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You'll be made in the shade with a colorful beach umbrella
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You'll be made in the shade with a colorful beach umbrella

By Carleton Varney

Labor Day may be on the not-so-far horizon, but it’s still beach time all over the world, from St. Tropez  to Nantucket, from the Hamptons to St. Croix, from Palm Beach to Key West.  That means it’s also beach umbrella time. If you have seen the smart and chic beach...
Thai colors are a brilliant decor idea
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Thai colors are a brilliant decor idea

By Carleton Varney

As it has done with so much of our lives, the coronavirus pandemic has put a damper on the travels to which many of us are accustomed.  I hope we'll soon be taking trips safely again.
It's time to rethink that obsolete armoire; here are some creative new uses
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It's time to rethink that obsolete armoire; here are some creative new uses

By Carleton Varney

Whatever happened to the armoire, that lovely piece of furniture designed for days gone by when rooms were not equipped with closets? I love armoires in the French style — some with carved details and...
Don’t be afraid to freshen up traditional furniture
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Don’t be afraid to freshen up traditional furniture

By Carleton Varney

Decorating and design have been my work for some 63 years, so I guess it is safe to say that I am not a newcomer to the creative block.  And I’ve learned during my career to respect the past while...
Visit Lovango for an island idyll
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Visit Lovango for an island idyll

By Carleton Varney

So how many islands have you been to? Perhaps you have visited the Hawaiian islands? Or those in the beautiful Baltic? Or destinations in the Mediterranean — Mallorca, perhaps, or Ibiza or Santorini?  Floridians have probably taken a trip to the...
Here’s a peach of a fresh decorating scheme
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Here’s a peach of a fresh decorating scheme

By Carleton Varney

The new summer color is peach.  If you happen to be vacationing along the shores of Georgia, you are certain to come across on a roadside stand, farmers market or shop selling fresh peaches, along with peach cider, peach pie and...
Sand and stone are natural wonders
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Sand and stone are natural wonders

By Carleton Varney

Come Sunday, I’ll be proud to join Americans across the country — and those overseas — in celebrating Independence Day.  I love how the colors of the American flag show up everywhere around the holiday, whether it’s...
Emily Post website helps us mind our manners

Emily Post website helps us mind our manners

By Carleton Varney

After a year of relative isolation for so many of us, we’re finally getting back together in social situations.  And I sincerely hope we haven’t forgotten our manners during the health crisis — although the state of the please-and-thank-you-and-you’re-welcome world seems precarious at...
Wedding-inspired color scheme would be a blushing success
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Wedding-inspired color scheme would be a blushing success

By Carleton Varney

I discussed wedding gifts in this spot a couple of weeks ago, but it’s still June — the traditional month for brides and grooms — and there is always more to say.  Many who are preparing to walk the aisle have been busy selecting the color scheme for bridesmaid dresses, flowers...