Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey, Pebble Beach & Big Sur
Portugal Travel: Melides, Comporta & Porto Covo
Autumn Adventures in New York, Maine & Montreal
Apple Orchard Desserts & Homemade Cider-Glazed Dumplings
Fall Dinner Parties & Elegant Entertaining Ideas
Fall Perfumes & Fragrance Inspiration with Lisa Gomez
Cozy Fall Decorating Ideas with Stone Cottage
Sunday Bookshelf: Autumn Reading Recommendations
Explore Our Interactive Magazine:
Cover
Fall in Love
London High Tea
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Fashionable Cozy Getaways
Apple Orchard Desserts
The Season’s Chicest Nails
A Canterbury Tale and Much More
Paris House Beauty
Contents – What Michele Loves
6 — Editor’s Letter
11 — Contributors
12 — Map of California
13 — California
63 — England: Coming Soon
64 — Out and About
80 — Sunday Bookshelf"
88 — Portugal
149 — The Cabinet of Culinary Curiosities
160 — Curated by Paris House
177 — People We Meet Along the Way & on Etsy
189 — Feathering the Autumn Nest with Interior Design Enthusiast Linda from Stone Cottage
204 — “Fall Into Fitness: Make the Most of the Season” by Tina Baker
210 — Art & Culture: Andréa Marcellé, Owner of Maison Marcellé
224 — Perfume with Lisa Gomez
230 — The Autumn Garden
238 — Testimonials
243 — Collecting
245 — Fashion Editorial
259 — Paris House Floral Design
273 — England: Coming Soon
276 — Sponsors/Advertisers
277 — Sign Up for Our Newsletter
278 — About
Editor’s Letter
The cozy season has arrived, calling us to bundle up in wool sweaters and blankets, pile firewood high on the porch, and sip mulled cider by a crackling lakeside fire.
Joy finds us on afternoon drives along winding country roads, where wood smoke drifts through the air, apples ripen on the trees, and pumpkins scatter across golden fields. My childhood in upstate New York unfolded on farmland and in the mountains, where lakes glimmered with the dazzling colors of a Northeast autumn.
In this issue, travel with us from the lively streets of New York City and the wild coast of Maine to the legendary landscapes of England for a Canterbury Tale. Next, lose yourself in the magic of Old Montreal at a rooftop dinner overlooking the quaint cobblestone streets. Enjoy a coastal drive and linger over a sunlit lunch perched above the roaring waves of Big Sur.
Linda from Stone Cottage shares her favorite secrets for making your home feel both inviting and stylish this autumn. Our interiors writer sparks your creativity with ideas for decorating with wool blankets and quilts, plus tips on where to find the most charming ones. Tina Fit Pro guides you in savoring hearty meals and staying energized in the crisp autumn air. In our Cabinet of Culinary Curiosities, we bake cider-glazed apple dumplings with apples from our New Jersey orchard, mix up bourbon cocktails, and create our signature Brussels sprout pizzas.
For many, fall fashion is the season’s true delight: imagine cozy sweaters, wide-wale corduroy pants, suede boots, plaid wool skirts, and nail polish in deep shades of plum, candy apple, and burgundy. In her column, Lisa from Custom Parfums introduces fragrances that conjure the magic of swirling leaves and crisp, golden mornings.
Curl up with a spellbinding Alice Hoffman novel and imagine hosting a cozy beachside autumn dinner party inspired by New England’s timeless charm.
All this and countless autumn delights await you in our Fall 2026 issue.
XO
Michele Rosenthal
Editor-in-Chief
Contributors
Michele Rosenthal
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
Sonia Schnee
Executive Graphic Designer
Michael Taglione
Film and Book Reviewer
Teddy Rosenthal
Proofreading
Tina Baker
Fit Pro, Health and Fitness Columnist
Lisa Gomez
CUSTOMPARFUMS, Beauty and Fragrance Columnist
Linda Harbrecht
@stonecottage2250
Home and Design Columnist
Map
California
A Fairytale By The Sea
Carmel-By-the-Sea • Monterey • Pebble Beach • Big Sur
Sip & Savor: Local cuisine & recipes
See: Must-visit experiences
Stay: Beautiful places to rest
Shop: Favorite boutiques & finds
A Note on California
Some trips bring together everythingCaliforniaCalifornia I love: travel, beauty, food, inspiration,S and even a bit of business. My visit to California’s Central Coast was just like that.
I went to Monterey for the World Perfumery Congress and met up with Lisa from Custom Parfums, who writes our fragrance column for Sunday Guides. We had spent time together in Palm Springs before. Thanks to her skill and knowledge of fragrance and chemistry, we created a beautiful scent for Paris House Beauty.
This trip gave us another chance to talk about perfume, learn more about the industry, and imagine what we could do next, like new scents, lip balms, home fragrances, body creams, body washes, and more. Business quickly turned into pleasure.
I stayed in nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea, and between the perfume congress and meetings, I explored this beautiful part ofI California: Carmel Beach, Pebble Beach, the 17-Mile Drive, Bixby Bridge, and Big Sur.
A long the way, I gathered photographs, history, tastes, and stories for Sunday Guides.
[IMAGE] Porta Bella Restaurant, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Sip & Savor
Part of the pleasure of Carmel is that wonderful meals seem to appear around every corner.
Mornings began at L’Auberge Carmel, where breakfast was absolutely delicious. One favorite was a beautiful yogurt and açaí bowl with almond butter, fresh fruit, and all the little touches that make a leisurely hotel breakfast feel special.
Breakfast in Beach
During my stay, I enjoyed ding at Portabella restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Everything was delicious, from a wonderful shrimp vodka-sauce pasta to fresh local fish, Monterey Bay Sand Dabs Fish, prepared with lemon.
