches from Cape Cod to Maine, France, Thailand and beyond! We all love the breeze, the smells, the sun…the swaying of the trees, the beauty of it all!! Nature ohhhh!

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2. Nautical Themes

For your summer celebrations, nautical themes are ever charming and, of course, seafood as well: lobsters, stuffed quahogs and crabs! Specialty drinks are festive too with fragrant mint, rosemary, basil, lemons, limes and pineapples garnishing Cape Codders, Mai Tais, and Chi Chis too! They all ensure smiling faces and happy times! Be sure to keep a copy handy of the classic (since 1935) Old Mr. Boston Deluxe Official Bartender's Guide ! All bar accessories make wonderful gifts too!

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Indigo Wave, cobalt repetetive design inspired by plate owned by Mildred Mottahedeh
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Valentino: At the Emperor's Table (Amazon)

You might enjoy selecting Blue and White dinnerware, as it is a universal favorite. It is timeless and sooo very classic! Casual or elegant, it could theme your daily table or special celebration. Everyone loves it, from Valentino’s gorgeous Mediterranean- inspired Mottahedeh setting to MacKenzie Child’s country Royal Check picnics. We can create beauty humbly or in grand manner for all to enjoy!

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3. Summer Means Ice Cream

Summer means homemade ice cream too! As a child on summer holidays and birthdays at my Aunt and Uncle’s Ohio farm, the whole family would take turns “salting the wooden bucket” for the prized outcome! Such a happy memory…along with dessert of graham cracker sandwiches, if we were good that day! It’s a joy to see the “vintage” ice cream maker models can still available to be enjoyed along with new technological versions! Now they make Gelato and Yogurt too!

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 Vanilla Ice Cream Birthday Cake (Williams Sonoma)) I See Me! "My Very Happy Birthday Boy" Book (Neiman Marcus) | Caspari Assorted Bright Slim Birthday Candles (Sur La Table)

Who doesn’t love Ice Cream…and all the wonderful colorful “jimmies”, nuts, fruit and toppings that can be mixed in or sprinkled on top? Every country and every age loves!! Ice Cream Birthday Cakes are always a family favorite too –

Until next week… Cheers to June, summertime drinks and dining al fresco ~ 

Happy Birthday wishes to June babies, Dottie and Peter! 

xoxo MMK

In Case You Missed It

This morning, Kelly shared 6 chicken recipes perfect for Summer.  Click the title or image below to read the article.

How are we celebrating these special days?? Out of doors of course!!

Gifts, treats and festive home decor are on our minds these days!!

Graduations, Father’s Day and Memorial Day’s summer kick off all deserve some entertaining fun!! It seems everyone is planning, celebrating…and needing special gifts - whether the graduate is 5, 15 or 30, Dad is 20, 50, or 80!

The Summary

  Marlene shares with us a summer gift guide for dads, grads, and your holiday home

  All gifts are shoppable via text-based widgets

Summer Gift Guide For Dads, Grads & Your Holiday Home

1. Tablescapes

We all enjoy eating and enjoying life out of doors, so let’s have some fun creating themes – from “picnic tables” and BBQs at home, at the park or beach with great drinks, healthy menus, for sunny, happy days that can inspire special gifting as well – for every age! 

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An outfitted picnic basket gift with personalized tag and leather handle “travels” for the new Graduate, Father or newly engaged or married couple! Chic and tailored to enjoy for years!

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Newbury Picnic Basket, Set for 4, Navy Blue-Burgundy (Mark and Graham) | Simon Pearce Woodbury Glass Bowls (Gracious Style)

Summer celebrations and upcoming Memorial Day and 4th of July all deserve playfulness! I always enjoy creating with “art and function” in mind! Multi-purpose gifts that keep on giving into the future ensure enjoyment and practicality! Let’s have some colorful fun creating them!

