Coterie Crush on Pamela Scurry from New York

I love to entertain, and I admit to having, shall we say, a weakness for vintage china patterns. “Hi, I’m Pam, and I have 16 sets of china.” So, while it may appear that I never met a porcelain plate I didn’t have to possess, my all-time favorite pattern is Wedgewood Columbia, my colorful wedding china. Thirty-seven years after I first fell in love with it, I still cherish it (and the groom)!

There are two: a raspberry red called My Valentine, and a watermelon called Deep Rose, both by Benjamin Moore.

Of course, they would be shades inspired by the garden, right? The berry is fresh and light, the perfect accompaniment for dark chocolate woods, and adds a touch of English garden whimsy to any traditional space.

I used the watermelon on the exterior of my country home in Cooperstown and it’s the kind of unusual, eye-catching color that people slow down to admire and photograph.

I’m asked all the time for the formulas, so here they are: My Valentine (MA 8oz + 4 shots, RX 10oz +19 shots, WH 1oz + 11 shots, OG 25 shots); Deep Rose (NA 2oz + 29 shots, RD 3 oz +141 shots, RX 2 oz + 22 shots).

That said, I’m a wallpaper woman, and my can’t- live-without-it print is “Monsieur Stripe” from Thibaut. Sadly, it is no longer in production, not even one inch!

I follow quite a few designers, but Ronda Rick Carman’s “All the Best” always stands out due to her unique point of view. Of course, I’m focused on the table (and bring- ing people back to it), so my very favorite blogger is Ina Garten. She writes as well as she cooks.

Considering my own traditional bent, my choice of Karen Houghton in Upper Nyack, NY will likely be a surprise, but that’s probably why I’m drawn to her work. You’ve heard of new traditional? Well, this is transformative traditional, and everything she does looks fresh.

Karen believes “a room must be right for its time, its place, and for the people who live in it,” and I couldn’t agree more. Her background in the world of antiques blends naturally with the sophisticated comfort of today.

The ones I first learned about in Janson’s History of Art: The Western Tradition in college all those years ago! I am continually inspired and exhilarated when I see “the masters” up close. If the gardener in me had to choose just one, it would have to be Monet.

Silhouette pictures. I’ve been collecting these for years. I’m always intrigued by the play of shadow and light and the intricacy of the cuts. What patience! My daughter’s wedding invitations were even inspired by my collection. Considering that I’ve loved silhouettes since I was a child, I got quite a kick out of seeing the recent feature in Traditional Home Magazine. It’s good to know I’m hip!

Like Charleston, soon to be my winter home, I gravitate to gracious hospitality with a thankful heart and a Southern attitude.