Another evening I enjoyed dinner at AubergineAubergine, the celebrated restaurant tucked inside L’Auberge Carmel.
And then there are Carmel’s sweet little indulgences.
Carmel Bakery, with its enormous pretzel sign and window filled with pastries and treats, feels as though it belongs in an old European village.
After dinner, I took an evening stroll to Cottage of Sweets, a tiny English-style candy shop tucked inside one of Carmel’s storybook buildings.
Walking for candy in a fairytale village shows how the simplest moments can become the most memorable.
Monterey
In Monterey, I also enjoyed lunch at Lighthouse Cafe with Lisa during the World PerfumeryMontereyCongress. The hummus was particularly delicious, and it was the perfect opportunity for the two of us to sit down between events and continue our conversations about fragrance, beauty, and what might come next for Paris House Beauty.
See: Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-By-the-Sea truly feels like a fairytale village.
No tall city buildings or busy commercial streets here. Instead, you find charming cottages, flower-filled courtyards, hidden passageways, and small shops and restaurants that invite you to wander without a plan.
[Image] Cottage Sweets, Carmel-by-the-Sea
From the storybook cottages of Carmel-by-the-Sea and the breathtaking beauty ofFPebble Beach’s 17-Mile Drive to the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge and dramatic cliffs of Big Sur, California’s Central Coast unfolds like a beautiful painting.
CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
Fairytale cottages, charming boutiques, restaurants, and Carmel Beach.
PEBBLE BEACH & 17-MILEDRIVE
The Lone Cypress, magnificent coastal estates, golf courses and breathtaking ocean views.
BIXBY CREEK BRIDGE
The iconic bridge along Highway 1, just north of the heart of Big Sur.
BIG SUR
Dramatic cliffs, winding coastal roads, secluded beaches, and spectacular Pacific Ocean scenery.
[Image] Fairytale Cottages of Carmel-by-the Sea
[Image] Hansel & Gretel Cottage Carmel-by-the Sea
[Image] Carmel-by-the Sea, History & Charm. A glimpse into Carmel’s history. Storybook streets of Carmel. Local art and inspiration. Iconic coastline views.
Make time for Carmel Beach, where the village gives way to a broad stretch of sand and the Pacific.
[Image] Carmel Mission
I also visited the historic Carmel Mission, with its Spanish Colonial architecture, gardens, and wonderful sense of California history.
Pebble Beach & the 17-Mile Drive
Then set out for Pebble Beach and the 17-Mile Drive.
[Image] Pebble Beach Coastal Views
The Iconic Lone Cypress
This legendary coastal route winds past dramatic ocean overlooks, windswept cypress trees, beautiful homes, and some of the world’s most famous golf scenery.
[Image] Pebble Beach Golf Scenery
[Image] The Lodge at Pebble Beach
A stop at The Lodge at Pebble Beach adds a touch of classic California elegance to the day.
Big Sur
And then came Big Sur.
Driving toward Big Sur is one of those times when the journey itself is just as special as the destination.
Highway 1
Highway 1 winds along cliffs high above the Pacific, offering one amazing view after another. Be sure to stop at Bixby Creek Bridge, one of California’s famous coastal landmarks, and take a moment to enjoy the scenery.
Mountains, cliffs, mist, ocean, and sky all blend into one stunning landscape.
Sip & Savor at Sierra Mar: Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California
“Celebrating the coastal bounty of Big Sur and our neighboring communities, Sierra Mar offers dishes centered around the dialogue of balance: on the plate, between land and sea, with sustainability always in mind.”
Having lunch with a view of the Pacific became a highlight of the trip. Sitting above the coastline, with ocean views stretching out before me, made the setting just as memorable as the meal.
It’s the kind of place where you want to stay a bit longer before heading back to Highway 1.
This is not a drive to hurry through.
Stay: L’Auberge Carmel, Carmel-by-the-Sea
I called L’Auberge Carmel home during my stay, and it couldn’t have suited the trip more perfectly.
It’s intimate, romantic, and nestled in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It feels more like a small European inn than a typical resort.
I kept my room’s windows open, letting the ocean breeze drift in while the waves crashed gently toward the shore, creating a peaceful melody.
After days spent exploring the coast or attending the perfume congress in Monterey, returning here felt wonderfully serene.
Stay
Tucked in the heart of town, L’Auberge Carmel is a beautiful retreat with European charm, inviting courtyards and timeless elegance. It’s the perfect home base for exploring Carmel’s shops, galleries, and coastal beauty.
Our Stay
Beautiful rooms, thoughtful details and effortless style make L’Auberge Carmel a perfect home base for exploring this beautiful coastal town.
Beautiful Details
From the elegant interiors to the thoughtful touches in every room, L’Auberge Carmel combines classic charm with modern luxury.
The location was another luxury. I could step outside and walk to dinner, the shops, small courtyards, and Carmel’s charming streets.
And with Aubergine right at the hotel, a beautiful culinary experience was waiting downstairs.
For me, a memorable hotel isn’t just a place to sleep; it’s somewhere that becomes part of your travel story.
Stroll Through the Lovely Gardens
Everywhere in Carmel you’ll find beautiful gardens, overflowing window boxes and charming courtyards.
Charming Corners
From flower-filled window boxes to hidden courtyards, Carmel’s gardens add to the town’s storybook charm. Take time to wander the side streets and discover the beautiful details around every corner.
Shop
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a dream for shoppers, with its charming cottages, hidden courtyards and one-of-a-kind boutiques. From perfumery and Shophop beautiful home finds to timeless fashion pieces, every corner feels like a discovery.
