A LOVELY BRUNCH: Camparis on Crete

The first in a mini-series of warm and wonderful brunch places around the world.  This one's pure fantasy for me, as I've never had a Campari, never been to Crete and it is after all a Tuesday.  But I trust the Barefoot Contessa, and her Campari Orange Spritzer recipe, suitable for daytime; and the recommendations of the stylish Eleni from My Paradissi, who calls Crete home.  Imagine coffee on that terrace, followed by a leisurely all-day picnic on the shores of Triopetra Beach.  Or spend the day at Pagopoieion (Ice Factory) in Heraklion, where a brunch can easily extend to an afternoon and evening of food, music and mingling with friends.  Shall we all book a flight right now?

Have a favorite brunch spot you'd like to share?  Please email me (click on Contact in the sidebar).  Your selection and site link may appear in a future post.  Next month:  Best Brunch in Brooklyn.

Top photo from Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics.  Terrace photo, Marie Claire Maison;  Triopetra Beach photo courtesy Eleni, both via My Paradissi.

A DREAMY ESCAPE

Snow came again to my Northeast city last night.  As bitter winds slap ice-encrusted branches against my office window I dream of jetting off to a secluded cove, wiggling my toes in soft pink sand edged by turquoise waters and sipping a frothy colada while a balmy breeze rustles my hair. Oh how lovely it would be ...

Thank you to the wonderful Roni Polisar and Rebecca Withers of the Smithsonian's Hirshorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, who in mere moments helped me identify this photo.  It's one of photographer Christian Chaize's series on Praia Piquinia, a  slice of heaven on the coast of Portugal.

RE-USE: Armoire to Bar

My decorating partnership, The Redecorators LLC, began business with the premise that we would use what you have to give you a new look--often in one day. Immediately (as in, with our first client) that segued into full interior decorating services.  We've since ripped out kitchens, walls and floors; designed custom furniture and drapery; and turned completely empty spaces into beautiful and comfortable rooms to live in.  Still, Gina and I always look at how we can use existing furniture, art and accessories in new ways.  For example: turn a bedroom armoire into a living room bar, as we did for a charity event at the Grange Showroom in Philadelphia's Marketplace Design Center. (For more details, plus Before & Afters of that project visit Dust & Chandeliers.)  It's true: we're always looking for a place to corral cocktails! For more unconventional bar ideas, check out Everyday Style Tip: Set Up Bar from the style files.

Photo by Doreen Creede.  Yes that's me reflected in the mirror--and wearing the vintage silver and blue Victor Costa dress mentioned in last month's post, 5 Fabulous Sources for Vintage Fashion.  Funny how I didn't notice that until I enlarged the pic for this post!