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.
This summer The Bernards Inn was scouted by the Northern New Jersey Scout Guide as one of NJ's most revered locations for weddings. In her blog post, Weddings at the Bernards Inn, editor Heather Cundey understands the marriage of elegance and trusted service; beautiful presentation and superb cuisine; and classic ambiance with room for personal expression. All of these are necessary to create a spectacular wedding or special event. As the resident in-house designer for the Bernards Inn, Jeffrey's distinctive sense of style is found throughout the Inn...fine fabrics and textures in the guest rooms, unique design details in each of the private rooms for entertaining, and seasonal touches in the lobby and restaurant.
Many of you already know Jeff quite well, and some of you are new to Jeff and want to understand how he works with his clients or approaches design projects. Jeff recently had the great opportunity to speak with editor of the Northern New Jersey Scout Guide, Heather Cundey. Her article Butler’s of Far Hills, Jeffrey B. Haines: Up Close and Personal is featured on the NNJ Scout Guide Blog. Every time Jeff or I meet with Heather it is an enjoyable and comfortable conversation and we are so excited to be a part of her blog. Click HERE to read the full post and see more images.
"Nothing else represents the emergence of spring as the beloved yellow daffodil happy and bright after a long winter's nap." (I read this recently from a yoga newsletter sent to me by my mother)...and it's so true. I usually prefer soft colors and pick white or soft pink flowers for my kitchen table. But in the first week or two of spring I love to put a simple glass vase of bright yellow tulips or daffodils. They shout spring against the brown backdrop of my backyard which has yet to emerge and turn green.
The Scout Guide's Tip No. 99 Feel Blue shares some of their favorite shades of blue paint colors. Achieving subtlety in any color is often the goal and when it is achieved it makes the space feel so natural and unworked.