Flower September/October 2024

“Let us crown ourselves with roses, before they be withered: let no meadow escape our riot. Let none of us go without his part in luxury: let us everywhere leave tokens of joy: for this is our portion, and this our lot.”—BOOK OF WISDOM THE ABOVE QUOTE was the inspiration for Robert Herrick’s famous line “Gather ye rosebuds while ye may” from his poem “To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time.” Having departed from my usual format to dedicate last issue’s “Watering Can” to my husband in the garden, I shall continue in that vein with the same protagonist in a different setting. This 4th of July while in Fairhope, Alabama, my dearly beloved Gates suffered a life-threatening heart event. We were on pins and needles and prayers for…

AT THE TABLE “The first hint of fall gives me reason enough to celebrate! Although it’s not yet cashmere weather at my home in Savannah, any cocktail starring bourbon makes a cozy liquid sweater. And it’s cool and dark enough to serve a sinful gratin among masses of candles.”—REBECCA GARDNER OF HOUSES & PARTIES FALL STYLE NEW BOOKS OCCASIONAL TABLES “I find the best interiors incorporate influences from around the world, from the Far East to the West, for an interesting, thoughtful mix. I love an Asian silhouette—especially on a drinks table—to punctuate a room.”—DESIGNER MARY MCDONALD CHAIRS “When it comes to chairs, I often feel like Goldilocks. Is it too deep, too high, too hard, too small? If it isn’t comfortable, no one will sit there. When the lines…

AS I RETREAT INDOORS after a summer spent outside, I want the plant and flower displays across the cottage to be welcoming and familiar. I want them to gently ease me back into darker nights and slower starts by somehow responding to the changing landscape outdoors. The abundance of summer has faded, and the heady days of rooms filled to the brim with flowers have passed. In their place, a single jug of dahlias or a solitary pot of cosmos is enough to lightly transition to this more sober of periods. I suppose I start a yearly cycle of fully appreciating the beauty of plants and flowers in the autumn. The disappearance of everything that has sustained me over spring and summer comes with a jolt, but one that always…

FLOWER: Tell us about your entertaining style. Augusta Cole: It is definitely rooted in an appreciation for interior design, antiques, and tradition—all things that I learned about early on from my mother and grandmother. I believe the greatest gatherings marry an elegant setting with fresh design touches, an abundant menu, and great music. I aim to treat my guests to a total sensory experience! How do you like to entertain, specifically in the fall? When the days become shorter and the temperature drops, I embrace the opportunity to entertain outdoors. The glow of the autumn light and the feel of the fresh air allow me to create an ambiance that is warm and cozy. Share how you make it feel warm and cozy—without all the seasonal fall kitsch, of course!…

When change happens, it can be comforting to hold on to familiarity. Such was the case for Tavenner and Sean Roberts. After an unexpected career offer, the couple relocated their family to Dallas, leaving behind friends and their century-old Colonial in the coastal town of Rye, New York. Starting fresh, the Roberts sought a place that would embody their sentiments of home—something with old-house appeal in a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. A Tudor Revival-style home, built in the mid 1990s and located in Highland Park, caught their eye. “Even though it wasn’t that old, it had the character of a historic house, and we loved the similar feel of the community,” Tavenner says. “Everything is connected by sidewalks. You could walk for miles.” While the Roberts were quick to appreciate the location…

Strip back heavy finishes. Bleaching wood back to its natural state or refinishing it in a semitransparent glaze will shed light on the intricate dimensions of wainscoting, paneling, and trim while also letting the wood grain show through. Mix it up. Grass cloth walls add texture while toning down weighty wood paneling. “I also used white and pastel paint colors to bring soft notes to rooms and to the beadboard ceiling in the kitchen and breakfast room.” Mary Beth says. Complement and contrast. Incorporate furniture pieces with clean lines and brighter finishes. “I chose mostly solids in blues and neutrals,” says Mary Beth. “I also added rugs and fabrics that are equally light with floral designs and neutral backdrops.” Add shine. Metallic accents, including mirrors, fixtures, and carefully selected lighting,…