ICED TEA: Cornelia in Flower Magazine

Beautiful Cornelia Guest photographed by Michael Mundy for Flower Magazine

A favorite New York memory is meeting famous C. Z. Guest and her beautiful daughter, Cornelia...here she is in her Templeton garden- and check out her fabulous iced tea recipe! (via Flower Magazine)...DF

Templeton was famous for its iced tea. People constantly asked for the recipe, and the secret is fresh-squeezed orange juice.
Ingredients:

• 2 quarts boiling water
• 8 herbal lemon tea bags
• 1½ cups fresh-squeezed orange juice
• fresh mint

Directions:

1. Pour 2 quarts boiling water over tea bags.
2. Brew for 30 minutes and let cool. Remove tea bags.
3. Add orange juice and serve over ice with fresh mint.
4. Enjoy!

HURRICANE SEASON, Carolyne and Ralph

via Carolyne Roehm

I couldn't resist this image featuring Carolyne Roehm's use of the "Classic" hurricanes by Ralph Lauren Home... Inspiring!

* * * * *

BOOK: Michael D. Devine

via Miromar Design Center

In The Spirit of Christmas !

Christmas 2015

I had great fun the other night, with my friend, Sherree Phillips Woods, at the home of Bob and Shirlene Elkins...
As you can see, a fun time was had by all!  DF *****

Dining at Bricktops, Naples

Blue Bar, Hotel Algonquin, NYC

Last night, Billy and I had great fun, while dining chez Bricktops (Naples and Palm Beach) with our new friend, Mr. Philip Norkeliunas, who was sent to us by dear Mario Buatta, The Prince of Chintz! 
Philip roomed with Christopher Spitzmiller at Saint Lawrence College.  Philip's partner, Dr. Amin Jaffer, lives in London, and works at Christie's ...and he has also written a book, "Beyond Extravagance"...click here ~we also saw our old friends from Gulf Shore Boulevard and Amagansett, Joy and Tom Edwards, which was a delightful surprise.  Tom is a very talented decorator, and a native New Yorker.  All in all, a very enjoyable evening!  DF *****

Steven Stolman

by Steven Stolman

Was just reading about Steven Stolman's new book, "Confessions of a Serial Entertainer" and thought how great it is~he also has just finished another, on the famous Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse, which surely will be a big seller.  His cookbook, shown above, is very disarmingly written, in a fabulous kind of personal language that just oozes warmth, and gracious hospitality.  
Books are such fun to have around, and make great gifts too.  Let's just hope that books always have a place in our lives.  A book is your friend, one who never complains, and is always there for you!  Enjoy! 
DF *****

* * * * *

One of My Favorite Rooms

Dean Farris Interior Design

I've had such fun arranging my furnishings and accessories in the Moorings apartment I recently moved in to.  It's comforting to have things around that remind us of old friends, family, and personal tastes.  The mock Louis XVI chair with its back towards this camera angle had belonged to the late Holland Salley, one of the first, if not THE first designers to settle in a 1950's era Naples.  He came here in 1953, at the suggestion of Barron Collier, Jr.~ and never left.  The big blue dragon bowl came from Maison Auclair, which was on Fifth Avenue South across from where Hollands business once was.  I thought of sharing this image I took, via my i-phone, which gives some idea of the eclectic and mixed look I've created here.  The Louis XV style chair in the far corner, with the chevron pillow on it, came from the late Albert Hadley~ and is one of my favorite things!  It has a teal and gilt finish, with a cream, gold lame' backed Jack Larsen linen fabric, with Alberts trademark flat tape self trim.  I recently had about 25 people over for drinks in this room, and the crowd flowed out onto the small lanai, where I had a bar set up.  Looking forward to showing more of this apartment soon!  Enjoy! DF *****

******* 

True Prep

This is a funny book I keep going back to~TRUE PREP, by Lisa Birnbach and Chip Kidd, the follow - up to The Preppy Handbook....
Click here to order, or ask Buffy to do it for you! :)
Enjoy!  DF *****

*******

Godetia Redux

DFID 2010

I created these very charming small bouquets about 4 years ago~ for a send-off to Barcelona dinner I hosted for some old friends.  I had forgotten all about them, (the flowers) and when I found them again, I thought how beautiful, and timely for the holiday season!  They are called Godetia, and come from Ecuador.  Table, Spencer Ott, selenite holders, Stewart Galleries, flowers, Fresh Market.  Enjoy!  DF *****

********** 
You have power over your mind -- not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. -- Marcus Aurelius

Entertaining at Home

The de Rothschilds at home

They say one picture is worth a thousand words~ and I think this one proves the point!  How divine to be entertained at the home of Baron and Baroness de Rothschild.  The thing that intrigues me about this iconic image is the beautiful look of happiness and contentment on the elegant face of Pauline, the Baroness.  The luxury of a fur throw on a sofa cannot be overstated either.  Enjoy!  DF *****  

************

Designer Cocktails, and SHOES!

Chris showed me this cool app, so Warholian!

This app was not an appetizer-

Petrossian, sorry, not beluga !

but this one was ! :)

Pre-party libation

Marks

Chris was wearing these (designer)

Mark wore these

love the colour!

It's wise to accessorize!

Billy and Bret (designer)

Kevin in pink and green (designer)

Here I am with Judy, solving the worlds problems! :) 

While I couldn't get all the sweet people I wanted, into my tiny condo- (Linda was in Switzerland, and Marine was all tied up with her Mother, visiting from France) we did manage to have a lovely quiet evening-  after cocktails, our guests went on to dinner- at Hob Nob- a fun new place on Fifth Avenue South.  Click here for more on Hob Nob. Cheers !  DF *****  PS, Bret Manning was in a film with Rock Hudson!