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5 Piece Place Setting at Weston TableBordallo Pinheiro Watermelon Salad Bowl, (Neiman Marcus) | Villeroy & Boch Boston Goblet (Bloomingdale's) | Mario Luca Giusti Winston Water Glass (Neiman Marcus) | Tumbler Glass Emerald (Gracious Style) | Cabbage Green Dinnerware (Gracious Style) | Tomato Dinnerware (Gracious Style) | Sweet Basil Plants (Lowes)

Basil is one of my Italian, healthy passions. So green – so fragrant and luscious! It can be used as a centerpiece, in Caprese salad and even garnish my favorite lemonade and vodka spritzer! They are beautiful plants in pots too! Carolyne Roehm’s antique majolica plates and al fresco setting are certainly the ultimate outdoor celebration table, complete with green glass and olive oil! xoxo 

Bordallo Pinheiro faience pottery since 1884 is charming in greens, tomato, and watermelon designs for great accessibility for your outdoor settings!

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Rosanna Olive Oil Pasta Bowls (Neiman Marcus) | Frantoio Galantino Hand-Painted Ceramic Jug (Neiman Marcus)

Porcelain Olive Oil plates would be delightful, gifted for the traveler grad, dad or used to create your own backyard “picnic” tableau. The box is so chic; it just needs a beautiful ribbon! The set would be great fun with a cold pasta primavera! Kelly might have a special recipe or 2 to suggest !!

2. Cocktails & Grilling

Sunglasses and drinks glasses for summer or year-round use could be great gifts too. Collectible leather books from Graphic Image  are beauties, to be treasured on everything from bubbles, wine, whiskey, martinis and "Viva Mezcal" Cocktail Recipes!! All would be memorable gifts and monogramming them is also a very personal touch!  Another idea for the budding Chef of any age… Mark Bittman’s How to Grill Everything from pizza to salmon to steak!

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3. My Favorite Gifts

One of my outdoor inspired gifts is for a dear friend from Florida. He’s a new dad, recent grad and collects everything crocodile!! A letter opener from designer Elad Yifrach’s whimsical L'Objet collection would make a very personal, quality present and design element for his home office or future desk. It would be a fun, constant reminder of his Floridian roots, collecting passion and his recent accomplishment! It is so gratifying to find the “perfect gift!”

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In Case You Missed It

Yesterday, Beth put together 5 comfy casual outfits for Summer.  Click the title or image below to read the article.

Bring Outdoors in…and Indoors out this May!

The Summary

  Marlene gives us ideas for designing beautiful outdoor living spaces

  All of Marlene's ideas are shoppable via text widgets

How To Design Outdoor Living Spaces

1. Outdoor living

Indoor outdoor

As we anticipate the joys of Spring - Summer Living, images dance in my head!!  Memorial Day and Summer are only days away!

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Marina Indoor Outdoor Rug (Ballard Designs)Amalfi Sofa (Ballard Designs)Classic Garden Stool (Ballard Designs) | Classic Sunbrella Dining Chair Cushion (Pottery Barn)

Creating the comfort we enjoy inside our homes can now easily be transported with great design for living to spaces out of doors! Whether you have a balcony, deck, terrace, or expansive garden and pool; we all enjoy living with lots of fresh air and the feeling of vacance! 

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Toulon Planter (Ballard Designs) | Giant Clamshell (Ballard Designs)Round Handle Planter (Bloomingdale's) | Frosted Glass Sea Urchin (Pottery Barn)

The beauty of greenery and flowers make us breathe more freely and calmly, yet energizes us! Sipping lemonade, spritzer, iced coffee or bubbly brings relaxation, optimism and joy, especially outside!

2. Design Ideas

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Perennials Dock Stripe Pillow (Serena and Lily) | Rope Stool (Serena and Lily) | Sunbrella Paros Outdoor Pillow Cover (Williams Sonoma)

Home design knows no limits!! Designers have adapted décor for all types of weather! Now we can have beautifully chic outdoor seating with rugs, pillows and cushions prepared for sun and comfort! Add a colorful classic garden seat for versatile seating or extra drinks table – I utilize a Chinese antique design in my living room and another in blue - white adds color to my deck.

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We can create a “vacation feel” no matter how large or small our space! An intimate bistro table and folding chairs for 2 on an intimate New York balcony can be as charming as a “South of France” antique farm table laden for generations of family and friends in expansive garden! 

Assouline Travel Volumes are fabulous and chic inspiration for your spring - summer designs and gifts for you and all!! You are immersed immediately around the world, while in the comfort of your home!

