You're Gonna Miss This .... A Christmas Letter

Sharp, long shadows criss crossed with bright sun rays fell upon my face.  The blinds gently tapped against the window pane as a breeze made its way through the shade and kissed my cheeks. My arm slid across the crumpled sheets as I began to stretch and enter the world of the living.  Sleeping past 6:00 am was a luxury bestowed upon me that special morning, and I was relishing every second I could grab. The muffled voices that seeped under the bedroom door drew me farther from slumber and closer to reality.  

The door opened a few inches and in a strained whisper I heard ….
“Mummy? Mummy?…… Halffy Burfday!” 
“Sssshhhh Joey! Mommy’s Sleepin’!”
“Ok, guys … move aside I’ve got Mommy’s coffee”

I laid there with my eyes closed, playing opossum, straining to hold back a smile and a giggle.  Joe leaned over me … 
“I don’t know guys I think she’s still asleep, let's let her rest’
“Awwwee… buff its her Burfday!”

I let one eye open and started to smile
Ashley sucked in a quick breath and smiled, her excitement couldn’t be contained.
She bounced up and down on her toes.
“She’s awake, she’s awake I saw her open her eye!” 
There she stood, with her disheveled platinum hair, her wide crystal blue eyes and broad smile she melted my heart. 
“Mummy? Mummy?” 
Another little toe head bounced just above the side of my bed. I slowly slid my face to the edge of the bed, and peaked over the side.
“Ashwee, Ashwee you right! She’s awake! Halffy Burfday Mummy, Halffy Burfday!” 
There just below me, Joey’s chocolate eyes connected with mine. He squealed, grabbed Joe’s leg and buried his face into his leg. 

I scooted up in the bed and patted the blankets next to me, welcoming the kid's company.  Joe handed me off the coffee as Ashely snuggled in close under my arm.  I kissed her forehead and sucked in the smell of her hair, how could something smell so good? 
“I wanna sit wiff Mummy!” 
Ashley the forever good big sister moved over and let her little brother in, somehow my arm still reached around both of them. 

Joe sat at the foot of the bed and announced it was my day, so I got to chose what we would do for the day.  So I thought about it … 
“Hhhhmmm, how about we go grocery shopping?!”
In chorus .. “nooooo!” 
“Uummm, we can weed the gardens?”
In chorus the protest continued … “Nnnoooooo!” 
“I know, we can clean the bathrooms!” 
Joey … confused didn’t answer, Joe laughed and Ashley rolled her eyes and said “Mommy, No! Let’s do something fun!” 
I sipped my coffee, attempting to add a little suspense to the morning, honestly I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do.  Then it came to me … 

“How about we go to the Park?!”
Cheers of approval filled the bedroom. 
Then I threw them a little curve ball …. “That is the Park in  ……New York City!”
There was a moment of dead silence, exchange of blank stares between my three precious loves, then a cheer of approval. 

The spontaneity of the day was thrilling, I wonder if any other family could have packed so much into one day. We visited the zoo, we saw Balto, Ashely climbed up onto Alice in Wonderland’s mushroom and Joey begged to watch the remote boats race for what seemed like hours!  We recharged ourselves with hot dogs and lemonade under a tree where we dozed a bit and watch a local baseball game … we even rented a row boat and saw the park from a totally unique view, a view I had only seen through the photos. There were sticky fingers, ketchup on more than just the hot dogs, a skinned knee, and plenty of sun kissed cheeks. 

As the sun began to drop below the trees, Joe carried a tuckered out Joey and I held my baby girls hand as we made our way back to the car.  Joe buckled Joey into his car seat, Joey through a half yawn said “Halfly Burfday Mummmmy” I smiled.  I helped Ashley with her seat belt and she asked, “Did you have fun Mommy? I had fun Mommy, I hope you had fun, I love you Mommy” I sighed and smiled  “Thank you Babies … “ 

As I buckled my seatbelt, Joe leaned over and kissed my forehead then said, “Happy Birthday Honey”,  I thought to myself, this is the most perfect day of my life. 

That most perfect day was over 13 years ago, but I swear it happened this past August. Those little voices are as clear in my head today as the day they were delivered to me.  We never quite understand the speed that life rushes by us until we take a moment to reflect back.  I’ve been blessed to have many of these ‘most perfect days of my life’, truly blessed.  As I questioned what this years Christmas letter would be about, Joey jokingly said “Write about your wonderful kids Ma!”  Note: I’m no longer Mummy … I’m Ma!  Years ago Joey inspired a Christmas letter and once again he had done it.