CARMEL BELLE
A favorite stop for beautiful gifts, fragrance and unique finds.
HIDDEN COURTYARDS
Wander through charming lanes and discover one-of-a-kind boutiques around every corner.
Leave room in your itinerary to do absolutely nothing but wander Carmel.
Some of my favorite time was spent exploring its little streets and discovering shops almost by accident.
Carmel is filled with independent boutiques, galleries, jewelry, fashion, home and design stores, bakeries and tiny businesses tucked into courtyards and passageways.
There’s something wonderfully old-fashioned about it.
You don’t need a shopping list or even a plan. Turn down a lane just because it looks nice. Step into a boutique if something in the window catches your eye. Stop for coffee. Treat yourself to something sweet. Then keep walking.
That sense of discovery is part of what makes Carmel-by-the-Sea so special.
A note from the journey – Sunday Guides Note
This was one of those special trips where business and pleasure came together perfectly.
I came to Monterey to immerse myself in the world of fragrance, spend time with Lisa, and gather inspiration for the continuing expansion of Paris House Beauty.
I left with so much more.
There were talks about perfume and chemistry, wonderful meals, tiny shops, a fairytale village, the elegance of Pebble Beach, the wild beauty of Big Sur, and miles of Pacific coastline.
Maybe that’s the best way to enjoy this part of California: don’t plan too much.
Drive slowly. Stop often. Wander the little streets. Order the pasta. Have the candy. Stop for lunch overlooking the Pacific. Open the hotel windows and listen to the ocean.
Sip. Savor. See. Stay. Shop. And live life beautifully.
England
Part Two, Coming Soon
Out and About with The Paris House
Dinner & Cake Decorating NYC
The Sagamore Resort
Bolting Landing, New York
Nubble Lighthouse, Cape Neddick, York, Maine
Beautiful Beaches, Porto Covo, Portugal
The Picturesque Cliffs of Porto Covo
Restaurant Guide: Comporta, Melides & Porto Covo, Portugal
Sky Garden, Sip & Savor with Gorgeous Views, London, England
The Incredibly Chic Vermelho Bar
Airelles, Le Grand Controle, Chateau de Versailles
Sunday Bookshelf
Emilio Pucci: The Astonishing Life of a Fashion Icon
A biography by Terence Ward and Idanna Pucci
Reviewed by Michele Rosenthal
Although Emilio Pucci is best known for his bright, patterned clothing, this biography also covers his childhood home in Florence, where he grew up in privilege and became multilingual at an early age.
Emilio was a skilled skier and took a significant role in the fight against the Nazis during World War II; this biography examines this aspect in more detail, which enhances its attractiveness. His involvement in this regard came prior to his enthusiastic career in fashion, during which he designed clothing for many of Hollywood’s most well-known figures.
The Man Made of Smoke
A novel by Alex North
Reviewed by Michael Taglione
My summer beach readings of late have been light hearted, best-selling rom coms. But admittedly, I can’t seem to recall much about them once finished. How many times does that single, NYC editor pay a visit back home only to fall in love with the boy from high school she never noticed?
While on vacation, I decided to go a little darker than normal and The Man Made of Smoke is that and more. This taught, psychological thriller finds prison criminal profiler Dan Garvie reliving a terrifying day from his childhood when he came face to face with a child serial killer known as the Pied Piper. Before taking each victim, the Pied Piper terrifyingly whispers, “Nobody sees, nobody cares.”
Summoned back home after his estranged father’s disappearance and possible death, Dan quickly learns that his father, a retired police officer, was investigating the serial killer’s case. He methodically left clues that only Dan would find and understand. Is there a copycat on the loose? Is he playing a twisted game to torment Dan after all of these years? The clock is ticking as Dan must put the pieces together to identify the Pied Piper and stop his reign of terror. As Alex North’s writing brings you to a heart pounding, satisfying climax, you are left knowing that Dan Garvie does see and does care.
[Image] Paris House Book Club Dinner Party
What to Watch: Remarkably Bright Creatures
By Michael Taglione
Currently streaming on Netflix, Remarkably Bright Creatures is an emotional yet subtle film adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt’s best-selling novel. Beautifully anchored by Sally Field, the story is narrated through the eyes of Marcellus, an octopus who is living out his final years in a Washington aquarium. Comfortingly voiced by Alfred Molina, he is consumed by the grief of Sally Field’s Tova, the aquarium after-hours cleaner. The loss of her son many years ago and more recently, her husband, has left Tova longing for a life that once was, mirroring Marcellus’s yearning for his sea life.
When a young drifter (Lewis Pullman) comes to town and begins working at the aquarium, Tova finds a renewed purpose as does Marcellus, who cleverly brings the two characters together in an ending I will not spoil. Sally Field was justly bestowed the 2026 Emmy award for Outstanding Lead Actress with the movie being crowned Outstanding Movie. The movie closes out with Marcellus saying, “Humans, for the most part, are dull and blundering, but occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures.” Yes, Marcellus, yes they can be.
Audiobooks
Our team enjoys listening to audiobooks in Spanish, Italian, and French. It’s a great way to learn while stuck in traffic!
Portugal
[Image] Restaurant Guide: Comporta, Melides & Porto Covo, Portugal
[Image] Sip & Savor: A Culinary Journey Through Melides, Comporta, & Porto Covo, Portugal
[Image] Portugal, Styled by Paris House
[Image] Praia da Galé Fontainhas
[Image] Sip & Savor, Melides, Portugal
[Image] Fadist Melides, Portugal
Melides, Portugal creates fresh traditional recipes in an adorable location; the interiors feature the local landmark colors of white and blue, leaving you relaxed and happy.
