“An ideal kitchen is comprised of a variety of elements that are not just pleasing in a decorative sense, but also extremely practical. The very best examples seamlessly blend form and function while also instilling a sense of order; and while the layout, palette, and larger components are obviously key factors, the impact that details like hardware, lighting, and tile can have on a space should not be overlooked.”

When Jeff and Brittany were together in Nantucket last summer, Emily Westlake, The Scout Guide editor found a prime opportunity to catch the designers who work on two different coasts in one place. Casually sitting in Nantucket together, a shared favorite place of relaxation and inspiration, Emily was excited to hear about Brittany's expanding design firm and Jeff's latest projects. Growing up with a father who is an architect, Emily shares a childhood similar to Brittany's and mine. When I chatted with Emily we laughed about both going on architectural home and garden tours with our fathers as children and touring particular college campuses just because of their design and architectural beauty.

These stunning images of the Governor's residence Drumthwacket in Princeton were just shared with me yesterday.  They will give you a glimpse of the work of the garden clubs I had the pleasure of working with this fall.  As we toast the tradition of the garden clubs of New Jersey decorating the residence, I want to again thank Tillie Emmert, NJ Garden Club decor chair, and the garden clubs from Keyport, Morristown, Mountain lakes, Somserset Hills, Seaweeders of Bay Head and Mantaloking, and Warren for sharing their talents.  I highly suggest scheduling a tour as a holiday activity and if you can't be sure to watch the video tour below.

A favorite tradition of Governor and First Lady Christie, and the many who served before them in NJ, is to transform Drumthwacket for the holiday season.  As the Fine Art Committee Chair, this is my third holiday season involved with the styling of the holiday decor.  Over the years the Garden Club of New Jersey has volunteered in this transformation, some years supporting a specific holiday theme, some years collaborating with other arts groups.  This year’s theme is toasting and celebrating the Garden Club of New Jersey’s tradition of decorating Drumthwacket which first began over 25 years ago.