When you last heard from me I was in the final preparation for the Carolyne Roehm barn sale. It was quite an experience and I must say it was a huge success -- especially for the freedom of mind and lightness I feel after getting rid of so many things I no longer had the room to store and no longer needed. It was a truly beautiful weekend and the air of the event was quite festive and fun. Throughout the rest of this month I have been in a cleaning and organizing frenzy to have everything in its proper place before I leave for Aspen and my summer vacation. After months of preparation and work I realize that two-thirds of the summer has vanished, and I am saying "I have no idea where the time has gone!" How many times have all of us said that to ourselves? Before it is over I want to share some entertaining ideas, recipes, and new product for the summer. Fortunately, so many of the items that we are offering are classic, timeless, and work in all seasons with a change of flowers and dining location. A beautiful blue and white or natural table looks chic and wonderful whether dining al fresco this summer or next to a cozy autumn fire.

I am currently working on a new book about Blue and White and all the ways that I use it in my life through decorating, entertaining, and designing. This will be published in fall of 2008. With that project underway I want to share some of my favorite blue and white dishes, linens, and glassware that I use over and over and never tire of. As many of you know, Bill Blass has been a source of inspiration in my life. To my mind, Bill and the famous decorator Billy Baldwin (and, by the way, the two Bills were friends) used natural colors and organic elements to perfection. So look in “Ode to Bill Blass” for fantastic new selections of products that would fit into those two gents’ worlds effortlessly!

For a chic and affordable way to personalize things check out the “Stamp with Style” story in CR Style. So many of you have asked me where I had my monogram stamps made, and in that story we give you our source.

Don’t forget to look at CR Style Weddings for a description of a wedding I decorated for a friend this spring. I loved the vases that I used so much that I have added them to my personal collection, and they are also available here in Presentations.

Have a great remainder of the summer!!