The garlic shrimp, local beer, and fresh Portuguese bread were delicious! For dessert, it was a family and generational recipe; the dessert is called “Sericaia” and is traditional from Alentejo. Be sure to try their signature seafood platter and homemade pastries, which are highly recommended.
[Image] Dine with the Local
[Image] Dine in Lush Gardens and Spaces
[Image] The Incredibly Chic, Vermelho Bar
The Hotel and the Destination, A World of Creativity
(Article, Courtesy of Hotel Vermelho)
Nestled in the charming village of Melides, Portugal, the Hotel Vermelho, designed by Christian Louboutin, is an ode to Portuguese craftsmanship. Every detail, from the hand-painted frescoes to the antique furniture, reveals meticulous workmanship and a tribute to creativity. Its thirteen rooms, unique and refined, celebrate elegance and authenticity. The Xtian restaurant showcases the flavors of the Alentejo region, served in tableware by local artisans, while the gardens designed by Louis Benech offer a serene interlude. An address where art and culture express themselves in every corner.
[Image] Beautiful Interiors
[Image] Relax by the Pool with a Cocktail
[Image] The Colors of Melides
[Image] The Sunsets Over Melides
[Image] Beautiful Marble of Portugal
The Beaches of Comporta
Comporta is on Portugal’s Alentejo coast, about an hour south of Lisbon. Here, rice fields, umbrella pines, and dune grass lead to some of Europe’s most untouched Atlantic beaches. The beaches are wide, with soft golden sand, and rarely crowded.
Praia da Comporta, close to the village, is a favorite spot. Since 2002, Ilha do Arroz has been a simple go-to, and Comporta Café Beach Club is a great place to unwind.
[Image] Beachside Dining
[Image] Sip & Savor at Comporta Beach Club
[Image] Sunset at Comporta Beach Club
A bit further south, Praia do Carvalhal is often called the best of the more developed beaches and is home to the Sublime Comporta Beach Club. This small beach shack keeps its relaxed style with wooden tables, ceramic lights, and ocean views from every seat. It’s a good idea to come for lunch and stay until sunset.
Sip & Savor: Sublime
Relax at the gorgeous beaches of Comporta with oceanside cabanas, cocktail service and shaded umbrellas.
See: The Glorious Sunset at Sublime Beach Club, Comporta Portugal
Praia do Pego, considered one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, features the popular Sal restaurant.
JNcQUOI Beach Club, also on Praia do Pego, was designed by Vincent Van Duysen and serves high-end meals with fresh seafood and organic produce.
No matter where you go, you’ll find fish counters from the market, live lobster tanks, and clams on almost every menu. Afternoons are slow and easy, and a laid-back luxury has made Comporta one of Europe’s most quietly popular coastal spots.
Sip & Savor: Sal Restaurant
JNcQUOI Beach Club Restaurant
[Image] Cooking at Home Inspired by Portuguese Cuisine
Porto Covo, Portugal
This is one of the most charming fishing villages on the Alentejo coast. The white houses with blue and red trim stand out against the landscape. Tall cliffs rise above the crashing waves, and sunsets here always feel special.
Beautiful views, fresh seafood, natural scenery, and a peaceful atmosphere attract travelers and surfers from around the world. These qualities make Porto Covo perfect for relaxing and taking in the dramatic landscapes.
Porto Covo, just south of Lisbon and near Melides, offers unforgettable sunsets and calming waves. Its peaceful beauty reminds you to slow down and enjoy every adventure. As each day ends along Portugal’s beautiful coast, there’s a sense of wonder that invites you to plan your next journey.
See: Beautiful Beaches, Porto Covo
[Image] The Stunning Cliffs of Porto Covo
[Image] The Beautiful beaches, coves, and cliffs in Porto Covo, Portugal
[Image] The Quaint Streets of Porto Covo
Pastel de Nata in a sea salted caramel sauce over vanilla ice cream. A dessert dreams are made of.
Sip & Savor: Restaurante Marisquiera, Pescador
Sip & Savor: Dining at Lamelas, Michelin Restaurant
Request a table on the balcony and enjoy this view while you dine on outstanding cuisine.
[Image] Fine Dining with a View
[Image] Lamelas
[Images] Cheers to a Memorable Meal in the Most Charming Restaurant
Portugal – Additional Reading
Cabinet of Culinary Curiosities
Sip & Savor: A Taste of Porto Covo
The Porto Covo Sangria
We discovered this refreshing cucumber and Granny Smith apple sangria over a wonderful dinner at the most charming restaurant in Porto Covo, Portugal, perched near dramatic cliffs where the waves crashed below as the sun slipped into the Atlantic. It was one of those beautifully romantic evenings that stays with you long after the last glass is poured.
With crisp Granny Smith apples coming into season, we couldn’t help but think how lovely this sangria would be in early fall—cool cucumber, fresh mint, tart green apple, and sparkling wine creating a cocktail that feels both summery and perfectly suited to the changing season. One sip, and we’re transported back to that unforgettable sunset dinner on the Portuguese coast.
[Image] Porto Covo, Portugal
Cucumber & Granny Smith Sangria – Inspired by an evening in beautiful Porto Covo, Portugal
Crisp Granny Smith apple, cool cucumber, and fresh mint mingle with rum and sparkling wine in this refreshing Portuguese-inspired sangria. The secret is straing the fresh apple purée until perfectly smooth, creating an elegant, pulp-free cocktail.
