Some May inspiration from Bunny Mellon, a special On My Radar with Mother’s Day Gift Ideas, and a Mother’s Day Event at Palo Alto Rails!
Bunny Mellon Style
Do you want to live like Bunny Mellon? She was a famous tastemaker and garden genius who helped design the White House Rose Garden for Jackie and JFK. She had her own gorgeous gardens and beautiful homes. She lived a life of exacting specifications, but with a certain kind of nonchalance, if that’s not too much of an oxymoron.. She collected wonderful antique garden pieces, baskets, and amassed a library of books- some very historic, dedicated to gardens and horticulture. Her home and garden style has been idolized and emulated by Tory Burch and so many others.
If you want the Bunny look, without billions, you need a dedicated spot for potting things, preferably filled with a collection of baskets hung from the ceiling and everywhere you can cram them in. She even had a basket house! You need stone pots, the older the better, geraniums and antique statuary bits here and there. Bunny loved topiary, terracotta potted flowers, trelliage ( lattice work), and toile. If you’re a fan of any or all of these things, look no further than the Tuckernuck website this month where they photographed lovely clothes in her home in Upperville, Virginia. In the layout they talk about her rooms and more and there is a lot of inspiration..
I love this garden themed dress with the fringe hem and the braided shift.. Both linked on pics..
For all the particulars she had about the way she lived, she also liked things natural, like lemons left on the ground where they fell… Perhaps we are soul sisters as my yard is littered with them currently!
Bunny also collected lettuce ware china and Tory Burch has a collection and Anthro has this new one here called Lilypad. So pretty!
Bunny also liked entrances to have a vantage point and rooms to feel comfortable and relaxed.. Fun Bunny fact- she served Lay’s Potato Chips (the unbroken ones), in pretty vessels for her guests.. She had me at Lay’s. More about this fascinating woman in the books- Bunny Mellon Style and Bunny Mellon Garden Secrets.
You can shop the whole Bunny Mellon inspired Tuckernuck collection here.
Maybe I need to start turning my laundry room into a basket room! Hmm..
I love a market basket with flowers in it! That would be a cute Mother’s Day idea…
On My Radar- Mother’s Day Edition
I love the idea of a market tote for a gift. For an extra pretty gift, add a bunch of flowers. The basic $58 one above is perfection, as are the long strap market version, a tote with floral embroidery, and the fun white accents… All linked on photos.
A cashmere wrap is the nicest luxury, but also something to use for years and years. It’s perfect for travel as your own personal blanket and then for cool nights out, and just as an everyday wrap over a shirt or as a scarf, as the French wear them. J Crew’s are very nice on sale now, and I personally love the camel and grey choices..
If you want a little color, these cashmere Luxy Wraps are beautiful and have a pretty edge to them. I just love this pink color..
For $29 these candles are beautiful and love the Summer Day candle with the little bag.
Another nice gift is the diffuser in Summer Day..I like these in the baths and laundry.
In the same summer theme, two lovely books to gift are- A Summer Place ,and Entertaining By the Sea...
I adore Lela Rose and her new book Fresh Air Affairs on themed parties is inspiring and fun.
How adorable is this Vietri Bud Vase for bedside garden roses?
Other luxuries…the modern version of Tory Burch flip flops, and the new fragrances by Tory. I love Electric Sky the best which is soft and sporty..
I am a fan of sterling silver pieces from Ippolita, which are all hand made. The all feel beautiful to touch. I have a few and they are my favorite jewelry. These drop earrings are beauties..
Lunch out or breakfast in bed..
The last few years for Mother’s Day, I’ve been asking to have a nice lunch out with my family at a pretty spot. I like to go on any day before or after -not the actual day, if possible. One of my favorites that is a treat is the charming Village Bakery in Woodside! Make sure you ask for an outside table if it’s nice, and go shop at Emily Joubert’s beautiful garden and home shop which is adjacent afterwards. Sometimes I’ll pick out a pretty plant or book there for my present…
When my boys were small they would all make me breakfast and bring it in bed. I still treasure their homemade cards more than any gifts in the world and have all of them! Those years went too fast.