Bret Manning, (left)

Bret is with In Design, Shaker Heights, OH 

 

Decorator Scrapbook May 2014

These pictures speak for themselves...Aerin's new book... one of our vignettes at the Miromar Design Center... the place card from a recent dinner party we attended...  highly decorative Iranian carpet seen at
Clive Daniel Home... fabulous South African wine I was served by Melinda Antonicci, an old friend from Louisiana... Cheers!  Enjoy!  DF *****

The Secretary as Bar

Seen at MP Interiors, Miromar Design Center

We're loving the idea of using a secretary desk, as a bar, something Mrs. Parish sometimes did.  See more of what's new at MP Interiors, (formerly Webster and Company) !  Enjoy!  Cheers!  DF *****

A Cozy Dinner For Six

Dinner at home, chez Joe Rosen

Really, what could possibly be nicer than having some supper with old friends, in the intimate privacy of their home?  Not to mention the divine drinks and hors d'oeurves before!  Our wonderful New York pal, Joe had us over last night for a delicious and fun evening.  I loved his table setting so much I just had to post about it! Look at his creative placement.  I especially loved the peachy melon color he chose to use, and even suggested painting the tray ceiling the same rosy shade.  Oh, and lets not forget the dessert(s), and after dinner brandy and coffees!  Joe never lets his guests leave hungry!

Here's handsome Joe, relaxing in the living room, while Jimmy preps in the kitchen.  His decor' in Naples is very warm and eclectic. As I have mentioned in previous posts on JR, he once worked with starchitect, Phillip Johnson, and he MET Rose Cumming!  Not to mention a long list of other notable luminaries. What a great guy!  Below, a close-up of the console table arrangement in his living room.  

He played with seashells, palm tree lamps, faux aloe plants, and Asian pieces with an empire style mirror. He has stacks of books and current magazines everywhere, which create such a cozy, warm, and friendly atmosphere. Another thing I love about hanging out chez Joe, is the down filled cushions in his sofas and chairs!  Plus, his selection of cheeses and things to drink is totally gracious and fabulous- it's all so yummy and so good.  Coup de grace: TWO DESSERTS !!  An Italian New York Style cheesecake, and a layered ganache of chocolate, cream, and fruit!  DIVINE!  Thanks again Joe, for a wonderful, fun, relaxing, and elegant evening in your home away from home.  Cheers!  DF *****

 

Home For The Holidays

My dear friend Mary caught me here- relaxing on the chesterfield- my new flat is small, and yet it feels just right for me- and I had some more friends over last night for cocktails- which was great fun, Peter had just returned from a wedding near Limoges, France, and shared the pictures with us of the family chateau he stayed in while there.  Dear Billy is expected back today from Eleuthera- and I look forward to hearing all about his holiday adventures.  Wilcox is in Playa del Carmen- and I had two clients last week who were from abroad as well, one from near Puglia, in Italy, and another from near Geneva, Switzerland.  What fun to meet these charming ladies, as I hear the private jets flying in to Naples daily.  Enjoy the day, wherever you are, and happy December!  Cheers!  DF ***** 

Decorating 101 and Party for Timmie

Had a ball last night hosting our friends Tim and Jerry, and then meeting with Mary in her cottage... here are some random images... I love these gifts I received from Tim and Jerry, and I also like this garden near Mary's house...When in Naples, visit Tim at ST TROPEZ HOME, and Jerry at BR UNO, both are chic boutiques in the historic THIRD STREET SOUTH DISTRICT, here in Naples... ENJOY! DF *****

A Sublime Sunday Night Dinner

Last night, we enjoyed a wonderful home cooked dinner at the home of our friends Dickie and Troy. We dined in the gorgeous kitchen/breakfast room after pre-prandial wines and cheeses in the living room...they always serve Toasted Head chardonnay, very creamy and smooth. Our first course was a cheese ravioli with fresh frisse' greens and a tomato reduction. Yum! Main course was a divine grilled "Hanover" tomato served with a panko type encrusted chop of pork, again, so good! A side of baby Brussels Sprouts too. Dessert was wonderful macaroons and sambucca, amaretto or limoncello. What a nice dinner! Here's a pic of the kitchen, not including the beautiful breakfast area facing the terrace and the pool. DF*****

Post Holiday Dinner Party

I thought it would be fun to kick off the start of Summer with a small party here at the new place. The menu is very light, quiches, two salads, some tea sandwiches, chilled asparagus, fruit salad, and a key lime pie for dessert...one of the salads is new from Jacques Pepin...here is the recipe.

Jacques Pepin's warm bean and bacon salad

(from "Essential Pepin" Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, October 2011)

8 ounces slab bacon or pancetta, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1 medium yellow onion, chopped (1 cup)

6 garlic cloves, crushed and chopped

Two 15-1/2 ounce cans navy beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Combine all - mix well, serve warm or room temp!

Julie/Julia Barcelona !

Oh Boy did I ever have fun throwing a small dinner party for good friends who left for Barcelona and Sitges today. Two weeks ago, I sent evites out, and last night a good time was had by all. We enjoyed antipasto, risotto with mushrooms and asparagus, grilled prawns, brussels sprouts, and a fab raspberry torte with fresh berries and coulis...and would you believe - one of my illustrious guests knew Julia Child, and went to Aix en Provence with her ? I was thrilled to learn that ! We shared laughter and good times over Spanish and Australian wines... and I wrote a very silly toast to the Barcelona bound guests... fun and more fun ! Here are some pics... Enjoy ! DF *****