Serves 8
Ingredients
• 1 bottle (750 ml) dry sparkling wine, such as Cava or Prosecco, well chilled
• 1 cup white rum
• ½ cup cucumber liqueur
• ½ cup strained Granny Smith apple purée (recipe below)
• 1 Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced
• ½ English cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 lime, thinly sliced
• 12–15 fresh mint leaves
• ½ cup chilled sparkling water, optional
• Ice, for serving
Strained Granny Smith Apple Purée
1. Peel and core 2 Granny Smith apples. Blend with 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and approximately ¼ cup cold water until completely smooth.
2. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth. Allow the liquid to drain naturally, pressing only very gently. Do not push the pulp through the sieve, as this will cloud the sangria. For an exceptionally clear finish, strain once more through very fine cheesecloth or a coffee filter.
3. Measure ½ cup of the strained apple liquid and chill until ready to use.
To Make the Sangria
1 In a large pitcher, combine the rum, cucumber liqueur, and strained Granny Smith apple purée. Add the sliced apple, cucumber, lemon, lime, and mint. Stir gently and refrigerate for 1–2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
2. For an especially clear, refined sangria, strain the infused mixture before serving, then add fresh slices of apple, cucumber, and citrus back to the pitcher.
3. Just before serving, gently pour in the chilled sparkling wine. Add sparkling water if you prefer a lighter sangria.
4. Serve over ice and garnish each glass with a delicate cucumber slice, Granny Smith apple, citrus, and a sprig of fresh mint.
The Paris House Note: Do not muddle the fruit or mint. Keep the infusion gentle, and add the sparkling wine only at the very end, so the sangria stays beautifully clear, fresh, and effervescent.
Recipe courtesy of Restaurante Marisqueira O Pescador No Largo
[Image] A handwritten recipe is a lovely keepsake.
Sip on delicious sangria while enjoying beautiful music by Felipe Silva.
Explore these Fall recipes:
Homemade Apple Cider Glazed Dumplings
Styled by Paris House
Apple Picking in Upstate NY
Autumn Blues & Browns
Autumn in the Garden
Cozy Autumn Entertaining
For Our Best Friend
Nova Scotia in the Autumn
Out and About in Copenhagen
The Man Who Loves a New England Autumn
Trick or Treat for the Littles
Lakeside Living
Maine Cottage
Autumn Beauty
People We Meet Along the Way & On Etsy
In a quiet little corner of Kent, artist and storyteller Emily Archer is breathing new life into old clothes, forgotten fabrics and one of the English countryside’s most familiar figures.
There is something wonderfully peculiar about a scarecrow.
For centuries, they have stood silently at the edges of fields, gardens and farms, crooked sentinels dressed in cast-off shirts, wind battered hats and trousers that probably once belonged to somebody else. Weathered by the rain, bleached by sun and generally regarded with far more curiosity than fear by the majority of the local birds. Each one gradually becomes part of the landscape.
But according to artist and maker Emily Archer, they may be doing rather more than watching the cabbages.
“They stand with one wooden foot in our world and the other somewhere far more curious,” she says.
Emily is the creator behind The Raggedys, a story-filled world of handcrafted creatures, curious companions and wonderfully wonky scarecrows, all made very slowly from reclaimed materials in her home studio, tucked away in Kent.
Emily’s creations look less manufactured and more discovered. Unearthed from behind an old potting shed, found sleeping beneath a hedgerow or spotted standing silently among the runner beans with pockets full of feathers and secrets.
The latest inhabitants of this strange world are Emily’s full-sized Scarecrows in a Box.
Each character arrives flat-packed with a handmade head, a carefully gathered outfit, hat, fastenings and illustrated instructions. The new owner provides a simple wooden cross-frame and the straw, then stuffs, dresses and names their scarecrow before choosing the patch of earth each will call home.
No two are ever quite alike.
One may arrive in a faded gentleman’s waistcoat with a solemn expression and the air of someone who has been placed in charge of the marrows. Another might wear a floral dress, a crooked hat and a smile suggesting she already knows every piece of gossip on the allotment.
Some look dependable. Some appear wildly theatrical. Others are plainly far too friendly to frighten any song-bird or sparrow.
That, of course, is all part of their charm.
At the heart of The Raggedys is a desire to make thoughtfully and to see possibility in materials that others might overlook.
Old clothes, weathered fabrics, discarded trims and rescued scraps are gathered and given a new purpose. A worn shirt becomes a scarecrow’s Sunday best. An old button becomes a watchful eye. A forgotten piece of cloth is patched, stitched and allowed to begin another life beneath the open sky.
Their uneven stitches, faded colours and curious imperfections are never disguised. They are the very things that give each character a little piece of forgotten history.
Emily describes the process as “slow making”: choosing materials for their feeling, texture and character rather than striving for factory-made perfection.
This approach makes every scarecrow gloriously individual while preserving something increasingly rare, the sense that an object has passed through human hands.
In a world crowded with identical things, a Raggedy scarecrow feels like an heirloom in the making: something to be named, photographed, repaired, redressed and remembered through changing seasons.
There is nostalgia in raising a scarecrow, but there is also something beautifully relevant about it.
It draws families outdoors. It encourages children to build, stuff, dress, imagine and invent. It transforms reclaimed clothing into something joyful and gives a garden a guardian with genuine personality.
As rain softens their clothes and sunshine fades their colours, they do not become less lovely. They simply become more themselves.
Each passing season adds another mark to their story.
And perhaps that is the real magic of them. These are not ornaments intended to remain pristine. They are made to live outdoors, to weather the year and slowly become part of a place.
Emily makes her scarecrows individually and in small numbers, allowing each one to develop its own face, clothing and peculiar personality.
