Amanda Marie, creator behind Sincerely, Marie Designs, is an old soul who loves traditional English style and old Americana. She and her family are currently renovating a beautiful southern colonial in a small town in north Georgia. Amanda Marie is an expert when it comes to DIY projects, family recipes, and decorating in a timeless, classic style. She is passionate about creating a warm and cozy environment for her family, and that love can be seen within every single inch of her home at Christmastime.
Amanda has shared an extensive tour of her home, decked for the holidays, on her blog, and today we are delighted to feature a peek inside! At Sincerely, Marie Designs, you can see additional images of Amanda’s living room, foyer, kitchen and primary bedroom. We love that she adds Christmas cheer throughout the entire home… Let’s take a look!
What do you get when you mix festive tartan, an extensive antiques collection, and a classically decorated home rich in equestrian history? Quintessential, timeless Christmas style at its finest! Located in Lake Forest, Illinois, the home was originally a polo clubhouse and stable on the property where Henry Ford Jr. and the Kennedy family practiced polo in the 1930s. The Homeowner, Alison Sherman, is an interior designer, third generation antiques dealer, and creator of The Polohouse blog and popular Instagram account @polohousestyle.
Converted into a single family home in the 1970s, preserving and celebrating the house’s rich equestrian history drove all the design choices that Alison made. Inspired by her grandfather’s Pennsylvania horse farm where she grew up, she gravitated towards a classic style reminiscent of an old-fashioned gentleman’s club. And it the perfect backdrop for a picture perfect Christmas!
Wouldn’t you love to spend Christmas here?! This home appeared in the December 2013 issue of Midwest Living, proving classic design is truly timeless. Additional photography was provided by the homeowner.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the holiday season is taking the time to enjoy family traditions and passing them down to the future generations. Here at The Glam Pad, we adore advent calendars, a Christmas tradition that began in 19th century Germany. Today advent calendars can take a variety of forms, and we have gathered 10 of our favorites to share today! Whether you are looking for an heirloom to pass down to your children, or simply a way to indulge… we’ve got you covered! Written by Natalie Aldridge.
*** Don’t forget, today is Cyber Monday! You can shop our updated and comprehensive guide to the sales here. ***
Dr. Barbara Strum is renowned around the globe for her expertise in skincare and her beautifully crafted products. This year she has released a highly anticipated advent calendar filled with her cult-classic skincare with a complete regimen of 24 products and other goodies that are both full-sized and minis.
Liberty of London is always TGP favorite. They never disappoint on unique items and quality. This 12 days of jewelry set is a bit of a splurge but worth every penny for the bling inside. It is a perfect treat for a loved-one or even yourself.
Forget what you thought about advent calendar candy, there will be no foil-wrapped chocolates in this advent calendar. Created by luxury candy makers Sugarfina, the carousel theme calendar features festive zebras, elephants, and horses dancing under the soft glow of an illuminated canopy. Not only is the candy divine, but the marry-go-round is a keepsake.
Another favorite from across the pond, Fortnum & Mason has been purveyors of taste for three centuries. Their Feasting Advent Calendar brings together all their coveted sweet and savory goodies into one box. Each day gives a new opportunity to try something new and create foodie memories.
Who can go wrong with Wedgwood? Fastened in a period-style house, each day features an exquisitely made Christmas ornament in the brand’s signature color. The uniqueness of this calendar lies in the multigenerational quality. With such sublimely special ornaments, they are sure to be used each year and passed down through the generations.
Perfect for everyone, especially the littles. There is little that compares to the magic of popping open a neatly wrapped chocolate each day until Christmas. Angelina of Paris has concocted some of the best chocolate around the globe for a little over a century making this calendar a sure winner in any household.
Voluspa candles are a go-to here at The Glam Pad. This 12-day set of full-sized candles makes a fantastic countdown. Taken from Voluspa’s Japonica archive, unveiling a fragrance each day is a gift to your senses and home. And if the full-sized candles are too much of a commitment, they offer a calendar of minis!
A classic Fortnum & Mason piece for every home (And our founder Andrea’s favorite). Depicting the facade of the iconic department store, this wooden calendar becomes a Christmas mainstay for each year. And since the calendar is reusable, they offer refillable sets so it can be stuffed again and again with treats directly from the store.
