Composing Rituals in Provence: Craft, Concentration, and the Art of Intentional Care

A story of Provence, memory, and recognition. This feature explores L’AUGUSTE, a French botanical skincare house shaped by art, ritual, and the women behind its creation.

Garden Themed Table Design For Easter

A garden inspired Easter table designed for a relaxed spring brunch. Layered linens, seasonal flowers, and simple details come together to create a setting that feels natural, welcoming, and quietly beautiful.

Home and Decor, Gather with IntentionMary Madore-HickeyApril 2, 2026liechtenstein, journeys through europe, communicating, how to communicate to each other, love one another, travel blog, easter dessert, lemon mousse, lemon and rose mousse, easter lemon mousse, spring entertaining, floral styling, garden inspired, gather with intention, tablescape designComment

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.

Discovering Creativity Later in Life: The Painting That Reminded Me to Begin

My mother made one painting in her whole life. I found it leaning against her wall, brought it home, and years later it is the reason I finally picked up a brush myself.

Home and DecorMary Madore-HickeyMarch 12, 2026intentional gathering, layered table design, creative entertainingComment

Styling a Place Setting Around a Single Antique Piece

An antique aqua and gold porcelain bowl anchors a layered place setting styled with linen, etched glass, and roses. A study in how antique and contemporary pieces can come together to create an elegant and thoughtful table.

Home and DecorMary Madore-HickeyMarch 6, 2026intentional gathering, layered table design, creative entertainingComment

A Formal Table for Fifteen in a Small Washington Condominium

When fifteen friends gather in a small space, intention becomes essential. From layered greenery and French bistro flatware to a carefully paired menu, this evening reveals how creativity shapes atmosphere and memory.

Home and DecorMary Madore-HickeyMarch 3, 2026intentional gathering, layered table design, creative entertainingComment

The Warmth of Becoming: The Climb That Shaped Me

For many years, my life was defined by the climb. Strength was rewarded. Softness was rarely acknowledged. I learned to endure, to lead, and to hold everything together. What I did not realize was how much of myself I had carefully kept within the lines. It was not until I stood before the turning sea and its fearless spectrum of color that I understood balance was not about dividing my time, but about reclaiming space to see myself clearly again.

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, I encountered a landscape defined by layered color, shifting current, and bold coastal contrast. What began as daily walks along the California cliffs became a season of creative clarity, restoring my eye for depth, structure, and disciplined observation.

Mixing Old and New: Designing a Blue and White Table That Feels Like Home

Learn how mixing old and new decor creates a blue-and-white table that feels layered, personal, and timeless. Discover how heirloom pieces and modern accents come together to design a table that truly feels like home.

Mary Madore-HickeyFebruary 18, 2026mix old and new decor, heirloom decor, layered tablescape, French inspired table setting, timeless table design, how to style a tablescape, layered table design, home decor inspiration, intentional gathering, gather with intention, intentional entertaining, heritage at the table, women gatheringComment

When Women Become the Village

Women often become the village through experience, awareness, and care. This essay reflects on creativity, heritage, and home as a place of restoration and return.

Women and BecomingMary Madore-HickeyFebruary 10, 2026creativity and women, intentional living, creative restoration, thoughtful living, home as a place of restoration for women, creativity as a return to self, how women find balance through home, intentional living inspired by heritage, women and becoming, ambition and balance, personal evolutionComment

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.

Women and Becoming, Home and DecorMary Madore-HickeyJanuary 26, 2026heritage decor, collected interiorsComment

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.

Gather with IntentionMary Madore-HickeyJanuary 21, 2026gathering with intention, intentional entertaining, meaningful dinner party, friendship and community, celebration and meaningComment

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

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.

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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Gather with IntentionMary Madore-HickeyJanuary 19, 2026Galentine's Day Gathering, galentine's day celebration, Galentine's Day tablescape, Galentine's Day Party tips, heart shaped linzer cookies, gathering with intention, intentional entertaining, friendship and community, celebration with meaningComment

Live beautifully. On purpose.

The Journal