Bewitching Halloween!

It's that bewitching day of the year....miniature Batgirls, ninjas, skeletons, Harry Potters, ballerinas, Luke Skywalkers and a witch or two will take to the streets in search of treats!!

I'll probably don my pointy witch hat from years past as I chaperon my boys around our neighborhood. My husband likes to "man" the door, sitting outside with music and festive beverages. 

Here's wishing you and yours a SWEET evening!

Hostess Gifts for Fall

Lucky you! You've been invited to an autumn dinner party at a friend's house. Aside from figuring out what to wear, you need to decide what to bring the host or hostess with the mostess! 

To me, this is opportunity to express your gratitude in advance, for what is sure to be a memorable evening. If you've hosted a party (big or small) yourself, you realize how much thought, planning and last minute scrambling is involved. How fun for the host to blow out the candles at the end of the evening and open a thoughtfully chosen gift form you.

So, what should you take?

Pair this silver tea strainer with the aromatic and beautifully packaged Bellocq Tea - available at And George.

Put together a "breakfast basket" for the morning after...include an earthy wooden cutting board, fresh bread or croissants and your favorite jam or honey.

Know your hosts favorite color? 

At $55, these throws from Company C (thanks, Traci!), paired with a hip box of matches ( Iomoi.com) are a lovely way for your host to relax by the fire after the big night.

No matter what you take, like all things, it is the thought the counts. And, it's always appreciated when you consider the recipient and what they might enjoy!

Here's to a wonderful weekend and lots of invitations coming your way!

The Open House

A while back, I highlighted the work of a young, talented interior designer, Michele Green.

You will recognize her work - it was published in House Beautiful and then again in House Beautiful Blue - 350 Inspiring Ways to Decorate with Blue.

Above are a few glimpses of her new shop, The Open House, which recently hit my town by storm. For many clients seeking design assistance, you want to see a designer's portfolio. 

The shop, co-owned by Barbara Sperling (a former client) serves as a working laboratory of ideas where Michele can help a client understand style, scale and color. Such a great idea....and an amazing place for that perfect accessory or hostess gift.

Now we just need them to start an online version of the shop! 

ps: If you visit Rye to hear Michael Devine speak Nov 8th, you can pop into Michele & Barbara's shop just down the street! 

images: Alan Barnett, James Merrell for House Beautiful

Four Fall Faves - Kate from Party Resources

Happy Wednesday, everyone! I'm so happy to have Kate of the beautiful, festive and inspiring blog, Party Resources as my guest today. 

Kate gives a voice to the family business, Party Resources, where parties are a passion. Kate's mom, Dixie Todd, is a renown event planner who has been creating memorable moments from discerning clients for more than 25 years. If anyone knows where to find the best ideas and resources for a dream event...it's Kate!

To Kate, fall means crisp clear skies, chilly temps and all things cozy. So, Kate's 4 Fall Favorites were chosen with this in mind. What are they? Let's find out!

I'm already dreaming of Friday night, when I can light a fragrant candle, pour a glass of wine and sit with my hot pink throw in front of a fire.

Thanks, Kate, for sharing your favorites and inspiring me to enjoy all 4 together this weekend!

How about you? What are you loving right now?

images: bhg, pinterest,thyme,malbecs

A Devine Opportunity - Meet Michael Devine

Mark your calendars for a Devine Opportunity! 

The multi-talented Michael Devine - former editor, fabric designer, shop owner and gardener  - will be in Rye, NY to speak to the Little Garden Club of Rye and because you can't keep a talent like this to yourself, the public is invited.

Date: Tuesday, November 8th

Time: 10:00 am 

Place: Rye Free Meeting Room (aka library)

Though Michael is going to talk about his famed Jardin de Cure in Kinderhook, NY and the fantastic gardens in the Loire Valley that influenced it, you may recognize him from any of the following.

Michael Devine fabric envelopes this iconic bedroom for Aerin Lauder - Elle Decor.

The Devine Life - Michael's blog about his favorite things.

Perhaps you caught the The New York Times write up of Michael as he searched NYC for the perfect garden accessories. Or did you catch his Tastemaker's Tag Sale on One Kings Lane?

There are darling shops in Rye and lovely places for lunch. So, if you can swing it, please come on by!

Don't you think it sounds divine?!

images: Country Living, Elle Decor, Michael Devine, Tony Cenicola/The New York Times

Calming Candlelight

Is it really Monday already? This month is flying by and is about to get busier.


Our long awaited, much talked about renovation begins today and I may need to light a few candles to find a little calm amongst the rubble.


I love how just a flicker of candlelight can change the ambiance of a situation. Dinner by candlelight seems romantic. A bath by candlelight feels decadent. And, don't we all look just a little bit better by the gentle light of a candle?


So, if you find yourself running through your week...take a few minutes to light a candle at the end of the day and see if you don't feel calmer.


What's flickering in your world?

images: Christy Ford for And George

Stepping Out

If you've met me in real life, you'd know that I don't do flats. I am ALWAYS in heels of some sort. And, I'm very comfortable that way. I laugh that God really meant for me to be 5'8" instead of my 5'5 and a half. (Yes, I count the half).

Which is why I was floored with these Yosi Samra flats. They are comfortable, fashionable and fold right in half. At $66.00 one of the best bargains out there. 

Go up 1 size for a perfect fit. 

Where will you be stepping out this weekend?

Pet Portraits - Happy Menocal

Do you have a 4 legged furry friend that you cherish? Or need a great gift for someone else who does? If If so, check out the work of Happy Menocal !


That's my Molly in the first picture..which makes me very happy!! I'm sure Happy can make you happy, too!!

Four Fall Faves - The Zhush

Welcome to Wednesday, friends!!! Today, I am delighted to have my friend, Sue, sharing her fall fashion and foodie favorites with us! You probably know Sue from The Zhush, where she dishes on all things stylish and hip. 

So, what does Sue like for Fall? Let's find out!

Thanks, Sue!! After indulging on all the leftover Halloween candy and farm stand donuts....I'm going to need a stylish poncho!!!

What's your favorite Halloween candy? Come on...you know you still love it!

ps: Hop on over to Hamptontoes, where Lisa is highlighting my living room in her "When A Friend Decorates" series!