Dust off your virtual paddles, dear readers! Across the pond, Christie’s and guest curator Petra Palumbo are offering an exquisite online fine dining auction featuring 55 unique lots. Each piece, ranging from Dior-designed plates to Chinese Export porcelain, provides hostesses (and hosts!) the opportunity to mix prints, patterns, and decades for a thoroughly elegant spread.

In a world of fast assembly and fleeting trends, a company that honors craftsmanship and elegant details is such a welcome reprieve. Pared Lighting is just that, a sophisticated line of sconces that are hand-forged in Charleston, South Carolina and hand-painted by co-founder Julie Lawrence. I was first introduced to Pared in its infancy by co-founder Amy Johnson and was at once taken by the sconces’ antique tôle inspiration and flattering forms.

Hello dear readers! Today I have quite a treat for you as esteemed journalist Kathryn O’Shea-Evans has indulged me in an insightful interview about her craft. Chances are you have read a piece by Kathryn in, say, The Wall Street Journal or Veranda as she covers our favorite topics—design, travel, and food. If you’ve ever thought about penning anything, from an article to an autobiography, Kathryn’s candor will certainly inspire you. She shares with us details of her gorgeous new book, A Room of One’s Own, along with poignant literary advice, and fun anecdotes from the field. Enjoy!