The Rise of Lived-In Beauty

Beauty feels different when it is lived with rather than preserved. In the return to antiques, natural linens, and hand-crafted materials, our homes are once again becoming places of warmth, memory, and belonging.

Mary Madore-HickeyJanuary 26, 2026Comment

A Valentine’s Season of Gathering, Design, and Intention

A thoughtfully curated collection of French-inspired Valentine’s Day gatherings, from brunches and intimate dinners to cocktails, desserts, and tables designed to linger.

Mary Madore-HickeyJanuary 21, 2026Comment

Celebrating Valentine's Day with Cocktails, Chocolate, and Roses

A Valentine’s celebration centered around cocktails, chocolate, and roses, designed to create a romantic, indulgent atmosphere with thoughtful detail.

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Valentine's Day Fondue Charcuterie Board

A Valentine’s Day fondue charcuterie board designed for gathering with friends, featuring chocolate, fruit, and thoughtful table details that make entertaining feel warm and intentional.

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Galentine’s Day Party with Coffee, Raspberry Scones, and Linzer Cookies

Galentine’s Day table styling, Valentine’s entertaining ideas, raspberry scones, Linzer cookies, thoughtful gatherings, French-inspired table design.

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Love in Bloom: Designing an Intimate Valentine’s Day Table

An intimate Valentine’s Day table layered with roses, candlelight, and French-inspired details, designed to feel warm, personal, and quietly romantic.

Entertaining, Home DecorMary Madore-HickeyJanuary 14, 2026interior design beyond trends, young women in corporate america, Generation Change: What Our Daughters Are Now Seeking in the Corporate World, What Our Daughters Are Now Seeking in the Corporate World, women's empowerment, empowerment, women in corporate america, what do women want in business, women in business, The power of listening in interior design, why collaboration beats pride every time, The need for better communication in interior design, pride vs collaboration in interior design, competition in interior design, Ego doesn’t belong in interior design, Mastering client psychology and commutation in interior design, mastering the art of communication in interior design, Interior designers need to learn better communication skills, the art of communication in interior design, the art of listening in interior design, stop the competition in interior design, Empowered excellence: women shaping Fortune 500 consulting, women in 500 consulting, so you want to be a consultant, words from an experienced consultant, What it takes to be a female consultant, consulting, women in the consulting world, careers as a consultant, Love in Bloom: Designing an Intimate Valentine’s Day Table with Merze Lifestyle, Designing an Intimate Valentine’s Day Table with Merze Lifestyle, Love in Bloom, Valentine’s Table design, Expert ideas for designing a valentines table, intimate valentines table design, Valentines table decor, ideas on how to design a valentines tableComment

