2015 Colors of the Year - Pantone

Thought you might like to see the 2015 colors that will be used in fashion and home decor trends!

New England Fine Living is a luxury home and luxury lifestyle publication showcasing luxury million dollar homes for sale in New England and luxury affiliates. This blog is like our vacation home. We are let our hair down and have some fun sharing information about our great finds, things we have done, and places to visit.

A $350 Million Dollar Renovation and Expansion for Harvard Art Museums

This glass ceiling, that creates a pyramid shape, covers the 1927 Fogg Museum Building in Cambridge. The updated 204,000 square foot space houses seven levels, a new gift shop, cafe, and 300-seat theater.

Open seven days a week, Harvard's 250,000 piece art collection will be one of the country's largest collections to go on public display.

A classic shingle style home in Massachusetts

Beach Style Exterior by Beverly Interior Designers & Decorators Siemasko + Verbridge

This beautiful home, that overlooks the ocean in Massachusetts, is a classic New England style shingled home.  Over time, the shingles will weather giving the home a wonderful aged appearance.

Beach Style Hall by Beverly Interior Designers & Decorators Siemasko + Verbridge

Boston Museum of Fine Arts

Photo Via Boston Museum of Fine Arts

Located on Huntington Avenue - Boston Massachusetts, the Museum of Fine Arts ( mfa boston) is one of the world's most comprehensive art museum that entertains over 1 million visitors a year. 

Since it's doors opened to the public July 4th, 1876 (the nation's centennial), the Boston Museum of Fine Arts has shown nearly 450,000 works of art.  This wonderful museum of art offer modern art, contemporary art, fine art, and historical art by painters and artisans from all over the world.

Nestled among the art and design in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, four dining venues, including a wine bar, are available with seasonal menus and locally grown ingredients.  The New American Café was named one of the best museum restaurants in the US by Food & Wine in January 2014.

A few things to keep in mind....

Can a party dress inspire a room or party table decor? Let's see!

Do you have a party dress in your closet that you just love the colors, the accents, the way it makes you feel?  Have you ever considered using the dress as inspiration for your decor or party table theme?  I have gone into my client's closets on numerous occasions and asked them to do just that!  I ask them to pull out clothing they love, ask them what they like about it, then sometimes we go from there!

Photo Via: Simply Stoked

Using Cobalt Blue For Decorating & Fashion

Growing up in an old 1680's - 1760's farmhouse in Massachusetts, I had the wonderful opportunity to enjoy many simple pleasures. Let's remember there was no internet, no cell phones, and playing outside for hours was not only normal but expected.  One of those childhood simple pleasures was exploring and digging in some of the old family dumping grounds that were hidden all over the property and uncovering many wonderful items.  Some of my favorite finds were cobalt blue bottles that I would then take home, wash, and display on my bedroom windowsill  (yes even as a little girl, decorating with accessories was very important to me :-) ).  I thought I would share a few photos of how cobalt blue can be used in decorating and fashion. 

Renee Zellweger's home for sale Connecticut

For 1.6 million dollars, you could own a beautiful 3,500 square foot farmhouse in Connecticut that is owned by Renee Zellweger.  About one hour from Boston, this beautiful home from 1770 sets on 36 acres in Pomfret, Connecticut.

Listed by Keith Ross - Landvest Boston

New England Fine Living's Web site http://www.newenglandfineliving.com and this blog was created by Linda Smith Davis, The Fine Living Muse, as a Girl's Guide to Decorating in Style, Entertaining in Style, and Living in Style.

A visit to the San Francisco Decorator Showcase

Well this was a surprise, I just found this post that was not made public for a few years, so I figured I would still share it.  Here is a little information about a press trip to the San Francisco Decorator Showcase is just what the doctor ordered

10 Classy and Glam Halloween Pumpkins To Make With No Carving

Photo of gold painted pumpkins found on Frenchgardenhouse.blogspot.com

Katherine Hepburn's Mansion Is For Sale Again

Image Via CTPost.com

Ladies, get out your wallets.  After three years from being first listed, Katherine Hepurn's house is, in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, is back on the market for the small price tag of 14.8 million dollars.  Wait until you see the updated interior!  It's stunning!



New England Fine Living's Web site http://www.newenglandfineliving.com and this blog was created by Linda Smith Davis, The Fine Living Muse, as a Girl's Guide to Decorating in Style, Entertaining in Style, and Living in Style.