Meet me at the Rails Mother’s Day Event at the Stanford Store next Saturday!
I love the California clothier Rails and I am excited they asked me to join them and share their special Mother’s Day Event at their gorgeous new store in Palo Alto. The store has much more of their beautiful California clothes and I will be there in the morning for a few hours if you want help putting together an outfit, buying a gift- or just find a Mother’s Day gift for yourself?
You will get 20% off your purchases that day.
This event runs all day with refreshments, light bites, and succulents as a Gift with Purchase.
I hope to see some of you there! I’ll be in store 11-12:30! Please come by if you are in the area to say hi and see the new store. It’s near Bloomingdales and Lululemon near the east entrance of lovely Stanford Shopping Center. Check out the Rails collection here.
The Coronation
Will you be watching this weekend? I have mixed feelings. The NYTimes has a coronation recipe section for this event with excellent versions all my favorite English foods – Coronation Chicken Sandwiches, crumpets, Strawberry Pavlova, Eton Mess, and Victoria Sponge, and many more- all by famous British chefs.
I’m also interested to see what Mrs. Biden will be wearing and so far she looks chic in pink meeting the Prime Minister’s wife Akshata Murty, who also has a lovely dress..I’m all about the fashion this weekend and who is attending.
My dad still remembers watching Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953. They were one of the few families on the block that had a television and he was in grammar school and remembers friends and neighbors coming to watch it!
It’s a busy weekend with the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo too. It sure doesn’t feel like May here with more dark and rain. Let’s hope we get sun by next weekend! I am ready to put in my tomato garden and wear some springlike clothes and I bet you are too.
Cindy and I had May’s Signature Style this week, and the theme was ‘Summer Wish Lists.’ See what we are thinking of for summer days here if you missed it.
On last weekend’s post, I shared a book all about finding French Joie, a chic woven tote, rattan hurricanes and the cutest inexpensive sandals you need for summer.
Have a lovely weekend,
Kim
Please visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
PINECONES AND ACORNS
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Bunny Melon was amazing and her home, garden and taste impeccable. I can’t wait to check out the Tuckernuk photos!
A market tote and a cashmere wrap are perfect for moms and just because. They are both versatile and something you will uses for years and years and years. I use my market tote for errands as well carrying flowers, donations, etc. It is a workhorse in my wardrobe.
As for the wrap, there are all sorts of price points and there is sure to be one for everyone. They are great on the plane, on car rides, to take to restaurants and to use in your house!
So many great finds for mom, the candle, perfume, etc.
I wish I lived closer! I would love to see you at Rails! I am sure it will be an amazing event, have fun!
Enjoy the weekend! I hope that you see some sun soon. xo
Elizabeth you will like the layout I think! Aren’t the tote and wrap good things ? Useful and something to appreciate forever. Wish you lived closer too! Have a wonderful weekend! xo
What a fun post, Kim. Cute idea about the flowers in the market basket as a gift!
Thanks Mary Ann! I know I would love to get that too. xx
Obsessed with the coronation….
The Mellon estate is about 2 hours from my house. Gorgeous.
I wonder if it will ever be open to the public? Would be neat to see. Enjoy the coronation.
Me and your dad! Queen Elizabeth’s coronation was the very first TV I watched. Someone on an adjacent block got the first TV and we all crowded in to watch! Lovely blog as usual 🌸. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day. (I have mixed feelings about the coronation also but I recorded it and will be watching in honor of his mother)
Sally don’t you love that? My dad said everyone piled in at his house too. Yes I am watching..but not getting up in the middle of the night! I so keep thinking Diana should be there.. xo
Hi Kim, So many fun topics, as you almost always are able to find.. You are the one who introduced me to Village Bakery and Emily Joubert where my daughter and I took a field trip. On a recent trip, the only things I bought were 2 baskets and 2 scarves. One basket, in Bali, was only $10 and came in so handy to use for taking things to the pool, on the plane, etc. The other is from Cambodia and is very unique and beautiful for a very inexpensive price. The scarves were a steal and are very finely woven from linen, bought from an art gallery, again in Siem Reap, Cambodia. So good to be home but looking forward to our California weather….where is it??? Happy Mothers Day-wish I could come see you at Rails!