 Joe and I are entering a new chapter in our lives, a chapter that I for one am having a little adjustment issue with.  My baby Ashley is living on her own in NYC, while I know she still needs us she’s a beautiful, independent woman working, paying her own way and living her own life.  My baby Joey (6’ tall, 210 lbs) is a Junior in High School, he still need us … (I make sure he doesn’t forget that) but my days are limited and this I know.  I’m treading dangerously into that zone of ‘crazy lady in the grocery store’.   We’ve all met her, the lady that stops and greets you and your wee one only to go on and on about how fast the time goes, and how you should treasure every moment!  …. Yep I’m her.  

Please, treasure today …. Make each day awesome and take every opportunity to create a rocking chair memory.  

Merry Christmas from The Davenport Family  

….. including the crazy lady from the grocery store 

You're Gonna Miss This .... 

My Favorite Things 2014

My Favorite Things .... you've waited all year! 

Well, I made it through my first Thanksgiving without my baby girl home.  Joe and I are entering a new chapter in our lives where we now have to

share our babies with their significant others.  In the modern world of text messaging, skype and social media you would think the transition would be easier to swallow, not so .... I still have a lump in my throat!  

As I walked down the staircase and through the foyer on Thanksgiving morning I passed a collage of old photos of Joe's family from the 1930's.  Included in this collage is a handwritten letter from his uncle while he was deployed during WWII.  I stopped and studied the letter and had a moment of clarity, while Ashley may not be spending the holiday with us, she is safe and not in a war zone ... talk about a reality check!  This letter also became the inspiration for this years My Favorite Things.  

There is something about a handwritten note ..... the personality of the handwriting, the creation of a story, a feeling, or expressing yourself artfully for the recipient is a gift in of itself. 

So this year I'd like to share with you a few favorite desk top items, all crafted here in the USA ... even some right here in Connecticut.  It is my hope you too will be inspired to more often than not, drop a note to someone special.  I promise your choice words, in your handwriting will indeed be a perfect personal gift!

Working Title 

Every desk needs a paperweight.  As a child I remember my grandfathers desk having a stack of notes about patients or things to do under a paperweight. Memories of him sitting at that big executive desk, glasses hanging off one of his ears, still makes me smile today. 

Working Title is a division of one of my favorite art lines Soicher Marin, while visiting their showroom at the October Market Allyson and I discovered these charming beauties!  Hand crafted in the USA, these weights are meticulously crafted and composed using the art of decoupage, from images in the Sociher Marin archives. They are fun, beautiful and a must have on any desk! 

Working Title creates so much more than just paperweights, they have created clocks, various plates and are experimenting with vases and more! Unfortunately these beauties are only available to the trade, although if you're interested .... we can help you out! These are positively a unique gift that will be remembered. 

The King's Scribe 

Who could imagine that doodling in the margins of a legal pad would turn into a successful creative business.  That is exactly how Alissa Harvey started.  Some serious doodles, which were an escape from the corporate world for Alissa, exploded into designs for exquisite stationary and pure excellence.  

I just love success stories ... Alissa's talents continued to shine as she developed her craft, her designs have been featured in Martha Stewart, the Knot and more. The orders kept coming and she outgrew her Studio in Danbury CT, the next logical step? Open a store front.  

Alissa's shop The Kings Scribe can be found about 25 miles over the CT state line in Chappaqua NY.  Here you will find not only stationary but all writing essentials, gifts, clothing and more!  No worries, just because Alissa has a brick and mortar location, doesn't mean she's lost that personalized design service.  She still designs and customizes beautiful stationary & invitations check her out ... you're sure to be impressed!

The Village Chocolatier 

Let's just be honest ... while the idea of writing a personal note is a wonderful idea, its something many of us are out of practice with.  It may take a little bribing to get some of us to actually sit at a desk and write! .... So ... let's bribe ya!  

Everyone loves chocolate!  The Guilford Green has some of the best. With a combination of handcrafted chocolates and truffles made on site and other confections imported through out New England you are sure to find an amazing selection. 

The Village Chocolatier  is worth SO the trip to Connecticut's historic Guilford, there you not only will find the delicious confections but a day of shopping and dining on the historic green. 

'You've got mail' ....  I chuckle when I reminisce about being excited back in the day, as my PC took 5 minutes to warm up, then the squelch of the phone line connecting to the web and my AOL account announcing 'You've got Mail!'.  Now, I open my laptop each day and I literally have hundreds of emails to dig through, lets just say the excitement is no longer there.   Although, funny when I pick up my snail mail and see a hand scripted envelope ... I smile and rip it open ... because 'I got mail!' I wish all of you ... lots of mail and a very Merry Christmas ....

Pantone 2015

Every December, Pantone graces us with the color of the year-- The color that will set the mood for the next 12 months.  This year, the color is called Marsala, and is described by Pantone as...

 "A tasteful hue that embodies the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal, while its grounding red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural earthiness. This hearty, yet stylish tone is universally appealing and translates easily to fashion, beauty, industrial design, home furnishings and interiors." 