"Amalfi Coast" Book (Neiman Marcus) | Assouline "Capri Dolce Vita" Book | Neiman Marcus"Miami Beach" Book (Neiman Marcus) | "Provence Glory" Book (Neiman Marcus) | "Turquoise Coast" Book  (Neiman Marcus)

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Travel can definitely inspire our aesthetics. Have you been charmed and fallen in love with the vibrant colors and patterns of the Southwest, Mexico, Miami or the Mediterranean…or the quiet, grace of Charleston, Newport, Hawaii or Cannes? The pattern of wrought iron or tiles, the color of a door or tiled rooftops – the waves and sunsets…magical!!

Do you love florals, stripes, solids…all are to be had!! Many are now outdoor friendly…whether sunbrella fabrics, melamine table or drinkware! 

Blue Stripe Glassware Collection (Williams Sonoma)Sonora Outdoor Drinkware Collection (Williams Sonoma) | Rustic Outdoor Melamine Dinnerware Collection (Williams Sonoma)Mexico Vin Azul Napkins (Williams Sonoma)

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Patio Stripe Indoor & Outdoor Rug (Williams Sonoma)Sunbrella Paros Outdoor Pillow Cover (Williams Sonoma)

Cheers!! Have fun planning and creating your outdoor “rooms” for the weeks and months to come! xoxo MMK

In Case You Missed It

Yesterday, was Fridays With Oscar, plus a personal note from Beth.  Click the title or image below to read the article.

She loves her tea and coffee…. and so much more!

This special Mother’s Day Weekend, I thought it would be enjoyable to commemorate and explore all the myriad of teas, coffees, and accouterment that we love…in honor of our mothers!!  Certainly, they are our first teachers…showing us sometimes what to do, what not to do…sometimes by example. Sometimes we learn by osmosis! 

I cannot begin to think of Mother’s Day without remembering my own dear one…gone since 2001, yet with me every day!

The Summary

  Today, Marlene shares her mother's day memories over tea and coffee

  Marlene rounded up her favorite teas and coffees, all shoppable via a text widget

How To Celebrate Mother's Day

1. Tea

Mommy always, always had a cup of tea in her hand or very nearby!! Black tea was her love and usually from a teabag used over, and over and over again! She would feed her violet plants with it, when the tea got cold! Growing up in the depression, she saved and stretched most everything!

For centuries tea and coffee have been adored by Royalty and the common man alike. Fortnum and Mason’s most famous “Royal Blend” was first created for King Edward VII. Numerous creations commemorate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and royal warrants have been awarded to a select group of purveyors! 

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Fortnum & Mason Diamond Jubilee Tea Room.
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Rituals of Tea are plentiful…China, England, France, India, Japan and New York come to mind: Mayfair – Brown’s, Claridge’s, or the Plaza perhaps? There are beautiful tea salons throughout the world. No matter where we live, a decorative little tin or simple sachet can transport us…to Fortnum & Mason, Fauchon, Hediard, Mariage Freres! Love – yes, for Mom and for us to enjoy – travel with our senses! 

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What are her favorites? What have you discovered that you wish to share? Have you enjoyed the fabulous Mariage Freres’ Rouge Bourbon, (one of my loves), sans caffeine after dining? Or a classic Earl Grey (said to be Queen Elizabeth’s favorite) enjoyed with milk? Are you feeling French? Is mom English, Scotch or Irish? Are you celebrating heritage too??

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Who does not love High Tea… or Tea Time?? So elegant and totally civilized! Charming, sophisticated yet possibly a little bit country too! Tables elaborately set with silver or casually with Liberty or chintz prints and basketry. Are you in love with finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, macarons and eclairs – divine all!

2. Coffee

Who does not love that first morning cup of tea or coffee to set us up for wonderment, joy and success!! Do you take yours with lemon, froth, cream or milk? In a teacup, breakfast cup, or mug?? Do you make it by the pot, cup? In a kettle or the latest Nespresso machine? Loose or bagged, dripped or from a pod? So personal…so dependent on the of time we have to savor, relax and enjoy!

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Indulging Moms of every age with her favorite blends, designs and special ways to enjoy is beautifully personal. Coupling a gift of accessories in basket, caddy or hamper to extend her day will be memorable! Shall we include mom’s favorite china pattern cup and saucers, mugs, napkins, tea towels, honey, chocolats, jam, scones, croissants or pastries?  A little antique strainer or espresso spoons? Adding a bottle of Champagne will certainly enliven every celebration!! 

