What's On Caroline's Coffee Table?

With plenty of snowfall this past week, we’ve been in serious hibernation mode here in New York. Gathering by the fire with a good book has become a ritual that I’ve come to look forward to to help me disconnect, unwind and process my day. In our house, the coffee table is a creative hub – piled high with books for a quick dose of inspiration, and oftentimes a work station when I'm looking for some warmth. There's something almost therapeutic about grabbing a coffee table book and sinking into your favorite armchair. I like to keep my selection fresh and rotate through favorites depending on the season so I have something new to grab for. Here's what I currently have stacked and ready to feast over…

Before I share my book selections, there are a few other items that I like to keep within arms reach. I've been a nightly candle burner for as long as I can remember, and right now my very own DIANI mazuri candle has a permanent place on my coffee table. Wherever I am, East or West coast, this fragrance makes me feel like I'm home. Instead of searching around my house for matches, I keep this nest & eggs box close by, and I also like to display matches in this fluted match striker (back in stock soon!) t makes it easy to grab a match, light it and get a candle going or the fire started. My collection of Spako Clay ceramics doesn't just live in the kitchen, I keep a few bowls on my coffee table as an objet d'art or for odds and ends and chocolate! 

The most significant collection of David Bowie images ever assembled, David Bowie Icon is a visual evolution of Bowie over the years. The release of this large format hardback coincides with the 5th anniversary of Bowie’s death and does not disappoint. It's a true representation of the artist and a tribute to a legacy that continues to live on. Jeffrey is a huge Bowie fan and this was the perfect gift for him. It was even Nala approved ;)

If you know me, you know of my undying love of dogs. So it’s no surprise that the book Hollywood Dogs has a front row seat on my coffee table. Featuring over 100 black and white images from the John Kobal Foundation of classic Hollywood film stars and their dogs, this book is great for film and dog lovers alike. It includes stars from the 1920’s and 30’s, like Humphrey Bogart, Frank Sinatra and Grace Kelly, plus a few famous dogs too, like Lassie, Rin Tin Tin and Toto from The Wizard of Oz.

When I first discovered the book Solace In Nature, I fell in love with the way indoor/outdoor living is seamlessly fused together. This awe-inspiring coffee table book features dozens of modern architecturally designed homes that are beautifully integrated into the natural landscape – like forests, hills, mountains and bushland. Flipping through this book is the equivalent of a mental vacation, and a great way to connect with nature from the comfort of your home.

Now more than ever, our home is our sanctuary. So it’s a real treat to be able to explore these private homes designed by some of the world’s best designers in the book, The Home Makers. From a Hampton’s farmhouse to a modern French villa, this book features homes created by 17 tastemakers whose focus is to give a sense of home to what they design. As Jeffrey and I slowly chip away at renovating our own home, this book has been a great inspiration. 

Cookbooks don’t have to live in the kitchen. Case in point, the newest one from Mimi Thorisson. Old World Italian explores the beautiful coasts and countrysides of Italy and features simple, authentic recipes inspired by the country's producers and rich food heritage. With dishes like tomato-rich ragu and plump agnolotti bathed in sage and butter, this book serves up some serious cooking inspiration. Now if I could just get myself off the couch...

An incredible look into the life of one of the world’s greatest rock n’ roll bands, Stones From The Inside: Rare And Unseen Images features a unique collection of photography from former Rolling Stones' bassist, Bill Wyman. When he wasn’t playing his bass, he was capturing life onstage, backstage and on the road. This book features a raw and insightful collection of his photography, as well as anecdotal behind-the-scenes stories.

Hibernation mode never looked so good with this pile of coffee table reads. What do you have on your coffee table these days? Let me know in the comments below, I would love to hear!

Sending lots of love,