Gates, arches, arbors, fences, bridges, stepping stones and paths signal to us that there is something beyond our line of view that is worth exploring. They stand in all their glory silently beckoning visitors to enter and see what surprises await. A space with flowers becomes a place for flowers when it is framed by […]
Living
Tis the season for parties and get-togethers. With so much going on during the holidays, there’s a lot to do to get our kitchens and pantries ready for the arrival of guests. When thinking about the menu, my mind immediately goes to the dessert course. To add some diversity to the offerings, I have decided […]
Now that we’ve finished renovating a house and are in the process of decorating it, I’m finding that, like many New Englanders, my favorite finds are those that come from off-the-beaten-track sources: flea markets, Etsy, and Craigslist. This piece wins for being both unexpected and incredibly useful: It’s a 1970s mail sorter from the Natick, […]
A single milkweed seed abruptly landed
in a field at Sachuest Refuge in
Middletown, RI
Bedding is expensive, but you can protect your investment by keeping it in tip-top shape. Follow these tips on how to clean and store bedding to keep it looking its best. Prevent Dyes in Bedding from Bleeding Keep the dyes in a new quilt or other bedding from bleeding by soaking it in a mixture […]
Our first question to Mark and Betty Garrison, owners of Rocky Point Blueberry Farm in Warwick, Rhode Island, was: “What inspired you to turn this beautiful residential property into a farm?” We were having coffee in the living room of the three-bedroom (plus “in-law apartment”) house designed by Mark and built in 1984, while admiring […]
Centuries ago Christmas and winter-holiday celebrations were centered around the rhythms of nature. From the gifts that were exchanged to the wreaths on the doors and the decorations on the tree, everything was either home spun or thoughtfully gathered from the outdoors. The simple joy associated with such traditions and connecting with the beauty of […]
Closing up your summer camp or cottage can be a chore, but it beats the alternative of opening it up in the spring to odors or damage. To prevent problems, use this checklist to be sure you have taken care of the important tasks. Drain water completely Turn off propane at tanks Turn off circuit […]
Halloween is just around the corner, so it is only fitting that this week, we focus on pumpkins. I absolutely love the many shapes, colors and sizes of pumpkins that I usually come across at our local farmers market, but this year, I wanted to take my pumpkins to a whole new color level. With […]
New England’s craft fairs make holiday shopping fun while supporting the region’s richly talented artisans.
Adding handmade keepsake ornaments in festive shapes—such as a classic Christmas bulb, to your holiday packages elevates the wrapping into something more than just a gateway to the good stuff. For heirloom-worthy results, use high-quality wool felt, and add artful flourishes in the form of rickrack, ribbon, and embroidered details. All you need is a […]
At home in Providence with Chris Van Allsburg, the author of The Polar Express, one of the most beloved holiday tales of all time.