IN THE GARDEN WITH OSCAR DE LA RENTA

Spring is here, so what better time to celebrate all things garden than with a collaboration with a most famous one? Oscar de la Renta has just unveiled a new entertaining collection, created with The New York Botanical Garden,  that takes its inspiration from all things jardin, including trellis details, leaves, blooms and more.  By researching the archives of the Garden, ideas for the 15 piece collection arose from 18th and 19th Century studies and is perfect for those that appreciate the beauty that comes from growing and living with the bounty a spring garden has to offer. Available through Oscar de la Renta boutiques and Oscardelarenta.com.

Photo courtesy of Oscar de la Renta Home

New York Botanical Garden Trellis Salad Plate of stoneware with blue on cream tracery details

 A mossy green swirled earthenware Marbleized Charger, while full of pattern, works when mixed with a variety of large or small scale motifs.

Taken from a rare botanic study in the NYBG archives, the Apple Leaf Salad Plate features an oversized green leaf against an octagonal cream stoneware plate.

TABLE HOPPING: THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN ORCHID DINNER

There's always room for more beauty in the world, as the splendorous Orchid-filled tables at the New York Botanical Garden's annual Orchid Dinner proved.  More than 25 designers worked their floral magic again this year, at the Veranda Magazine-sponsored event, creating visions of Key West Contemporary to kick off the 12th Annual Orchid Show. Funds raised from the evening and the sale of rare Orchids go towards Orchid research at the Botanic Garden. What is more glorious than seeing masses of orchids imagined in a variety of fantastical settings? From monochromatic palettes to a fruity-colored mix, the tables tapped a tropical vibe. The designs were a bit tamer than in years past ie, not as enormous in scale, but as usual this event is a delight for the eyes. Even more breathtaking in person, this will give you a sense of the creative botanic artistry that went on this year. Be sure to visit the NYBG Orchid Show which is on till April 20th, it provides another Orchid gazing opportunity that should not be missed.

Photos courtesy of Billy Farrell
A ring of fuchsia orchids were suspended above the Robert Couturier-designed  table in an act of suspended disbelief.

 Danielle Rollins, a talented new addition this year, created a bright, multicolored ethnic global-inspired setting.

She used wonderful embroidered napkins and one of my favorite Schumacher classics on the chairs, a multicolored ikat.

Stephen Elrod, creative director of Brunschwig and Fils went bold with turquoise, hot pink and acid green pairing a floral printed skirt and striped chair covers.

Capturing the essence of Hemingway's Key West,  a signpost that was tangled up in orchids.

Canet stayed on message with some of Papa Hemingway classics strewn about.

With a little razzmatazz and a lot of color, Cullman and Kravis created a party-ready mood with their tiki hut table topper.

 A riot of color, the china matched the flowers in their brilliance.

A geometric box balanced on an angle rose out of a low arrangement at David Easton's stunning table design.

I have to say, Phillip Gorrivan won the prize for most height and drama- his towering lacquer white urn rose towards the sky. The palm leaves and orchids took it even higher. It was really something.

A charming low green arrangement by Magnafloral in a white vessel was understated chic.

Pastel blues and yellows provided the backdrop for draping fronds and acid green orchids by Sherrill Canet.

Shawn Henderson's centerpiece was inspired by the Florida work of prominent modernist of the 1960's, Paul Rudolph, and his custom plaster piece features a concrete ball suspended from a rope. Very minimal and chic.

 A veritable tropical jungle!

Alison Spear for Arquitectonica Interiors showcased their wallpapers in place of a fabric tablecloth.

SOLD! The rare Orchids were sold out in the blink of an eye.

STYLEBEST: CHINA WITH HEART: ART FOR YOUR TABLE FROM GRAFFITI ARTIST MR. BRAINWASH

Photo courtesy of Barneys New York

Have you seen the amazing documentary film, Exit Through The Gift Shop? Its a fabulous look at the secret world of street art, created under the cover of darkness by a set of scrappy indie and daring set of renegades. The film, released in 2010,  really focuses on master graffiti artist the elusive star Banksy, but explores the artistic blossoming of another type of celebrity, the marketing machine, Thierry Guetta, or, Mr. Brainwash. Pushing the boundaries of what is art and why, the film tracks the LA-based Frenchman, showing his evolution from watcher to doer, as he becomes part of the scene he is covering as an obsessive amateur filmmaker. Mr. Brainwash is a creation spurred on by Banksy, and his Warholian tendencies have led him to create pieces in other mediums, such as a collection of bone china for the forward thinking English heritage brand, 1882 Ltd. I love the splatter heart design of Fragile Hearts, centered on an all white plate for maximum impact. You can find this, and additional pieces at Barneys. They are fun to serve dessert on, or chocolates, with their dark contrast.