So have fun whether it is Breakfast in Bed, Brunch in the Garden or Irish Coffees!!

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Every day should be Mother’s Day!! But for her, would we even be here?? 

Enjoy…. Happy Mother’s Day 2022! xoxo MMK

In Case You Missed It

Yesterday, I featured a classic pencil skirt from Talbots.  Plus, we featured a light, easy, and healthy appetizer for Spring & Summer.  Click the title or image below to read the article.

Celebrating Mom is on our minds these special spring days… 

Her day, May 8th is coming swiftly!! 

Mom can also be those who nurture and “Mother” us: loving sisters, aunts, godmothers,  Mothers in law and mentors too. They are especially “dear” for those of us who have lost our own dear Mothers. Mothering has taken on a whole new meaning these days.

Truly it is her family, her home, her loves are: beauty, fleurs, jewels, garden and maybe a little more freshness - “April in Paris” perhaps. 

This spring she may be refreshing her bedroom, dressing room, bath, home and garden!

Let’s help! While you are deciding how to gift her and make her smile, let’s share some ideas.

The Summary

  Today, Marlene rounds up great gifts for Mother's day

  Gifts are shoppable via a text widget

Gifts For Mother's Day

1. Antiques

(From Her Heritage & Charming Past)

2. Beauty Favorites

(To Keep Vibrancy & Joy In Her Every day)

3. Candles and scents

(For Her Body, Spirit, & Home)

4. Fleurs & Plants of All Kinds

(For Vases, Cachepots, Baskets or Pots)

Lily of the Valley is the beloved flower of May! May Day is May 1st Symbolizing happiness, this small, delicate flower is totally fragrant, one of the first to bloom in spring and is a token of love and admiration! Acqua di Parma has created a scent in its honor! Le Muguet are totally revered in France too! Its virtues are said to be chastity, motherhood, sweetness, and purity!!

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Of course, les femmes forever love Red Roses and English Pear and Freesia from Jo Malone!! Spring 2022 has also brought limited editions of Silk Blossom and more.

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6. Home Décor

(For Mum and all to enjoy, remembering you each day…maybe with her monogram or special teas included!)

6. Jewels

(For Her Or Her Home)

Lockets with photos of loved ones (2 or 4 legged), pieces adorned with her birthstone, favorite gemstone or monogram.

Till next week enjoy our first weekend of May…and preparing for a 

Happy May Day 2022!! xoxo MMK

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In Case You Missed It

April went fast!  Join us for the month's last Fridays with Oscar with a Cinco de Mayo celebration.  Click the title or image below to read the article.

Aren’t we all absolutely in love with Springtime in Paris?

Yes, especially in April when our hearts and minds leap to thoughts of travel, love, dining out of doors and making plans to refresh our gardens, homes, wardrobes and lives?? How blessed are those who are born in this charming, optimistic, happy season of rebirth!!

What is your heart’s desire this April…a little Paris brought to life?? 

We can enjoy Parisian charms no matter where we live in the world! Her beauty is everywhere! The City of Lights brings images of architectural beauty, charming florists, fragrant scents – colorful spices, teas and fleurs, and cuisine, of course! Volumes have been written to include her food, recipes, poems, tales, history and art!

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Bring a Little Paris Into Your Home

1. French Cuisine

We can entertain, dress and travel with Parisian flair and scent in our homes, gardens and transport our spirits, if not our physical beings!

Paris is always with us somehow!! 

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French cuisine is beloved throughout the world. Many of our most celebrated chefs and creative patisseries and restaurants are French or have been schooled by them!

View of the Tuileries garden, the Musée d ' Orsay and the dome of the Invalides - Paris

Think Julia Child, Paul Bocuse, Daniel Boulud, Alain Ducasse, Auguste Escoffier, Pierre Hermé, Jacques Pépin, Joël Robuchon and Jacques Torres. Can we possibly perceive culinary culture in 2022 without the classics and innovation provided by Balthazar, Benoit, Café de Flore, Le Grande Colbert?

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Luscious soufflés, smoked salmon, foie gras, flaky almond croissants, desserts of berries, crème, and delectable chocolats define our collective memories of gourmand.