You can discover more stories and view the current Order Book at www. TheRaggedys.com
The Raggedys are created by Kent artist, maker and storyteller Emily Archer. Each character is individually handmade using reclaimed clothing, carefully gathered fabrics and beautifully imperfect details.
Feathering The Autumn Nest with Interior Design Enthusiast Linda from Stone Cottage
With the first whispers of a new season floating in on autumn breezes, thoughts understandably turn toward cool and quiet mornings and crisp moonlit evenings. Now is the time to feather the fall nest with layers of warmth, pattern and color by pulling out blankets, throws and quilts that have been tucked away during the warmer months.
Consider the following ways to embrace this season of calm, peace and comfort in and around your home:
1. Use the complementary colors of the season to create a striking display of woolen throws and blankets. Consider stacking them in a taller basket, such as a vintage wicker shopping cart, to create a warm welcome to the autumn home.
2. Layer quilts at the foot of your bed for a little more warmth, pattern and textural interest. They could also be draped over the backs of chairs and sofas, used as tablecloths or openly stored in baskets or cupboards that allow their appealing patterns to show.
3. Stock up on reasonably priced shawls and small blankets when you’re out and about so that they can be placed on the backs of your guests’ chairs for cool-weather dinners or over the backs of chairs gathered around a firepit. They can also serve as a favor when guests depart.
4. When collecting quilts and blankets, don’t overlook the imperfect specimens that are available at lower prices since they can be easily repurposed. Undamaged sections can be sewn into pillows, smaller throws or tablecloths. Scraps can be wrapped around the base of a Christmas tree, sewn into small squares or hearts that can be stuffed with lavender for a sweet sachet. Other ideas include a one-of-a-kind tea cozy or a charming ornament or gift tie-on, which can also be artfully displayed in a simple frame.
5. Look for striking Jacquard patterns, named after Joseph-Marie Jacquard, a French weaver who developed the loom that revolutionized the way patterned cloth was woven. As a result, patterns that were once available only to the affluent became more accessible to a broader market. Even mass-produced vintage or antique patterns are considered highly desirable and can add a dramatic layer to a tabletop or sofa.
6. For those whose tastes tend toward the more contemporary, consider the impact a bold Suzani can add to a room through pillows, throws, drapes or wall-hangings. Historically crafted as part of a wedding dowry, these embroidered decorative textiles have become a popular home accent. Those that are hand-embroidered cloths are highly desirable (and priced accordingly), but lower-cost versions are also widely available through outlets such as Etsy. Even a small Suzani in a simple frame can be an arresting focal point in homes that embrace bolder design styles.
7. Invest in a good cashmere wrap that could perform double duty as both a throw for the home and a shawl for nights out. Late-season sales are always a good way to find one at a reasonable price point and many good quality options are available through online vendors as well.
8. Consider starting a vintage textile collection while the market is filled with many different types and styles that reflect different regional traditions. Perfect specimens are readily available through antique and vintage dealers, and could be prohibitively expensive. But eagle-eyed shoppers can still spot them at flea markets, yard sales, thrift store and through online auctions. Items that are considered “on-trend” include woven coverlets, Native American blankets, New England camp blankets, fringed Woolrich blankets and even the granny-square afghans that evoke warm familial memories.
Linda Harbrecht is an award-winning former journalist and communications professional who now focuses on freelance writing and editing, primarily for home and design publications. Through her Instagram account at @stonecottage2250, Linda indulges her passion for interiors, gardens, food and historic homes. She has a particular fondness for cottage style, artful living and a nature-inspired seasonal approach.
FALL INTO FITNESS: MAKE THE MOST OF THE SEASON By Tina Baker
There’s something about fall that makes us want to get outside. The crisp air, colorful leaves, apple picking, pumpkin picking, football, and cozy weekends at home all make autumn one of the best seasons to get moving.
Here are a few simple ways to make fitness part of your fall routine without it feeling like exercise!
Take a foliage hike.
Fall is the perfect time to explore a new trail. Hiking is wonderful for your heart, legs, balance, and mental health. And when the scenery is beautiful, you may forget you’re getting a workout!
Make pumpkin picking your workout.
Walking around the farm, carrying pumpkins, climbing hay bales, and navigating uneven ground can add up to plenty of movement. Bonus points for choosing your pumpkin the old-fashioned way, carry it instead of using the wagon!
Go apple picking.
Reach, squat, bend, walk, and carry. Who knew picking apples could be functional fitness? Just remember to use your legs when lifting that heavy bag of apples!
Turn a walk into a fall adventure.
You don’t need a long hike to benefit from being outdoors. Grab a friend, your family, or your dog and take a 30-minute walk while enjoying the changing scenery.
Keep strength training on your calendar.
As tempting as it is to slow down when summer ends, don’t let your workouts hibernate! Maintaing strength becomes increasingly important as we get older. Even two or three short strength sessions a week can make a difference.
Enjoy the daylight while you can.
The days are getting shorter, so take advantage of those beautiful fall afternoons. A little sunshine and fresh air can do wonders for your mood and energy.
And finally… have fun!
Fitness doesn’t always have to mean a gym, a class, or counting repetitions. Sometimes it’s a hike with friends, chasing kids around a pumpkin patch, walking through a beautiful park, or simply taking the long way home.
This fall, look for ways to move more, enjoy the outdoors, and make memories while you’re doing it. Your body and your mind will thank you!
Fall tip: Don’t wait for the “perfect” workout. Put on your sneakers, step outside, and start moving. Even a little counts!
