I’ve just finished wrapping my holiday gifts. Don’t want to spoil the surprise, but this year my gift is both sweet and spicy. And French, of course!
Chez Catherine
Recipes, books, accessories, design ideas,destinations and more from the owner of
Belle Maison, Catherine Engelmeyer
Something Sweet and Spicy
Serious Kitchen
An eye-catching butcher-block island centers this newly remodeled kitchen, functioning as workspace for cooking as well as occasional dining. The wood floor looks great and is easy on the legs. The professional grade Wolf Stove with stainless steel backsplash is easy to clean. I chose rhomboid pattern Lagos stone around the sink and backsplash, an appealingly subtle counterpoint to the no-nonsense wood and steel. This is a serious kitchen for serious cooks who plan to have a lot of fun indulging their passion.
Feminine Artistry
This feminine but not frivolous master bedroom combines modest dimensions with tasteful sophistication, cozy warmth with visual fascination. A painted and gilded floor mirror anchors the design, circled by reframed portraits of women. The bed features a hand carved border, with decoratively carved side and foot rails. The colors of the silk striped fabric on the windows match the bedding. I set an unframed oil portrait on the night table; you don’t have to hang paintings to show them off to best advantage.
The Return of Brunschwig
Met with my Brunschwig rep and happily discovered that reports of their death have been greatly exaggerated. Brunschwig has always been one of my favorite fabric companies. The new line is great, with recolored versions of some of their classic designs as well as exciting new patterns. And, unlike some other firms, who tantalize you with choices only to be chronically short of stock, Brunschwig seems to have substantial stock, thanks to a new, deep-pocketed owner. I can think of several current clients who could benefit from their line of high quality designs.
The Widow Clicquot, by Tilar J. Mazzeo
As you open a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, the fine French champagne, spare a moment for the Veuve (widow) Clicquot herself. Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin grew up during the French Revolution and was widowed as Napoleon conquered Europe. She took over the family wine business and navigated through the turbulent times to succeed spectacularly. Francofiles, wine and food lovers and feminists will devour (sorry) this story of a brilliant entrepreneur who became the world’s first great businesswoman.
It’s Always Fair Weather
The sun is always shining in this decidedly feminine guest bedroom. The pale yellow color on the walls amplifies the floral linen print that adorns the duvee, window treatments and skirted table. The space generates a warmth of its own on the coldest winter day. Perfect for my client’s mother in law.
Save the Penguins with Sweaters
Just read that … “A yarn store in New Zealand is calling on knitters throughout the world to knit sweaters for the penguins affected by a massive oil spill that occurred earlier this month. The tiny sweaters prevent the oil-soaked birds from poisoning themselves by preening, as well as keeping them warm before it’s their turn to be cleaned up.”
Just when I was thinking I could save the penguins by knitting came the news that the yarn store was inundated with sweaters and have way more than they need. Oh well….back to baby clothes for my nephews.
All the Comforts of Home, at Work
Brown and tan leather covers the loveseat, chairs and English antique desk in this cherry wood paneled home office. A rich burgundy mohair on the loveseat cushions and a paisley pattern on the pillows, lampshades and window treatments adds color. The Oriental rug and striped ottoman extend the counterpoint, the cumulative effect creating a warm, comfortable and inviting workspace. And you can’t beat the commute.
Tarte a la Bourdaloue
Having been invited to a Hawaiian themed dinner, where each guest was responsible for bringing one of the courses, I decided to resurrect a tart I’d made many years ago in France—Tarte a la Bourdeloue, or Pineapple and Cherry Tart. Here’s the recipe:
