"An Inescapable Actor Of Design"

An interior designer with extraordinary talent and ability to create some of the world's most opulent and sumptuous rooms for private residences,castles,hotels,private jets and yachts.















BOOKS

A creator of 8 design books including 2 new beautiful books about tables.





TABLEWARE

A porcelain artist creating several collections of pure tableaux art.








Anyone obsessed with great design knows the name Alberto Pinto. He is no stranger to the design world. A quick review of his portfolio and you can see why is revered as "An inescapable actor of interior design". I am a huge fan of his classic designs featured above. A Frenchman born in Morroco in 1945, Pinto has built a reputation as a master purveyor of applied arts. From superbly crafted furniture and textiles, to fine ornamental porcelain china, Pinto's remarkable eye for design comes through his work and the result is breathtaking. He studied at the Ecole de Louvre in Paris. From there, he moved to New York City and started a photography agency focusing on architecture and interior design. In 1986, he opened his first interior design firm in Paris. He is a big admirer of the legendary designer David Hick's creative aestetics. He also credits his passion for creating a sense of volume and using amazing colors to his collaborations with famous architect Luis Baragan. His visionary spread to a greater audience when he began reporting for the Conde Nast group's House And Garden magazine. For more information and photos of Pinto's work visit AlbertoPinto.com.
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Fragrances For Dad

With Fathers' Day only 5 days away, I'm sure many of you have already chosen the perfect gift for Dad. If not, or if you're already considering a fragrance for him but not sure what kind, here are my current favorites:

(From top left to right)

Bvlgari Pour Homme Soir- 3.4 oz costs between $30.00-$40.00 3.4 oz.

DESIGN HOUSE - Bvlgari

YEAR INTRODUCED - 2006

FRAGRANCE NOTES - Darjeeling Tea, Bergamot, Musk, Papyrus Amber
RECOMMENDED USE - day or evening

Boss Black- 4 oz costs between $50.00-60.00

DESIGN HOUSE - Hugo Boss

YEAR INTRODUCED - 2000

FRAGRANCE NOTES - clean and fresh with woodsy low notes.

RECOMMENDED USE - casual

L'Homme YSL- 2 oz costs between $35.00-40.00

DESIGN HOUSE - Yves Saint Laurent

YEAR INTRODUCED - 2006

FRAGRANCE NOTES - Cedar Virginia Cedar, Ginger, Violet, Citron, White Pepper, Basil Flower, Ozone, Tonka Bean, Sandalwood, Vetiver
RECOMMENDED USE- day or evening

RL Safari-2.5 oz costs between $35.00-40.00

DESIGN HOUSE - Ralph Lauren

YEAR INTRODUCED - 1992

FRAGRANCE NOTES - a subtle blend of citrus, and eucalyptus, with woodsy and leather notes, very manly.

RECOMMENDED USE - evening

Happy Fathers Day

The Blog-ification Of Beaux Mondes Designs

A huge thank you to Mandy from A La Parisienne, who designed a fabulous new look for Beaux Mondes. Isn't she amazing? I first learned about Mandy through my good blogger friend Judith of the Paris Atlier blog. Mandy also designed Judith's page and it looks great. The new look she gave me reflects my love of Baroque design. The image Mandy selected from among those I sent her from my most recent table scape was a perfect choice. I feel as thought she read my mind.

This image was one of my top 3 contenders. I like how the image came out in the sepia tone.

Another top favorite in the sepia tone. I also like the edge blur feature.

This was my very top favorite. However, because the image contained more colors than the others, I thought it would not blend in with the old world look as well as the others. But, Mandy showed me it was the perfect image with the perfect color palette. Thank you Mandy. Visit A la Parisienne's Etsy shop.

Au revoir

Dining With The Rothschilds

Welcome to my table setting for Tablescape Thursday hosted by Susan with Between Naps On The Porch.
The inspiration for this table theme was the Rothschild Bird china by Herend. The beautiful pattern is perfect for an elegant brunch in a garden setting.

The weather couldn't be more perfect. A setting for 6 underneath a heritage Pepper tree.

Flatware by Yamazaki. Gold rimmed stemware by Rosenthal. Water goblet by Cristal d'Arques Paris.

The chairs used for the setting were a great Craigs list find. I couldn't resist painting six of the eight chairs gold for this setting. Originally, I was going to give them a Gustavian style finish. However, because they will only be used as spares for entertaining, I think I will leave them gold. I often rent gold chiavari chairs for special events. I can just bring these out instead.

The location for this setting is at the home of Tom & Spencer. I will be taking you on an exclusive tour inside this fabulous Spanish colonial revival in the coming weeks so please stay tuned.

The home is also listed with the National Registry because of it's historical significance to the City of Sacramento.

I created 5 floral centerpieces, 2 large arrangements for the 36" tall candelabras, 2 small arrangements for the side table and 1 centerpiece for the main table. I used mainly peonies,hydrangeas and snap dragons.

Blini,Sour Cream and Caviar anyone?

I get lots of compliments on this chaffing dish which I purchased from a local restaurant supply store several years ago.



A final toast to great company!

I tried my hardest not to share too many photos as I recently discovered photographer and artist Dougie Pieper who also shot my table scape and I hope to share those images with you soon(hurry Mr. Rockstar). Please check back soon to see Doug's amazing eye in capturing this setting and turning it into art.


This is a video clip I created highlighting some of the pictures I took of the table setting.
Included in the clip are a few film trailer footages I pieced together that were also the inspiration behind my table setting. I included some fun facts (may be hard to read... I am still working on it my video skills) The background music is a classic by Bach but with a high energy remix beat added to give the clip a modern and hip appeal.
For more creative and unique tablescapes, please visit Between Naps On The Porch.

Wishes For A Safe Memorial Day Holiday

Just wanted to wish everyone a safe Memorial day weekend and share these colorful photos I took this morning at our local floral wholesaler. Dan is making one of my favorite entree tonight, Crab imperial with asparagus tips. This was too special of a dish to serve without fresh flowers on the table.

The Little American Salutes The Navy

Last week Daddy and I stopped into Old Navy to purchase a new pair of swim trunks for me. We were impressed with the store's summer collection. Of course, Daddy couldn't resist this shopping opportunity.

He thought I looked like a boy super model in this brown linen shirt with white stitching so I gave him my Zoolander pose.
However, we disagreed about the hat. It was a too much for my taste, but to please Daddy, I donned
the itchy bonnet for photos.

I do love the coordinating faux leatherl sandals but am a bit toe-shy. But, I wore them to rave reviews and several parents asked where I purchased them; the accolades made me appreciate them even more. My new seer sucker slacks with brown pin stripes are extremely comfortable and are the perfect trousers to complete my summer resort look.

Ahhh, much better without the hat. Here I am taking a five minute thumb sucking break after the photo shoot. Daddy can be stressful to work with at times.

I wonder if Daddy remembered he put me in pull ups for this photo shoot?

Here I am in the same style linen shirt in light blue.

I hope you enjoyed my domestic fashion show. I may not be in Paris...but with Old Navy, I'm feeling fashionably stylish at home in America.