Classic & Curious

Today's guest is Blake Sams founder of Gregory Blake Sams Events an award-winning event planning firm known for its flawless execution located in Charleston and New York City. 

Blake's creative talents extend beyond events into interior design, and most recently his signature taste and style can be found in his Charleston shop, Wentworth. His work has been featured in Harper's Bazaar, Veranda, Vogue, and Elle Decor. 

Together we explore what it means to live beautifully:

• The most important consideration when planning an event.
• Ways to create your own entertaining capsule.
• Rethinking how you select elements for your home.
• Blake’s favorite pieces from his shop, Wentworth.

For Blake, it all comes down to something simple.  The people you surround yourself with are the most meaningful detail of any gathering, and for us, that's exactly why this episode is such a delight.

Connect with Blake gregoryblakesamsevents.com and @gregoryblakesamsevents
Shop Wentworth:  shopwentworth.com and @wentworthbygbs

Connect with Anne:  @classicandcuriouslife, classicandcurious.com and on Substack:  Curiosities by Anne Kokoskie

Just beyond New York City, Litchfield County has quietly become one of the most coveted escapes. And at its heart is a destination as thoughtful as it is transporting.  In this episode, we step inside Lost Fox Inn with co-founder Eliza Clark, joined by her daughter, designer Arden Wray. 

Eliza, a former HGTV producer, turned hotelier and designer brings a refined editorial eye and a deep appreciation for storytelling. Her vision is beautifully complimented by the talents of her daughter Arden, co-founder of Byrd Studio, the interior design firm behind the Inns breathtaking aesthetics. Their work has also earned recognition beyond Litchfield County in publications such as Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Harper's Bazaar, Goop and the New York Times. 

In this episode …

• Eliza and Arden share their story of place, beauty and legacy.
• You are introduced to the Inn’ awarded winning restaurant originating in 1740.
• Why Litchfield County is one of the hottest spots in the country. 

Connect with Lost Fox Inn @lostfoxinn and book your stay at Lostfoxinn.com
Connect with Anne @classicandcuriouslife and classicandcurious.com

What does it really look like to shop for antiques in the Cotswolds—and do it well?

In this episode of Classic and Curious, we’re joined by Tammi, founder of Claiborne & Olive, known for helping clients experience the charm of antique shopping in the Cotswolds, sourcing English antiques with confidence, and enjoying the beauty of boutique hotels, farm-to-table food, and thoughtfully planned buying trips along the way.  

Originally from New Orleans, Tammi has long been drawn to beautiful interiors, architecture, and gardens. What began with flea markets and antique stores while furnishing her first home has evolved into a thoughtful point of view on how antiques bring character and soul into a space. With a background in art and architectural history, she has cultivated a refined eye for bespoke interiors - approach that has resonated with a growing audience, including respected designers such as Cathy Kincaid, Emma Sims Hilditch and Alexandra Kaehler. 

Together, we talk about:

• What makes sourcing abroad so memorable
• How Claiborne & Olive create an experience that makes shopping for English antiques so easy.
• Tammi’s favorite hotel in the Cotswolds and what it has to offer.

From the romance of the Cotswolds to the practicality of buying well, this conversation reflects on how travel, beauty, and intentional living can shape the way we gather, decorate, and live.

You can connect with Claiborne & Olive on IG @claiborneandolive and on claiborneandolive.com
Stay connected with Classic and Curious @classicandcuriouslife and classicandcurious.com

Today on Classic & Curious, I’m joined by AD100 designer Patrick Mele, whose colorful design journey began at Kate Spade and Ralph Lauren before building  one of today’s most celebrated interior design firms. 

Patrick’s work has been featured in leading publications including Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Frederic, and New York Magazine. He has been named to the prestigious AD100 List and Elle Decor A-List, and was recognized by Vogue as one of the five designers to watch.

