Speaking at the Greenwich Historical Society's Spring Fête
My busy work schedule is always filled with business meetings, events, and speaking engagements.
Earlier this week, I was invited to speak at the Greenwich Historical Society's Spring Fete: A celebration of Contemporary Design, Lifestyle and Entertainment. I, along with my friend renowned interior designer Stephen Sills, were honorary chairs of the event. At the "Designer Breakfast", I spoke about my personal design style and shared stories about projects at my Bedford, New York Farm and at Skylands, my home in Maine. I also interviewed Stephen about many of the design choices he has made over the years - for his beautiful home and the homes of his clients. More than 75-guests were in attendance. Proceeds from the fundraiser support educational and gardening programs for area students and teachers. It was a very delightful and successful event.
Enjoy these photos.
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- The Greenwich Historical Society was founded in 1931 to collect and preserve the history of Greenwich, Connecticut. Today, it also strives to interpret that history to strengthen the community’s connection to the past, to each other and to the future. It delighted to be invited to speak at their annual Spring Fête.
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- The morning began with with some photos. Stephen and I took this snapshot with members of the event board – Catherine Tompkins, Lauren duPont, Susannah Heyworth, Alexandra Kittle, and Erica Maher Silverman.
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- The “Design Breakfast,” included a buffet of delicious bites.
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- These are mini frittata bites with tomato, basil, and mozzarella.
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- There were also frittata bites made with spinach and feta.
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- There was an assortment of tea sandwiches – balsamic roasted pear with brie and balsamic glaze, cucumber and Boursin, and deviled egg salad with mango chutney.
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- And there was an assortment of freshly baked cranberry, blueberry, and chocolate chip scones.
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- The table included trays of sweets including lemon blueberry, chocolate chip, and raspberry mini tea cakes.
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- … and fresh fruit skewers. There was something for everyone to enjoy.
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- My neighbor and fashion designer Andy Yu was also in attendance wearing one of his handmade and personally designed coats.
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- The event was held at the historic back-country barn at Highland Farm. This structure contains much of the original exterior and interior including the hay bale tracks in the ceiling and beams. Every seat was filled.
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- Tori Mellot, Style Director for Frederic Magazine, gave us a lovely introduction.
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- I started with a brief presentation of my design style. I talked about my Bedford farm, its history and how the 153-acre property has evolved over the years.
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- I also spoke about Skylands, my beloved home in Maine. This photo shows me in front of Skylands next to the 1958 Edsel Ford Roundup my daughter, Alexis, gifted me when I purchased the home. Skylands was originally designed by architect Duncan Candler for Mr. Ford.
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- Next, I interviewed Stephen about his exquisite home and gardens. Stephen and I have known each other for many years. You can also listen to my podcast where Stephen and I talk about art, design, and gardening.
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- We talked about Stephen’s book – Stephen Sills: A Vision For Design, Rizzoli 2022. If you don’t already have it and are looking for excellent design ideas and inspirations, get a copy!
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- This is a photo of Stephen’s home, which he recently renovated. I envy his gardens and parterres.
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- After our discussion and presentation, the floor was opened for questions from the audience.
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- Each guest was given a canvas tote bag containing Stephen’s book, magazines, and a Greenwich Historical Society coffee mug. It was a wonderful and very successful event.
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