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Enjoy coupes or flutes of chilled Champagne at a sidewalk cafe, delectable quiche Lorraine with a crisp Sancerre in the Garden, delicate pastel macarons from Laduree, warm pain au chocolat, almond butter croissants and café au lait in steaming breakfast cups or hot chocolat at Angelina as on rue de rivoli! We are there instantly!

2. Parisian Influences

Are you revisiting memories thru favorite photographs, collections of art and objets culled over time from vacations, business jaunts or gifts?

Maybe from collections of Hermes scarves and dinnerware, Charvet silks, Hediard and Mariage Freres teas, coffees gourmet treats and tins! 

Conjuring highlights from travels is so pleasurable…reliving life and times brings them to back again and again! 

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It seems we all have been inspired by French and Parisian tastes of all kinds: art, couture, design, food, wine, love, music, and film!

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Whose life hasn’t been enriched by the art of Degas, Monet, Renoir, Rodin, Toulouse-Lautrec ~ the designs of Chanel, Christian Dior, Hubert Givenchy, Yves St. Laurent and Louis Vuitton, or the style, fantasy and talents of Catherine Deneuve, Brigitte Bardot, Jeanne Moreau, Yves Montand, and Francois Truffaut?

Would the world of fragrance possibly be the same for men or women without France? Chanel No. 5 remains the world's most famous perfume - created in 1921!!

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3. Parisian Architecture

Of course, we love our Paris with her Arc de Triomphe, Centre Pompidou, Place de la Concorde, Cathedral de Notre-Dame, Jardin des Tuileries and Luxembourg and bien sur, la tour Eiffel!

The Louvre was originally constructed to protect Paris in the 12th century and then served as royal residence to Louis XIV. Today, it is the most visited museum in the world!!

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Bernardaud, the fine French Limoges porcelain house has created a classic white dinnerware inspired with architectural motifs on each piece. 

Tres chic – beauty and function, to be dressed up or down!

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Bernardaud Louvre Dinnerware Collection (Bloomingdale's)Jars Tourron Traditional Dinnerware (Bloomingdale's)Bernardaud Tout Paris Dinner Plate (Bloomingdale's)

Interior and industrial designers continue to be inspired by the glorious architectural details of Paris’ serene beauty for modern and eclectic designs alike.

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Art nouveau, Beaux Art and Deco periods continually appear and are referenced in passementerie, textiles and home design. Many from intricate Toiles or Provencal prints are now translated to sophisticated modern designs.

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Baccarat Chateau Barware Collection | (Bloomingdale's)

Until next week, enjoy your artistic treasures and remembrances of Paris…with une verre de Baccarat et crisp Sancerre!! xoxo MMK

In Case You Missed It

Yesterday, was Fridays with Oscar. Beth featured a comfortable pair of boyfriend jeans and sweater.  Click the title or image below to read the article.

Guest editor Marlene M. Kristoff gives us simple ways to add April flowers and scents to our home. 


Add April flowers and scents to your home

Spring April Fleurs – Daisies and Sweet Peas! Happy Spring! Happy Passover – Happy Easter to come, April 16 -17th.

‘Vogue Cover – March 1917’ Art Print (Art.com) | Florabunda Daisy Capiz Easter Eggs (Horchow)

April’s birth flowers

Special April has Two birth flowers: The charming Daisy and the Sweet Pea! 

Daisies are the “I’ll never tell” flower, conveying love, innocence, and beauty.  “Day’s eye” is in fact 2 flowers: the eye center and the ray petals…like the sun.  Quite the harmony for love and beauty!

Sweet Peas are a way to say goodbye, send good wishes, or convey thank you! 

The April in Paris variety is said to be the most fragrant…Orange BlossomHoney!

Orange blossom

Orange Blossom is pure delight and even beloved as a wedding scent…so fresh and optimistic! It has inspired traditional and modern fragrances, for you and your home.  

Famed original Quelques Fleurs scent was first created in 1912 by family-owned Houbigant de Paris, which began in 1775! Their entire collection of scents is much loved throughout the world to this day!

