First of all, I got to swoon over all of the fabulous and beautiful, little gourmet treats from the famed caters at Callahan Catering. Talk about creative.

This was just some of the tasty delights that floated around the showroom on lucite trays. There were also pomme frites, fish and chips (frites and cod in newspaper cones), artichoke “lollipops”, nori cigarettes with chicken and wasabi, tuna tartare ice cream cones, mini milkshakes, mini (like really mini) ice cream cookie sandwiches, and the list goes on…I was completely blown away at the presentation of all of these teeny-tiny appetizers and desserts. The presentation was knock your socks off amazing. Props to the people at Callahan.

In addition to the tasty treats and endless scotch and wine, Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams were there to speak in person. They introduced their new Spring 2011 collection. They have a really great custom lamp program they’ve just launched. There are over 270 combinations of lamp design options in a palette of 14 colors. The fabulous editor of Architectural Digest was there as well. She is such a lovely woman, and has lead a really amazing career. The most interesting part of my evening was my hour long conversation with a 70-ish year old man. He is a native New Yorker, Wall Streeter turned designer, and full of fabulous stories. He spend much time in his earlier years in the presence of Philip Johnson and Paul Rudolph (an Auburn Graduate). He had some pretty interesting first-hand stories of both of these men. He is fond of the both the Harvard and Yale School’s of Architecture. He had a lot to say about the New York “way of life”, and definitely voiced his opionin (both good and bad) of how the city has evolved. And the craziest thing he told me, his first apartment was $40 per month, and that was expensive at the time. What? Are you kidding me. What happen to those deals? Now it’s like one-hundred times more. After the event, we hopped on over to one of my favorite, eclectic hotels in the city to grab a bite to eat. Oh, I should mention…though I talked a lot about the food. I only managed to sneak two of the teeny-tiny delights into my mouth. Between the conversations, there wasn’t much time to actually eat anything. So I was starving.  12 o’clock lunch was long gone. We hit up the Crosby Street Hotel for Burrata Mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes and balsamic fig reduction. It hit the spot, and of course I was mesmerized the whole time by all the fabulous little design details. Everything down to the pencils at the front desk are thoughtfully considered! I am seriously considering checking into this hotel for a weekend “stay-cation” someday soon. It’s 12:10am, and the 5am alarm clock is soon to ring. Lights out for me. Night!

images via: callahan catering

I think that their playful ads characterize the fun + whimsical character of their lovely prints in action.

*images via Clarence House

I spend a lot of time in here. Picking out fabric options, matching trims, and that sorta interior glitz and glam. I am right in my element. There is nothing like being surrounded by beautiful textiles all day long. Mohair, woven, linen, toile, gimp, tape, outdoor, indoor, chenille…you name it we got it. It is like a textile lover’s “fun haven”!

Soak up all the beauty bliss. Off to the “blizzardy” chill of a miserable January in New York [NYC weather in January is a whole-nother' story]

*images: Lonny Magazine

Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend day #1 of the Fall Market @ the D&D in New York City. I was lucky enough to hear a number of inspiring and creative individuals :: Victoria Hagan, Bunny Williams, Tuner Newell of HB, Dara Caponigro of Verdana, Judi Roaman, Adam Lewis – author of The Great Lady Decorators, Harry Hinson, Olivier Peardon, Mariette Hines Gomez, Meg Touborg and Richard Mishaan. And the list goes on…

I must mention, last but not least, that Bobby McAlpine of McAlpine Tankersley Architecture was there as well. Jerry Pair Showroom hosted a book signing event for his newly published book – The Home Within Us. If you do not know, McAlpine Tankersley Architecture is based in Montgomery, Alabama. Close to home for me! All the principal are natives of Alabama and graduates of Auburn University. Oh, how I love sharing something in common with someone in the BIG APPLE…it’s rare.

*email me for source information

Yesterday, I experienced the vertical integration of all of those fabulous elements you see above. Literally from top to bottom everything about the Jean-Georges ABC Kitchen is out of this world.  It is located inside the ABC Carpet & Home Store on Broadway at East 19th Street. The end result of an afternoon out of the office :: a wonderful girl’s birthday lunch celebration in an inspiring atmosphere, with delicious and freshly made food plus a touch of pure delight. The menu features local ingredients, and a menu that is inspired by what is in season. Everything from the bread basket to the table tops feature local artisans and sustainably crafted materials. The crowd – in and of itself – adds to the ambience. At lunch you find a range of diners – men in business suits, elderly ladies out for weekly gossip sessions, well-dressed women in designer clothes, fashionistas, business women, a few touristy groups in for a real treat, and even cute couples in deep conversation over the decor selections of their new apartment.

*images above + collage images via abc carpet & home

simply lovely. what a “graceful” lady. her fabulous poetical print fabric for kravet catches my eye every time i look out my apartment window.

*images for collage via galbraith & paul

*images for collage via of the young & the restless website