Cinco de Mayo has always been an easy excuse to make a meal we love, one we end up coming back to throughout the year.

Growing up in Los Angeles, Mexican cuisine is a staple with really good salsa and the local places you find yourself going back to again and again.

This is a little nod to that. Two of our favorite recipes, made hundreds of times over: tomatillo salsa and lime-soaked tortilla chips.

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

This is one we’ve made more times than we can count

Ingredients

• 12 tomatillos, peeled

• 1 small yellow onion, halved

• 1 jalapeño

• 1 lime

• Salt

• Handful of fresh cilantro

• Water, if needed

Place the tomatillos, onion halves, and jalapeño on a sheet pan. Broil for about 8 minutes per side, until softened and lightly charred.

Transfer everything to a blender and blend until smooth. Add salt, the juice of one lime, and a splash of water if needed to loosen the texture slightly.

Add a handful of cilantro and blend once more, just until combined.

Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Homemade Lime Tortilla Chips

These are a little different and very worth it, the lime soak gives them that extra wow.

Ingredients

• 1 package of Corn tortillas

• Canola or vegetable oil

• 8 limes

• Salt

Squeeze the limes into a large bowl.

Slice the tortillas into wedges and add them to the juice, letting them soak for about 10 minutes.

Heat a few inches of oil over medium heat in a deep pan.

Using a slotted spoon, carefully add the soaked tortilla wedges in batches. Fry for a few minutes per side, turning once, until lightly golden and crisp.

Transfer to a paper towel-lined tray and salt generously while still warm.

Serve immediately with the salsa.

The world of interior design can often feel unfamiliar and even a bit intimidating.

One of the things we’ve always loved most about our work is the opportunity to truly get to know the people we’re designing for, their families, their routines, and the way they live in their homes. So many of the decisions that shape a space go beyond decor.

Our passion has always extended beyond design alone. We think about the way a home is lived in from the smallest details to the big picture. The way you entertain, the recipes you return to, the things you keep on hand, even the simplest household staples.

This space is meant for us to share in all of that. In many ways, it mirrors the conversations we have during a project, or the way we approach our own homes and lives.

If you have something on your mind, you can leave a question in the comments below.

We’ll be sharing the full responses soon for our paid subscribers in this ongoing column.

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We often find ourselves coming back to the same things when we think about home.

Over time, we’ve realized the same is true when shaping a room. Not in a way that feels uninspired, and not because we’re trying to repeat something we’ve done before, but because certain choices just continue to feel right for us.

After enough rooms, enough rearranging, enough living alongside the pieces we choose, a pattern starts to take shape.

Lighting is always one of the first things we notice.

Lamps placed where they’ll actually be used, a sconce where a wall might otherwise feel empty, a picture light drawing attention to something meaningful. Even in the earliest stages of a home, it’s something we think through carefully. We work through furniture plans and guide the architect on where light will fall, where it’s needed, and where a cord can disappear into the floor rather than interrupt the room.

It’s a small thing, but it changes everything.

And then there’s the balance between old and new.

That includes adding at least one piece that carries a sense of age. Something with a bit of history to it. Not as a focal point, necessarily, but as a way to ground the space. When we’re lucky, we’re able to incorporate collected antiques from a client’s own collection, which makes the room feel even more meaningful.

From there, the room starts to layer.

We are always drawn to florals. They’re often considered overtly feminine, but to us they feel more cozy and rooted in both English style and vintage Ralph Lauren. It mirrors how we like to live—flowers in different containers throughout the house and a constant connection to indoor-outdoor living.

Natural textures tend to find their way in, too. Wicker, rattan and worn wood are materials that bring warmth and a relaxed feel to a room.

And then, almost without exception, there’s always a touch of blue.

Sometimes it’s obvious, like a painted room or a patterned fabric. Other times it’s much smaller like a delft tile, a glass hurricane on a table.

Even when approaching a room differently stylistically, the two of us always come back to these elements. We share the same instinct toward softness and layering.

Without really meaning to, we’ve formed something of a non-formula, formula.

Easter has always been a special holiday in our family from the food, to the baskets, to the decor.

Growing up in New England, it always felt like the official start of spring, even though it was usually still chilly, somewhere in the low 50s, and you’d still reach for a sweater.

