Sassy Living on the Pagan River
Iconic homes. Exquisite interiors. Simply southern. All my favorite things were on display in one place.
As part of my birthday weekend (and desire to make getting older completely “chic”), I went to the Historic Garden Week House and Garden tour in charming downtown Smithfield, Virginia via the Jamestown Ferry. Since it has been a while since Smithfield was on the tour, the grandest homes were featured. Alas, interior photography was not permitted, so you will have to take my word on the great design, but I got a few cool pictures of the homes’ exteriors.
Nestled on the Pagan River, Smithfield was founded in 1750 by Arthur Smith IV. The town has a harmonious blend of 18th and 19th century Colonial, Federal, Georgian and Victorian homes and buildings. I was so charmed that I plan to go back as soon as possible — needless to say, I had the best ham biscuits EVER!
March Madness!
All this tournament talk is making me dizzy. Just to be clear, March Madness runs through the first week of April. I know, I am confused, too. I am not a sports girl. Not even a little bit. Well, if you throw in some ponies, and a well-kept race track, I might pay attention (and a mint julep doesn’t hurt). Otherwise, I will probably have my nose in a novel or design book. But, there are several appealing alternatives this year to the daily tournament fever. Powell’s Bookstore in Portland has come up with a literary cure for March Madness. POETRY MADNESS! It’s very clever, and you can play at your leisure — there are special categories: living, deceased, in translation & Pacific Northwest.
Or, if you love design (c’est moi!), then there is a very cool House Beautiful design focused March Madness chart. Who knew that the madness would extend to the design and literary world? Enjoy!
French Accents
As I write this, it is Good Friday — beautiful here in Virginia. Sunny with a slight nip in the air, which is a welcome change from the mini-blizzard last week. I am making Easter cupcakes complete with a green coconut topping and pipe cleaners for basket handles. Mom made these every year, and about now she would be polishing the silver and washing her Theodore Haviland china in preparation for the Sunday feast! She had, as the French love to say, a certain Je nais se quoi. There’s a fabulous new book available which gives a sophisticated review of French style and home decor, and I have found it very helpful in striving for the same distinction.
French Accents – At Home with Parisian Objects and Details is chocked with beautiful interior images, but it’s not just a picture book. There’s lifestyle inspiration and practical suggestions, too. Here’s a sample:
- Hang vintage board games for unusual artwork.
- Balance impressive architecture with slipcovers in primary colors.
- Highlight antiques by tucking them into a kitchen or bathroom.
As spring turns to summer, why not begin to style your home with some clever and chic accessories you probably already have?! Thanks to Carly for sending me this fab book to review.
Tyler Florence: FRESH!
Last week we had a mix of winter snow and spring temperatures here in Virginia! Definitely a hello, goodbye experience. I planted pansies on Sunday, and then started dreaming about the farmers’ markets around town — they will be opening soon. And, of course a new season calls for a new cookbook for ideas and inspiration.
Tyler Florence’s recently released book, aptly titled, FRESH, emphasizes fresh ingredients over courses and spotlights the importance of quality produce. It has many fabulous recipes that offer great alternatives to traditional spring fare. See the sneak peek below for a recipe you can try right now! Thanks to my pal, Allison Malec at Clarkson Potter for the book to review and the recipe.
Cauliflower Pudding and Crisp Brussels Sprouts with Sea Urchin, Raisins, and Capers
Serves 4 to 6
Raisins
1 bunch red seedless grapes
Cauliflower pudding
Nonstick cooking spray
2 small heads cauliflower
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 quart heavy cream
7 large egg yolks
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Brussels Sprouts
6 to 8 Brussels sprouts
3 tablespoons salt-packed capers, rinsed
and drained
¼ cup raw pine nuts
Extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
12 pieces fresh sea urchin (uni)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon fresh chervil leaves
2 to 3 teaspoons smoked extra-virgin olive oil
Flaky sea salt
Prepare the raisins. Preheat the oven to 300ºF. Remove the grapes from the stems and spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for 4 hours, or until shrunken and dehydrated. Cool and set aside.
Prepare the cauliflower. Increase the oven temperature to 325ºF and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Grease a deep 3-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Break the cauliflower heads into bite-size florets. Blanch the cauliflower for 3 to 4 minutes, until tender. Drain well. Make the cauliflower pudding. Place half of the blanched cauliflower in a food processor and add the butter, cream, and egg yolks. Puree until smooth. Season with salt and a touch of pepper, then puree once more. Pour into the prepared baking dish. Set the baking dish inside a roasting pan and fill the larger pan with water to reach three-quarters up the side of the dish. Bake the pudding for 30 to 35 minutes, until set. Cool to room temperature, then chill overnight in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Roast the Brussels sprouts. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Separate the sprouts into individual leaves. Scatter the remaining cauliflower florets on a baking sheet along with the Brussels sprout leaves, capers, and pine nuts. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, until the vegetables are lightly browned around the edges.
