Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the blazing colors of the leaves, from gold to orange to red. The cool air touched with aromas like fallen leaves and ripe apples. And the food. Don’t even get me started on that: apple pie, savory soups, spiced cider.We’ve been decorating Nell Hill’s for … [Read more...]
A Conversation with Sharon Santoni, My Stylish French Girlfriend
When Dan and I were in France last, we had the delightful experience of having dinner at the home of one of my favorite French lifestyle bloggers and authors, Sharon Santoni. It was a truly magical evening, because Sharon is a gem. So when her new book was released, My French Country Home, I asked … [Read more...]
Warm Metals Melt My Heart
The other day my niece texted me: “Aunt Mary Carol, I’m having a debate with a friend, and we need your help to decide who is right. Is brass back in style?” There was a bottle of wine at stake, so I couldn’t let her down. “Yes, brass is back in!” I assured her. Her swift reply: “You just won me a … [Read more...]
The Joy of Dining: A Spring Table at My Cottage
As the flowers poke out of the ground, and the leaves bud on the trees, another force of nature comes back alive: my desire to entertain. In the winter months, Dan and I don’t have folks over as much, preferring to cocoon when we’re home. But one of my rites of spring is dressing my table and … [Read more...]
Decorating Dilemma: How to Decorate Above Your Stove
Some spots in your home are easy to decorate. Others … not so much. One of those problematic places is the empty space above your stove. Many of us have a blank wall there, begging for a creative treatment, something to make us smile while we’re slaving over the hot stove. But what? Here are some … [Read more...]
Celebrating Books and Friendship
Lots of my friends are in book clubs. So far, I have resisted the offer to jump into one because I think I would be the worst member ever. Most likely, I would only make it to half the meetings, never finish the book, and just want to drink wine and visit instead of getting into a meaty discussion … [Read more...]