A Christmas Table Designed to Linger

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Entertaining, Home DecorMary Madore-HickeyDecember 29, 2025Beauty in imperfection, French-inspired lifestyle, Living with imagination, Living with grace, Everyday beauty, Storytelling through design, Women and balance, Rest and comfort at home, French inspired lifestyle, tartan, Christmas Tablescape, Ralph Lauren Christmas, Ralph Lauren Christmas style, Tartan holiday tablescape, Elegant Christmas table decor, Classic holiday design, Traditional Christmas inspiration, Red and gold holiday table, Romantic pink and gold Christmas, Moody tartan tablescape, Holiday design ideas 2025, Heritage-inspired Christmas, How to style a tartan table, Christmas table setting ideas, DIY holiday napkin ideas, Holiday entertaining inspiration, Cozy Christmas home decor, Warm holiday color palette, Reimagined traditional decor, Holiday centerpiece inspiration, Vintage Lenox table setting, Layered holiday table design, Merze Lifestyle holiday styling, Elegant Christmas inspiration 2025, Connecticut Travel, Fall in New England, Litchfield Hills, Scenic Drive, Autumn Inspiration, Merze Lifestyle, scenic fall drive, Connecticut fall foliage, Litchfield Hills Connecticut, Farmington River Trail, New Preston Falls, autumn in New England, Connecticut travel, New England foliage, french lavender soap, organic soap from provence, natural french skincare, handmade soap provence, artisanal lavender soap, sustainable french beauty, luxury organic soap, pure lavender cleansing bar, french country lifestyle, slow living inspiration, curated living with french soul, bath and body essentials, natural beauty from france, wellness through simplicity, french artisan gifts, french holiday gifts, luxury holiday gifts, organic christmas gifts, spa inspired holiday gifts, holiday hostess gifts, elegant hostess gift ideas, handmade gifts from Provence, luxury holiday gifts for her, sustainable hostess gifts, thoughtful hostess gifts, French café Connecticut, Galette au sarrasin, Café au lait, French onion soup, Le Gamin Sharon CT, French heritage cuisine, Buckwheat crêpes ployes, Litchfield Hills dining, French inspired food travel, New England countryside café, Travel through flavor, Cozy café Connecticut, Heritage and food story, Simple French meals, quiet luxury tablescape, cream tablescape, traditional table setting, layered table design, sterling silver flatware, sterling silver flatware waterford crystal, modern classic table, heirloom table decor, neutral holiday tablescape, pantone color of the year 2026, subtle color tablescape, luxury table styling, timeless entertaining, textured table linens, floral centerpiece design, christmas table, christmas table design, holiday table settings, traditional table settings, christmas entertaining ideas, holiday entertaining, heirloom tableware, holiday tablescape ideas, white linen tablecloth, classic holiday decor, christmas table inspiration, elegant holiday entertaining, seasonal entertaining, refined entertaining, classic home decorComment

Quiet Grandeur Traditional Design

Entertaining, Home DecorMary Madore-HickeyDecember 8, 2025Beauty in imperfection, French-inspired lifestyle, Living with imagination, Living with grace, Everyday beauty, Storytelling through design, Women and balance, Rest and comfort at home, French inspired lifestyle, tartan, Christmas Tablescape, Ralph Lauren Christmas, Ralph Lauren Christmas style, Tartan holiday tablescape, Elegant Christmas table decor, Classic holiday design, Traditional Christmas inspiration, Red and gold holiday table, Romantic pink and gold Christmas, Moody tartan tablescape, Holiday design ideas 2025, Heritage-inspired Christmas, How to style a tartan table, Christmas table setting ideas, DIY holiday napkin ideas, Holiday entertaining inspiration, Cozy Christmas home decor, Warm holiday color palette, Reimagined traditional decor, Holiday centerpiece inspiration, Vintage Lenox table setting, Layered holiday table design, Merze Lifestyle holiday styling, Elegant Christmas inspiration 2025, Connecticut Travel, Fall in New England, Litchfield Hills, Scenic Drive, Autumn Inspiration, Merze Lifestyle, scenic fall drive, Connecticut fall foliage, Litchfield Hills Connecticut, Farmington River Trail, New Preston Falls, autumn in New England, Connecticut travel, New England foliage, french lavender soap, organic soap from provence, natural french skincare, handmade soap provence, artisanal lavender soap, sustainable french beauty, luxury organic soap, pure lavender cleansing bar, french country lifestyle, slow living inspiration, curated living with french soul, bath and body essentials, natural beauty from france, wellness through simplicity, french artisan gifts, french holiday gifts, luxury holiday gifts, organic christmas gifts, spa inspired holiday gifts, holiday hostess gifts, elegant hostess gift ideas, handmade gifts from Provence, luxury holiday gifts for her, sustainable hostess gifts, thoughtful hostess gifts, French café Connecticut, Galette au sarrasin, Café au lait, French onion soup, Le Gamin Sharon CT, French heritage cuisine, Buckwheat crêpes ployes, Litchfield Hills dining, French inspired food travel, New England countryside café, Travel through flavor, Cozy café Connecticut, Heritage and food story, Simple French meals, quiet luxury tablescape, cream tablescape, traditional table setting, layered table design, sterling silver flatware, sterling silver flatware waterford crystal, modern classic table, heirloom table decor, neutral holiday tablescape, pantone color of the year 2026, subtle color tablescape, luxury table styling, timeless entertaining, textured table linens, floral centerpiece designComment