Everything in the house begins to shift around Easter—more light through the windows, flowers starting to bloom, doors opening again, and heavier linens put away for the season.

This year, we brought in a mix of white and yellow ranunculus along with a few gorgeous limelight hydrangeas. McArdle’s in Greenwich has been a go-to for over 20 years, and they always have the most beautiful selection.

It’s always fun to come home and repot everything into collected pieces from over the years. The mix of mismatched wicker adds a bit of charm, but the copper basin is always the star of the show.

The table came together pretty naturally, a mix of old and new pieces layered together. Asiatic Pheasants plates we’ve had for years paired with newer linens from Heather Taylor Home and Heidi Caillier for Lulu and Georgia. I’m not sure if the linens inspired the flowers or the other way around, but the combination of dusty blue, soft yellows, and a bit of chocolate brown feels right.

We don’t usually try to make everything match. It always feels better when it doesn’t.

It’s usually the smallest details that end up making us happiest. We are always adding a touch of whimsy, a bit of a signature at this point, ribbons tied around potted boxwoods and napkins, a few draped over the mirror, and lemons scattered along the table.

Although the linens may change from year to year, the menu almost always stays the same.

A baby gem salad with pine nuts and goat cheese, grilled lamb chops, rice pilaf, popovers, roasted asparagus, and a homemade banana cake to finish.

The table is set, the flowers are in place, and the Ella Fitzgerald Spotify playlist floats through the house. Time spent outside, soaking in the first hints of warm weather, and time gathered around the table, returning to the same dishes and familiar details year after year. From our family to yours, we hope you have a wonderful Easter.

Xx

Allie and LeeAnn

There is something undeniably comforting about a home that has been gathered over time. Not assembled all at once or designed in a single sweep, but layered slowly through travel, through memory, through weekend afternoons spent in antique stores. These are the homes that feel lived in from the moment you step inside.

A collected home is not about perfection. In fact, it resists it.

It might be a chair that doesn’t quite match the sofa but has always been there. A stack of books that grows and shifts with the seasons. A set of dishes used so often they begin to crack, carrying the rhythm of daily living.

We’ve always been drawn to interiors that tell this kind of story.

Rooms where pattern sits comfortably beside pattern, where old and new coexist, where nothing feels overly styled or fixed in place. There is a looseness to them, a sense that the home will continue to evolve alongside the people who live there.

Often, the most meaningful spaces are shaped by what is already ours. A piece passed down. A fabric chosen years ago and used again in a new way. Objects collected without a clear plan, only an instinct that they belonged.

Some of the pieces we return to most often are the ones that have been handed down between us, things that have lived in more than one home. The comfort of knowing exactly where everything lives not because it was carefully arranged, but because it found its place naturally.

There is a romance in that kind of home, in the rituals that unfold there. We think the most lasting interiors are the ones that allow for this kind of life. They leave room for change. They welcome imperfection and in the end they are shaped as much by memory as they are by design.

Xx

Allie and LeeAnn

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So we thought It’s Everything We Love should have one too.

Consider this the informal corner of our Substack — a place to share little discoveries, ask questions, and talk about the small details that make a house feel meaningful.

To begin, we have a question for you:

What corner of your home feels the most like you?

Join chat

How to get started

1. Get the Substack app by clicking this link or the button below. New chat threads won’t be sent sent via email, so turn on push notifications so you don’t miss conversation as it happens. You can also access chat on the web.

Get app

2. Open the app and tap the Chat icon. It looks like two bubbles in the bottom bar, and you’ll see a row for my chat inside.

3. That’s it! Jump into our thread to say hi, and if you have any issues, check out Substack’s FAQ.

With the change of season often comes a bit of a reset — small shifts at home, new projects beginning to take shape in the studio, and a few simple things we’ve been enjoying lately. In this first installment, we’re sharing a few snapshots of life lately: what we’re wearing, setting the table with, reading, and working on in the studio.

What We’re Wearing

Lately we’ve been leaning into an easy spring uniform — crisp cotton shirts, laid-back white jeans, woven textures, and gold jewelry. Effortless for busy days moving between home and our studio.