VineBox was the first company to develop curated wine advent calendar filled with carefully selected wines from around the world. Each day features a perfectly measured glass of wine in a glass vile. And if there is a particular wine you love, a full bottle can be found through their website. The calendar is offered in two different sets, a selection of bright and crisp wines and a collection of bold and rich wines. The two sets can even be doubled up to enjoy for all 24 days leading up to Christmas.
The Bonne Maman advent calendar has become a cult classic and for good reason. A staple in any household, Bonne Maman has been whipping up homemade-style preserves since 1971. Each year the calendar features classics and sensational holiday jams, spreads, and honey. This extraordinary treat makes for a delectable lead-up to Christmas.
Let us know which calendar is your favorite. We cannot wait to countdown the holidays with you! And don’t forget to check out the rest of our Cyber Monday favorites!
It’s Cyber Monday, and the holidays are officially upon us! Today is the best shopping day of the year, and it the perfect time to take care of all your holiday shopping… So pour yourself a little eggnog and enjoy as we bring you our favorite sales!
For additional ideas, please see The Glam Pad’s annual Tastemakers Holiday Gift Guide, curated by over 20 of the nation’s top interior designers and purveyors of good taste… It contains every idea you could possibly need for hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, children, pets, him, her, and yourself! A few pictures of our 2022 tastemakers’ homes, decked for the holidays, are below…
You can also see gift ideas from our favorite store, Scully & Scully, here.
Thanksgiving 2022 has arrived. Each year we look forward to Thanksgiving with much anticipation. Cooler weather, longer nights, and endless seasonal inspiration begin to permeate our feeds and minds. While the festive frenzy of the holiday season gives us much to sink our teeth into, we want to give thanks to our TGP community. After all, we could not continue to do what we love without you!
This year The Glam Pad has reached new heights with an ever-growing audience dear to our hearts. Just this past month we launched our new website, ushering in a new era for the digital magazine. With the support of many creatives, endlessly talented designers, and all that tune in each week, we have been able to share exciting new content and grow our platform.
Truly, nothing brings us more joy than to inspire with beautiful spaces and connect with those who share our passion. We leave you this Thanksgiving with a thank you and a bit of holiday inspiration, not only for Thanksgiving but to carry you through the upcoming holidays.
First, we cannot stop thinking about Alex Hitz’s stunning Thanksgiving feast as presented in The Art of the Host: Recipes and Rules for Flawless Entertaining, published by Rizzoli in 2019. It remains one of our favorite entertaining books of all time… not only are the recipes delicious, but also for Alex’s generous use of sterling silver and fine china. Every picture is a visual feast for the eyes!
This weekend Mom and I started pulling out the holiday china, and it reminded me of this popular post where readers were asked to weigh in with their favorite patterns. There were several I had never heard of before, and it was such fun to learn about them! I have also started my Christmas shopping, and while perusing Scully & Scully‘s website, I uncovered a handful of additional patterns I know you will love… Let’t take a look!
I have long admired Star Fluted Christmas by Royal Copenhagen, which also happens to be dishwasher safe! This bone china from Denmark features winding garlands of spruce decorated with bows, hearts, drums and angels… the staples of a traditional, cozy Danish Christmas. No two bows are exactly the same.
Handmade in France, Bernardaud’s Noel is quintessential holiday tableware. Handcrafted of fine Limoges porcelain, each piece is hand decorated with a charming motif.
And of course there is Spode Christmas Tree, the most classic choice. Loved for its nostalgia and warm recollections of Christmases past, Christmas Tree is one of the world’s best known holiday designs since its introduction in 1938.
Winter Shimmer by Herend is a darling pattern that will add a sparkle to any festive table whether on its own or as a lovely companion to other Herend patterns. Bright red holly berries and green leaves adorn each piece, enhanced with handpainted 24k gold edges and polka dots. Handmade and handpainted porcelain from Hungary.
The following desert plates would be perfect with Winter Shimmer, above. Pure white porcelain is handpainted with four delightful motifs to celebrate the season before being enhanced with handpainted gold trim, rim, and polka dots. Herend porcelain is handmade in Hungary with 24k gold accents.
For an additional dash of holiday magic, add the figurines depicted in the plates to your tablescape! Scully & Scully has them all… There’s the Gingerbread Man, the Christmas Tree, the Snowman, and the Santa Bunny.