In today's conversation:

• We talk about Patrick's design journey and the evolution of his signature style.
• His vibrant Color Field Collection, and his new launch with Schumacher. 
• His beautifully curated design shop in Greenwich—an extension of his studio, available both in person and online 
• A thoughtful tip for design enthusiasts looking to elevate their own homes with confidence

What strikes you immediately about Patrick is his graciousness. There's a warmth and ease in the way he speaks about design that gently draws you into his creative world. It's a quality that feels as natural to him as the beautiful environments he creates.

Connect with Patrick at PatrickMele.com and on IG @patrickmele and @shop_patrickmele
Connect with Anne at Classicandcurious.com and on IG @classicandcuriouslife

There are certain lives that feel like a masterclass in grace — lived with intention, elegance, and a reverent attention to detail. We may know the names, admire the work, study the legacy. But rarely do we glimpse how these individuals truly lived.

Today, we are honored to welcome back Linda Jane Holden — author, historian, and thoughtful storyteller. Known for her beautiful tributes to Bunny Mellon in The Garden of Bunny Mellon and Bunny Mellon Style, Linda has a gift for bringing legacy to life.

In this episode, she shares something far more personal: her friendship with Hubert de Givenchy. Our conversation moves beyond fashion and into the intimate terrain of character and connection. We reflect not only on the designer who made Audrey Hepburn unforgettable, but on the man behind the maison — the friend.

Through Linda’s stories, we discover that his elegance extended far beyond couture. As we close February — and what would have been his 99th birthday — may this conversation remind us that the most enduring elegance is lived intentionally, and that a truly classic life is shaped not only by style, but by friendship and love.

Connect with Linda Jane Holden @lindajaneholden and Linda Jane Holden.com

Connect with Anne @classicandcuriouslife and classicandcurious.com

In this episode, we’re inviting you into the world of Pasquale Et Maurice Home, a destination for antiques, artisanal textiles, home décor, and bespoke interior design services. Rooted in Old World craftsmanship and modern sensibility, the shop is paired with a beautifully curated online store showcasing timeless pieces sourced from across Europe and New England.

In this episode:

• You’ll be introduced to co-founders Lino and Gregory, and discover how their worlds—shaped by Sicily and Provence—have been thoughtfully brought to Connecticut.
• What makes a room feel collected and how elements from their store will help you tell your story.
• Learn about their store in Washington, Connecticut that serves as both a design studio and a gathering place—an inspiring hub where antiques, décor, and interiors are grounded in history, patina, and personal meaning. 

Lino and Gregory’s shared philosophy is woven into every detail: warmth, curiosity, and an open invitation to discover what resonates with you. And in this conversation, you’ll hear how their journey—from Sicily and Provence to New York and New England—continues to shape a world where beauty is intentional, stories matter, and nothing is chosen by chance.

Connect:  PasqualeEtMauriceHome.com and IG:  pasquale_et_muarice_home

Connect with Anne IG: @classicandcuriouslife and classicandcurious.com

Welcome to our 50th episode, a milestone we are proud to celebrate with two designers whose work embodies the very spirit of thoughtful living. We're joined by Gary McBournie and Bill Richards of McBournie Richards, the award-winning residential interior design firm based in New York City and Boston with projects spanning the globe.

Their work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Veranda, House Beautiful and Flower. Their first book, Living Color. A Designer Works Magic with Traditional Interiors, captured the early chapters of their creative partnership. Their forthcoming monograph set for Spring 2027 will highlight more recent projects and the continued evolution of their creative vision.

In this episode, Gary and Bill share their perspective on creating a true sense of place - one rooted in history, layered storytelling, and an understanding of how spaces are meant to be lived in. They walk us through their approach while offering practical insight for those looking to thoughtfully bring this sensibility into their own home. 

Beyond their work, their warmth, wit, and genuine joy shine throughout the conversation. Prepare to be inspired not only by their design philosophy, but by the essence of their authentic spirit.