Aruba is for lovers and also mothers!

I've heard the expression Aruba is for Lovers, but since I went on this vacation with my mom, and not my Dushi, (Dushi means sweetheart in Papiamento, Aruba's  native language) I created my own tagline "Aruba is for Mothers"..  

A Quick Trip to Old Greenwich Connecticut

Greenwich Connecticut holds the zip code to the most expensive homes in the United States, but it also offers a wonderful shopping experience for all pocket books.  I only took a few photos during our quick visit to Old Greenwich, but the shops on Greenwich Ave and Post Road East offer a wide range of specialty shops such as Ralph Lauren, Restoration Hardware, Hermes to Zara. 

Some of New England's seaport towns through the eyes of New England Fine Living

There is no doubt that I love New England, and one of my true loves is visiting ocean villages and walking through the streets of historic towns on the waterfront.  When I pulled together items for our online luxury gift and home decor store, I knew that I would be adding items that were reminiscent of the New England areas such as Nantucket, Rockport, and Maine.  Below are some local travel photos I took, over the years and you will see what inspires me.

Gloucester, MA - A day out on our friends boat. 2013
The following photos, of Gloucester, MA had no Photoshop done or image enhancement.  The colors came out so cool, in my mind at least, due to a storm that was coming in and then heading out. I would never be able to duplicate these again.

New England is for preppies

First let me share that in the 80's, when I was a teen, dressing preppy was so cool and the "in" thing, but I never seemed to fit into that category.  I tried to carry off the look, but I never felt quite right.  I felt prudish and stuffy and could not understand why girls were wearing pearls with their polo shirts.  I think that is when my own fashion style kicked in.  I was a bit preppy, a bit punk, and a little bit of pretty, pretty princess. To this day, I love to blend styles or wear a fun yet classy outfit, but you will never see me in a pair of khaki chino's, loafers, button down shirt, and a single string of pearls tight around my neck. Blech!  I am jealous of those who look great dressed that way.  

So just a little background on the New England preppy fashion.  It started around 1912 and become very popular in the 1960's then again in the 80's.  Today, we are seeing a resurgence of the class preppy looks that originated from the collegiate lifestyle of New England Ivy League schools such as Princeton, Harvard, and Yale. Other styles are reminiscent of our New England upper-class leisure activities which include equestrian, yachting, sailing, rowing, tennis golf and rugby (like you will see in the cute spoof video below).

The epitome of a New England Preppy... President John F. Kennedy 

Photo via 

A visit to Nashoba Valley Winery

Even though I had heard about the Nashoba Valley Winery, when I first moved to Middelsex County, I can't tell you how thrilled I was when I found it by accident one day.  I was on one of my "get lost on purpose" excursions, which is how I find great places to share, and this day proved to be a winner!  I have now been a customer for over two years.

With orchards, grape vineyards, a beautiful wine boutique, and tasting area I was in heaven.  I even think I heard angels sing when I opened the door :-).  Since I am all about visual presentation, ambiance, and great products, this winery had it all! Did I mention they have a fabulous restaurant on the premises called J's Restaurant? Reservations are STRONGLY recommended. 

Wallpaper has made a comeback!

When I first started my interior design business, wallpaper was very popular.  Including the borders that surrounded kitchen walls adorned with fruits and flowers (guilty as charged), but then it seemed to take a side step to allow for the faux painting techniques and wonderful calming colors that were being introduced by painting companies.  I am glad to say that wallpaper is back and some are even removable!!!!  Below is a picture from Fabricut,one of my vendors, and I think it is stunning!  Would I use it? Hmmmm, well it wouldn't go well with my current design scheme, but I would use it if the style was right. How about you? Would you use a bold pattern and color such as this?

New England Fine Living's Web site http://www.newenglandfineliving.com and this blog was created by Linda Smith Davis The Fine Living Muse, as a Girl's Guide to Decorating in Style, Entertaining in Style, and Living in Style.