A Parisian Pause in the Litchfield Hills | One Afternoon at Le Gamin in Sharon, Connecticut

TravelMary Madore-HickeyNovember 5, 2025Beauty in imperfection, French-inspired lifestyle, Living with imagination, Living with grace, Everyday beauty, Storytelling through design, Women and balance, Rest and comfort at home, French inspired lifestyle, tartan, Christmas Tablescape, Ralph Lauren Christmas, Ralph Lauren Christmas style, Tartan holiday tablescape, Elegant Christmas table decor, Classic holiday design, Traditional Christmas inspiration, Red and gold holiday table, Romantic pink and gold Christmas, Moody tartan tablescape, Holiday design ideas 2025, Heritage-inspired Christmas, How to style a tartan table, Christmas table setting ideas, DIY holiday napkin ideas, Holiday entertaining inspiration, Cozy Christmas home decor, Warm holiday color palette, Reimagined traditional decor, Holiday centerpiece inspiration, Vintage Lenox table setting, Layered holiday table design, Merze Lifestyle holiday styling, Elegant Christmas inspiration 2025, Connecticut Travel, Fall in New England, Litchfield Hills, Scenic Drive, Autumn Inspiration, Merze Lifestyle, scenic fall drive, Connecticut fall foliage, Litchfield Hills Connecticut, Farmington River Trail, New Preston Falls, autumn in New England, Connecticut travel, New England foliage, french lavender soap, organic soap from provence, natural french skincare, handmade soap provence, artisanal lavender soap, sustainable french beauty, luxury organic soap, pure lavender cleansing bar, french country lifestyle, slow living inspiration, curated living with french soul, bath and body essentials, natural beauty from france, wellness through simplicity, french artisan gifts, french holiday gifts, luxury holiday gifts, organic christmas gifts, spa inspired holiday gifts, holiday hostess gifts, elegant hostess gift ideas, handmade gifts from Provence, luxury holiday gifts for her, sustainable hostess gifts, thoughtful hostess gifts, French café Connecticut, Galette au sarrasin, Café au lait, French onion soup, Le Gamin Sharon CT, French heritage cuisine, Buckwheat crêpes ployes, Litchfield Hills dining, French inspired food travel, New England countryside café, Travel through flavor, Cozy café Connecticut, Heritage and food story, Simple French mealsComment

Lavender and the Art of Calm: A Journey Through Provence and the Ritual of Self-Care

Lavender has long been associated with calm, balance, and restoration. Rooted in Provence and crafted with natural ingredients, it becomes part of a daily ritual that invites slower living, thoughtful care, and a deeper sense of well-being.

Mary Madore-HickeyOctober 30, 2025Beauty in imperfection, French-inspired lifestyle, Living with imagination, Living with grace, Everyday beauty, Storytelling through design, Women and balance, Rest and comfort at home, French inspired lifestyle, tartan, Christmas Tablescape, Ralph Lauren Christmas, Ralph Lauren Christmas style, Tartan holiday tablescape, Elegant Christmas table decor, Classic holiday design, Traditional Christmas inspiration, Red and gold holiday table, Romantic pink and gold Christmas, Moody tartan tablescape, Holiday design ideas 2025, Heritage-inspired Christmas, How to style a tartan table, Christmas table setting ideas, DIY holiday napkin ideas, Holiday entertaining inspiration, Cozy Christmas home decor, Warm holiday color palette, Reimagined traditional decor, Holiday centerpiece inspiration, Vintage Lenox table setting, Layered holiday table design, Merze Lifestyle holiday styling, Elegant Christmas inspiration 2025, Connecticut Travel, Fall in New England, Litchfield Hills, Scenic Drive, Autumn Inspiration, Merze Lifestyle, scenic fall drive, Connecticut fall foliage, Litchfield Hills Connecticut, Farmington River Trail, New Preston Falls, autumn in New England, Connecticut travel, New England foliage, french lavender soap, organic soap from provence, natural french skincare, handmade soap provence, artisanal lavender soap, sustainable french beauty, luxury organic soap, pure lavender cleansing bar, french country lifestyle, slow living inspiration, curated living with french soul, bath and body essentials, natural beauty from france, wellness through simplicity, french artisan gifts, french holiday gifts, luxury holiday gifts, organic christmas gifts, spa inspired holiday gifts, holiday hostess gifts, elegant hostess gift ideas, handmade gifts from Provence, luxury holiday gifts for her, sustainable hostess gifts, thoughtful hostess giftsComment