Aw thank you Wren! Isn’t the bakery and Emily Joubert the perfect day out? Wish I was closer to them. Your trip sounds wonderful and scarves and baskets are what I would call great souvenirs as you will use them so much. I bet you looked like Jane Birkin with your basket in Bali- which I would like to get to someday, and Cambodia! I know this is May.. I can’t go back to the past few months of rain. It’s seriously getting me down.
I wish you could see me at Rails too. I hope we get to meet up for lunch by Cindy someday! xo
Hi Kim,
I so understand how you are feeling with mixed feelings about The Coronation. I was feeling the same feelings. Thinking about Diana too and other thoughts.
Like dad, my hubby shared just about the same memories when he was a youngster everyone cuddled around the TV watching Queen Elizabeth. Those were the days. Great memories.
I loved the Stanford Shopping Center, as I recall it was so beautiful. The client that I had back in 1975 about was called “In The Secret Garden.” It was such a beautiful store. I recall the build out as being spectacular. It’s probably long gone.
I hope next Saturdays event is very successful at Rails. If I still lived in Marin County I would be present.
Thanks for all the things you shared.
Wishing you a lovely Mother’s Day. How sweet when the boys were little they used to bring you
breakfast in bed. These memories are such special treasures. I know you are a wonderful mother and are loved. You learned from the best
your mother and grandmother. We learn by example.
💗🌷💗
Katherine, I know I think so much about Diana and what happened with all that….Your husband remembers too! Wonderful.
Oh The Secret Garden sounds amazing.. I wish it was still there. Stanford is probably the prettiest shopping center and they do the best job with flowers there.. It’s always gorgeous. I like today a day there is a treat even if your just strolling. I wish you could go too!
Aw thank you and wishing you a lovely Mother’s Day too.xo
OH BUNNY!
I LOVED THE BOOKS ON HER………..
YES SHE LOVED BASKETS AND POTATO CHIPS!
I JOINED THE FESTIVITIES TODAY AT 6 AM………..THEY WERE ON THE BALCONY.
I WILL SHARE MY OPINIONS WITH YOU LATER ON THE TELEPHONE!
I HAVE SOME YELLOW CABBAGE PLATES AND BOWLS…………I WONDER IF BUNNY HAD THOSE?!!
XOXO
Wasn’t she great? Next shindig it’s Lay’s potato chips and champagne! You have yellow cabbage ware? Lovely!
Kim! You always have the best ideas! Love the idea of giving a bunch of flowers in a market basket…and maybe a pair of those sandals in the bag too! I love those!!
Xx
Annie, seems like a sweet and simple thing right? You are sweet!
Hi Kim! I was just looking at the painted floors in Bunny Mellon’s cottage kitchen as inspiration for project I am working on! I will definitely have to take a closer look at the Tuckernuck layout for more design inspo! I took a quick peek and admired a dress — too bad it cost $1200, haha! Love all your Mother’s Day gift ideas! And aren’t you the celebrity taking part in the Rail’s Mother’s Day EEvent! How fun! Have a great week!
Molly I loved the floors so much too. I can’t wait to see what you do.. I know the dress. They had another less money that sold out. I think they added more picks this week… Check back. Aw wish you could go to the Rails event too.xx
Kim … love all your inspirations today! So exciting about the Rails event … wish I could get down there and see you … and shop! While I was gone a Rails package arrived at my house … so excited to open it up. That Village Bakery is the best, I’ve only been once and I’m envious your so close. Hope you had a great weekend … and a wonderful week ahead! xo
I know wish you were going to be there too.. The Village Bakery is so good! We have to meet up there sometime.xx
Way too many great ideas. I’ve loved the books about Buuny. One of a kind! She’d have great style with money or not. loved the Coronation. lI definitely have to have those shoes. Thanks for all the great stuff!!
Thanks Sandra! Aw you a sweet! I was going to pop over and hear your coronation thoughts.. xo