Springtime is best enjoyed outdoors. But what if you could enjoy the outdoors, even from inside your home? Such is the case with The Glass House – a 1728 sq foot abode, designed by famed architect Philip Johnson in 1949. Perched among 49 acres of lush landscape of New Canaan, CT, the home was once a residence – but has been made available to the public since Johnson’s death in 2005. A true feat of engineering, the home shares the grounds with several other incredible structures and art galleries including a “Ghost House” and Lake Pavilion.
Needless to say, The Glass House is worth a visit. So when I was invited to attend The Glass House’s summer fundraising party, I leapt at the chance. Especially when I learned that it would be sponsored by Swarovski and involve a picnic on the gorgeous lawn overlooking a pool and the house itself. Cadillac generously lent me a CTS, and my best friend Ashley Gail Harris and I cruised over from NYC to New Canaan in a little over an hour. Immediately upon arrival, we were greeted with some of the most crazy, delicious tuna appetizers I’ve ever tasted (that’s no hyperbole – those things were so dang good I had to restrain from shoveling 4 more in my mouth, lest I be considered a heathen amongst the well heeled, waspy Connecticut crowd.) From the entrance, Ashley and I plucked our way through the painting and sculpture galleries – both as impressive for the architecture as the artwork. Precariously teetering on high heels (mental note, maybe not THE wisest choice for a picnic) we made our way through the serene house itself and back over to the tent to view the auction and eventually collect our lunch...
Our “picnic lunch” was catered by Elm, a restaurant in New Canaan known for their elegant, local and seasonal menus. Choosing the vegetarian option, my lunch included a zesty quinoa and lentil salad with blistered cherry tomatoes, beets with feta and mustardy, mini potatoes. YUM! I couldn’t have been happier. Oh wait – it gets better… apparently they take this picnic thing seriously in Connecticut, and not only did we get to perch on charming, white picnic tables scattered along the grounds – but the food was also delivered in actual, wicker picnic baskets! How freakin’ charming is that?! With dapperly dressed dandies flanking the pool and studding the lawn, the scene felt very much like a Slim Aarons photograph.
Once again I had to check myself before lifting the picnic basket home with me back to the city… I’m pretty sure I would have received more than a few disapproving glares if I tried to skip out of the event, basket on my arm, waving gaily like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. “Where would I fit it in my tiny studio apartment anyway?!” I joked to Ashley. Alas, I was happy as a clam to pick up an Aesop sponsored gift bag instead on the way out… and maybe just one more tuna appetizer for the road.
[WARDROBE CREDITS]
Cotton Poplin Blouse – CARVEN
Twill Coullottes – WON HUNDRED
Mirrored Sunnies – ALTER BROOKLYN
Chunky Heels – CHLOE
Leather Foldover Clutch – CELINE from BELLA BAG
Mens Watch – BEAUCHAT