Home and Shopping

Montes is also distinguished by its attention to detail: Maturing vines are serenaded with monastic chants; grapes for Montes Alpha “M” are selected one at a time; feng shui principles were incorporated in its $6.5 million Apalta winery. Look for the angels on the labels, there because founding partner Douglas Murray has a grand faith in and fondness for them. So far, his faith in them has been amply rewarded. more »

"The main joy in weaving is to watch the article grow under your hands, to plan the colour schemes and the patterns and to watch them develop from row to row, to watch one’s colours combine as a painter watches his pigment form on the canvas the thoughts and the vision of his eye, to watch the pattern develop as an architect watches his building rise story by story." more »

Staff. I want a team of cleaners and interior designers to completely clean this house and then come up with all those things designers do to make my life less messy. But not too cute.Not the whole life. Just my domestic environment. more »

There are times when I’ve actually missed the old strictures. It’s hard to figure out what’s appropriate to wear to a 6 p.m., under-the-tent wedding (the bride’s mother wore an elegant silk dress: the groom’s mother wore a dressy tank top and flowing gauze pants, and both looked lovely). It’s tricky to know about a brunch/shower at a restaurant, never mind a reception for the governor when it’s held in a college cafeteria. more »