The Victoria Beckham Beauty Illuminator gives the skin the prettiest natural glow on minimal-makeup days.

Simple pieces, good light, and a little glow.

Jeans/Illuminator/Sandals/Bag/Button Down/Necklace

What We’re Setting the Table With

A small corner we’ve been enjoying lately — this breakfast nook with it’s cozy banquette and a stack of blue and white ceramics ready for morning yogurt or berries.
It’s become an favorite place to settle in with coffee and start the day.

Bowls and Napkins from Pomegranate

Plates from Casa Branca

Custom Bench from O. Henry House upholstered in Leah OConnell Fabric

What We’re Reading

A little nightstand stack lately — design inspiration from A New English Style and Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage which we haven’t been able to put down.

What We’re Designing

We have been busy in the studio with several new projects beginning to take shape. These boards offer a little peek into what we’ve been working on lately for one of our Greenwich projects.

Dining Room
The dining room is coming together around a mix of classic patterns and textures. We’re hoping it will feel relaxed enough for everyday meals but still special when friends gather around the table.

Powder Room
For the powder room, the goal is a space that feels charming and welcoming despite its small footprint.

Side Hall
One of our favorite little moments; the side hall tucked beneath the front stairs. With a painted bench and botanical prints in clever frames, the goal is to make this small passage feel like a quiet pause within the house rather than simply a place to pass through.

Spring always feels like a season of fresh energy — new projects beginning, favorite pieces coming back into rotation, and everyday moments that feel a little brighter as the days linger. We’re looking forward to sharing more as these rooms continue to come together, but for now it’s been nice to pause and appreciate the small details along the way.

Xx

Allie and LeeAnn

This morning was one of those gray, soft summer mornings that makes you want to stay barefoot, take it slow, and bake something just because. The peaches from Saturday’s farmers market were finally that perfect kind of ripe and I had a sheet of puff pastry waiting in the fridge like it was meant to be.

I put on a little Ella Fitzgerald (the Cole Porter songs are my favorite for mornings like this) and let her voice fill the kitchen while I sliced peaches. A little cinnamon, a pinch of ginger, plenty of brown sugar… and suddenly it smelled like pure summer happiness.

The tart came out golden and bubbling, tasting exactly like late July—with Ella still humming in the background.

Peach Galette

makes one rustic, delicious tart

Ingredients:

• 6 ripe white and yellow peaches, sliced

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• ⅛ tsp salt

• 2 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp ground ginger

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup brown sugar

• Juice of ½ lemon

• 1 sheet puffed pastry, defrosted

• Milk (for brushing)

• Granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

⸻

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Roll out your puffed pastry on a sheet of parchment paper. Lightly score a border and poke the center with a fork to keep it from puffing too much.

3. In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, brown sugar, and lemon juice.

4. Add your sliced peaches and gently toss to coat.

5. Spoon the peach mixture into the center of the puffed pastry, leaving a 1–2 inch border. Fold the edges over slightly to form a rustic crust.

6. Brush the pastry edges with a bit of milk and sprinkle with sugar.

7. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the fruit is bubbly and caramelized.

Xx

LeeAnn

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What We’ve Been Working On

Installs

One project we’ve been especially excited about is our mid-country project. The clients are the sweetest young family with great taste, big trust in our vision (a designer’s dream!), and just the kind of people you want to linger over coffee with after a meeting.

Their dining room has been one of our favorite transformations so far. When they bought the house, the space was a very neutral, slightly dated 80’s number, complete with crown lighting that hadn’t been touched in decades. We all agreed it needed a little drama, a moodier, English-inspired feel that could host chic dinner parties and children’s birthday cakes with equal ease.

For the walls, we went with a beloved Guy Goodfellow wallpaper—still feminine, but in a color way that leans slightly more masculine, grounding the room in a sophisticated way. To keep the space from feeling too dark, we wrapped the fireplace in antique reproduction Delft tiles (one of our favorite details!), added a sculptural white plaster light, and dressed the windows in creamy, patterned draperies. The mix is timeless, layered, and feels as if it’s been there forever.

What We Have Been Collaborating On

Homeworthy

When Homeworthy reached out to feature LeeAnn’s home, we didn’t even have to think about it, it was an immediate and very emphatic yes. It’s such a fun and engaging platform, shining a spotlight on the homes of everyone from celebrities to designers to fascinating creatives, and we were honored to be included among them.