And speaking of Herend, Scully & Scully offers the largest selection of Herend porcelain figurines in the country, including many exclusively available pieces. They are highly collectable and make ideal gifts for loved ones. You might consider starting a collection and adding a new piece each year. I collect blue bunnies and recently added the Herend Santa Bunny and Candy Cane Bunny to my collection. Here are some other holiday options to consider…
Whether you are looking for one-of-a-kind gifts for someone special on your list, or you are looking to decorate your home for the holidays with unique and heirloom-quality treasures, Scully & Scully has sourced and curated the best of the best for eight decades. It is more important than ever to support our cherished family-owned business, including America’s luxury purveyor since 1934, Scully & Scully.
Below are a few examples of delightful treasures that are unique or exclusive to Scully & Scully…
I have collected Limoges boxes for years, and Scully & Scully has the absolute best selection. Below are a few holiday pieces that would make excellent gifts… You could even start a holiday tradition by tucking one into a Bauble Stocking each year!
Scully & Scully travels the world year-after-year in search of vendors to represent. They showcase the highest quality of items, including an extensive selection of home accessories such as tabletop, leather goods, home decor, furniture, and collectibles. For additional gift ideas ideas curated by Scully & Scully, click here for Her and here for Him.
Scully & Scully is a family owned business established in 1934 on Park Avenue in New York City. Located today in its original location on Park Avenue in Manhattan, today their exquisite treasures are offered online worldwide. Please visit their website to shop their gracious and timeless selections, click here to request a catalogue, and follow @scullyandscully on Instagram for ongoing inspiration.
Suzanne Duin is the founder and interior designer behind Maison Maison, a jewel box of a shop located in the heart of Houston’s River Oaks District. Established in 1997, Maison Maison is known for authentic French antiques and home accessories, handpicked from across the globe by Suzanne herself. Part shop-part full service design firm, Maison Maison is a lifestyle destination, not just a design shop
Suzanne’s love of design began at an early age, watching her interior designer mother work with clients and create inviting interiors. She studied both Art History and Interior Design at the University of Texas at Austin. Suzanne spent her young adulthood living part-time in and around Europe, where she fell in love with the museums, the food, the people, and, ultimately, the antiques – a passion she still holds today.
Suzanne also has a passion for historic preservation. A recent article tells the story of the charming historic cottage that houses Maison Maison. It is one of seven cottages that were set for demolition, but were saved and relocated to an underutilized block now known as the Cottages at Matt Camron. Suzanne is also in the process of restoring a stunning historic Houston home by architect Birdsall Briscoe which we will tour momentarily. But first, let’s get to know Suzanne with a Q&A!
Maison Maison
Q: When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in interior design?
A: I suppose that I always knew that I wanted to pursue interior design and having a mother who was also a successful interior designer I am sure helped! I thought her work was pretty cool and knew that I would enjoy pursuing the same career!
Q: What are some style/design elements that you think are distinct or signature to your decorating style?
A: My style would definitely be described as ‘Grand Tour’ in influence as I have traveled all my life all over the world and those travels influence my work. I also find that my clients enjoy displaying their treasured memories of past travels as well. The introduction of other cultures brings so much more interest to a space I find.
Q: Please tell us about the beautiful historic home you are restoring. What draws you to old homes?
A: We are restoring the last commission of Birdsall Briscoe and this is my second home of his design to own! This one is called Legend and the previous owners were quite the legendary women for sure and certainly big shoes to fill but I will try! The style of the home would be classified as a country home in the Southern Colonial influence and it has the most wonderful curb appeal with a big wrapping veranda that I just love!
Q: Where do you enjoy sourcing antiques and art?
A: I have been sourcing antiques in France since 1996 when I started my shop and importing containers from there. I mostly bought in the South as the Italians and Spanish dealers could be found also at the fairs. As well Stateside, I have bought in Brimfield in Massachusetts. And I love a good auction whether on line or in person.
Q: What are some of the most popular items in your shop currently, and what changes in the industry have you seen post-Covid?
A: Well you can always find our woven and fabric lampshades as well as antiques and our antique textile collection of pillows. Our shop is where designers come for the ‘finishing touches’! As to changes since Covid, we have had logistics issues to be sure in getting our product in as well as delays in the labor force which makes it tough to deliver in a timely manner to our clients! And I think that all of our suppliers are suffering with getting and keeping good help.
