The editors considered all items in the "art of making" which include architecture, interior décor, home furnishings and gadgets.

I may use some of these in my daughter's bedroom redo. The pinks would be just right!

And this little bird seemed like he was posing just for me.

I was able to see alot of things that I will share with you in the next couple of days: historical gardens, restored theater in Monterey, a beautiful new antique shop in Carmel, etc. Check back!

Have a great weekend!

Global Views 8.80818 Surfboard Cocktail Table 60"L x 28"W x 19.5"H Retail Price $1,050.00

Sherrill CTH 310-822 Small Oval Cocktail Table Wooden Occasional Tables W28 x D20 x H21 Retail Price $920.00

Hammary Opus Collection Round Cocktail Table W38 D38 H19 Retail Price $599.00

Moondance 2 x 2 Cocktail Table 2 cushions with Bellagio Crosta leather 44 1/2"W x 44 1/2"D x 15 1/2"H
MSRP: $1,199.00

Hudson Street Warm Cocoa Oval Cocktail Table One stationary shelf 46"W x 28"D x 19"H
MSRP: $929.00

Posted by Lena

Volume Two of  "Lines & Shapes," a series of small books I co-curate with Maria Vettese, came out last week.

This book's theme is "block," and it's dedicated to projects created by our contributing artists. I find the projects so creative and absorbing, and hope that others will too.

But I'm especially fond of a section in the back of this book, where we show some of the artist's "favorite things." I thought I’d share images of these pages, which include favorite corners of the artist's homes and studios, and single objects which make them happy.

And here is one of my favorite things (not included in the book). It’s a framed bird print, purchased by my mom at Sears in the 1970s.

Floor to Heaven has done it again. I’m mesmerized by their rug-designing and making abilities.

http://www.floortoheaven.com

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Not only is her shop beautiful, but so is she. She has had a bit of hardship lately, which you can read about here. I hope you will join me in your support and well wishes by visiting her blog.

Sylvie is letting some of her very special pieces go on Craig's List so you might want to check things out here.

This etagere is one of the beauties being sold.

I wish I had gotten a chance to visit her shop in person, but I hope Sylvie will be starting a new chapter where her talents will flourish!

Wishing all good things for Sylvie and her family!

I recieved an email the other day bearing some of the best news I've heard in weeks.

One of my favorite culinary TV series, "Two Fat Ladies," is finally coming to DVD!

For anyone who doesn't remember this fantastic British show (which aired back when Giada's decollete was just a glimmer in some TV executive's eye), there's still reason to check it out.

Don't expect healthy twists or 30-minute meals here. Instead, prepare to ride off with Jennifer Paterson and Clarissa Dickson Wright (by motorcycle and sidecar, naturalement) around Britain (and beyond) to prepare seriously hearty meals.

How about joining a hunting party in Scotland for a menu that includes roast grouse and venison with blackberries (episode 5)? Or perhaps you'd enjoy making lobster for a sisterhood of Benedictine nuns in Ireland (episode 14). Soused herrings, Welsh rarebit souffle, onion soup with Stilton, fruit tartlets...the list goes on.

These aren't all recipes that you'd likely rush out and make, but that's not really the point. The settings are verdant and the ladies are undeniably charming, entertaining, and passionate about food.

Even though the show itself is dated, it's novel and refreshing to see them, polar opposites of the squeaky-clean, book-deal-sniffing personae of today's food TV stars, preparing honest food without pretension.

Welsh Rarebit Souffle
Ingredients:
    2 large slices of good-quality white bread
    1/2 pound of high-quality, aged cheddar cheese
    3 egg yolks
    4 egg whites
    1 level teaspoon dry English mustard
    1 vigorous shake of Worcestershire sauce
    1 vigorous shake of Tabasco sauce
    Salt and Pepper

Grate the cheese and place in a bowl. Beat in the egg yolks, a level teaspoon of mustard, a good shake each of Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco sauce, and salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Toast the bread; whip the egg whites until they stand in stiff peaks. Add a spoonful or so of the beaten egg whites into tothe cheese mixture then gently fold the rest of the egg whites into the bowl. Put the toasts into an ovenproof dish and pour the mixture over them. Bake in a preheated oven at 450 degrees for 10 minutes until browned and risen. Serve at once with a salad or spinach on the side.

Recipe reprinted from the Two Fat Ladies DVD box set, Acorn Media, 2008.

Remember my post on the late Gene Hovis- the man whose gorgeous home and envy-inducing linen and silver collection piqued my fascination? Well, he popped up again, this time in the Tiffany Gourmet Cookbook. (Not that this is news or anything. The book was published in 1992.)

Hovis' library/dining room was the setting for this elegant meal. I know, I know- I've read where many are tired of the library cum dining room concept. But don't you kind of fall in love all over again with the idea when you see how smashing Hovis' dining room looks? Good books, good food, and a beautifully appointed room. Really, what could be better?

The menu consisted of Crown Roast of Lamb with brussel sprouts, deviled carrots, and pan-fried shredded potatoes, served on Tiffany's "Yellow Bird" faience platter. Hovis also included a yummy looking tomato aspic with shrimp and crawfish nestled on a Tiffany ribbed silver tray. (And please, don't knock the tomato aspic- it's really good. I swear!).

The dessert course- coffee profiteroles with chocolate sauce- is laid out in front of a 19th century French hand-blocked paper screen- yes, I am coveting this. And wouldn't you be pleased to take tea or coffee served from this Louis XIV service from Tiffany's?

So my question is- do any of you still entertain like this? And if so, how often? I love formal entertaining but don't do it often enough. I think Mr. Hovis has inspired me to do so.

(You might also be interested in Gene Hovis' Uptown Down Home Cookbook. Truth be told, the dust jacket is not the most elegant looking thing, but the recipes look really good. A lot of classic, tried and true recipes as well as some Southern favorites. If I can find the time, I'll test out a few and let you know!)

Upon the event that you’ve ever been lucky enough to communicate with our customer service team…this is who is on the other end:

“The adventures of two women and one man
working together in one department.”

Since quality customer service is so important to us, these guys are very important to us. Luckily, we’ve got a great tight group with amazing karate chopping (aka customer service) skills.

We’ve shared a number of staff profiles in the past but there has been a major lapse in updating our team info. Now’s as good a time as any to get this going again and who better to start with than the Three’s Company (i.e. customer service) team. First up: Melissa!

Where are you from? Where do you live now? I am from the East Bay. I lived there forever until I decided to make a very ambitious trek across the bridge to San Francisco where I live now.

How did you get interested in design? I used to think design was frivolous and elitist and just didn’t think much about it until I interned for a magazine that featured new design products. I also had some friends that went to CCA for Design and that got me interested in the art. Now I see that design is an essential part of life because everything man made has to be designed by someone. Mostly, I admire the possibilities of combining art and functionality.

What’s your favorite DP product and why? I really like Thomas Paul’s Retro-looking Imperial Horse Linen Pillow and Apollo Head series. He has a definite sensibility for Retro-Victorian (don’t know if that’s an actual style, but in my book it counts).

What do you like most about our company? Why do you work here? I work here mostly because the staff is great. I love my co-workers and although the work here can be challenging I like the challenge. I like that we’re free-form and that there are many possibilities here if you make them happen. Also, I enjoy learning about design because you learn a great deal about people and lifestyle.

If you weren’t doing this what would you do? Probably Live in New York and write music reviews and starve.

What do you do in your spare time? I sing and play music.

Favorite member of the A-Team? The Oakland A’s? ha ha, don’t really know of the A-Team, I only know of Mister T and don’t think I quite get it, but I do like his fashion sense.

Thanks, Melissa!