Connect with McBournie Richards @mcbournierichards and michbournierichardshome.com
Connect with Anne @classicandcuriouslife and classicandcurious.com

While there are many elements that shape how we live, nothing is more personal than how we care for ourselves. It is one of the oldest and most nourishing rituals in the world. In this episode, we're delighted to welcome Alex and Tathiana, founders of Plain-T, a boutique tea company located in Southampton, New York.

Built on a belief that mental and physical health are enhanced through the mindful consumption of whole leaf tea. Plain-T offers an exceptional assortment of specialty, hand-selected teas sourced from the world's most prized gardens. 

Their thoughtfully curated collection has become a favorite among luxury hotels and spas, fine dining restaurants, and cafes that prioritize quality and experience.  In fact, Plain-T was chosen to personally share their story and tea offerings with the Dalai Lama. 

Their online destination engages through thoughtful storytelling, inviting exploration and fostering a lasting connection to the brand. At its heart, Plain-T reflects Alex and Tathiana’s personal journey with tea—a passion that reshaped their daily rituals and deepened their connection to its story and craft. 

Through this journey, they came to see tea as more than a beverage, but a quiet, meaningful practice—one that invites us to slow down, savor the moment, and begin the year with intention.

Connect with Plain-T: plain-t.com and plainteanyc
You can shop with the code: Classic&Curious10
Connect with Anne @classicandcuriouslife and classicandcurious.com

As the season unfolds and the calendar fills, it’s time to turn up the cheer! Whether you’re hosting at home, attending festive soirées, or settling in fireside with a favorite cocktail, this is the heart of the season for gathering and celebration.

Today’s guest is the perfect guide to mixing a little extra merry and bright. We’re joined by Kara Newman—award-winning writer, author, and recipe developer. Kara is the Spirits Editor for Wine Enthusiast and a writer-at-large whose expertise has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and more.

In this episode, Kara also shares her journey—from writing about financial performance to becoming one of the most trusted voices in the food and drink world today. We discuss her philosophy for creating a home bar that feels effortless and inviting. Drawing from her books
Shake. Stir. Sip. and Cocktails for a Crowd, she offers smart, crowd-pleasing ideas that take the stress out of entertaining. We also talk about her newest series, The Cocktail Cabinet, and how these beautifully curated cards have become an essential for home bars and hosts alike.

Join us as we toast the season—adding a little sparkle, a little ease, and just the right cocktail or mocktail to make your celebration merry and bright! 

Connect with Kara at @newman_kara
Connect with Anne at IG  @classicandcuriouslife

You can find a link to Kara’s books mentioned on this podcast at classicandcurious.com

Welcome back to Classic & Curious—and to our Holiday Series.

With Thanksgiving behind us, the season gently shifts toward intimate gatherings: dinners with friends, festive celebrations, and perhaps a New Year’s soirée on the horizon. The timing feels just right for our next guest, Frankie Unsworth, a food stylist, writer, and author of The New Art of Cooking and Last Minute Dinner Party. 

Frankie's journey began as a writer for a food and travel magazine in Italy. Her passion for culture and cuisine eventually took her to Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where she trained and lived for several years.

It was in Paris that she met Rachel Khoo, British author and host of The Little Paris Kitchen whom she would go on to become her home economist. Since then, Frankie has styled food for numerous best-selling books, always bringing a signature blend of elegance, simplicity, and clarity to the table.

In this episode, she invites us into that very approach — offering thoughtful tips on how simple styling can elevate the way we present food at home. We also chat about her go-to nibbles for the holidays and the selections she turns to when guests stop by.

Frankie’s styling mirrors her grace and genuine nature. There’s a quiet elegance in the way she works — an ease that turns hosting into an invitation. Her talents remind us that celebration doesn’t have to be complicated — sometimes, it simply needs space to unfold.

Connect with Frankie at @frankie_u and Frankieunsworth.com
Connect with Anne at @classicandcuriouslife and classicandcurious.com