Shoot day itself was a delight, their team couldn’t have been lovelier and we had so much fun sharing a peek inside our family home (which also doubles as our CT office!). We’re used to Instagram Lives and interviews, but this felt special, like we were welcoming friends into our world for the afternoon. Sharing the house together, both as family and as business partners felt like such a full-circle moment for us. If you haven’t had a chance yet to watch, you can click this link here! We hope you enjoy.

What We Have Been Cooking

Fresh Summer Tomato Sauce

A simple, flavorful summer pasta sauce made with roasted baby tomatoes, buttery richness, and a hint of heat.

Ingredients

• 3 pints baby tomatoes (cherry or grape)

• ½ yellow onion, sliced into quarters

• 2 garlic cloves, peeled

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• A pinch of red pepper flakes

• Chopped fresh basil, for garnish

• 1 pound short pasta (like rigatoni), cooked and drained

⸻

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. On a baking sheet or roasting pan, combine the baby tomatoes, onion quarters, and garlic cloves. Scatter the butter pieces on top. Season generously with salt and pepper.

3. Roast for 40 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and everything is tender and caramelized.

4. Transfer the mixture (including all the juices and melted butter) to a blender. Blend until smooth and silky.

5. Pour the sauce into a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

6. Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce. Stir to coat evenly.

7. Finish with chopped fresh basil.

⸻

To Serve

Spoon into warm bowls and serve immediately. A crusty piece of bread wouldn’t hurt

What have you been up to this summer? Let us know in the comments below.

XX,

LeeAnn and Allie

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About 5 years ago, I started making this pasta for my husband on Memorial Day Weekend. Since then the recipe has evolved but has become our beginning of summer tradition. The spicy sausage is the perfect addition to this classic clam recipe and is always a hit. If you prefer a saucier pasta like I do sometimes, cut down the amount of pasta and serve 2-3 very hungry adults. Otherwise, this is a great recipe for 4. Let me know below if you try!

xx

Allie

Ingredients:

36 littleneck clams

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 

1/2 yellow onion, diced 

1 clove garlic, minced 

1/2 medium red chile, finely sliced 

1 link spicy Italian sausage, casings removed 

1 cup dry white wine 

1 pound bucatini

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 

3 tablespoons butter

Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon

Directions:

Start by putting the clams in a large bowl and cover with cool salted water. Let the clams sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Drain and rinse well under cold running water.

Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and saute for 3 to 5 minutes, or until softened. Add the chile and sausage, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the sausage is mostly browned. Stirring occasionally to break up the sausage.

Once the sausage is browned, deglaze the pan with the white wine. Add the clams and stir everything together until well combined. Cover and cook on a simmer until the clams pop open about 8-10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. When the clams are done, add the butter, lemon zest and juice. Add the pasta and cook down the sauce on a simmer for a few minutes.

Toss everything together to make sure all the pasta is coated in sauce and serve with a crispy baguette.

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Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and there’s something so heartwarming about taking the time to celebrate the women who nurture, encourage, and inspire us—whether it’s your mom, grandmother, aunt, sister, or a dear friend who feels like family. This day is really about all the women who show up, in big ways and small, and whose presence makes life feel that much happier.

To help you find the perfect gift for those extraordinary women, we’ve gathered a collection of thoughtful favorites: things we love, things we’ve shared, and things that are sure to bring a smile.

1.) We’ve long loved Ginori, and this platter is one of those heirloom-worthy pieces that feels like it should be passed around at Sunday supper, serving recipes that have been made for generations.

2.) You can never have too many terracotta pots, especially the vintage kind that look like they’ve lived a hundred lives. Nestled among herbs and heirloom tomatoes, they make the garden feel even more like a sanctuary.

3.) U Beauty has become a staple for the women in our family, shared across all of our vanities. This set is perfect for refreshing a skincare routine or discovering a new favorite to love.

4.) Heather Taylor Home’s plaid linens are always a good idea, but these blush-toned napkins feel especially right for a springtime brunch or Mother’s Day lunch al fresco. Pretty, practical, and endlessly charming.