NY NOW GIFT SHOW GREATS: GRAPHIC GEOMETRIC MOMENTS

As I peruse the Gift Show, now called New York Now, I am struck by how many throws and cutting boards I am seeing. As random as that sounds, I guess it is because staying cozy and entertaining at home are still very popular activities. So stay in and nest. With more snow coming, it might be just what the Dr. ordered.

 Photos courtesy of Bower

Shape Boards, reversible wooden cutting boards from New York-based company Bower, have a graphic 3D pop of geometric color (painted in non-toxic paint) on one side and solid wood on the back and can be hung from the wall when not in use.

 For easy hanging, they have created instant art.

I am so taken with this version in red and turquoise. These have cool museum store written all over them, so I hope the curators of cool see them. 

Brooklyn-based artist Kim Tyler has created special throws with strong graphic elements as appealing as modern art. Inspired by the works of Bauhaus masters Anni and Josef Albers as well as Elsworth Kelly, the linear designs on soft goods has an artistic appeal.  Squares 1 above, of a boucle wool yarn and polymide for give, features a black and blue design against a grey ground.

Rectangles B, made of a heavy weight Italian wool and cashmere blend looks as alluring as a wall hanging as it does on a sofa back.

Photo courtesy of Johanna Howard

Johanna Howard, her first time out at the gift show as new designer created these wonderfully soft woven Alpaca throws.  Called Stockholm, the triangular design is bound by a thick stripe edge.

 Photo courtesy of Zuzunaga

Made to resemble pixels, British company Zuzunaga takes its inspiration from the digital age. From the Bitmap Collection of cotton and nylon knit throws, Labrynth is shown in deep orange with turquoise.

 Barcelona, another intricately patterned pixel-inspired pattern. I love their modern sensibility translated into an age old craft.

From the hand woven collection, the bright multicolored Squares throw is made in Spain out of 100% ecological Merino Wool.

The red marled color and deep green border on the Feeling Throw remind me of a watermelon.

THE FLOWERS OF AMY MERRICK

Photos courtesy of Amy Merrick

Amy Merrick's flower arrangements have an ethereal, otherworldly quality to them. Their free and unbridled-ness make them an instant mood-uplifter. The Brooklyn-based floral artist includes an array of natural elements, also found in the wild, so the unexpected addition of fruit or branches adds a whimsical element.  And the way she photographs her creations, the arrangements really take on an Old Master painting still-life quality. I adore her work and think you will too.

An arrangement taking shape.

A yellow arrangement reads spring.

The containers Amy chooses provide an additional storytelling element.

Lush greenery.

Dahlias! And cherries.

Moody pinks and reds.

A perfect still life.

EASING INTO THE NEW YEAR

Photo courtesy of Set Editions

Did you start 2014 off on the right foot? If you want to hit the reset button to start the New Year in a different mindset, or just really say goodbye to 2013, these drinking glasses are here to help ease the pain. If you are still recovering from New Year's debauchery, this might be the best vessel for your Hair of the Dog Drink. The pain avoidance scale has a wide range of varying degrees, so fill your glass with your drink of choice at the level that best suits where you are. The stages of grief, from denial to acceptance are spelled out in plain English on Set Editions Good Grief Glasses.  Each sip will move you one step closer to the path of least resistance. Cheers. 

