The 1980s and its Glorious Food

There are those people who cook from cookbooks and those who just read them. I fall somewhere in between. Lately, I've been obsessing over cookbooks from the 1980s and truth be told, I haven't read them nor cooked from them- yet. What I've taken delight in are the photos.

I think that those wonderful Tiffany books got me started on this kick a few years ago- Tiffany Taste, The New Tiffany Table Settings (a book that must be prized by others as one listing on Amazon has it selling for $99,999*), and The Tiffany Gourmet Cookbook. Then I moved on to Glorious Food upon the recommendation of Chris Spitzmiller who, by the way, is captivated by the cover photo (see above). More recently I've devoured Lee Bailey's City Food and Lee Bailey's Good Parties.

So why the fascination with these cookbooks? I think it's because their authors placed as much emphasis on the tables, the background, and the atmosphere as they did the food. The photos are so darn styled...and they look marvelous. When I look at these photos, they make me want to host a dinner or drinks party with the same look and feel. I do think that it's a relief that today we don't have to serve four courses to our guests, nor do our dishes have to be complicated. (I mean, aren't we all eternally grateful to Ina Garten that she made hosting a dinner party so easy?) I also believe, though, that we need to see more photos that go beyond a basic table setting or a closeup shot of the food- photos that get the creative juices flowing and that inspire us to want to entertain at home again.

Today I'll show some photos from Glorious Food, and tomorrow is reserved for Lee Bailey. And if you don't cook, not to worry. The decorating in these photos is really pretty good.


*I do realize that the $99,999 listing is a typo...or perhaps a joke. At least, I hope it is.















(All images from Glorious Food by Christopher Idone)

Detail Shots from Brussels

I'm not really your average tourist. Others take photos of famous sites, churches, panoramic views. Me, I take photos of architectural details. Actually, it gets even more specific than that. I take photos of iron railings.

Why? Beats me, because I'm certainly not an architect, nor am I planning to build my dream house anytime soon. I believe that it's the railings' motifs that catch my eye. When I take a photo, I'm always thinking how I might incorporate that particular design into my home. Perhaps one of the motifs might be the inspiration for a nailhead pattern on the bottom edge of a sofa or chair. Or, another might make for an interesting painted border on a wall. Maybe even a unique pattern for a pelmet.

As you can see, even on my trip to Brussels last week I still had design on the brain.








The best part about this one, above, is that it's located in a dry cleaners. The Carriage Cleaners that I go to certainly doesn't look like this.








I guess I broke rank here since this is actually gate. It's located at Pierre Berge & Associes.







Oh, the other thing that I like to take photos of is signs. Go figure.


I love this Jazz Age font.









(All images taken by Jennifer Boles)

Back from BRAFA

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit Brussels thanks to a trip sponsored by the Belgian Tourist Office and BRAFA. BRAFA, for those who don't know (and I didn't know until quite recently), is the Brussels Antiques and Fine Arts Fair, a show that has been in existence for 55 years.

The show really was quite impressive. There was 20th c. furniture, 18th c. clocks, ancient African art, contemporary art, porcelain, and silver. There were booths with simple backdrops against which the art and antiques were the stars, while others were decorated like rooms- chic rooms, mind you. I'll stop talking now because words really can't do the show justice. You've just got to see the pieces for yourselves.



Unfortunately, I can't tell you anything about this beautiful chandelier. Still, it was too fetching not to show. (Mullendorf Antiques)


It's that metal buckled strap that absolutely makes this mirror. In this photo and the one below, you can see the gorgeous wooden paneled walls. These were made in the 1920s for a reception room of the "Compagnie Maritime Belge" and were inspired by the Congo. The frieze at the top is carved with African motifs. (Mullendorff Antiques)


I was so taken with the shape of these chairs, and that blue velvet looks fantastic next to those red nesting tables. (Mullendorf Antiques)




One of my favorite booths at the show, Gerald Watelet's (shown in the three photos above) is one that I think especially appeals to those with a design bent. The vignettes were meant to evoke a stylish woman's pied à terre.



I realize that the garden stool craze has run its course, but I was really tempted by these tasseled blue and white stools. I also think the planter in the second photo is pretty terrific.





Another favorite booth was that of Jacques Nève . Truth be told, I've never thought a great deal about antique clocks...until I saw these beauties. The first example, an au bon sauvage mantel clock, is "L'Amerique" (French, c. 1799-1803) and depicts America as a native woman with a feather headdress and skirt and a crocodile amongst her feet. Note too the palm tree. You should visit Mr. Nève's website because I think you'll become as smitten with these clocks as I.


