The Art of Living Well 2022

January 16, 2023

Written by Kiralee McNamara

January 16, 2023

Written by Kiralee McNamara

So… this blog post is a little later than I’d hoped but we were so busy leading up to Christmas that I didn’t get time. In December, some of you might have noticed on our insta feed that we were honoured to sponsor The Art of Living Well event at Charlotte Coote’s house in Mount Macedon. What a truly fabulous day… where to start?? It was such an inspiring day to be surrounded by incredibly talented artists, interior designers, small business owners and general lovers of design.

Photo Credit: @abbie_melle

The Art of Living Well event was hosted by @charlottecoote at her historical home called Marnanie in Mount Macedon and was joined by @indiahicksstyle, the incredible style queen and ultimate entertainer as well as @paulbangay, Australia’s eminent landscape designer.

This very decadent and fun day started with @champagnepommery on arrival and then we were whisked away up the garden path to Charlotte’s gorgeous home which is set on about 16 acres of beautifully crafted gardens complete with woodlands and a glass house where the lunch was hosted. Charlotte shared her story and some design tips on how she lovingly restored and decorated her home which we could then explore on our own. It was so gorgeous and made me really think about my own interiors and how I could push them further.

Photo Credit: @abbie_melle

After this, we moved to the Glass House for a beautiful lunch prepared by the @cookes_food. During lunch, India Hicks warmly regaled us with hilarious stories about her family as well as entertaining. If anyone has ever seen her gorgeous books which are basically guides to entertaining well, you’ll know she excels in this. My key take aways from her talk was the realisation that not only is she very real and hilariously funny, but that one should always remember to use intimate lighting for dinner parties. Note taken!

Photo Credit: @abbie_melle

After this, @paulbangay took us on a tour around the garden which he has been involved in cultivating for years. The garden features ponds, a stunning stone edged pool and a small wooden stream house which today was the centre for making gin cocktails by the @mountaindistilling.

At every stop in the garden, we were met with a Champagne drinks station. And then at the top of the garden, we were entertained by an amazing opera performance by the gorgeous and very talented @juelriggallmezzosoprano.

Photo Credit: @abbie_melle

Back to the Glass House to be delighted by our hosts with a discussion panel where they shared some fabulous stories on all things interior design, gardening and entertaining. India also shared her important work with us regarding the @princes.trust.au and the @globalempowermentmission.

Photo Credit: @abbie_melle

And last stop was the gorgeous High Tea with @monista_tea_co where we got to sample some delicious desserts and enjoy an amazingly over the top pavlova decorating session.

But I have to say the most memorable part of the day for me was when India put on her Murkani Jewellery. She was so funny, personal and warm. I know, I sound like a fan, but I am!!

Was a truly fab day to be entertained and surrounded by likeminded design enthusiasts, of which I am one.

The Art of Living Well 2022

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