5.) We were smitten the moment we saw the LoveShackFancy x Pottery Barn collaboration. It’s pure vintage Laura Ashley in the best way, think floral crochet and ruffled details, ideal for the romantic at heart.

6.) Yes, it’s a splurge—but this candle burns for ages and fills the room with the most enchanting scent. A small luxury that lingers long after the flowers fade.

7.) We adore Hart Jewelry, and this Mother of Pearl Daisy charm is the perfect addition to any stack.

8.) This basket backpack is already packed and ready for summer mornings at the farmer’s market. Roomy, classic, and woven to last.

9.) Clare Vivier rarely misses, and this baseball hat is no exception. It’s equal parts chic and practical—a little Paris, a little California, and entirely mom-approved.

10.) Picking just one favorite from Loewe is nearly impossible, but this bucket bag comes close. The size is just right for day-to-night, and the shape transitions beautifully from spring to fall.

11.) One for the bedside table, one for the kitchen sink, another for the bathroom—you can truly never have too many sweet little ring dishes.

12.) La Mer hand cream is a tried-and-true favorite that’s just the right size for tucking into your new Loewe bag :)

13.) Crown Affair said it best: “Haircare rituals are a shared experience.” This set is for all of to the moms who let us borrow (or sneak) their brushes, products, and ponytail holders over the years.

14.) If you have to ask, “When did I get get my robe?”, it’s probably time for a new one. Weezie’s robes are impossibly plush, the kind you’ll want to live in. Fair warning: your family might “borrow”and never return it.

15.) This rattan bath caddy is as practical as it is beautiful, bringing a little everyday luxury into the bathroom.

16.) Because gardening isn’t just about what you grow, it’s about the tools you use to get there. These bamboo shears from Aerin are as pretty as they are practical—and make every pruning session feel like a scene from a Nancy Meyers movie.

All of these and more can be found on our Mother’s Day shopping guide collection. For some sweet sentiments and tips make sure to head over to Fenimore Lane and read their piece on Mother Knows Best: Advice, Tips & Life Lessons, we are honored to have been included.

Xx

Allie and Lee Ann

Charleston by Design is one of those weekends that just gets better with time. We first attended in 2022, and since then, the events and parties have grown into something even more extraordinary. Each spring, the design world makes its way down to the Lowcountry, and for a few days, Charleston feels even more like a dream. After years in New York, there’s something so special about seeing showroom reps and vendors experience this city for the first time—watching them fall for its charm just as I did.

The weekend began in the loveliest way: a morning visit from the wonderful Erin and Rowena of De Gournay. No matter how many times I see Degournay wallpapers, I am always in awe. Their tea-stained botanical wallpaper remains a personal favorite—one I hope to use in a project this year. That evening, we slipped into something festive for the Opening Party, a Charleston by Design tradition not to be missed. Cocktails with friends at The Dewberry, then a quick, breezy walk to the Aiken-Rhett House, where the Historic Charleston Foundation welcomed us with open arms (and candlelight). As a member of the Foundation’s PreserVISIONist group, I always cherish the chance to support the incredible preservation work they do. There’s something truly enchanting about stepping into the Aiken-Rhett House at night, its timeworn beauty illuminated in the softest, flickering glow—an elegant glimpse into the past.

Friday unfolded in the best way possible: with not one, but two dreamy lunches—first with Plain English Design x De Gournay, then with Soane Britain. We’ve admired Plain English for years and can’t wait to collaborate on a project soon. And Soane—what can I say? Their fabrics, wallpapers, lighting, furniture… we use them constantly, and their team is an absolute delight. But the true highlight of the weekend-a cocktail party at the Sword Gate House with Urban Electric. I’ve walked past those stately gates on countless neighborhood strolls, always pausing to admire. Finally stepping inside? Pure magic. The night was intimate, candlelit, and filled with fabulous conversation.

The rest of the weekend was a blur of inspiring talks from design greats, but before I could fully soak it all in, I was off to Connecticut—preparing for two very special photoshoots. There’s always a certain thrill in photoshoots: the anticipation, the final styling touches, the alchemy of it all coming together. Whether we’re revisiting a project from years past or capturing one that’s freshly completed, it never gets old. Finding the right team—a photographer with an incredible eye, a stylist who knows just how to make the magic happen—is everything. While we can’t share too much just yet, here’s a little glimpse of what’s to come.

