Copy of The Block Print - Tastemaker Series

Tastemaker: Caitlin Hill of Citrus & Cedars

 

Tell us a bit about the conception of your custom fern linens. Why ferns? There was never a doubt we were going to incorporate ferns! Julia knew from the beginning I was pretty fern-crazy.  I also wanted to incorporate a linen pattern that looked like it was a natural extension of the club’s aesthetic...nothing too contrived, but elegant and understated. We were hosting a barbeque, after all!

What was the creative process like? It was so fun! In the beginning of the process, Julia and her team asked for inspirational photos I supplied them with, and from there, they presented me with a few samples their artisans created. Almost immediately, the team succeeded with executing the vision I had; we then spent the remainder of our time refining the color palette. A few quick tweaks later, and voilà!

Why did you ultimately decide to go this route with your linens when there are many options? I loved the creative endeavor that these linens represented. They had so much meaning and could be repurposed and celebrated again after our wedding at a future dinner party. (In fact, they already have!). I loved the idea of the gift that keeps on giving…I also thought the block print was really appropriate for the mountains, there was a sense of casualness and whimsy.  

What was the overall mood you were trying to evoke with the linens and decor? The porch barbeque really functioned as a welcome party for all of our wedding guests. We wanted the evening to be carefree and to function as an authentic introduction to the High Peaks, especially for those that had never been before. We had a bluegrass band (they were actually farmers from a few towns over!), lots of candlelight and a buffet with all the fixings! In the end, the weather was one of the best accessories. It was a misty, moody intimate evening which served as a fun juxtaposition to the ceremony, which was a bluebird day!

What do the Adirondacks represent to you? The Adirondack Mountains represent a sentimental place for my family. My Mother’s family had a camp on Lake Champlain affectionately known as “Cedarside” for many decades. As a child, I grew up admiring the deep green mountains, scents of cedar and back to basics mentality that still reinvigorates my soul to this day. My parents were engaged at the camp and my now husband and I, spend a lot of time in the outdoors. It’s a place where you feel like time has stopped and it forces you to connect with the people and things that matter most. 

What is the philosophy when it comes to entertaining in the Adirondacks? Less is certainly more. There is a strong connection to and celebration of the grand outdoors. You’ll see lots of natural elements incorporated on tablescapes, for example. Birch, pinecones, twigs...and ferns, of course! Nothing about entertaining in the Adirondacks is fussy. In fact, one of my favorite Adirondack books is called “An Elegant Wilderness” and I’ve always loved how that so accurately encapsulates the true essence of this magical place. There is an understated elegance within the landscape… maybe it’s all the green! 

What are some of your favorite tastemakers to follow on Instagram? Garden Variety Design is definitely high on the list (@gardenvarietydesign). I love their celebration of all things green and their sense of chic playfulness and clever repurposing. You’ll see a taxidermied hog affixed to a wall adorned in a top hat for example, or an old sheep trough reused as a sink in a butler’s pantry. I also love all things Steven Gambrel (@stevengambrel). His work just speaks to me. I find when I’m craving inspiration for interiors, I carefully examine his spaces and they ignite my creativity. I’m loving his new book, Perspective. 

Signature hostess gift? One of the best kept secrets in Newport (eek, secret’s out!) is this shop called Cottage & Garden. They procure the most beautiful myrtle topiaries in perfectly patinaedterracotta pots. They never fail to delight, regardless of the season, and I love the idea of gifting something growing.

Favorite country retreats? I used to live in San Francisco and loved escaping across the Golden Gate to Manka’s in Point Reyes. The Point Resort in Lake Saranac for a total splurge, and The Spa at the Woodstock Inn for some winter pampering! You can entice me to just about anywhere with some sheepskin and wine! 

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