You may recall seeing designer Bailey McCarthy’s delightfully whimsical Texas home featured in the February issue of House Beautiful… I love her fun and colorful style, and I also am a huge fan of the fabulous linens available through her company, Biscuit Home. As Bailey states on Biscuit’s website, “We are passionate about traditional interior design and lifestyle, striving to honor Southern traditions by adding to the conversation with products that put new twists on the classics. We believe sophistication doesn’t have to be stuffy, and good taste should never be boring.” Sign me up! Below are a few showcase images I pulled from the Biscuit website and Instagram account…
So fun and fresh! All Biscuit Home products are made in the USA, and all artwork is original to Biscuit. Of course I love all of the monogrammed options, and the printed linens provide an affordable alternative to Porthault. I also love Biscuit’s monogrammed napkins… these gingham napkins are perfect for summer entertaining! To see more and to shop the rooms above, please visit Biscuit.
Just a quick post today to let you know the long-awaited Aquazzura for de Gournay collection is now available for purchase! The five-piece shoe collection was inspired by tropical Columbia, and it is so Palm Beach Chic…
Photo Credit: Devlin Shand for Drew Altizer Photography
If you are looking for a last-minute Mother’s Day gift, trust me Dear Mom would be thrilled with any of these options. Since orders won’t arrive until after Mother’s Day, simply print the image of your purchased shoes and slip it inside her card. I personally have my eye on the embroidered loafers… hint, hint. The Aquazzura for de Gournay collection is available exclusively at MatchesFashion.com.
Ever since I was a little girl, I have been passionate about reading and books. These days, I mostly read interior design books, and I have been a busy bee this spring pouring through some fabulous new releases. Five of my favorites are featured below:
Carleton Varney has been named one of Architectural Digest’s “Deans of Design” and he has authored over 30 books during his celebrated career. He is a legend, and his work inspires me every day! Known as “Mr. Color” for his bold use of bright colors and prints, Carleton also has a traditional side… he is truly the master. Carleton grew up on the Massachusetts coast, where his love for the waterfront began, and he now lives in Palm Beach. His latest book, Decorating on the Waterfront, showcases homes never published before for clients on waterfronts from the Caribbean islands to Palm Beach, Florida, to the shores of Lake Huron, Michigan and Lake Arrowhead, California. This book is a must for any interior design enthusiast and Carleton Varney fan! Pre-order now.
Charlotte Moss writes in her foreword, “In How they Decorated Gaye Tapp promises a volume that will be constantly referred to – a must-have for every library of style and design, and one that will show its own signs of love from constant use over time.” Gaye analyzes the refined ways and je ne sais quoi of 16 fascinating and elegant women – including Bunny Mellon, Babe Paley, Elsa Schiaparelli, Fleur Cowles, Pauline de Rothschild, and Evangeline Bruce – describing the aesthetic approaches they took in decorating their homes. I have always been tremendously inspired by the past and the history of interior design, and this book provides a fascinating glimpse inside significant residences belonging to the twentieth century’s leading tastemakers. I have not been able to put it down!
Veranda always produces the most beautiful books and their latest, Veranda Entertaining, was created as an inspirational guide to throwing a stylish soirée. Whether it’s a brunch, afternoon tea, benefit gala, holiday dinner, or a simple dinner for two, this book is full of tips and inspiration for creating beautiful floral arrangements, selecting the right linens, preparing delicious appetizers and cocktails, and setting the right ambience to ensure a memorable event. And there is a plethora of glorious pictures from leading designers including Alessandra Branca, Ann Getty, Michelle Nussbaumer, Mary McDonald, Charlotte Moss, and Bunny Williams. Pure eye candy!
Regular readers of this blog will know I’m obsessed with Patricia Altschul’s home, which I have featured here, here, here, here, and here. Patricia is the shining star of Bravo TV’s Southern Charm, known for her entertaining skills, impeccable taste, and caftans. And now the impossibly chic Southern belle is detailing her secret formula for curating and celebrating life at its best. In The Art of Southern Charm, Patricia provides tips on household organization, how to choose the perfect paint color, travel in style, dress appropriately for any occasion, and find the perfect mate. She also shares advice on how to be both a welcome house guest and a consummate hostess (complete with recipes). This is a book I plan on committing to memory, as there simply is no better role model than Patricia Altschul when it comes to Southern Charm!
Charlotte Moss wrote in her foreword, “Like the cocktail party in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, with its pop-pop fizz-fizz Henry Mancini score, Meg’s effervescence is evidenced in her rooms, and in this book. Beautifully photographed and crisply written with the sound advice of a pro, The Decorated Home: Living with Style and Joy will excite you, inspire you, and guide you in your journey to a beautiful, happy home.” I couldn’t agree more! Click here to read a Q&A on Meg’s long-awaited fabulous first book.
I hope you enjoy these books as much as I have! Do you have any additional recommendations for spring reading? To see more of my favorite books, please visit my Amazon library.