It feels good to be back.

xx, Allie

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1. Fanciful Corners – The little nooks in our homes where the magic really happens. Creating cozy seating spots and filling the walls with a curated collection of art, books, and trinkets. It’s the attention to those often overlooked spaces that makes a room feel truly lived-in.

2. Denim, Fur, and Bandana – The ultimate trio for effortless style. A cozy denim jacket, soft fur accents, and a playful bandana tied around your neck—this combination is perfect for those chilly afternoons spent browsing flea markets finished off with a classic pair of ray-bans.

3. Clever Hostess Gifts – The secret to a perfect gift? A bottle of your favorite wine, paired with a fresh bundle of herbs or flowers. It’s the kind of thoughtful touch that makes a gathering feel just a little bit more special.

4. The Blue Scullery – A space that feels both practical and effortlessly beautiful, this blue-drenched scullery is perfectly imperfect. China is carefully stored, and pots are waiting to be filled with the next batch of fresh blooms.

5. French Countryside Dinner Parties – A rustic table adorned with buffalo check linens and freshly picked wildflowers. With soft candlelight flickering you feel as though you’ve been transported to a cozy farmhouse tucked away in Provence.

6. A Well-Curated Bookshelf – Shelves filled not just with books but with personal treasures—mirrors, lamps, plants, and art. The perfect balance of lived-in warmth and carefully chosen items. We strive for all of our clients spaces to feel this way.

7. The Personal Scrapbook – A journal filled with everyday moments, scribbled notes, and clippings of inspiration.

8. Spring in Charleston – There’s nothing quite like that first breath of spring in Charleston and you can’t wait to spend the day in the garden, planting new blossoms.

9. The Rich Brown Island – A beautiful, solid wood island set against soft iron lighting fixtures. It’s the perfect mix of rustic masculinity and feminine elegance. There’s something so warm and inviting about this blend—it makes you want to pull up a stool, sip a glass of wine, and chat for hours.

10. Hand-Knit Sweaters – The simple pleasure of hand-knitting sweaters, either for yourself or someone you love. It’s a cozy tradition that takes time, care, and a whole lot of heart/

11. London Home-goods Stores – There’s something special about the way the Brits do homeware. From textured throws to charming ceramics, their stores seem to capture a timeless elegance that never feels too fussy, just perfectly imperfect.

12. Checkered Bedroom –This bedroom wrapped in the softness of a checkered pattern, layered across walls, bedding, and curtains. It’s Ralph Lauren meets Park Avenue—a space that feels both luxurious and homey.

13. Vintage Textiles – Sourcing vintage textiles where every piece has its own story to tell. A tapestry, a pillow, or a rug can transform a space, bringing history and warmth to every room.

14. Inspiring Workspaces – A thoughtfully designed desk space where creativity flows effortlessly leading to well designed homes

15. Liberty Print Everything – There’s no occasion too small for a splash of Liberty print. Expect your Christmas presents wrapped in them this year.

16. The Chic Simplicity of Red, White, and Blue – A palette that feels both timeless and fresh—fisherman-style knit sweaters, crisp white linens, and sea-inspired accessories. Fisherman core with a dose of effortless charm.

What is inspiring you?

xx Allie

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In my home, there’s always a French playlist in the background while I cook, the soft glow of candles flickering in every room, and a table set with little touches of elegance—a vintage tablecloth, a simple collection of fresh flowers. It’s a month of indulging in the things that make life feel warm and beautiful, from the food to the fashion, to the little moments that make it all so magical. Here are our tips to make the most of French February and lets be honest, we love to do this all year round.