Litchfield Hills Fall Foliage Drive: A Season of Stillness and Color

Entertaining, Home DecorMary Madore-HickeyOctober 25, 2025Beauty in imperfection, French-inspired lifestyle, Living with imagination, Living with grace, Everyday beauty, Storytelling through design, Women and balance, Rest and comfort at home, French inspired lifestyle, tartan, Christmas Tablescape, Ralph Lauren Christmas, Ralph Lauren Christmas style, Tartan holiday tablescape, Elegant Christmas table decor, Classic holiday design, Traditional Christmas inspiration, Red and gold holiday table, Romantic pink and gold Christmas, Moody tartan tablescape, Holiday design ideas 2025, Heritage-inspired Christmas, How to style a tartan table, Christmas table setting ideas, DIY holiday napkin ideas, Holiday entertaining inspiration, Cozy Christmas home decor, Warm holiday color palette, Reimagined traditional decor, Holiday centerpiece inspiration, Vintage Lenox table setting, Layered holiday table design, Merze Lifestyle holiday styling, Elegant Christmas inspiration 2025, Connecticut Travel, Fall in New England, Litchfield Hills, Scenic Drive, Autumn Inspiration, Merze Lifestyle, scenic fall drive, Connecticut fall foliage, Litchfield Hills Connecticut, Farmington River Trail, New Preston Falls, autumn in New England, Connecticut travel, New England foliageComment

A Ralph Lauren–Inspired Christmas: Three Tartan Tablescapes of Heritage, Joy, and Romance

Three tartan Christmas tablescapes, inspired by Ralph Lauren, celebrate holiday tradition through candlelight, heritage patterns, and layered details that feel elegant, personal, and lived in.

Entertaining, Home DecorMary Madore-HickeyOctober 13, 2025Beauty in imperfection, French-inspired lifestyle, Living with imagination, Living with grace, Everyday beauty, Storytelling through design, Women and balance, Rest and comfort at home, French inspired lifestyle, tartan, Christmas Tablescape, Ralph Lauren Christmas, Ralph Lauren Christmas style, Tartan holiday tablescape, Elegant Christmas table decor, Classic holiday design, Traditional Christmas inspiration, Red and gold holiday table, Romantic pink and gold Christmas, Moody tartan tablescape, Holiday design ideas 2025, Heritage-inspired Christmas, How to style a tartan table, Christmas table setting ideas, DIY holiday napkin ideas, Holiday entertaining inspiration, Cozy Christmas home decor, Warm holiday color palette, Reimagined traditional decor, Holiday centerpiece inspiration, Vintage Lenox table setting, Layered holiday table design, Merze Lifestyle holiday styling, Elegant Christmas inspiration 2025 Comments

Moody Fall Tablescape Ideas for Elegant Autumn Gatherings

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The Story Behind Merze Lifestyle

Merze Lifestyle began with a child’s imagination and grew through heritage, memory, and a deep sense of belonging. This is the story behind the name, the philosophy, and the heart that continues to shape everything Merze represents.