The press release that declared Marsala as the color for 2015 was accompanied with images of carefree, yet collected youths smiling at dinner parties in cowboy boots, and playfully cooking berry tarts. 

While some may disagree with Pantone, I think that this color invites the use of plush texture and luxury. Dramatic, while still remaining earthy, Marsala would be a dream to pair with a matte finish to bring out a folksy, down to earth feeling. However, if packaged with a sheen, the image becomes one of richness and sumptuousness. 

Marsala pairs well with neutrals, including warmer taupes and grays. With burnished undertones, amber, umber, golden yellows, and even a variety of teals sit alongside Marsala with ease. 

Welcome to 2015, Marsala. 

  

An Evening In White .....

Imagine planning one of the most elegant dinner parties of the year.  

Your theme white.

You carefully plan the menu, polish the silver, order the flowers and 

layout your outfit for the evening.  

Excitement builds as you anticipate this evening with your guests.  

Of course it does, there is a twist to this unique dinner party .... 

An Evening In White 

~You don't know where this dinner party will be held!~

Only a few hours before the dinner, where you will dine with hundreds of friends and strangers in a very public place, will you find out the location.  You do all the work, dress your table, bring your appetizers, main course and dessert.  The mystery of where you will be builds as the day approaches, you are about to be part of something amazing ...... An Evening In White. 

An Evening in White is loosely inspired by Diner en Blanc.  Over 25 years ago, Francois Pasquier invited a handful of his friends to a unique dinner party, an elegant picnic.  They were asked to dress all in white to easily recognize each other.  They gathered and dined in very prominent, public places growing their group each year to not only hundreds, but to thousands, and Diner le Blanc was born.  

Diner en Blanc

It is a evening where people gather to revisit some core values that so often are lost in todays wildly busy and technology swamped lives.  

Friendship 

Toronto Diner en Blanc 

Secrecy

Accomplishment

Cincinnati Diner en Blanc

Elegance

San Diego Diner en Blanc

 Joy of Life

Sydney Diner en Blanc 

 

Yes there are rules.  You must be registered to attend ... don't you dare wear anything but white, you will be turned away.  You will dine on china, use flatware and glassware no plastic and paper will be permitted.  You will conduct yourselves with decorum, elegance and etiquette. You will have fun .... 

An Evening In White is Durham's is its own 'Diner en Blanc', the first of its kind in Connecticut.  Sunday, September 7th at 6pm, Durham will experience the event of a lifetime ... after all there are picnics and then there are picnics.  

An Evening In White, sponsored by the United Churches of Durham has a different twist on the night.  Guests are asked to bring a non perishable item to the dinner to help fill the local shelves of the food pantry. 

There is still limited seating for this event, interested parties can still register until September 4th unless the event reaches maximum capacity before then.  Guests for this years event will of course receive priorty for next years event, at the rate this is growing it maybe sold out next year ... this year! 

Be a part of history, Bon Appetite! 

 

 

Summer Inspiration

With the last few glorious days of summer upon us, it seems prime time to soak up what's left before the air goes crisp and the leaves turn red. 

One the reasons summer is my favorite season are the colors.
Orange lillies in bloom, red tomatoes ripening on the vine,
juicy blueberries begging to be picked off the bush.

I've found these fantastic colors of summer playing into my designs all season!

my studio space one day as I was waiting on a contractor to arrive to a job site!

It's easy when my clients live in such beautiful areas!! 

It is no secret that we love repurposing old things to make them new again! 

My favorite example of this has to be the old parsonage doors in my studio. 

These doors from the carriage house were slated for the town transfer station.
Today they have a new life in our Studio!

So, I've found a company that brings two of my great inspirations together!

 EchoChic creates stunning and colorful upscale furniture from reclaimed materials. 

They have both indoor and outdoor furniture in a variety of shapes and sizes. 

Originally drawing inspiration from pieces of fishing boats left over from the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, EcoChic uses the bright wood from tropical fishing boats and iron from long gone bridges to bring this unique style to life. 

My favorite thing about it all, is that each piece is different! 

Be sure to check out the rest of their line here: EchoChic, and make sure to enjoy these last few weeks of summer!! 

Summer Dish on Fish

It's summer in New England. Here in Connecticut, that means a lazy day enjoying the cool water of the Sound and nights taking advantage of the fresh seafood that the coast has to offer.

So jump on board today as we explore some fishy fixtures for your home.. and some for your stovetop too!

In the past, I've designed plenty of pool houses, but last year was my first yacht!

Indoor/outdoor fabrics today are a dream, maintaining a natural texture while still being durable enough to stand up the weather. Sometimes I even use them in kids rooms! The bright colors and enduring quality of the fabric make it perfect for messy little hands.