Wear

The French girl aesthetic is the epitome of timeless chic. There’s something effortlessly elegant about the way they dress—always classic, always feminine, and somehow always perfect. I adore the soft cotton ruffle blouses, the navy peacoat that looks like its been passed down through generations, the way jeans are paired with heels, giving that perfect blend of casual and dressed up. It’s the ideal everyday uniform.

jeans, top, bag, sunglasses, boots, jacket

Shop

What is more fun than slipping into your favorite cheese shop. It’s always a bit of a ritual—picking up a bottle of that beautifully fragrant olive oil, the kind that’s perfect for drizzling over a simple salad or dunking a warm, crusty piece of bread. My usual picks are simple but always feel like a treat: Comté, Gruyère, creamy pâté, thinly sliced prosciutto, a freshly baked baguette and a delicious container of mixed olives, marinated in herbes de Provence. It’s just the kind of selection that makes me feel like the weekend’s cocktail hour has already started, even if it’s only Thursday. If you are local to Fairfield County, The Greenwich Cheese Company and Darien Cheese & Fine Foods are my two go to’s.

When it comes to buying florals I always find myself at Greenwich Orchids. This month I have been selecting a handful of Camellia branches and quince blossoms—those delicate petals and their sweet fragrance just make my heart happy. The flowers end up everywhere, filling all the vases I’ve collected over time, from a big, show-stopping arrangement in the living room, to mismatched ones scattered around the house. Even in the chill of winter, the colors and scents of the flowers make everything feel warmer. On the kitchen table, a few topiaries—add a dash of whimsy, giving the space that cozy, cheerful vibe I can’t get enough of.

Decor

In my home, French décor brings warmth and charm to every room. There’s something about the soft hues of blue and white checks, the vintage florals on cushions and curtains, that makes the space feel timeless. Copper pots, their gleaming surfaces reflecting the low light of the kitchen. The ambiance is lived-in, yet always beautiful—nothing too fussy, but everything with a sense of thoughtful care and comfort.

Dining

February is the perfect month for hosting intimate dinner parties. The house feels so cozy as the winter chill settles in, but inside, the warmth of the fire crackling in the fireplace makes everything feel like a retreat. The linens, usually found at little flea markets—add a touch of vintage charm. Candles in moody, deep colors flicker softly, casting a warm glow and creating a romantic atmosphere around the table.

What to Cook

Gougeres from the Silver Palette Cookbook

Silver Palate | Gougere

My version of Chicken and Potatoes in Mustard Sauce

Six chicken thighs, skin on

2 large shallots sliced lengthwise

2 garlic cloves

1 small yellow onion sliced

2 russet potatoes peeled and sliced 1/8 of an inch thick.

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon fresh pepper

½ cup white wine

1 tbsp dijon

Shredded Comte cheese

In a large bowl, add chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl mix sliced potatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Drizzle olive oil into your cast-iron skillet get it nice and warm on medium low. Add chicken thighs, skin side down brown for seven minutes turn and brown seven minutes on the other side. Remove chicken from pan and tent with foil.

If needed, add a bit more olive oil to the pan and add sliced shallots and onions and 2 whole garlic cloves and sauté until shallots break down and begin to caramelize- roughly 8-10 minutes. This is the time to push the shallots and onions to the side of the pan and add in the potatoes. Brown potatoes, 5 minutes per side, then scatter the shallots on top. Nestle the chicken on top of the shallots and place in a 400° oven for 20 minutes. Check that potatoes are tender, when pierced with a fork.

Plate the potatoes and chicken with the sautéed shallots. Then to make the sauce add 1white wine and Dijon with a little bit more salt and pepper to the pan and stir together over medium heat. Bring to a quick boil then reduce heat to low. After one to two minutes take off the heat and spoon sauce on top of chicken and potato mixture, add lots of shredded conte cheese on top.

Puffed Pastry Cookies with Powdered Sugar from the Toscana cookbook

Toscana Cookbook

xx

LeeAnn

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My Guacamole and Homemade Tortilla Chips

• 6 avocados

• 1 jalapeño pepper seeded

• 1 lime

• 1/4 of a finely minced yellow onion

• 1/8 cup finely chopped cilantro

• 1 tsp kosher salt

Mash avocado and add lime juice and salt. Then add jalapeño, onion and the cilantro. Mix together and cover with plastic wrap and an avocado pit until ready to serve.

Homemade tortilla chips

• I pack of mission corn tortillas

• 4 -6 limes

• Vegetable oil

• Salt

Cut tortillas into strips and soak in a bowl with lime juice

Heat oil in saucepan. Once sizzling, carefully add tortillas to hot the oil and turn as they get brown. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt and some more lime juice.

