autumn by the sea

Sooo, this has been a bit of a crazy year – not in a bad way, just jam packed. Every week, I think I'll have time to post, and it just doesn't seem to happen! I've got some fun things in the works, so stay tuned. And, huge apologies for the 10 months of radio silence. I'll be better, I swear!

Above are some photos I took last fall at Fripp Island in South Carolina. The beach in November is so beautiful!

{all photos by beth perry DESIGN}

summertime

{all photos by beth perry DESIGN}

release the kraken!

Summertime is the best time to discover new cocktails and enjoy sipping on old faves. Pictured above top is the wonderfully named drink, The Kraken, from local Charlotte restaurant Halcyon. It is an ice-cold dirty martini with a dash of squid ink. I have to admit that I wasn't brave enough to order it myself, but I had a sip of my friend's and it was quite tasty. The other drink pictured is a classic pink greyhound – grapefruit juice and vodka – with a juicy orange slice. Those were whipped up and enjoyed by me and my mom on a recent seaside visit to Fripp Island, SC. So yummy!

{Photos by beth perry DESIGN}

asheville wedding

What prettier place to have a wedding than The Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina? A sweet friend of mine got married there a while ago and I've been meaning to post my photos ever since. Laura and her darling Lee had beautiful, sunshiney weather, gorgeous flowers and a fun Victorian theme, complete with period furniture and little charming vignettes set up on a terrace outside the reception at The Grand Bohemian. So pretty!

{Photos by me at The Biltmore and The Grand Bohemian.}

wine country, pt. 2

More photos of my love affair with Napa Valley. (I believe that is a fig tree in my photo above.) It was just the best trip, and I wish I could have gone for a whole week – definitely next time. I'll just have to gaze longingly at these photos for now. Hope you enjoy!

View from the house at Frog's Leap, my most favorite stop on the trip

Pretty, stripey runner on the stairs at Frog's Leap

Frog's Leap, with its deep wrap-around porch and pretty views, was

really fantastic and so peaceful. This is sweet Abbie, resident pooch.

Wildflower at Cakebread

Sparkling in wait at Schramsberg

Schramsberg tasting, Brut Rosé and Reserve

Gardens at Schramsberg

Lattice flowers at the Palisades Deli in Calistoga,
which serves up a seriously tasty BLT

More pretty flowers, Palisades Deli

Bouchon Bakery cart in Yountville

Pancake-sized roses in Yountville

More Yountville scenery

Comfy bench and pillows at our hotel, the perfectly
delightful Villagio in Yountville

 Absolutely perfect day on the terrace at Joseph Phelps –

another favorite spot with these views and, of course,

some fantastic wine in hand and dear friends nearby.

wine country, pt. 1

Oh my. Just got back from a whirlwind trip to Napa, and I am nuts about that place – just look at those wildflowers in the photo above. Can't wait to go back again someday! For now, here are some more photos and recommendations – this will have to be a two-parter, so more photos to come soon!

Rouge at Frank Family Vineyards

Gorgeous views at St. Supéry

Barrel tasting, St. Supéry

Garden views, St. Supéry

Beautiful old oak barrels, St. Supéry

Tasting at St. Supéry

Stripey tile terrace and some wall art at the most delicious

lunch spot ever – the wonderful, must-visit Mustards Grill.

hello, springtime

Spring definitely feels like it is here in full force. In celebration, here are some flowers for you – Ranunculus from Trader Joe's – my favorites!

slate interiors

I want to marry this store! Recently visited Slate Interiors, a wonderful shop in Plaza Midwood in Charlotte. Slate features more than 50 artists, merchants and designers offering a carefully curated and edited selection of beautiful art and home furnishings. I fell in love with all the great throw pillows, vintage maps + prints, mid-century glassware and the insane assortment of fantastic lamps + shades. More photos below:

Definitely visit Slate Interiors next time you're in the neighborhood – certainly a must-do in Charlotte. And, also check out their blog, which features updates on the latest happenings and new stock.

{Photos by me at Slate Interiors, 1401 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC}