A Berries-and-Cream Mille-Feuille for a Summer Gathering

A French berries-and-cream mille-feuille made from scratch for a summer gathering, homemade crème pâtissière, all-butter puff pastry, Connecticut strawberries, and violas from the garden. The slow way, and the better one.

Home and Decor, Gather with Intention, RecipesMary Madore-HickeyJune 30, 2026mille-feuille recipe, crème pâtissière, summer berry dessert, French pastry recipe, homemade pastry cream, vanilla buttercream, from scratch dessert, French inspired entertainingComment

A French-Inspired Fourth of July

A French-inspired Fourth of July, less about the holiday and more about the gathering. A summer grazing board, watermelon feta skewers with honey and garden mint, caprese on blue and white, shrimp cocktail, and fresh watermelon juice, all made with intention for the people at the table.

Gather with Intention, RecipesMary Madore-HickeyJune 29, 2026Fourth of July appetizers, summer grazing board, watermelon feta skewers, caprese skewers, French inspired entertaining, summer entertaining, garden herb appetizersComment

Easter Themed High Tea Party

There is something about Easter that invites a softer way of gathering. A table shaped by the season, small details that feel considered, and a moment to slow down and be together. This high tea is a reflection of that, simple, layered, and meant to be shared.

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.

Gather with Intention, RecipesMary Madore-HickeyJanuary 21, 2026central coast vineyard, central coast wine tasting, Paso Robles wine tasting, Hygge Design, celebrating valentines day, cocktails for valentines day, Romantic Valentine’s ideas, Romantic gathering at home, seasonal recipes, dinner party recipe, gathering with intention, celebration with meaning

Festive Gathering in the Foothills of Litchfield, Connecticut With Watermelon Martini’s and Caprese Crostini

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How to Host a 4th of July Celebration: A Complete Guide to Tablescapes Menus and Patriotic Decor

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Fourth of July Crepe Cake Recipe | French-Inspired Patriotic Dessert

Discover an authentic French crepe cake recipe from Brittany adapted for the Fourth of July with whipped cream and fresh red, white, and blue berries. Includes the complete recipe, step-by-step instructions, and tips for layering crepes that hold together beautifully, from the Merze Lifestyle Journal.

RecipesMary Madore-HickeyJune 19, 2025fourth of july crepe cake, crepe cake recipe, from scratch cooking, seasonal recipes, entertaining menueComment