Quelques Fleurs L’Original Collection Privee (Neiman Marcus) | Orangers en Fleurs Body Lotion (Bergdorf Goodman)

Jo Malone London Orange Blossom Body Crème (Bloomingdale’s)Jo Malone London Orange Blossom Shower Gel (Bloomingdale’s)

Carriere Freres Citrus Dulcis Orange Blossom Candle (Bloomingdale’s) | Orange Renaissance Diffuser (Bergdorf Goodman) | White Truffle Honey with Dipper (Macy’s) | Tupelo Honey Gold Reserve (Neiman Marcus)

Daisy Luxury Gift Set (Macy’s) | Courtly Check Daisy (Bergdorf Goodman)

 

‘Daisy, c.1982 (fuchsia & yellow)’  Andy Warhol (Art.com) | ‘Butterflies, c.1955’  Andy Warhol (Art.com) | Fiori Napkins (SFERRA)

Spring flowers, butterflies, and bees

Spring optimism is catching. It brings fleurs, bees, and butterflies out into the open to enjoy! Our homes are the perfect place to enjoy them and open our hearts and minds, along with our windows for a little freshness throughout our lives!! 

Queen Bee Indoor/Outdoor Rug (MacKenzie-Childs)  | Queen Bee Capiz Easter Eggs (Horchow) | Field of Daisies Door Wreath (Williams Sonoma)Naturals Flower Pot (Horchow) 

Spring tables and entertaining are here too. Consider chic and charming appetizer and dessert plates that do double duty! Lovely to collect and gift as well! Cocktail and dessert parties are part of the celebrations of the season…bridal and baby showers, friends and family cocktail parties, and get-togethers! Wonderful, happy memories in the making! 

Holiday tables are in the planning stage for this month! Artistic influences abound for ourselves and our homes! I love sharing a few with you every week.


Welcome Kelly

In case you missed it, yesterday, we announced Kelly Djalali coming on as a regular contributor.  Here’s what that means. 

TUESDAY: DAILY LOOKS

On Tuesdays, Kelly will be posting an entry to our Daily Looks feed.  She’ll post an OOTD and you can shop those outfits easily through the shop widget below the photo.  Being of a smaller stature, at 5 feet tall and 105 pounds, Kelly will create fresh looks with a focus on classic style for petites. 

THURSDAY: FEATURED POST

On Thursdays, Kelly will be contributing a full-length fashion-related post.   Whether she’s modeling outfits or giving you tips on how to build her capsule wardrobes, you can expect the same great content you’ve come to expect from SAACA. 

SATURDAYS:  KELLY’S KITCHEN

Kelly will be reviving her Kelly’s Kitchen column on Saturdays.  Each week, you can expect a delicious, easy-to-follow recipe.  

Guest editor Marlene M. Kristoff brings us the best Spring colors, flowers, and scents. 


Spring Colors, flowers, and scents

Spring home design

Bringing Spring into our lives and into every room of our homes is a joy! It is fun to create our home environments that “feed our souls” and nurture us.  Our homes are the “calm after the storm!”  No matter how many rooms we have 1,2 or 20…let them reflect our glorious Spring:  Entry, Powder – Bathroom, Bedroom, Living – Dining Room and Terrace!!

White/Silver Modern Silk  (The Rug Company)

Interiors today reflect our personalities…and style more than ever. There are as many styles as there are individuals!! Let’s see how we can uplift our spirits with Spring’s colors, flowers and scents this week, some subtle – some vibrant!

  • Are we classic traditionalists and modernists at the same time??
  • Do we sometimes love vibrancy…yet crave subtlety at other times??

 

  

 

‘March’ Giclee Print  (Art.com) | Winterthur’s Twelve Months of Flowers (Amazon)‘March’ Giclee Print (Art)

If you are a traditionalist, you might enjoy bringing Winterthur’s Twelve Months of Flowers into your home. The British horticulturist and author Robert Furber (1674–1756) created these wonderfully detailed floral works. Prints in numerous sizes and a book for recording birthdays and important dates have been published from this series over the years. Each month and its flowers become so personal when showcased on a wall…in almost any room.

They could read as family birth history or special marriage or birthday!! Personal and fun…. 

This beautifully subtle, mass of pale tulips in a simple footed crystal or glass urn is classically graceful on a dining table with Limoges, gold-rimmed dinnerware. It is equally at home on a Mid-Century Modern Platner Table by Knoll, in airy steel from Italy, or a marble Saarinen table à la 1956!

