Anyone else missing evenings out at restaurants? This past year one thing my husband and I try to do is have some of our evening meals once the kiddos are asleep. In our new home, we often pull up chairs to this round table that we got from Erin Lane Estate in our living room. It’s more intimate than the dining room and feels like a short moment when we can relax and kick our feet up. Plus, we can put on our favorite show to enjoy as well. When I was writing and photographing for my book Travel Home, one of the highlights was our day in the Parisian home of Carolina Irving. It was perfect – beautiful bones but also comfortable and inviting. You could see, on display, all of Carolina’s many interests. Archeology, travel, textiles from around the world, as well as ceramics. More recently, she has joined forces with her daughters, Olympia and Ariade, who have the same innate talent as their mother and started Carolina Irving and Daughters. In this table setting we used some of their stunning products – the Blue Flower plates, the Portico glass, and the beautiful candlesticks and Blue Clover Band placemats. The entire collection is made in Portugal of the finest quality. The glaze on the plates is just stunning and the hand-painted glasses are our favorite. My new living room has far more space than our previous home, so I was able to add this French Oak Table and we use it in so many different ways. It becomes a workspace, a dining table, and a place for the kids to play games. But I think my favorite use of the table is for our quiet dinners for two. Are you doing anything to make this time at home special?

There's something bittersweet about a quiet winter garden. Often overlooked because it isn't flooded with flora or as emerald green as it appears in its summery prime, but equally as beautiful. Perhaps even more so if you take a good look, to sit in its gift of calming, healing silence and crisp winter air, where its dead branches lay covered in condensation or forgotten fruits. It rests, rejuvenates and plants firm roots for upcoming transitions - this is where the subtle magic happens. Of course during this past year most of us probably haven't been able to frolic in as many gardens as we'd like, but have been spending more time indoors and perhaps felt a strong absence of connection to nature more than ever. Which is even more reason to bring the outdoors in, in whichever small or big ways we can. As many of us jump into the new year with plans to cleanse and start fresh, start by taking a look at your environment and assessing how you feel in that space. We've rounded up a few images that inspire ways to bring that magic of an ethereal garden-scape into your environment, throughout the winter, no matter what climate you live in. Through color, textiles, or foraged finds, we hope you will be inspired to create small pockets of garden-like respite in your own home. Clockwise from top left: @alexyeske , @atelier.ellis , @sister_interiors , @atetlier.ellis Clockwise from top left: @clairethibodeauceramics , @colinking , @jaclyn_ascencio , via pinterest Clockwise from top left: @minh_ngoc , @workstead , @shopdoen , @philamena._ cover image from Travel Home #interiors #lifestyle

One thing I never stop doing is searching for unique vintage and antique pieces. The thrill of the hunt keeps me going and eventually I come across something I've either been looking for or not looking for but have to have. Over many years I've found some shops and vendors that I constantly go back to when sourcing for projects. I recently came across Erin Lane Estate. It was one of those moments when my jaw dropped and I thought to myself "how did I not know about this site." I’m a believer in mixing styles – old and new. A place to find stunning pieces for your home, is something that can make your home unique. Erin Lane Estate buys pieces from estates in Southern California and all over the country. Their goal is to find the highest quality iconic pieces that will elevate your home. When I look for unique pieces for my clients, I like to find ones that have some sort of meaning for them specifically. Getting to know them - their passions and interests – helps me to design a unique and authentic home for them. And sometimes, in the process of shopping for my clients, I actually find something for myself. Since we just moved into a new space, I couldn’t resist getting a stunning piece for me. This 19th century French oak table comes from a winery in the Texas Hill Country. I am smitten with its character. I envision dinner for two next to a roaring fire with my husband. It feels like a table I can use in dozens of spots throughout our new home. Do you have pieces in your home that you find wanting to move around all the time? I have a feeling this will be one of them. If you haven't checked out Erin Lane Estate I highly recommend popping over and checking their new arrivals, plus instagram. It's a true trove that is constantly being filled with new pieces.