Q: What are your goals for Maison Maison over the next five years?
A: To grow our woven line of product to include tabletop and bath accessories as well as new introductions of designs to our lampshade collections. We have a new lighting collaboration coming out next year and we hope to do more collaborations in the future!
Q: What do you consider the most exciting part of your work, and how do you stay energized on a project?
A: That is easy! The thrill of the hunt for just the right piece and the fun I have in finding it! Again it is about travel and my passport is always ready for another stamp!
Q: What is one fail-safe design element that every room should have?
A: A beautiful carpet and preferably Persian. That and comfortable upholstery!
Q: Have you ever had a decorating disaster that you can laugh about now?
A: Well fortunately I learned early from my mistakes so there are not many! But one that taught me to never send upholstery fabric directly to the upholsterer without getting a cutting of the fabric sent to my office first was a big shock! When my client called and asked if I had changed the color of the sofa fabric without telling her??? Upon arrival for inspection I found a different colorway than the one I specified and had to ‘eat’ the cost and replace not only the fabric yardage but the labor to upholster again!! Ouch!
Q: What advice do you have for women thinking of launching their own business?
A: Get a good business/financial adviser to help you set up your success and not failure! I think too many good ideas are killed with bad management of funds and employees.
Suzanne Duin
Thank you, Suzanne, for joining us today! We love your shop and cannot wait to see more of your stunning home renovation! For a tour of Suzanne’s home in progress, please enjoy the video below… and make sure to subscribe to The Glam Pad’s new YouTube channel! For additional information, please visit Maison Maison and follow @maisonmaisondesign on Instagram for ongoing inspiration.
Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the latest happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. This week we take a look at designer and artist Luke Edward Hall’s latest book, The Central Park Conservancy Annual Gala, and Chefanie’s Dallas trunk show. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
Luke Edward Hall’s Kaleidoscopic World
British artist and designer Luke Edward Hall has released his second book, A Kind of Magic: The Kaleidoscopic World of Luke Edward Hall, and we cannot get enough of it. Hall has long been on our radar. Described by Vogue as a “design wonderkid,” it seems everything he touches turns to gold. Having studied menswear at Central Saint Martins to become an interior designer, artist, and all-around creative authority, Hall encapsulates a humorous yet sublimely classic sensibility in all his work. From the interiors of hotels, homes, and restaurants, to clothing, stationery, furniture, tableware, and more, he never ceases to surprise and delight.
Photograph by Billal Taright via Vendome PressPhotograph by Billal Taright via Vendome Press
In his second coffee table book, Hall offers a new perspective into his colorful world filled with Greco extravaganza. Like a divine cornucopia, each page shows an intimate view of his work and process. Truly a kind of magic, his kaleidoscopic world forces one to rethink historical motifs and ideas all while bringing a smile to the face. The book is now available here for purchase.
Each Autumn New York’s society set steps out onto the lawn of Central Park for a special evening of drinks, dancing, and many desserts. The Central Park Conservancy Annual Gala celebrates the park generations of New Yorkers have cherished and depended on for respite from city life. The gala also raises funds to preserve and improve the park so New Yorkers can continue to enjoy the 843-acre backyard for decades to come.
After an evening of cocktails and dinner, the Conservancy’s Young Associates take over for dessert and dancing. This year’s gala took place on Rumsey Playfield where the theme was 60’s Mod. Young Associates co-chairs Isabella Massenet and Zachary Weiss made the evening a night to remember bring out of the best of 1960s glamour. The Young Associates then made their way downtown in an antique trolly car with music spun by co-host and DJ Isabella Massenet. The after party took place Nubeluz at the newly opened Ritz-Carlton in NoMad. What an evening and for a wonderful cause.
Chefanie Comes to Dallas
Chef Stephanie Nass, founder of Chefanie, will be making her way to Dallas for a very exciting two-day trunk show hosted by Madison of Highland Park Village. Nass, a New York-based caterer, culinary influencer, and designer, has built an empire inspiring individuals to bake, cook, and entertain with panache.
Since starting her culinary journey, she has developed an extensive collection of cheeky goods for the home, clothing, accessories, and edible goodies. Nass has been featured in The Today Show, New York Times, Town & Country Magazine, O Magazine, and many more publications.