Inas Onion Dip

Pan-Fried Onion Dip Recipe | Ina Garten | Food Network

My Go To Chili

Serves 4

• 1 lb chopped sirloin

• 1 large onion

• 1 clove minced garlic

• 1 15 oz can tomato sauce

• 1 15 oz can kidney beans

• 1 7 oz can diced green chilis

• 3 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 1/4 tsp ground cumin

• 1/4 tsp all spice

I double triple quadruple this recipe depending on the crowd

Add some olive oil to a Dutch oven and cook the beef until almost done. Add onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent. Reduce your heat to medium and stir in the spices until very fragrant one or two minutes then add all sauce, green chilies, and beans. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered 5 to 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese and of course some of the guac and tortilla chips

Chocolate Chip Toffee Cookies

• 2 1/2 cups flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup regular sugar

• 2 eggs

• 2 sticks softened butter

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 2 cups of mixed semi and milk chocolate chips

• 1 cup of chopped toffee pieces

Mix the wet ingredients then add the sifted dry ingredients. Beat on medium for 2 min. Then slowly fold the mixed semi and milk chocolate chips and chopped toffee pieces.

Refrigerate for 2 hours then with an ice cream scoop place dough 2 inches apart on parchment lined cookie sheet and bake for 14 minutes at 350.

Enjoy and let us know what you’re cooking for the Big Game!

Xx LeeAnn

February has always been one of my favorite months—short and sweet, like the perfect love letter, filled with the joy of Valentine’s Day and the first whispers of spring. It’s a time for fresh flowers on the kitchen table, long walks in a wool coat with a good scarf, and the quiet romance of soft candlelight on an early evening. Whether spent with a partner or dear friends, Valentine’s Day has always been about love and romance in all its forms—a sentiment that lingers in our work and aesthetic all year long.

With rooms bathed in warm pinks and deep reds, the charm of vintage details, and the kind of beauty that feels lived-in and loved, February is a reminder that coziness and romance belong in everyday life. This month’s mood board is a collection of the images and ideas inspiring me right now—little touches that turn the ordinary into something just a bit more magical.

1. Bedrooms swathed in toile and deep shades of pink

2. Potted geraniums, fresh or paper, perched on a sunny windowsill

3. Bows tied onto unexpected things—shower curtains, lamp pulls, the handles of a well-loved basket

4. The plaid skirts from S.S. Daley’s Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear Collection

5. A cherry-red front door with a heart-shaped keyhole, the kind that makes a house feel like a storybook

6. Feminine vintage footwear, ala Carrie Bradshaw

7. Tea time served on pink Asiatic Pheasant china, because everything tastes better in pretty cups

8. The guest bedroom of Peter Copping and Rambert Rigaud’s Normandy manor La Carlière, layered with soft florals and history

9. Dark raspberry and maize—a color combo I love, a food pairing I don’t

10. Rhubarb bows and meringue cake from Aimee Twigger, delicate and sweet

11. The pantry of House & Garden’s editor Hatta Byng, painted in a Coca-Cola red from Papers and Paints, a little daring, a little classic

12. A chocolate layer cake, enjoyed in the garden, because every celebration deserves cake

13. Weekend trips to Hotel Peter & Paul in New Orleans, slipping into a seat at the Elysian Bar for something bubbly

14. Keeping a diary, handwriting thoughts in ink, saving little pressed flowers between the pages

15. Paper heart garlands, because some traditions never get old

16. Overstuffed, faded floral sofas, the kind that make a room feel like a hug

February is a month for softness, sentimentality, and small joys—the kind you tuck into your pockets and carry with you, long after the month is gone.

What is inspiring you this month?

Xx,

Allie

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I think I’ll begin by ordering some bare-root roses from David Austin—perfect for planting in April, linked here. In the meantime, I found the most charming wicker vase from Fisher Design Company that’s destined for my kitchen island, filled with camellia branches or whatever blooms feel just right.

.And then comes my favorite part—setting the table with beautiful dishes and making everyday moments feel just a little more special. Because really, isn’t that what we love most? ✨

What little touches are bringing you joy right now?

xx

LeeAnn

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