[Image] Maison Marcellé Boutique
Art & Culture: Andréa Marcellé, Owner, Maison Marcellé Boutique
After spending 30 years in a corporate executive role, I was lucky to turn my dreams into reality. In November 2017, I opened Maison Marcellé, which means “House of Marcellé,” in downtown Haddonfield, New Jersey. Fashion has always been my passion, and I love helping people find clothes that not only look good but also feel great. We dress clients in sizes 00 to 5x, so every day in this French-inspired boutique is a chance to dress up, enjoy a glass of bubbly, and help people of all ages, genders, and sizes find something special. I am truly grateful for my clients and for this little Parisian shop in beautiful South Jersey. Maison Marcellé lets me express my creativity and share my love for fashion with others.
I look forward to meeting you. Please come visit!
When I designed Maison Marcellé, I wanted it to feel like a salon where Marie Antoinette and her court might spend time.
Walking into the boutique is like entering a beautiful Parisian parlor, with gold Rococo-style fixtures, marble tables, tasseled brocade curtains, Versailles-style chandeliers, and mirrors everywhere.
You can browse shimmering outfits while sipping pink champagne and listening to Édith Piaf sing La Vie en Rose.
Try on sparkling jewelry and glittering heels as you head to Le Chapeau Salon, where you’ll find elegant hats, caps, French berets, and fascinators.
Step into one of our Marie Antoinette fitting rooms, enjoy the fresh flowers, put on your outfit, and voilà! You’ll leave with a smile when we help you find the perfect dress.
That is the Maison Marcellé magic.
Come to Paris with us. The 4 Day Maison Marcellé Experience gives you exclusive access to shop and explore Paris in a way that you wouldn’t be able to on your own.
Each day, our group of six will explore a different neighborhood to find the best vintage, resale, and designer consignment shops in Paris. We will be welcomed into top boutiques for champagne receptions, private shopping events, and French-style consultations. Enjoy the luxury of Chanel’s flagship store at 31 Rue Cambon and hunt for treasures with locals at the Marché aux Puces flea markets. Add classic French pieces to your collection, just like the ones that make Parisian women admired by fashion lovers everywhere.
Besides shopping, we will dine at top restaurants, enjoy croissants at Parisian cafés, and have a Saturday girls’ night out. All of this will help us create unforgettable memories with stylish friends.
Photography by Maison Marcellé Boutique
Photography by Moamen, Romance in Paris Photography
[Image] CUSTOMPARFUMS, Lisa Gomez
Perfume with Lisa Gomez
It’s that time of year again… pumpkin spice is back. And it’s not just for your latte.
Pumpkin spice is popular in the fall for a reason that goes far beyond coffee. Its familiar blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and clove has become deeply connected with our memories of the season: baking, family gatherings, changing leaves and the first feeling of cooler weather. Researchers at Johns Hopkins have noted that these aromas can trigger strong seasonal associations, making the scent itself a powerful shortcut to the emotional experience of autumn. And the commercial appeal is undeniable: Nielsen data has estimated that Americans spend more than $500 million annually on pumpkin-spice products.
Part of the magic is also anticipation. Pumpkin spice is largely a seasonal experience, and its limited availability makes it feel special. By the time it disappears, consumers have had time to miss it—and when it returns, it signals that fall has officially begun. Marketing experts describe this combination of nostalgia, social ritual and scarcity as a powerful driver of seasonal demand. In other words, people are not necessarily buying another pumpkin-spice product simply because they want the flavor; they are buying the feeling of fall.
That emotional connection translates beautifully into fragrance. In perfumery, a pumpkin-spice-inspired scent doesn’t have to literally smell like a latte or pumpkin pie. A more sophisticated interpretation might layer cinnamon, clove and nutmeg with creamy vanilla, warm woods, amber, tonka bean or a subtle gourmand pumpkin accord. The spices provide warmth and personality, while the sweeter and woody notes create the cozy, enveloping feeling people associate with autumn. That’s why pumpkin spice works so well in fragrance: it captures a season not through a single note, but through an entire sensory mood— warm, nostalgic, comforting and just a little indulgent.
CUSTOMPARFUMS
Creating custom, one-of-a-kind, handcrafted fine fragrances that are uniquely you and only for you.
[Image] The Fall Garden
The Autumn Garden
By Michele Rosenthal
As summer’s long, hot days fade, we might reach for a cozy sweater and a hot cup of tea before heading out to gather the last of the garden’s harvest. After a busy season spent digging and dealing with the weather, many gardeners feel ready to take a break until spring. But as someone who has gardened for years, I find this season to be one of the most joyful and colorful. The cooler air makes working outside easier and more enjoyable.
The smell of homemade pies, warm cider donuts, ripe fruit, and hot mulled drinks makes me want to open the doors, grab some blankets, light a fire outside, and spend the evening in the garden with family and friends, sipping sparkling Poire Granit. That’s why I believe it’s worth keeping your garden looking good until the first hard frost, when the winter garden starts to appear, which is also beautiful.
What you can grow in autumn depends on where you live. As a gardener in zone 6 in the Northeast, mums and pumpkins are the garden’s main stars in autumn. Over time, I’ve found many other fall treasures to add, especially hardy perennials that return each year. I love walking into my garden to gather vegetables, fruit, flowers, and herbs for beautiful autumn displays, both inside and outside the house.
Here are some of my favorite Autumn flowers:
They come in many colors, so you can find some to match any garden.
I especially love these hardy flowers, and the purple ones are my favorite.
Pumpkins, jack-o’-lanterns, and gourds are all wonderful, and I especially love the different varieties.
[Image] Sanguisorba Obtusa. Photo Credit Sam Rosenthal
The Cinderella pumpkin, with its fairytale look, is a favorite. You can visit a craft store and make a flower wreath to place around these charming pumpkins for a look straight out of a storybook. This fun craft is something you can do with your children for just a few dollars.