When I first started working at Erica Tanov, the curtains for the dressing room in the San Francisco store were made of a beautiful lovebird fabric with branches and birds. Every day, the customers asked if they could purchase them. The fabric was designed by Erica Tanov and she eventually made quilts, slips and pillowcases out of the fabric. I have one of the baby quilts for Amelia that she adores. Now, along with quilts, this stunning textile has been made into a tablecloth. The perfect addition, especially for special holidays or a day you just feel like making your table a little more special. We decided this was the perfect opportunity to have the Valentines setting – intimate and oozing with love. Creating a private gathering with your loved ones can make the day feel special when we have all been at home for nearly a year now. I am certain we will also be having multiple tea parties at our house – Amelia literally squealed when she saw the tablecloth. Let's all spread a little love this week. Images by Jordan Shaw

If you've been following along with my blog for a while, by now you know how much I love a good sculptural ceramic vessel. They can bring such a grounding, natural feel and texture to any space, and allow a beautiful sense of organic movement to break up an otherwise fairly linear vignette. Often slightly imperfect and never two exactly the same, I have so much fun collecting pieces that are similar but unique, and switching them out to rotate new and old ceramic pieces throughout my spaces. Ceramic vase of Tansu by Miri Mara I've rounded up a few of my favorite pieces that are both functional and serve as beautiful works of art. Whether you're filling them up with fresh flowers or using them to serve a nourishing recipe to guests, they're sure to make the perfect addition to any shelf or surface. Top shelf: Elsie Green From left to right: ANK Ceramics, Oatmeal Shop and Elsie Green 1. Larsen & Lund 2. Sheldon Ceramics 3. Notary Ceramics 4. A Question of Eagles 5. Mayclay Ceramics 6. Carolyn Berthold Ceramics 7. Colleen Hennessey Clayworks 8. Heirloom Pottery & Co 9. Wild Bower Studio 10. Annemieke Boots Ceramics 11. Hand + Fire 12. Magic Hour Ceramics 13. Carter & Co. 14. Humble Ceramics 15. Bombabird Ceramics 16. ANK Ceramics 17. Amy Dov Studio 18. Oatmeal Shop #interiors #lifestyle

This simple and versatile dish is sure to become one of your new dinner staples. The creamy noodles serve as a delicious vessel to pack in a healthy serving of seasonal vegetables, while the surprise bursts of lemon throughout pack a flavorful brightness and the variety of textures leaves all of the senses satisfied and craving more. Every time I make this dish I am asked to make it again or share the recipe - so don't be surprised if you soon find yourself in the same situation! As we still find ourselves in the midst of winter, but are maybe craving something comforting, but a bit lighter and brighter than a heavy stew, this recipe is one of my favorite ways to incorporate all of the "brassica" vegetables that this time of year has to offer. I tend to shop with what's in season in mind and work my recipes around them, rather than going on a wild goose chase hunting down specific ingredients for a dish - so for this recipe you can easily switch up the broccolini for similar vegetables like kale, collard greens, chard, mustard greens, turnip greens, you name it. Pretty much whichever hearty, leafy greens you can find at the local market this time of year will be great with this dish. If you or your guests are craving a bit more protein, this dish is also great with the addition of pancetta or Italian sausage, I just find that I don't miss it because of all the flavor and the hearty greens are typically pretty filling. If I don't happen to have leftover bread around, I'll often replace the breadcrumbs with some finely chopped, toasted walnuts and it achieves the same texture with a slightly nuttier taste I love. It's a recipe you can keep exciting by frequently switching things up slightly and playing around with which combination you enjoy most! Lemon Brassica Bucatini Serves 4 Ingredients: 1 lb bucatini 1 bunch rapini (or broccolini) 1 dozen large Brussels sprouts 2 preserved whole lemons (available at most grocery stores or see recipe to make your own in advance) 1 tsp red pepper flakes 2 large cloves garlic (finely chopped) 8 oz. burrata 1/4 cup breadcrumbs olive oil salt + pepper Instructions: Gather and prep your ingredients: chop off ends of rapini stalk (about 1 in.) and discard - slice the stalk lengthwise into long skinny strips and peel the groups of florets downward to remove into smaller pieces (as pictured above; chop off roots of brussels sprouts and separate exterior leaves, collecting as many of the darker leafier greens as possible (optional: finely chop inner section of brussels and add to dish or save to roast later!); remove soft interior of preserved lemons, slice lengthwise. Fill large pot 1/2 way with water, salt generously. Bring to boil. Meanwhile, add breadcrumbs and 1 generous tbs olive oil to saucepan. Slowly and gently bring up heat while moving breadcrumbs around frequently, until light brown and evenly toasted. Set aside and wipe down pan. When water is boiling, add pasta to pot - cook for approx. 10 min, until slightly al dente (will finish cooking in pan). While pasta is cooking add garlic and 1 tbs olive oil to saucepan. Cook garlic on low heat for about 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn. Add rapini, brussels leaves, lemon, and red pepper flakes to pan. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté until stems are tender and leaves are crispy. Add pasta to saucepan on medium heat and toss with veggies, add about 1/4 cup of pasta water and 1/2 of the burrata - toss until water has reduced and sauce thickens. You should start to see the cheese become stringy and the noodles glossy. Using your tongs or a large serving fork, swirl your pasta onto the center of your dish. Top with a few tears of burrata and breadcrumbs. Enjoy! Recipe and photography by Jordan K Shaw #cooking #entertaining #lifestyle