A Visit To Nesting On Main in Concord, MA

On a last minute whim, I decided to take advantage of the sunny morning and head to Concord, MA.  I put on my sneakers, grabbed my camera, and walked along some of the historic streets and peeked inside my favorite shops (many are closed on Sunday or open later in the day).  One of the shops I can't pass by or "just peek in", is Nesting on Main.  I think after seeing these photos, you too will agree they have an eye for detail and carry beautiful things that will adorn an elegant home as-well-as a country home.  This was a quick photo shoot of the store's vignettes, but you they still showcase the cool items they offer. 

Host a house party, in the British Virgin Islands, for 30 friends.

Yes, you read that right, you too could host a house party for 30 of your closets friends and would not have to clean your own home before they arrive!

A Delicious Grape Martini Recipe, If I Do Say So Myself. A perfect cocktail for entertaining.

With the warmer weather upon us, I thought I would share this recipe again, for those who might my post two years ago.  If you like the flavor of grapes and the flavor of oranges, then this martini recipe is for you! This grape martini was inspired by the scent of the Concord grapes that grow wild around our home and by a grape drink my mother used to makes us when we were children (without the alcohol of course) which was Grape Koolaid with orange slices.  To see a video on how I made the cocktail or to see the recipe in print, just follow the link to our luxury lifestyle website page for this delicious grape martini.  Read More

New England Fine Living's Web site http://www.newenglandfineliving.com and this blog was created by Linda Smith Davis, The Fine Living Muse, as a Girl's Guide to Decorating in Style, Entertaining in Style, and Living in Style.

Cigars and Brandy in Cape Cod

Cigar and Brandy - Photo Credit Unknown

Picture this: a warm evening spent beach-side, cigar in one hand, favorite brandy in the other, noshing on a smorgasbord of locally-inspired fare.  These are the makings of an epic guys' night out, and it's happening May 15.

Chatham Bars Inn's seventh annual Gentlemen's Smoker night is quickly approaching, and supports the Cape Cod Baseball League.  Beyond the impressive spread, there will be a silent and live auction of bragging-rights worthy experiences (think African safaris, exotic fishing trips and luxury hotel stays). 

Join them for an exclusive gentlemen's cigar event, in support of the Cape Cod Baseball League, on Thursday, May 15th on the South Lawn. There will be silent and live auctions, a full open bar, local cuisine with visiting Chefs from some of the Cape's best restaurants, a great cigar selection and special guests Joe Morgan and Jim Lonborg. This event does sell out and limited tickets are available by calling 508-945-6801. 

New England Fine Living's Web site http://www.newenglandfineliving.com and this blog was created by Linda Smith Davis, The Fine Living Muse, Purveyor of Entertaining and Stylish Living.

Champlain Sunset, the 2014 Signature Drink For Vermont's Restaurant Week

Vermont's 2014 Restaurant Week tastes great with a “Champlain Sunset” the signature cocktail made with Vermont White Vodka from Vermont Spirits and Switchback Ale.

Try one at participating restaurants or mix one up at home!

Champlain Sunset

• Two springs of mint

• Ice cubes

• 2 oz. Vermont Spirits White Vodka

• 1 oz. Aperol

• 3/4 oz. simple syrup

• 3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice

• 1-1.5 oz. Switchback Ale

Muddle mint in the bottom of a shaker. Add ice, vodka, Aperol, simple syrup, and lemon juice, and stir to combine. Strain into an ice-filled Collins glass, and top with Switchback to taste (less for a sweeter drink, 1.5 oz. for a hint of bitterness). Garnish with mint and a lemon twist, then serve.

The fifth annual Vermont Restaurant Week, April 25 to May 4, is an opportunity to sample locavore, farm-to-table cuisine that is perennially celebrated in national accolades and headlines. Vermont can credit its distinction as a culinary destination to its abundance of agricultural resources and top-flight chefs paired with the state’s position as home to the most cheese makers and brewers per capita in the country. Vermont’s rural farming heritage has nurtured a dining culture that welcomes exploration: culinary visitors delight in fine, local, fresh foods amid the vibrancy of downtown, while admiring mountain views or appreciating the working farm next door.

 http://www.vermontrestaurantweek.com and http://www.vermontvacation.com to plan your stay. Bon Appétit!

New England Fine Living's Web site http://www.newenglandfineliving.com and this blog was created by Linda Smith Davis, The Fine Living Muse, as a Girl's Guide to Decorating in Style, Entertaining in Style, and Living in Style.

The story behind Tiffany's Tiffany Blue Box

Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Ring Setting and Signature Tiffany Blue Box - Photo Supplied to New England Fine Living by Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany & Co. has a signature blue box that almost every woman recognizes, but do you know how the owner of Tiffany's decided upon this color and what you need to do to get your own Tiffany Blue Box?  Follow this link to our article covering these fun factoids, including locations of Tiffany & Co. stores in New England. READ MORE

New England Fine Living's Web site http://www.newenglandfineliving.com and this blog was created by Linda Smith Davis, The Fine Living Muse, as a Girl's Guide to Decorating in Style, Entertaining in Style, and Living in Style.

A Chocolate Martini Recipe and Diamond Rings. Simply Divine!

A few years back, I had the pleasure of taking a walk around Ipswich, MA to visit some of the local vendors.  To my pleasant surprise, one of the jewelers was making chocolate martinis for each of the ladies that walked in. This was my first chocolate martini and certainly was not my last since I asked the owner for the recipe which is super easy to make and only three ingredients (plus liquid chocolate)!  For the recipe, here is the link to our chocolate martini recipe.

New England Fine Living's Web site http://www.newenglandfineliving.com and this blog was created by Linda Smith Davis, The Fine Living Muse, as a Girl's Guide to Decorating in Style, Entertaining in Style, and Living in Style.

Fireball Whiskey and Drinks with Fireball Whiskey "Tastes Like Heaven, Burns Like Hell"

With a name of Fireball Whiskey and a company tag line of Tastes Like Heaven, Burns Like Hell, you may wonder if this whiskey is for you, but with some of the Fireball Whiskey drinks that the company has listed on their web site, I am sure to give this whiskey a try. I have posted some of the Fireball Whiskey drinks on New England Fine Living's Fireball Whiskey Cocktail Page. 

New England Fine Living's Web site http://www.newenglandfineliving.com and this blog was created by Linda Smith Davis, The Fine Living Muse, as a Girl's Guide to Decorating in Style, Entertaining in Style, and Living in Style.

Polo Match Information For New England

We finally got this years information on our website for polo matches in New England.  Please click here and you will be taken to our polo match page.  If there is polo in your area of New England and it is not listed on our site, please contact us so that we can list it.

Enjoy the luxury of the sun and moonbeams of Aruba

New England Fine Living recently had the opportunity to hear more about the luxury resort, The Aruba Marriott & Stellaris Casino, during a cold and wintry Boston day.  This resort not only offers the amenities of most Marriotts, but it also has an exclusive hotel-within-a-hotel for adults.  READ MORE

New England Fine Living's Web site http://www.newenglandfineliving.com and this blog was created by Linda Smith Davis, The Fine Living Muse, as a Girl's Guide to Decorating in Style, Entertaining in Style, and Living in Style.

America's wealthiest zip code is in New England, not 90210!

According to Forbes, the wealthiest zip code of 06830 belongs to none other than one of our New England states!  Greenwich, Connecticut, carrying the ZIP code 06830, is home to some of the nation's richest Americans, including Tommy Hilfiger, with average incomes of $610,000 a year.

Tommy Hilfiger's home in Greenwich, CT. 

The Estate of Leona Helmsley that sold for $35,000,000

This Estate, a luxury home in Greenwich, CT is currently for sale at $130,000,000 (yes, I typed that amount correctly)

New England Fine Living's Web site http://www.newenglandfineliving.com and this blog was created by Linda Smith Davis, The Fine Living Muse, as a Girl's Guide to Decorating in Style, Entertaining in Style, and Living in Style.

$500,000 Champagne Glasses? I'll Take Two Please!

At $500,000 Calleija creates the world's most expensive champagne glasses hand crafted from crystal and adorned with exquisite pink and white diamonds. With boutiques in London and Australia, Calleija is a bespoke jeweler specializing in Australian Argyle Pink Diamonds, white diamonds, colored gemstones, and unique design creations.  

Photos Via Calleija

New England Fine Living's Web site http://www.newenglandfineliving.com and this blog was created by Linda Smith Davis, The Fine Living Muse, as a Girl's Guide to Decorating in Style, Entertaining in Style, and Living in Style.

M.C. Spiedo Opens In Boston, MA - An Opulent Yet Casual Dining Experience

New England Fine Living had the pleasure of attending the grand opening for M.C. Spiedo, located in the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel.  A new restaurant that's offering their customers a new kind of dining experience and story of the Renaissance.  