Chefanie will be accompanied by Dallas-based interior designer Kelli Ford and influencer Melissa Smrekar for the event. The trunk show will take place December 7th from 4 pm to 7 pm and December 8th from 10 am to 7 pm. Be sure to stop by if you are in Dallas!
With a history that dates back to the eleventh century, Belvoir Castle is one of England’s most beautiful stately homes. It is the ancestral home of the Duke of Rutland, where the family have lived in an unbroken line for over 500 years. Perched on a hill in bucolic countryside, the castle is renowned for its exquisite collection of antique Chinese wallpapers dating back to the late 1700s. As part of an extensive renovation, the Duchess of Rutland commissioned de Gournay to faithfully recreate the wallpaper in the Wellington Room were the Duke of Wellington stayed in the 1850s. The project also included interior design by Sibyl Colfax & John Fowler, along with garden restoration based on the original landscaping plans drawn up by the renowned Capability Brown in 1780.
This hand painted wallpaper is unique for its vivid coloration – rich berry tones set off against a wonderful pistachio green ground – and its opulent design: a verdant garden scene of exotic birds and peony flowers in full bloom. It was recreated using de Gournay’s meticulous production methods, which have remained essentially unchanged since the hand painting of this original wallpaper. This recreation has now become part of de Gournay’s permanent collection of historically inspired Chinoiserie wallpapers.
A project of such specialist character called upon the skills of multiple other brands, each an authority in their field of product. Collier Webb leant their metalworking talents to picture rails and chains cast especially for the rooms, while George Spencer and Heritage Trimmings provided textile elements for the embellishment of the resident bed – a magnificent four poster, refashioned in keeping with the transformation of the room. Meanwhile, Colefax & Fowler was the obvious source for the remaining fabrics, with Burns and Hooper delving into the companies extensive collections for the additional upholstery, soft furnishings and drapery.
The combined strengths of de Gournay’s technical expertise and the castle’s fascinating heritage has resulted in a unique and striking revival of one of Europe’s greatest decorative legacies, a masterful showcase to be admired by future generations just as the 18th century examples are revered today.
There are so many wonderful new books that have been released this fall, it is hard to cover them all. But one that particularly caught our eye is G: Forever Green by interior designer and style guru Carlos Mota, published by Vendome. Mota, who is also the author of Beige is Not a Color, has such a passion for green that he has now devoted an entire book to it. G: Forever Green celebrates the color in all its manifold manifestations: in nature, food, fashion, jewelry, art, interiors, and architecture.
Illustrated with Mota’s own photographs, taken as he has traveled the world, as well as images by prominent photographers, G: Forever Green features rooms by notable designers, among them Kelly Wearstler, Alessandra Branca, Mark D. Sikes, Robert Couturier, Gert Voorjans, and Nicky Haslam. This stunning volume, elegantly produced with green metallic edge stain, is a testament to the power of green to soothe, inspire, and excite.
Schloss Schönbrunn Kulture, Photograph by Alexander Eugen Koller.
“Green is a neutral and looks great in any interior,” says Mota in the book’s introduction. “Green doesn’t have a price tag; it is the most universal and popular of colors. It looks great in a palazzo in Venice or a studio apartment in Brooklyn.”
Private residence in New York City. Interior design by Alexia Leuschen. Photograph by Bjorn Wallander.Private residenct, Rome. Photograph by Tommaso ZifferPhotograph of Dodie Thayer ceramics. Photograph by Douglas Friedman.Residence of Tory Burch. Photograph by Carlos Mota.Residence of Tory Burch. Photograph by Carlos Mota.Residence of Jessica Hart and James Kirkham, Los Angeles. Interior design by Carlos Mota. Photograph by Douglas Friedman.Beaulieu House, Newport, Rhode Island. Interior design by Valerian Rybar. Photograph by Douglas Friedman.George Washington’s Mount Vernon Small Dining Room. Photograph by Rob Shenk, courtesy of Mount Vernon Ladies’ AssociationResidence of Christopher Burch, Senlis, France. Photograph by Carlos MotaOuverture, Photograph by Reginald Van de VeldeG: Forever Green
The beautiful images from this truly unique book were provided by Vendome Press. Please click here to purchase G: Forever Green. It would be a perfect Christmas gift for anyone on your list who loves the color green!