After ten months of the pandemic, we made the choice to move. We had lived in our apartment nine years and it holds so many good memories. We started our family there, celebrated holidays and birthdays. We loved it so much. Recently we’ve felt what I’m sure many others have. We wanted outdoor space for our two kids and a few amenities we’ve lived without – a dishwasher, washer & dryer, and most importantly – heat. Yes, you heard that all correctly. With the max exodus that has happened in San Francisco, prices have dropped significantly and people have left. This all happened very serendipitously. Before the holidays Jackson was on the phone and someone asked him what he wanted for Christmas - he said "I'm thinking a new house" - Eric and I immediately looked at each other and laughed. He had never voiced this with us. He then said "A yard would be really nice." By pure luck, that same evening I went online to do a little search and we found a place that met all of our needs and was beautiful beyond our dreams. All the amenities and in addition, two beautiful rooms on the garden level. This is where we will have the office. Two days later it was ours. The stars aligned for us and we feel so incredibly lucky with this new home. First order of business before we moved in was that we had the entire place painted white. After walking around with samples in the space we went with Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace. I remember when my mom and I interviewed Kendra Smoot for Travel Home she said when they painted their new home, it felt a bit like a baptism. Fresh paint, new light fixtures I’d been waiting to use, and clean windows – we were ready to move in. Unpacking has been slower than I had expected. Having two littles needing attention, has slowed the process. We prioritized their rooms first and are working out way from room to room. We are almost done! This is somewhere we hope to live in for a very long time and I can't wait to creating new memories in this home. #interiors #lifestyle

If you're looking for the perfect dish that will feel celebratory, but is deceptively simple and packed with seasonal and comforting flavors - this is it. We're incredibly lucky to have access to some of the freshest and most delicious crab in Northern California this time of year, but its definitely a splurge-ingredient, so this indulgent and delicate yet robust dish will be a great way for your buck to go a bit further. And dare I say the leftover's might even be better the next day when all of the flavors have had a chance to get to know each other better? So if you want to prepare this dish ahead of time and just pop them in the oven when you're ready to dine, that's a great option too. Pair with a simple, crisp arugula or radicchio salad and your favorite sparkling wine and you will be on cloud nine. Dungeness Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Serves 6 Ingredients: 6 portobello mushrooms 1/2 large yellow onion (finely chopped) 1 clove garlic (minced) 2 cups cooked Dungeness crab meat (fresh is best, but many markets have crab meat available if you want to save the messy step of cooking and cracking your own!) 2 Tbs chopped fresh tarragon 1/3 cup Primal Kitchen avocado mayonnaise (can substitute with regular mayo, I just prefer the flavor of the avocado mayo) 1/4 cup shredded gruyere 1/4 cup shredded parmesan 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 2 Tbs butter Chopped tarragon or parsley to garnish Instructions: Preheat oven to 375ºF. Sauté onions with pinch of salt and pepper, for about 4 min, until almost translucent and softened, but still hold their shape. Add garlic and cook about 1 min. Remove from heat and set aside. Meanwhile gently clean out the mushrooms, removing the stem and dark ribs from the inside of the caps. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and massage into both the inside and outer skin of the mushroom. Mix together the crab meat, chopped tarragon, and mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. Melt 2 tbs butter and combine with the cheese and breadcrumbs. Divide the onion mixture into four and spread as your first layer of the mushroom filling. Then top with the crab mixture. Finally, top with the breadcrumb mixture. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, until browned on top. Garnish with pinch of fresh herbs. Serve warm and enjoy! Recipe and photography by Jordan Kindy Shaw #cooking #entertaining #lifestyle