Crystal Alice Large Bowl (Neiman Marcus) | Bernardaud Palmyre Dinnerware Collection (Bloomingdale’s)Platner Coffee Table (Design within Reach)Saarinen Coffee Table (Design within Reach)

Bernardaud Jardin Indien Dinner Plate (Bloomingdale’s)

Spring colors & art

Bernardaud’s Jardin Indien Limoges Dinnerware is a beautiful combination of classic modernity for today! It has vibrancy and subtlety as well – depending on which pieces in the collection you choose, the color of linens, and accessories. Personalize to suit your home, personality, and entertaining style!  Artists have been influenced by the seasons for centuries…whether Monet, Cezanne, Warhol, or O’Keeffe! They are often readily identified with a specific style or genre.

‘Flowers, c.1970 (Yellow) (Art) | ‘Flowers, c.1970 (1 purple, 1 yellow, 2 pink)’  (Art.com) | ‘Flowers, 1965 (3 blue, 1 ivory)’  (Art.com)

Spring colors and flowers obviously influenced Andy Warhol, American, 1928–1987. Which of his works spring to mind? Possibly his wonderfully energetic POP silkscreened Portraits or Flowers. They are actually vibrant or subtle, depending on the color palette! 

You might arrange an entire vibrant wall with them…in almost any room, or subtly integrate pale tones in a serene blue–grey bedroom or bath. Thankfully, his foundation has authorized numerous reproductions. Art collectors today continue to seek his original works, long after his death in their glorious, original silkscreen form.

‘An Orchid, 1941’ (Art.com) |  ‘Pink Tulip, 1926’ (Art.com) | Georgia O’Keeffe: One Hundred Flowers (Amazon)

Spring flowers

How could we possibly think about artists inspired by flowers without the sumptuous, gigantic blooms of Georgia O’Keeffe (American 1887 – 1986)?  Her orchids are particularly sensuous, with breathtaking use of color gradations. Flower Abstraction, 1924 – An Orchid, 1941, and Pink Tulip are passionate works, beyond words and a few of my favorites! Georgia O’Keeffe: One

Happy Thoughts (Diane James Home) | BLOOMS La La Lavender (Diane James Home)

What would our homes be without glorious white or vibrant orchids? They usually remain with us for more than a month and sometimes reflower! 

Their beauty has been captured brilliantly by luxury floral artist Diane James in Connecticut. She uses the highest quality materials: natural-touch fabrics, real bamboo, preserved moss, etc. for many years of enjoyment.

Spring scents

Spring scents abound and I’ll share many in future weeks…for today, Jo Malone’s Vintage Gardenia has joyously reappeared for us to enjoy!

Jo Malone London Archive Collection Vintage Gardenia Cologne (Bloomingdale’s) 

‘Vogue Cover – July 1918’  (AllPosters)

Until next Saturday, have fun bringing Spring’s Colors, Flowers, and Scents into your Home!

xoxo MMK


In case you missed it.

Yesterday was Fridays with Oscar.  We’ve got a tasty recipe for you and a sneak peek at some home renovations

Daily Looks

Make sure to catch up on our DAILY LOOK. We post a dedicated photo to our daily outfit every Wednesday-Sunday. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture. 

Guest editor Marlene M. Kristoff gives us tips on home flower decoration

Home Flower Decoration

Aren’t we all ready for Spring 2022?? 

Spring is here – Welcome!

What does Spring mean to you…??  Is it your time to begin anew in your Home, Garden, and Life??  Spring…means Flowers to me – I love them all!!  Every type and color – elegant, charming, intimate, and classic

Spring flowers

They spring from bulbs, gardens, pots, trees, and in some parts…up from a snowy blanket to usher hope and springtime!! Hyacinths and daffodils arising from snow, forever remind me of my Ohio childhood. My dear Mother, thankfully, helped me catch her passion and love of all flowers, if not her very green thumb!

Enjoy the Flowers of Spring with me from my living room in San Francisco!!  Let’s explore, create happiness and capture more grace and beauty – no matter where we live!!

Creed Spring Flower Fragrance (Nordstrom) 

Fragrance may be part of their allure. Some of their heady scents are captured in a bottle by noses and fragrance firms throughout the world.  Creed has even named one of their lovelies Spring Flower, bottled in vibrant fuchsia!!  Nature brought them to us LIVE, so let’s enjoy fresh blooms to celebrate the beginning of our new season!

