The Thoroughbred Club of America

December ~ A time when we do our best around here to slow things down a bit all in the honor of friends, family, and traditions. Over the years we’ve come to know what we like best. What brings back the fond memories, what makes us the most comfortable, and what makes us the most grateful.

December is also a time to celebrate & shine. This year the Thoroughbred Club of America here in Lexington was ready to bring a fresh look to their treetops, tabletops, and time-honored traditions. I am honored that they asked me to bring that fresh look to their beautiful club for Christmas.

It was an absolute pleasure!

With my photographs & the sentimental prose of Edgar Albert Guest ~ I'm happy to share the results with you!  

 

"When Friends Drop In" 

It may be I'm old-fashioned, but the times I like the best

Are not the splendid parties with the women gaily dressed,

And the music tuned for dancing and the laughter of the throng,

With a paid comedian's antics or a hired musician's song,

But the quiet times of friendship, with the chuckles and the grin,

And the circle at the fireside when a few good friends drop in.

Though I sometimes like an opera, there's no music quite so sweet

As the singing of the neighbors that you're always glad to meet;

Oh, I know when they come calling that the fun will soon begin,

And I'm happiest those evenings when a few good friends drop in.

 

There's no pomp of preparation, there's no style or shame or fuss;

We are glad to welcome callers who are glad to be with us,

And we sit around and visit or we start a merry game,

And we show them by our manner that we're mighty pleased they came,

For there's something real about it, and the yarns we love to spin,

And the time flies, Oh, so swiftly when a few good friends drop in.

Let me live my life among them, cheerful, kindly folks and true,

And I'll ask no greater glory till my time of life is through;

Let me share the love and favor of the few who know me best,

And I'll spend my time contented till my sun sinks in the west;

 

I will take what fortune sends me and the little I may win,

And be happy on those evenings when a few good friends drop in.

Edgar Albert Guest

Many thanks to everyone at the Thoroughbred Club ~ I wish you all a very Merry Christmas & a joyous new year!

  Merry Christmas & thanks as well to

Joseph & Shannon Hillenmeyer for the fireside chats in the pouring rain, beautiful Christmas trees & heavenly greens!

Photo | Longshadow

A very special thank you to my assistant Taylor for making the hustle & bustle so much fun! 

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Thank you.

The Best Hats For Summer

Are you a hat kind of gal?

I am.

After my Derby hats are properly stored away.

It's time to switch gears.

For many of us, it's time to get serious about protection from the sun.

For some, it's time to put on your best party hat!

Honestly, I wouldn't be caught dead in this thing but I thought you would appreciate it.

This is more my style.  Love it, love the ribbon, the dress, the bag.  Ahhh, Chanel. 

Have you noticed all the vintage hats around the pool lately? 

Would love to find one of these!  This would be my mother's style.  The bigger the brim, the better.

  And no Kate Spade, this is not how I got to Greenwich Village when I was a young girl!

This little summer tweed is sporty and perfect for running all over town.

Classic.

I don't know that I could do this, but she sure can!

Romantic with SPF 100!

A respite from all the fuss. I seriously love this.  

Who on earth?

Who is this?I couldn't write this post and not include these handsome gentlemen. 

Besides, I  love a man in a classic boater.

Love the baker boy too!

This would be my absolute favorite for Fall!

But for now, in this darn heat, the simple straw will do.

I hope you'll find your favorite style here or in my other summer collection of Splendid Straw!

Stay cool!