-
Old Metairie ‘Christmas fanatic’s’ entertaining tradition | Home/Garden
On Black Friday, Shelley MacNary did what she always does after Thanksgiving Day. She rose before dawn to get a head start on Christmas. A self-professed “Christmas fanatic,” MacNary hurried to The Home Depot to purchase poinsettias at 50% off. Finding there was no limit to the number she could buy at that price, she snared 64 before the sun rose. She’s made that early poinsettia run for 20 years. “I just love Christmas,” MacNary said. “It’s a good time to be with friends and family. It’s a great time to say thanks and just be with good people.” ‘Christmas fanatic’ Shelley MacNary stands near some of her 64 poinsettias.…
-
A unique coastal terraced garden designed as an open air entertaining arena
Portofino is a refined and picturesque Mediterranean fishing village in Italy, pinned between the Apennine Mountains and the azure Ligurian Sea. Here property and land are precious. This breathtaking coastal garden has been created out of four acres of formerly inhospitable, mountainside land facing towards the ocean, and transformed into a unique pleasure garden. Demonstrating what wonders can be achieved with sloped backyard ideas, the design successfully combines planting and landscaping with the expert principles of stylish interior design, decoration and lighting. Read on to discover how. (Image credit: Clive Nichols) Philip Vergeylen, Studio Design Director of luxury award-winning design studio Paolo Moschino (opens in new tab), had re-designed and…
-
Tips for creating an inviting outdoor entertaining space
Carmen Johnston, a Georgia-based garden designer and lifestyle expert, has been busy throughout the pandemic creating lush backdrops for family living and entertaining, whether it’s with plantings, flower beds or container gardens. Through her virtual business, Bespoke Garden Plans, Johnston collaborates with clients across the country to create custom gardens that match their location and needs. Johnston is the outdoor living designer for the 2022 HGTV Smart Home in Wilmington, N.C. She can answer questions on how to create an inviting garden space for entertaining and more. Every week, Jura Koncius helps you in your quest to achieve domestic bliss. She and weekly guests, whether Martha Stewart, Marie Kondo, or…