Sunflowers are always a wonderful choice in late summer and early fall.
Hydrangeas are another favorite. We grow hundreds on our property and let them dry to use in our arrangements.
Sanguisorba obtusa, also known as La Pimprenelle, is one of the loveliest flowering plants. Their plumes or feathery blooms look beautiful tucked into arrangements. The colors change as they mature on the stem.
Japanese anemones, with their lovely pink and white shades, mix beautifully with purple asters in the garden and in arrangements.
You can find beautiful Physalis franchetti, or orange Japanese lanterns, at your local garden center or farmers’ market. You can plant some yourself or buy them already dried. They are absolutely charming little plants.
Bittersweet vine is perfect for arrangements and is easy to find growing wild in the woods.
Sweet autumn clematis has lovely white flowers with a gentle, sweet scent that bloom from late summer into early fall. Bulbs: Don’t forget, now is the time to plant bulbs for spring (depending on where you live).
We hope you are inspired to try planting some of these. Open a bottle of red wine, or follow the instructions here to make our Autumn Sangria, then gather loved ones and head out to the garden for a fireside cocktail party with cheese, crackers, and an autumnal menu —and enjoy your garden while you can, because winter can feel long.
Autumn entertaing ideas and recipes:
Fall Foliage Getaways: Adirondacks, Vermont, New England and Montreal — Sunday Guides October 2024
Testimonials
“The Flowers are absolutely stunning. No one does it better than you!”
– Lena
“The Paris House is more than a property, it’s a lifestyle experience. We hosted a brunch for 8, for which Michele set the most elegant tablescape in her enchanted garden, and WOW! Every expectation was exceeded; every detail considered. Michele is incredibly easy to work with... 10 out of 10 recommend.”
– Maison Marcellé Boutique
“What a beautiful publication you’ve built, Michele... brava!”
– Audrey
“Michele was an absolute pleasure to work with! She was a very helpful and accommodating host and made the process seamless. The home is so beautiful, every nook and cranny meticulously decorated, and made the perfect backdrop for our shoot. We’ll definitely be back!”
– Rebecca S.
Sunday Daily, Daily Stories in Style, Travel & Home
Collecting: Nantucket Lightship Baskets
A few years ago, I styled models on India Street in Nantucket, where I was loaned an antique Nantucket Lightship Basket, possibly dating back to the 1800s, for the photoshoot. It remains one of my favorite shoots I have styled. The basket, rooted deep in American history, culture, and timeless style, added the perfect touch to our editorial.
Lightship baskets, made from rattan and wood, have a rich history that dates back to the mid-1800s on the American Shoal lightships. The craft of basket weaving, which began even earlier on whaling ships, was a pastime for Captain Thomas S. James and his crew until the government forbade it. However, the tradition continued on land, and in the 1940s, it was further developed by José Fermoso Reyes, a Harvard University graduate. Reyes designed lids and adorned them with various motifs, such as ivory whales. The art of basket weaving on the island of Nantucket is a testament to the enduring American heritage. The ultimate accessory on the Island of Nantucket is sporting a Lightship Basket/Handbag over a designer bag, and we absolutely love it!
LOVE THE LABEL NYC: FALL FASHION ON LOCATION AT THE PARIS HOUSE
Website:
lovethelabelnyc.com
IG: @lovethelabelnyc@lovethelabelnyc
Creative Team:
Rachael Crawford
Rebecca Schwartz
Keara Friel
Photographer:
Photographer: Hannah Rozelle
IG: @hannahrozelle_
Models:
Viktoria Ponomarev
IG: @vik.ponomarev
Onah Iya
IG: @onah_iya
Paris House Floral Designs
Maison Marcellé Garden Pool Party
[Image] For the Spring Garden
Explore other past Fall Editions:
Douro Valley, Portugal Travel Guide: Wine Tasting, Porto and Lisbon — Sunday Guides Fall 2025
England
Part Two, Coming Soon
Joie de Vivre
Watch our Lifestyle show on Joie de Vivre TV Network. Use code MICHELE10
Video: Cartoon
Christen Holly Photography
The best part of being in New England in the fall is seeing all the beautiful fall colors. Capture these special moments with a photographer who embraces vibrant colors in photos that will last a lifetime!
Contact Christen at christenhollyphoto@gmail.com
View samples of work at www.facebook.com/christenhollyphotography and www.instagram.com/christenhollyphotography
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About The Paris House, Luxury Lifestyle Brand
Welcome to The Paris House — a world of timeless beauty, elegant living, and inspired travel. We curate a refined lifestyle through luxurious fragrance, fashion styling, beautifully designed experiences, and stories that celebrate culture, style, and the art of living well.
Through Sunday Guides Magazine, we travel the world discovering exceptional hotels, remarkable restaurants, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences. We collaborate with distinguished hotels, restaurants, museums, and cultural destinations around the world, including Château de Versailles in Versailles, France, the Picasso Museum in Málaga, and other iconic properties. We feature these extraordinary experiences while helping clients plan beautiful escapes to some of the world’s most sought-after places. From iconic cities to tucked-away retreats, we believe travel is the ultimate luxury.
At the heart of our brand is Paris House Perfume & Beauty, a collection created to evoke sophistication, romance, and effortless glamour. Each fragrance is designed to transport you — from the charm of Parisian streets to sunlit gardens and unforgettable destinations.
The Paris House also brings beauty to life through fashion styling, editorial photoshoots, elegant events, refined entertaining, and creative direction that inspire memorable moments and elevate the living experience.
The Paris House is where fragrance, travel, fashion, styling, and storytelling meet — created for dreamers, tastemakers, and those who live beautifully.
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