Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. This week we take a look at a recap of Round Top, Flower Couture by Cordelia De Castellane, and the Lake Forest Showhouse and Gardens. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
Round Top Recap with Society Social
Twice a year, the tiny Texas town of Round Top, home to just 90 residents on a typical day, transforms into an antiques mecca, swelling to a few hundred thousand as collectors, designers, and treasure hunters descend for the Round Top Antiques Festival.
Stretching over 11 miles along Texas State Highway 237, this legendary event is the largest antiques show in the country, and the first of 2025 wrapped up in spectacular fashion. To mark the occasion, Society Social and photographer Nick Mele brought their signature flair to Round Top, hosting an evening of dinner, drinks, and a Texas-sized dose of extravagance.
The duo has also teamed up to create Nick Mele x Society Social Pause Life, Play Games, a game room furniture collection that’s as stylish as it is fun. Launched in January, the whimsical lineup features eight nostalgic designs, all available in customizable upholstery and finishes—because, let’s be honest, playing in style is half the fun!
The celebration unfolded in the effortlessly cool surroundings of Rancho Pillow, where industry tastemakers, friends, and members of the chic set gathered for a night to remember. With its signature mix of Southern hospitality and high design, Round Top once again proved that when it comes to antiques and a good party, everything really is bigger in Texas. Click here for additional information on The Round Top Antiques Fair and to purchase tickets for upcoming events.
Flower Couture by Cordelia De Castellane
French tastemaker and artistic director for Dior Maison and Baby Dior, Cordelia de Castellane, is back with another dose of effortless Parisian charm. This time she is turning her attention from interiors to the great outdoors. In Flower Couture: From My Garden to My House, she invites readers into the lush, flower-filled world of her private country retreat, proving that a garden isn’t just a place to admire but an endless muse for entertaining, decorating, and infusing daily life with beauty.
A follow-up to her beloved Life in a French Country House, this book takes us through the seasons in her garden, each chapter dedicated to the vibrant hues of her favorite blooms. Cordelia shares her signature approach to floral arrangements, table settings, and the art of hosting, all with that unmistakable je ne sais quoi of French living. From spring’s delicate pastels to the deep, moody tones of autumn, every page is a masterclass in making nature the star of your gatherings.
Beyond its dreamy visuals, Flower Couture is filled with practical tips. From how to compose the perfect bouquet to arranging an al fresco dinner worthy of a Dior campaign, she truly shows how to embrace the French philosophy of joie de vivre, one impeccably placed flower at a time. Readers will be inspired to bring a little of Cordelia refined-yet-relaxed aesthetic into their own homes, whether they have sprawling grounds or a simple windowsill herb garden.
Published by Rizzoli with photography by Billal Taright, whose lens captures the romance of Cordelia’s world with cinematic flair, this book is a must-have for design lovers, aspiring floral stylists, and anyone who believes that the best moments in life are set against a backdrop of nature’s finest.
Lake Forest Showhouse and Gardens
The 2025 Infant Welfare Society Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens is shaping up to be a must-see. This year’s setting is a breathtaking 1895 Georgian-style estate by Henry Ives Cobb, complete with 30 grand rooms, English walled gardens, and all the architectural splendor we adore. In 1935 the home was given a refresh by famed architect David Adler. He added a pool, pool house, tennis court, and warming hut, adding to the splendor of this incredible home.
Now, more than 45 top interior designers and landscape artists will work their magic on the 15,000-square-foot mansion and its 3.5 acres, marking the 20th edition of this beloved event. And as if that weren’t enough, Mary McDonald, award-winning interior designer, Million Dollar Decorators alum, and all-around style icon will serve as Honorary Chair. She’ll sit down with Dara Caponigro, Chief Creative Officer of Schumacher, for a conversation on design, inspiration, and the art of living beautifully.
Guests will get to tour the Showhouse, enjoy a light lunch from SPACE 519’s The Lunchroom, and take home an advance copy of Glorious Gardens: Private Edens of the World’s Leading Interior Designers. If you love great design (or just a peek inside a truly spectacular home), consider this your invitation! The showhouse will be open April 26th through May 25th. Tickets can be purchased here!
Read our favorite articles of the week!
Tour Rosanna Bossom’s Cozy, Personality-Filled London Home written by Fiona McCarthy for Frederic.
These Are the 40 Most Beautiful Gardens in the World written by Sarah Dimarco for Veranda.
Shop this week’s inspired finds!
x Natalie
Founded in 2013 by mother of five Celia Muñoz, La Coqueta is often affectionately called her “sixth child.” And like any cherished offspring, it has flourished into a brand adored by mothers around the world. With its impeccable craftsmanship and nostalgic nod to Spanish heritage, La Coqueta strikes the perfect balance between beauty and practicality. Now, with Hill House Home’s signature charm woven into every design, the collection is as enchanting as it is wearable. A match made in style heaven.
