The Charming Index – April
Charming | ADJ. | The power or quality of giving delight…
Your monthly guide to charming things, people, places, reads, eats, and style!
No. 1 Pretty Patios
Patio season is upon us! I love to be outside enjoying the fresh air, sunshine, and of course all the pretty blooms. I’ve been gathering loads of patio inspiration over on my Pinterest board Garden Party. I’m really loving this one and this one. My favorite patio and garden elements are wicker, trellis, terra cotta pots, pea gravel paths, striped umbrellas, and boxed vegetable gardens!
No. 2 Italian Pasta Salad
With hot weather setting in and dining al fresco on the agenda, I’m ready for some refreshing pasta salads! I plan on making this pesto one again and trying out some new ones from this list.
No. 3 New Feature on P&P – Shop My China Cabinet
This month I started something new on P&P! A curated shop of vintage and antique decor and tableware perfect for entertaining and decorating in style. Head to the shop here, and I am hosting weekly flash sales over on Instagram. Check those out Thursday nights at 8PM EST.
No. 4 Keep Your Face Towards the Sunshine & Shadows Will Fall Behind You. – Walt Whitman
I’ve found this quote from Walt Whitman to be truly encouraging this month, and I hope you do too!
No. 5 The Stunning Interiors of Caroline Gidiere
Go…Go…GO check out her gorgeous designs. I’m obsessed with her use of color in the dining room and the Chinoiserie chic little girl’s room!
No. 6 Straw Basket Bags
If I could only pick one accessories for summer, it is without a doubt straw handbags! I have an old straw tote that I carry regularly from Kate Spade, and this year I added a honeypot bag from her Frances Valentine line. Here are my other favorite picks for straw basket bags:
No. 7 Pineapple Margaritas
Cinco de Mayo is today! Here is the recipe for my drink of choice!
No. 8 The Charming Faces of Leslie Weaver
These are ladies with stories and wit — character and sass — feeling and secrets! I’m enamored by the portraits of Leslie Weaver. She has prints and originals available. They remind me of the work of French artist Marie Laurencin.
No. 9 White Culottes
I’m so glad culottes are making a come back this spring and summer! I find the wide leg charming and oh so comfy. White is a particularly chic for this style. I ordered this pair of jean wide leg cutoffs from Mango and love them! Here are a few of my favorite culotte picks:
No. 10 Adherence to the Serial Comma
I have a special place in my heart for the serial comma. I cannot fully explain why, but I love the formality and the pause it inserts for the last item. So glad to read in “The Comma Queen and the Internet’s Copy Chief on What Matters to a Copy Editor” that these editors do too! As Benjamin Dreyer puts it, “The house style of Random House is that we don’t have a house style—well, except for the series comma, which we take as much delight in imposing as newspapers tend to take delight in deleting.” Hear, hear Mr. Dreyer!
The Charming Index is a new monthly series to share what I’m loving and my life lately! Hope you’ve enjoyed April’s edition!