I guess I should have taken notes because I can't remember the purpose of these acanthus leaves with cherub faces. I do know, though, that they were made of gleaming sterling silver.


A gold and gem encrusted statue by Johann Friedrich Kohler, Dresden, c. 1720


A vignette at Axel Vervoordt.


I think it was this console's snakeskin top that caught my eye. (Galerie Jean-Jacques Dutko)


At first glance I thought this was a screen, but then I noticed the ring pulls. This folding door is by Pierre Dunand, c. 1950. (Galerie Jean-Jacques Dutko)


I had to take a photo of this painting as it reminded me Billy Baldwin's famous dog painting.


A most unusual peacock chair.


The booth of Honourable Silver Objects was another that was decorated with vignettes. This shot makes me want to go tablescape something.

(For more information on BRAFA, please visit their website. To learn more about visiting Belgium, go to the Belgian Tourist Office's site.)

All photos by Jennifer Boles

Have You Seen Clover?

Remember that fabulous Rob Southern project that was featured in House Beautiful last year? It was the Houston house which had that gorgeous Benjamin Moore Bermuda Turquoise lacquered library. (I was so taken with that color that I ended up using it in my own home.) Anyway, the house belongs to Chesie Breen, editor in chief of the new online magazine Clover, and lucky for us her publication's website features additional photos of this beautiful home. Take a look through the slide show... it's a great way to get through a Monday!

(Image at top from Clover; Victoria Pearson photographer.)

Off to Brussels

I'm out of town this week on a press trip to Brussels where I'll be attending BRAFA, the Brussels Antiques and Fine Arts Fair. It should be an interesting trip, and I look forward to filling you in on it when I get back. See you next week!

Adventures at the AmericasMart

Atlanta has been abuzz this past week, not only due to the frigid weather (I never thought I'd say that 50 degrees was balmy) but also because of the Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market that just ended.

I'm pretty certain that most of you in the design community are aware that the AmericasMart is a great resource for designers and their clients. Think of ADAC as the place to buy fabrics and wallcoverings and AmericasMart as a destination for accessories, rugs, lighting, and accent furniture. (If you own a retail shop, well then by all means you must visit the Mart, especially during market).

I spent last Friday walking through both the permanent showrooms as well as the temporary exhibits, and I spotted all kinds of fabulous things: linen, tabletop, and home fragrance, just to name a few. I even spotted a few friends and acquaintances, including my neighbors at Veranda (we work in the same office building). While there was a lot of ground to cover (and unfortunately I couldn't see it all), I did manage to take some photographs of a few lines that caught my eye. While most of these lines sell directly to retail shops and designers, you can visit their websites to locate retailers in your area.

(For more information on visiting AmericasMart, or if you're interested in exhibiting at the next Market, click here. If you're a designer, I highly recommend a visit.)

Bella Studios' pillows are so charming. I love the different shapes (flanged, box, ball), but I'm especially taken with the details- cording, ties, and knots.




Patricia Spratt For The Home is a good source for fun, casual table linens. All of the vivid prints you see above can be made into napkins, mats, cloths, and runners. Those napkins are rather Alan Campbell, don't you think?



How great is this chain link print blanket by Pendleton?



I really wish I could give you more info on these cotton blankets from Vagabond Vintage, but all of the sales reps were busy with customers (always the sign of a successful show) so I don't what the story is. I do know, though, that they'd look great on a bed or as a tablecloth.





1891 by Sferra had some new additions to the line including these sweet printed duvet covers. A nice option if you're looking for something different from plain white linen.



If I had a home in the mountains or one in South Georgia, I would buy this SugarBoo Designs pillow in a heartbeat. Because you know, I was grown in Georgia too.




April Pride Allison of kaarsKoker was at the Mart with her popular line of candle sleeves. The detail shot shows some newly introduced prints.




More great table linens, courtesy of Simrin Textiles




Not only do I think the linens from Two Girls in Avignon are scrumptious, I'm also pining for their painted canvas backdrop.




For the pampered pooch (i.e. Alfie), stylish dog beds and chew toys from Lazy Bones Beds. And, they're made in the great state of Mississippi.



If you need to fill in some gaps in your bookshelves (not a problem for me, but it might be for some), E. Lawrence, Ltd. has leather bound and vellum covered books.




I have a Daniel Benedict Design candle, and it smells divine. And I'm usually not a fan of diffusers, but I like these leather wrapped ones. They almost look like flasks. (I know what you're thinking, and no, Daniel Benedict does not come packaged with the candles! A shame, I agree.)




home, James! has great items for the table, including these trays. I especially like the chicken wire encased in plastic.

(All images taken by Jennifer Boles)