What We're Reading and Sipping This Spring
Finding inspiration is paramount for designers and makers and oftentimes, the wider the net is cast, the better. The library at McKinnon and Harris is an eclectic mix of books that expand our horizons and stimulate new ideas. Whether we are working on new fabric designs or crafting the quintessential modern dining table, we peruse imagery of everything from the stone carvings at the Parthenon to Italian Haute Couture. Each season, we like to share what is currently atop our coffee table, along with the seasonally appropriate cocktail to pair with a leisurely journey through the pages.
One of the most refreshing springtime cocktails hails from its namesake restaurant in New York, Cafe Cluny. It’s perfect for cocktail hour in the garden and almost always best when the sun is still shining.
The Cluny
Ingredients
2 ounces of vodka
½ teaspoon of freshly grated ginger
Splash of Cointreau
Tiny splash of simple syrup
Juice of half a lemon
Directions
Place in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake vigorously.Serve in a chilled coupe or martini glass.
WHAT WILL'S READING THIS SPRING
The Current
Urban Electric takes a journey across the globe to explore some of the most beautiful treasures.
Around That Time: Horst at Home in Vogue
This book is an invitation to the homes of 20th century icons of Society, Fashion and the Arts, courtesy of photographer Horst P. Horst. It’s a fascinating snapshot of an era that was rich in style and elaborate decoration, as well as lavish lifestyles.
The House Of A Lifetime: A Collector’s Journey in Tangier
Writer Umberto Pasti’s house and garden in Tangier is the ultimate example of a well-curated Moroccan villa, filled with museum-quality pieces of furniture, luminous textiles, rare tiles and ceramics, and other objets d’art worthy of a private museum.
The Compleat Marble Sleuth
There are so many messages in marble that reveal insights on politics, literature, culture and always, history. This book is a photographer and sculptor’s journey into capturing and exploring carvings in stone and deciphering the codes and meanings left therein.
The World of Federico Forquet
This book offers up the best of Italian style in its exploration of Frederico Forquet’s work. He is celebrated for his contributions in fashion, garden and interior design.
Parish Hadley: Sixty Years of American Design
If you want to witness romance in the realm of interior design, this book will deliver. The partnership of Sister Parish and Albert Hadley produced countless rooms that perfectly exemplified the essence of sophisticated American Interiors.
François Halard
Photographer Francois Halard cut his teeth on capturing images of some of the most interesting people and places of the past century. From Jean Cocteau to Julian Schnabel, Hallard captures moments of people and within spaces that illustrate exactly what makes them special.
