Sophie Conran

Temple Guiting is a fine, old Tudor nestled in an atmosphere of charm & tranquility within a quintessential Cotswold village (think Kate Winslet's cozy cottage in The Holiday). 

The property has been privately owned since the 15th century and both manor house & barn, which have been extensively refurbished to an exacting standard (garnering an award from HRH Prince Charles, no less), are now available to let.

Enter Sophie Conran (daughter of Terence) + 2 partners. Late last year, they launched a bit of a business throwing brilliant bespoke country house parties for paying guests in this amazing setting. 

The trio's glamorous fetes-for-hire are far better than any stodgy aristo shooting weekend portrayed by the BBC in its fabulous period dramas. Theirs include cookery classes with top UK chefs, millinery workshops with the Queen's hat maker, lawn tennis, perfume workshops, knitting, poker, fishing, wine tasting, floral arranging -- and the list goes on.

Feeling flush & yearn to know more? Dial +44 (0)20 7706 1309 & ask for Sophie.

Diptyque

Sure they're expensive, but there is nothing else like them. These are my absolute favorites...

{Oak Tree}

{Fresh Mown Hay}

{Wood Fire}

{Cypress}

{Green Mint}

{Rose Geranium}

{Lemon Verbena}

Fabric Love

I'll soon be bringing a room-full of furniture into Post & Gray, inspired by a few euro-sized down pillows I just had made out of this amazing fabric, Dzhambul by Brunschwig & Fils.  A classic chippendale sofa will be wrapped in pale aqua velvet, 2 delicate 1940's armchairs will be covered in coral Libeco-Lagae linen {+ a few judiciously placed nickel nailheads}, and 2 low silvered bamboo tables will move about to hold drinks & The New York Times.

I can hardly sleep nights thinking about it.

Pink Daisies

Yesterday I drove all around South Carolina gathering up fabulous-ness for Post & Gray. During my crazy drive of many stops in ridiculous heat I passed a PARK SEED CO. sign. And in very small letters just beneath, it read Wayside Gardens. U-turn. Have you seen the fabulous catalog? The grounds were amazing -- a wilt-free zone except for the Stargazer Lilies, which looked a bit like I felt.

It was Flower Day, part of this sleepy little town's Festival of Flowers, and Wayside's bigger-than-big annual sale. I got to the cash register just after sale prices were cut in 1/2 and paid only $3.21 for a 1/2 dozen 6-flats of pink African Daisies.

1888, Tuckahoe Gate, Southampton L.I.

I found this postcard-sized invitation to The Hampton Hunt a few years ago on ebay. Everything about it, from the toile ground to the handwritten scrawl, is amazing. Today I'm bringing it to be blown up {way up} and framed for Fall @ Post & Gray. {Is it too early to be thinking about Fall?} It will hang behind 2 tufted wing chairs getting reupholstered in this oh-so-soft wool herringbone from Ralph Lauren...

Cozy.

More Shingle Love

{via Elle Decor}

Tim Whealon's house in the Hamptons is sweet.

Madeline Weinrib

I picked up this carpet for a song and all the rooms in my house are now fighting amongst themselves to see who will get it...

P.S. The sun porch is winning

Where Eating Well is the Best Revenge

Really.

Straight Wharf Fish Store's lobster roll, Todd English @ The Summer House, a classic Lola hamburger for less than $6, and some of the best grits North of the Mason-Dixon. Read more here & here.

And I'm not a bit disheartened that the Globe fails to mention my favorite, where you can beat neither the bartender nor his Mount Gay & tonic.

Have You Read It?

Honestly, could you put it down? I don't think I've gone to sleep before 2:00 a.m. all week. This has got to stop.

90

Grandmother's turning that crazy big number this weekend & I'm off to the land of the Alamo for a Texas-sized celebration in her honor. Just seems right, doesn't it?

Quick, What's Your Style?

Ally @ From the Right Bank is hosting a fabulous '1 shot that defines your style' challenge. Even with all the pics I have stored away, this is harder than it sounds. Every day my style evolves, is tweaked a little, by various & sundry outside influences. But if I had to sum it all up in one picture, this would probably be it...

{photo via Mrs. Howard}

The symmetry is so relaxing! Like, nap time relaxing. But there's so much more. The patina of that big old American chest of drawers is fabulous, and I love how it is juxtaposed with those diminutive black side chairs & their amazing silhouettes.  The small, blue Liberty-esque print curtains hung ceiling to floor are wonderfully clean & crisp, and the contrast of navy lacquer walls above hot white wainscoting is fantastic. Finally, I love the modern energy infused by the nickel chandelier, octopus lithograph & outdoor zinc hurricanes. If I could change one small thing, I'd prefer the hardwoods a wee bit darker, but that's an easy fix. I just love it.

Windsor Smith

I loved Windsor Smith's Riad in Seafoam as soon as I spotted it in House Beautiful ages ago, and I've been looking for the right piece to upholster ever since. Last week I finally found a suitable pair of chairs, so stay tuned. 

For now, here are a few more peeks at Windsor's style.

Crazy Hot

Mid-90's & so steamy an 'excessive heat advisory' is in effect. The emergency broadcast system is warning about thunderstorms & reminding us to hydrate & stay out of the sun. My friend Pam @ Red Ticking posted on a gate she's been dreaming about lately. Me? I'm imagining a drive to the beach, trailed by a vintage Airstream filled with fairy lights, clean Levi's, icy Bud Lime & a surf board.

What about you?

Paddywax

When I was in Charleston a few weekends ago, I shopped at the wonderful Lily on King Street.

Due to one large dog, I am a huge candle fan. I scooped up these 3 eco-soy candles by Paddywax and am loving their subtle fragrances. 

If you're not lucky enough to live near Charleston, bless your heart, you can order here.