This is a holiday season the likes of which we have never seen in our lifetimes. Instead of large gatherings of family and friends, we will all be having smaller more intimate celebrations and waiting a little longer to all get together. Being outdoors is ideal and keeping it simple is essential - we all have so many things we are dealing with. I love the outdoors, even if it might be crisp out! I teamed up with Jenni Kayne to create a country celebration at Grace Ranch. The natural beauty of the area doesn’t require much - you are surrounded by beauty. For the table, I chose the light and natural linen tablecloth (Frayed Linen Tablecloth in Natural). Keeping things neutral meant I didn’t need to have everything matching. All in the same palate, it blends with the natural world around us. Since it’s outdoors, I chose to wear the Jenni Kayne Everyday Kate Sweater Dress in Dark Camel. It’s warm and elegant but at the same time, it’s so comfortable and allows me to focus on the celebration with the people I love. While we sipped on a delicious chai orange tea we made some beautiful holiday decorations out of dehydrated oranges to garnish the Christmas tree. Simple DIY Citrus Garland: 1. Slice oranges (lemons, limes, blood oranges all work great as well) to about 1/8", keeping in mind the thinner the slices the quicker they will dehydrate. 2. Spread out in a single layer on top of parchment on a baking sheet, and bake for about 3-4 hours at 200ºF or until completely dried. 3. Using a needle, thread a thin piece of string through the citrus in two different holes - so that they will lay flat when hanging. Tie a knot through the end pieces of citrus so they don't slip and tie an extra little loop at the ends to easily hang wherever you desire. 4. Hang garland on your tree, in your window or wherever you're needing a little extra, fragrant, holiday cheer! We also created a special recipe that you can drop off to friends and family as a way to spread some love. This Loaf Cake Recipe is SO delicious! Whatever way you celebrate the season, I hope you have time with some of your loved ones. And those you aren’t able to see, at least you will be able to talk to and wait patiently for this time to pass. Happy holidays to everyone, and I hope all see each other soon. The parties we will have when it’s safe, will be even more special! #lifestyle #entertaining #style

Holiday gatherings and gifting may look a bit different this year, but we've rounded up some of our favorite recipes to bake with lots of love and deliver to those we wish we were celebrating with. While we certainly still love a good holiday cookie boxes, this spiced loaf cake is so packed with delicious flavor that it could stand alone as the show-stopping treat. And as an added bonus, you can gift them a beautiful vintage loaf pan along with the cake. Either way, any of the recipes below are sure to bring plenty of extra joy to end your gift recipient's year on a high note. Spiced Pumpkin & Persimmon Cake Inspired by the recipe by Claire Saffitz in her new book Dessert Person. Ingredients: 4 1/2" x 8 1/2" loaf tin 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground ginger 1/2 tsp ground cloves 1 tsp kosher salt 1/2 tsp baking powder 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup pumpkin puree 1/2 cup grape seed oil 2 large eggs 1 tsp orange zest 1/4 cup fresh orange juice 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 Fuyu persimmon (sliced very thinly to garnish) Demerara sugar Instructions: Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease the loaf tin and line with parchment paper. Mix dry ingredients - whisk together the flour, 5-spice powder, salt, and baking powder. Mix wet ingredients - whisk together the pumpkin, sugar, oil, eggs, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, just until your batter is mixed well and evenly. Pour the mixture into your lined loaf tin, and smooth out the top so the top is even. Arrange the thinly sliced persimmons along the top, then sprinkle the top with Demerara sugar. Bake for about 60-70 minutes until the cake has risen and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the middle of the cake. Let cool in the pan (about 30 minutes) then loosen sides of the cake from the tin and use the parchment to lift it out. Place on a wire rack to let completely cool before slicing. Extra special delivery - Wrap it up with a beautiful linen and tie it with a bow to share with someone sweet! Here are a few of my other favorite holiday treat recipes to gather in a beautifully arranged box to share with loved ones: Blood Orange Poppy Seed Window Cookies Cherry Rugelach with Cardamom Sugar Pistachio Pinwheels Hazelnut Sage Cookies with Salted Cacao Ganache Peppermint Fudge Seriously Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe and photography by Jordan K Shaw #cooking #lifestyle #entertaining