This fabric from Duralee is also Indoor/outdoor. I could totally see this pattern embracing a deck chair.. especially because it comes in three other fantastic colors! 

These color combonations are a delightful break from some of the other outdoor fabrics that are on the market today. 

This fish lamp from Jonathan Adler is just too adorable.  

While not indoor/outdoor, this Kravet fabric has dainty seashells that can bring the magic of the ocean into your home every day. I might use this linen fabric for some window treatments! 

These swordfish pillows from Eastern Accents are a great accent piece to any couch! Throw one on either end with a colorful solid in the middle and you'll have a whole new aesthetic! 

As a New Englander,  I just love a good mussel. My favorite way to make them is to steam them with some white wine... That way there's plenty left over to go with dinner. 

Steamed Mussels with White Wine

• 1 large shallot, finely chopped
• 1/4 onion, finely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 3 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2" cubes
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 4 1/2 pounds mussels, scrubbed, debearded
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley

Place shallot, onion, wine, butter, and vinegar in a large heavy pot. Add mussels, cover, and bring to a boil. Cook, gently shaking pot once or twice, until mussels open, 3-5 minutes (discard any mussels that don't open).

Set a strainer lined with a double layer of cheesecloth over a bowl; set aside. Using a slotted spoon, transfer mussels to a large bowl. Pour mixture in pot through prepared strainer. Season broth with pepper and pour over mussels. Sprinkle with parsley.

Red & White for the American Red Cross

For as long as any of us can remember, the American Red Cross and its bold signature of a red cross on a white ground has been the symbol of hope, support, safety and security.  The American Red Cross rushes in when disaster hits.  Amid the chaos, turmoil and disorder they rise, sometimes figuratively, and other times literally from the ashes offering comfort and aide.  The American Red Cross is a beacon of light during many dark hours.

On Saturday, May 3rd the Metro North Chapter of the American Red Cross along with sponsor CT Cottages & Gardens held their annual Red & White Ball at the Netjets Hanger in NY.  The night included extravagant tabletops dressed by talented designers.  This years honorary chair was  accomplished interior designer Mary McDonald!  The evening included fine dining, dancing, and silent auction.

I had the pleasure of designing a table scape for this years event.  The design illustrates the American Red Cross rising from the the ashes giving hope, comfort and security.

A bare Manzanita tree set into a cement base filled with Orchid Bark and charcoal is displayed on a grey ombre table cloth, symbolizing the start of a rise from destruction.

For balance and texture the tree base is accented with Glorosalilys climbing the base of the Manzantia imitating flames.  As the tree grows and ascends, life returns to the tree. 

The table runner was handmade by my local workroom. A screen of silver netting by Duralee Fabrics is encased by an elegant red fabric by Kravet Fabrics, bringing the red cross theme full circle. 

Sitting atop the table runner, classic white plates hold handmade, beaded napkin rings. They are fastened with a red ribbon, further tying together the red motif. 

By far my favorite detail (besides the cookies, yum!) were the glass hurricane jars holding delicate orchids. Each one was different, symbolizing how fragile life is .... the final piece that pulls this amazing organization together.  

Over all, it was a beautiful night. I couldn't have done it without all of my behind the scenes help, and of course, my Prince!! I'm already dreaming up next years design. 

Stay tuned!

Fourth of July: The Most American Things EVER.

This Forth of July, like all Fourth of Julys, we celebrate what makes America great. 

Take a look at the list we've complied!! 

Apple Pie

Pillow from Eastern Accents

Patriotism 

Fabric from Andrew Martin

George Washington

Sculpture from Jonathan Adler

Rodeos 

Bull from Global Views

American Made

Montclair and Bedford chairs from Thibaut, all american made. 

Red, White, and Blue

Honfleur Stripe from Ralph Lauren Home

Have a safe, happy (And dry!) Fourth of July. 

Rockin' 80's!

While the 80's were hot for toys, clothing, and pop culture, 80's home decor hasn't yetcome into its revival like past decades. However, it does invoke a sense of nostalgia. 

And of course, the hair.. 

Pastels, pastels, pastels! Pastels and stripes were both on trend. I love the stacked baskets at the end of the bed. It reminds me of the stacked suitcases that you sometimes see today. 

Why choose one color when you can have them all? 

This painted rainbow around the bed is a cute, creative touch. 

Pinks around this time tended towards the dusty mauve, along with the pastels. The dainty florals are also a stark contrast to the large prints from the 70's. 

Who ever was in the ruffled pillow business was very, very rich. 

There's nothing I love more (besides floral) than a cheesey lamp. This one takes that cake. 

Of course, I couldn't do a 80's post without throwing in some Ferris Bueller decor. Metal headboards were huge during this time, and this one is so cute!! 

That's it for this week folks!! Next week we travel to the 90's!!