Below are photos from M.C. Spiedo and the grand opening.  For our full write up and review, please follow this link. Read More

This is the lounge where you can sip your libations, enjoy small bites, and conversation. 

Inspired by a shopping list found in one of Leonardo da Vinci's note book, the chefs created this delicious salad.  

 This is a photo view of the ten seat antipasto bar that has a view into the kitchen

 Semi-private booths offer a a bit of seclusion from the outside world.

 View of the dining area at M.C. Spiedo.

 A pig being roasted on the spit (on the "Spiedo")

 Here is the team that brought us M.C. Spiedo! Mark Gaier and Clark Frasier. 

Service with a smile.

New England Fine Living's Web luxury lifestyle website http://www.newenglandfineliving.com and this blog are brought to you by Linda Smith Davis, The Fine Living Muse, and her wonderful contributors.

A Bar made out of ice - Frost Ice Bar Review - Boston, MA

The Frost Ice Bar is exactly as it sounds, a bar made completely out of ice.  Everything from the sculptures, to the walls, to the chairs, the tables and even the glasses you drink out of.

Four of us went to Boston, MA on a Saturday night, scheduled our time for 9:15pm, and arrived 15 minutes early as suggested.  Some may be surprised to find that the ice bar sits on the 3 floor of a building in the historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace.  

Stepping out of the elevator, it felt like you were transported to a different world.  Everything was ice and metal themed.  Once you check in they gave our group a single drink pass with a barcode on it.  When you ordered drinks, they would add them to your personal tab (pass) and you would settle the bill upon exit.  Read More...

New England Fine Living's Web site http://www.newenglandfineliving.com and this blog was created by Linda Smith Davis, The Fine Living Muse, as a Girl's Guide to Decorating in Style, Entertaining in Style, and Living in Style.

An All Inclusive Luxury Resort in Vermont

I had the pleasure of learning more about the Twin Farms Resort in Barnard, Vermont, and one thing that really stood out is that it is the ONLY 5 star resort in the state of Vermont.  Below is a photo tour of some of the spaces at the luxury resort.  If you would like some more information, please check out our magazine post - All inclusive luxury resorts, Vermont Twin Farms

Five Star Hotels In Boston

Enjoy Boston by day or night at a five star hotel. 

While I was doing some research on hotel and spa like products, for our on-line store, I was reminded about how many beautiful five star hotels we have right here in Boston.  I have been to many of them by way of events, over-night stays, or lunch with a friend.  Below is a collection of photographs found on the web sites of the hotels listed below.  Please enjoy! 

 Afternoon Tea At the Boston Harbor Hotel

Valentines Day Cocktail Idea

Loving this idea from Country Living.  Perfect for a Valentines Day Party or even a Mad Hatter's Party.  I have seen bottles, like this, at stores like Pier 1, Michael's Craft Stores, and Joanne's Fabrics. 

This is the Pink Passion Cocktail we created.  This would be perfect inside of the bottles as shown above.  

New England Fine Living's Web site http://www.newenglandfineliving.com and this blog was created by Linda Smith Davis, The Fine Living Muse, as a Girl's Guide to Decorating in Style, Entertaining in Style, and Living in Style.

NEFL's hand in designing a booth at the Atlanta Gift Show

I was so excited to receive these photos from the owner of Classic Cargo, a fabulous company that represents high-end specialty lines for retailers.  While I was placing my own orders, Bryn, the owner, asked if I could assist her in designing a booth space for the Atlanta Gift Show.  My answer.... "But of course!!!".

With short notice, and little time to spare, I jumped in head first to come up with several design concepts using the notes given to my by Bryn, who was also sharing notes from three of the vendors she would be representing at the show.  

It is amazing to see what they accomplished, during the booth set up, in such a short time!  After seeing these photos, I know for a fact, I had the easy part of the job. I gave them basic CAD drawings with my visual suggestions for the space.  The ladies then tweaked the plan to their specifications, added all of their products, accessories, and then their personal touch to make the booth both inviting and colorful. 

New England Fine Living's Web site http://www.newenglandfineliving.com and this blog was created by Linda Smith Davis, The Fine Living Muse, as a Girl's Guide to Decorating in Style, Entertaining in Style, and Living in Style.