RAISE A GLASS AND TOAST WITH APLOMB

Photo courtesy of Brooks Brothers

I have heard that Toastmasters, a national organization centered around the art of public speaking, is having a rise in memberships as of late. Henry Alford's well-written article in the New York Times Style Section put the topic squarely in the spotlight a few days ago, and with New Year's Eve fast approaching, I thought it would be a good time to focus on what can be a time filled with dread and fear-- the Toast. I first learned about the organization from a friend with polished social and oratory skills, I was surprised to hear he was participating in the art of toast-making  skills. But the more I think about it, I too would like to improve my toasts, and learn secrets to getting up and making a memorable homages to a guest of honor.  There is nothing as good as a heartfelt and funny toast to set the tone of an evening. But there is nothing worse than sitting down and feeling like your words went over like a lead balloon. Before I take that Toastmasters step, perhaps I will read up on the craft, and pick up a copy of the Brooks Brothers A Gentleman's Guide To Toasts and Tributes book, written by John Bridges and Bryan Curtis. If someone dear to you gets sweaty palms and palpitations at the thought of getting up to speak in front of others, this book could ease the pain of what should be a festive glass-raising moment.  The second half of the book touches on correspondence, so it provides indispensable advice on how to be gracious and show appreciation and can be of use to gals and guys. It might provide some helpful for the next time you are on the spot.

SWEET TIDINGS: OLD TIMEY CHOCOLATES WITH A SENSE OF TRADITION

Photo courtesy Martha Stewart American Made

When it comes to the holidays, I like things to be old school. My mom has these amazing little wooden elves with long beards and pointy felt hats  from 1971 that I will not let her throw away. They may be on their last legs, but that sense of tradition coupled with the fact that it is a charming German wooden toy that they don't make the way they used to makes me want them to last forever. The same thing goes for holiday candy. The more throwback, the better. This fall, when I discovered Shane's Confectioners at Martha Stewart's American Made Event in Grand Central, I knew I had come upon something special. As the "oldest continuously-run confectionery in the United States", Shane's, based in Philadelphia,  has been cranking out handmade candies and chocolates since 1863. The chocolates shown above, a precursor to the Whitmans Sampler, have an eclectic mix of fillings from a bygone era. Filled with butter creams, fruits and nuts, this tasty mix is sure to bring up some holiday memories for you. Available through the Ebay store set up for American Made, they will arrive in time for New Year's.  Enjoy the array and the old timey packaging.

CELERIE KEMBLE AND BRONSON VAN WYCK CREATE A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH THEIR UPTOWN HOLIDAY WORKSHOP POP UP

Taking over the ground floor of an Upper East Side townhouse, interior designer Celerie Kemble and event planner extraordinaire, Bronson Van Wyck  have joined creative forces to create a winter wonderland, complete with lavishly decorated Christmas trees, swag of greenery, twinkling lights and gifts galore. After taking over a smaller downtown location at Overbey and Dunn last year (which I covered here), the longtime friends have moved uptown to a larger space, showcasing all things festive and bright in a residential setting. Against a backdrop of tartan-covered and bright red walls, the duo have a wide ranging assortment of gifts on display in a living room and dining room setting, graciously welcoming you with everything from bar essentials to decorative accessories. The pop-up also provided a fitting atmosphere to showcase Celerie's new Henredon furniture and Maitland Smith accessories collection, which  is mixed in with vintage pieces, and tons of seasonally appropriate taxidermy.  Head to 19 East 75th Street, right off Madison for some elegant decorating ideas and yuletide shopping, open until December 24th. The Elves await your arrival. If you are not in New York, you can find their assortment online at The Holiday Workshop.

A red entry, festooned with swags of greenery.

Black and white tartan covers the walls in the living room, alongside framed art and mounted animal heads. Let's not forget the over the top tree complete with Turtle Doves, which Van Wyck's Elves can install fully decorated for you if you reside in the New York area. Proceeds from the tree sales go to The East Harlem School.

A settee is surrounded a geometric black and gold etageres from Celerie's collection, teeming with shiny gifts and goodies.

A sideboard holds barware, plaid napkins and vintage silver serving pieces.

A closer look at the well-stocked shelves, where a fox holds court. There is no shortage of decanters and bar glassware here.

A silver Spaniel sits next to a rock crystal votive keeping things sparkly.

More great barware to tempt.

An assortment of mixers specially created by Bronson for his provisions brand, Arrowood Farms.

A vintage-inspired cool 60's pendant light glows over the dining table set with more of her furniture designs.

Even the tiny powder room is gussied up in red and black tartan and a small decorative mirror of her design.