The Fine Art of Family Magazine

This week, Monica is headed to Italy and Paris to begin work on pieces for next year’s jewelry and home collections. Here, she shares with us her essentials for her trip – from what she’s bringing to where she’s shopping. WHAT TO BRING: Michael Kors Red Pants, Marni Cardigan, & Chloe Flats: This will be my [...]

Tags: Ask Monica, Corso Como, Florence, Food, Milan, Packing Essentials, paris, Travel

As the dog days of summer draw to a close, there is nothing like an August dinner party to mark the end of the season. Whether you plan an elegant dinner by candlelight or a casual barbeque, planning the menu is always (in our opinion) the most fun. Here, we share Monica’s menu for an [...]

Tags: Ask Monica, dinner party, entertaining, Food

As you may remember from last weeks post, Monica spent last week in Jackson Hole, WY. Here is her photo diary from the trip, as well as a few of her favorite Jackson Hole haunts. Goodie 2 Shoes. “This is my absolute favorite shop in Jackson Hole. I always pick up unique accessories and beauty [...]

Tags: Ask Monica, Jackson Hole, Travel

This week I am heading to Jackson Hole for a bit of work and play. Jackson Hole is one of my favorite places to go in the summer. Not only is it incredibly beautiful, but its laid back atmosphere makes it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Here are my packing essentials [...]

Tags: Ask Monica, Jackson Hole, Packing Essentials, Travel

ASK MONICA: Setting comes first when planning any occasion, from a casual gathering to a chic event. If you’ve chosen a beach setting as your destination, make sure to honor that in all the details. Start with some sort of canopy; it doesn’t have to be as elaborate as the tent shown in this picture, but you’ll want to think about protecting your guests from the breeze while they eat.

Tags: beach entertaining

ASK MONICA: Since summer is a time when many of us take holidays, both short and protracted, it seems fitting to discuss meaningful ways of recording memories when vacationing. Here are a few ideas and, thankfully, none of them require much to pack.

Tags: luggage tags, personalized luggage tags, Travel

ASK MONICA: I found this silver at a flea market and it got me thinking about all the family meals these spoons have seen: Discussions, celebrations, heated debates, sorrows and joys. The same goes for the family china.

Tags: antique china, antique silverware, Heirlooms, living with what you love, monica rich kosann book

ASK MONICA: In my own home, I have a passion for white flowers, especially white tulips. The reason behind white is that you can accessorize your arrangements with anything on your tabletop. I like to coordinate flowers with my dishes and little pieces from the flea market. I like to mix flowers with candles, and to use them to entertain. Whenever company comes over, they are greeted with an arrangement on my table—always. Spending time on this part of entertaining is important to me; it really sets the tone for the evening and shows your guests you care.

Tags: arranging tulips, flower arrangements, flowers, how to arrange flowers, monica rich kosann

ASK MONICA: As a photographer with a passion for film, I’ve had my skepticism about digital smartphone camera apps, which promise to give amateurs the ability to whip up pro-looking photos with clever trickery, readymade filters and a couple clicks of the buttons. Would these instant gratification high-tech apps allow for real creativity, I wondered? The answer, I discovered on a recent trip to Paris, is yes.

Tags: monica rich kosann, monica rich kosann photographs, Photography

ASK MONICA: Projects around the house needn’t wait for spring. In fact, it makes perfect sense to crave the coziness of nesting in the wintertime. Here are a few suggestions for updates that don’t require stepping foot outside—or even spending money.

Tags: home improvements, home projects, monica rich kosann, nesting