Carolyne Roehm, designer, artist, and author extraordinaire, and I share many passions.  Her numerous Books, Notecards, and Prints abound – I love sharing them with you.

Garden, Hearth, Traditions, Home: Roehm (Amazon) | Passions (Amazon) | Green Wing (Carolyne Roehm)

Baccarat Lucky Butterfly (Neiman Marcus)Baccarat Lucky Butterfly (Bloomingdale’s)Charlotte Moss Flowers (Amazon)

During this beautiful season, I enjoy bringing blossoms of every sort indoors to brighten my day or office. This is one of the great pleasures in my life. 

Spring flower vases

Delightful calla lilies, camellias, daffodils, grape hyacinth, hydrangeas, sprigs of jasmine or apple blossom, and the wild varieties of tulips make their way into my collection of vases!! 

Each vase brings a memory. Some came from travels, some from antique jaunts. Many remind me of the person who graciously gifted it to me for a special birthday, occasion or Christmas. Vases are truly memorable gifts for the giver and receiver! I thought it would be fun to discover some of them together this week!

Clear Amalia Vase (Neiman Marcus)

Vases with fleurs of every kind bring charm, beauty, and life to every conceivable interior – home or office!

Mottahedeh Tobacco Leaf Cachepot (FX Dougherty)

These vessels can be simple or dear, modern or antique. They may be cups and mugs, mason jars, pitchers, teapots, and glasses of any shape. Charming and chic vases enliven, giving joy and special smiles, not only in springtime but throughout the entire year!!

Match Bud Vase (Neiman Marcus)Christian Lacroix Herbariae Tea Pot (Williams Sonoma) |  Basket Teapo (Macy’s)

Blue & White Ultimate Planter Pot Set (Williams Sonoma)Mottahedeh Salad Plate (Williams Sonoma)

Sometimes it is fun to group vases and blooms together on a dinner table, or at each place setting. They are lovely on a breakfast tray, nightstand, entry, and cocktail table. “Framing” a mantle at each end – symmetrical placement can be very effective. I love having them in the bathroom…and on my kitchen counter. They can be almost anywhere!! They are like little smiles to welcome you home, say hello to begin your morning doing your makeup, or be the last gorgeous thing you see before you nod off to dreamland! Their beauty is unmistakable…

There are many creative ways to arrange flowers. A single bloom is elegant and charming, highlighting the beauty of the blossom, as well as the vase. Crystal is lovely when the entire stem is beautiful.  It can be dramatic to cluster all in one color, shades of the same color, or all the same type of bloom! Have fun!

      

Baccarat Eye Vase Collection (Bloomingdale’s) | Dogwood Vases (Neiman Marcus) | Calinda Round Vase (Neiman Marcus)

 

Iittala Aalto Vase (Macy’s) | Teardrop Vases (Macy’s) | Unity Glass Vase Set (Ballard Designs)

One of our most remarkably creative, living artists is Jeff Koons. His delightful 40’ flower-covered topiary Puppy, modeled after a West Highland Terrier welcomes one and all to the Guggenheim Bilbao! During my years with the Guggenheim New York, it was always a delight to visit this remarkable ever-changing sculpture. Puppy, later became a ceramic vase…bringing smiles to all in another scale!! Today, it is a prized, collectible work of art.

French Wicker Basket (Weston Table)  | Giant Clam (Ballard Designs) | Bloom Botanica Flowerpot (Blooming Dales)

Flowering plants

Flowering plants like primroses, geraniums, bromeliads, and greens also find homes in beautiful basketry and cachepots i.e., flowerpots-even from Georg Jensen!! Casual and modern containers can be charming on a front porch, terrace, or outdoor tables for our new season. All are available in numerous materials: wicker, porcelain, ceramic, glass, and many metals. 

Let your imagination be the judge! Each flower speaks to you! 

Have fun and Happy Spring 2022!! xoxo MMK


In case you missed it

Have fun with your own home flower decoration!  And in case you missed it, yesterday, we showed you how to make a charcuterie board.

Daily Looks

Make sure to catch up on our DAILY LOOK. We post a dedicated photo to our daily outfit every Wednesday-Sunday. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture. 

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