Serve spoonfuls of the cauliflower pudding garnished with pieces of sea urchin. Scatter roasted cauliflower florets, Brussels sprout leaves, pine nuts, and capers around each portion, and add the raisins, chives, and chervil. Drizzle with a little smoked olive oil and season with flaky sea salt.
WILLIAMSBURG Fabrics: Global Chic!
WILLIAMSBURG Brand recently introduced its Classics III collection at a New York City press briefing. Available in early spring, the new fabrics celebrate the western world’s long fascination with Asian design. Inspired by exquisite antique textiles from India, China, and England in the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation archives and designed by PKL Lifestyles, the collection captures the exotic sophistication of the 18th century. You’ll be dazzled by the spicy tones of Asian markets and the cool shades of the countryside.
These fabrics would add texture to a room with contemporary flair. Traditional interiors would benefit from the infusion of jewel tones and the collection’s detailed, sophisticated design. Here’s a sneak peek…
Wilderstein
Have you seen Hyde Park-on-Hudson? I didn’t think it lived up to the hype, and the narrative had a mere flirtation with the truth. But, it did introduce me to Margaret Suckley’s home, Wilderstein, As you know, I am a romantic for place. Miss Suckley was its last resident, and died there at 99. She was a cousin and confidante of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and she helped to establish his library in Hyde Park. Her family’s home still stands as a testament to her families’ legacy in the Hudson Valley.
The history of Wilderstein begins in 1852 with Thomas Holy Suckley’s purchase of the river front site, then a sheep meadow of the adjacent late 18th-century estate, Wildercliff. Suckley named the property “Wilderstein” (wild man’s stone) in reference to a nearby Indian petroglyph, an allusive reminder of a cultural heritage that preceded European settlements in the region. The fashionably appointed interiors were designed by the New York City decorator, Joseph Burr Tiffany.
The Depression stripped Miss Suckley of her fortune, and this enormous Victorian house had not been painted since 1910, until a fresh coast was applied in 1999. A private foundation was established after her death, and repairs were made to the sagging roof, shattered windows and fallen porches. I may have to see this when I am in New York this summer!
New Year’s Trend Resolutions!
Happy 2013! I hope your holidays were grand. Now that the twelfth day of Christmas has passed, we are firmly in the new year. There are three major design trends you should know about (hint: start rummaging around the attic for anything from the 60s and 70s).
Pantone has named Emerald Green as THE color. (Tangerine Tango was the 2012 choice.) The two other trends are geometric designs and brass. Yes, brass! Everything old is totally new again, and folks, I plan to be visiting the many local thrift shops here to update my interiors.
Style Me Pretty Weddings
What is your wedding style? Classic. Modern. Rustic. Whimsical. Al Fresco. Which one?
Abby Larson’s book, Style Me Pretty Weddings: Inspiration & Ideas for an Unforgettable Celebration, will help you imagine your special day — and bring it to life. This helpful book combines beautiful photography with to-do projects to make your wedding uniquely yours.
There are step-by-step guides within step-by-step guides which serve as blueprints for planning. The creative ideas are impressive (such as lovely tablescapes) and the lavish photographs will have you swooning. While this is a wedding planning book, it is also an excellent resource for any event. Thanks to Allison for sending me this great book to review!
Holiday Books — Add Panache to Your Home!
Well, dear readers, you know how I love decorating, reading and writing. These three books combine all three. Rejoice!
Thom Filica, who shot to fame on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, has restored a home in New York’s Finger Lakes district. American Beauty: Renovating and Decorating a Beloved Retreat highlights the result with over 300 photographs spotlighting luscious lake views and cozy, rustic comfort. How to keep your own home in ship-shape? The Butler’s Guide To Running The Home and Other Graces will help you! Written by Stanley Ager, trusted butler of St. Michael’s Mount, off the shores of Cornwell, England. If you are a Downton Abbey fan, you will delight in this interesting romp through proper housekeeping.
And, Christmas is about making certain every thing is perfect, right? Ina Garten’s new cookbook, Barefoot Contessa – Foolproof, offers recipes that guarantee the culinary success of your holiday meals. Think lobster corn fritters and mustard-marinated flank steak. Your guests will be impressed, and only you will know the secret.
Thanks to my pal, Carly, for sending me these fabulous books! Christmas is coming…
My Jewish Christmas
Hanukkah and the holidays have begun! I was raised Southern Baptist, (with a dose of Episcopalian), in a Jewish neighborhood. The Barshaws, an elderly Jewish couple, lived across the street when I was barely in elementary school, and they were my adopted grandparents. Mr. Barshaw owned a deli and small grocery store, and he kept my family is kosher meats and other delicacies.
I could see their front window from my bedroom, and I was always excited when the menorah finally appeared in December. But, when the blue candles were placed and lit, it was really official. Eight days of pure joy — opening the front door each morning where a special treat would be waiting (I still have the blue cameo I received the first year.) Mr. Barshaw would come over during the holidays and bring a basket of food specialties. Latkes. Gilt coins. Brisket. All delivered with love.
To this day, Christmas (for me) begins with Hanukkah. And, I always think of the Barshaws, and I celebrate their religion and kindness!
