The Back Porch

Fall is finally here, and at Thomas Lee Living, we couldn’t be more excited. For us, fall is more than just pumpkin spice lattes (though we love those too)—it’s a time to turn your home into a cozy haven filled with memories, stories, and a whole lot of charm.

This season we’re bringing you everything from cozy woodland critters to stunning heirloom-quality pieces that turn your space into a reflection of the season’s beauty.

Growing up on the Chesapeake Bay was the foundation of my childhood and the source of many treasured traditions. Despite moving around frequently, the bay near Annapolis became my constant, my home. Yes, I'm one of those people who LOVE crabs! Every year, I have a bushel shipped to San Diego, where I enjoy my own little feast, picking crabs for myself and everyone else. My crab cakes are legendary, especially when paired with a corn and tomato salad, reminiscent of the farm stands we visited on trips to Rehoboth and Ocean City. The corn and tomatoes from those stands are simply the best, bursting with flavor.

Shop our Chesapeake Charm Collection

Oh, the beach life! Growing up on the East Coast, the beach wasn't just a place; it was a vibe, a muse, a second home. I can still feel the salty air on my face, the sun-drenched sand underfoot, and waves crashing in my ears. Fast forward 46 years, and I've swapped coasts, landing a block and a half from the Pacific in sunny San Diego. Yet, my heart still whispers, “East Coast, best coast,” and I’m already plotting my retirement back east. But that’s a story for another time another blog.

Shop our Beachy Keen Collection

Anne and I are buzzing with excitement over our latest collection—it's a project that tugs at our heartstrings. My journey in this industry began as an appraiser and a dealer of fine antiques, while Anne's roots are deeply embedded in a childhood surrounded by historical treasures. She has lived and restored a historic home in Richmond, and embarked on international quests to procure European antiques for a former employer. There's one truth we've come to learn: unless you're fortunate enough to have relatives showering you with heirlooms, assembling a home brimming with the charm of collected history is no small feat. It demands time—lots of it.

Shop our Curiosities Collection

It started with a question. “Have you been to the Masion et Objets show in Paris?” It ended with a 10-day trip to Paris and Bordeaux and this is how it went. The Masion et Objets show in Paris has always been on my list to go ever since I found out about it 15 years ago. It has grown to be the largest home market show with over 3,500 exhibitors in 8 buildings totaling 2,800,000 square-feet. Which means, bring your walking shoes cause there’s a lot of ground to cover. Both Kirsten and I have been in the lighting and home furnishings business for over 30 years; we have been to most of the home market shows in the United States. We always heard the Masion et Objets show was the crème de la crème of market shows; so naturally we had to check it out for ourselves.

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When it comes to dining, there are several options for wiping your hands and face. Most people probably opt for a paper napkin, while there are others who use their jeans, shirt, dish rag or paper towel, you know who you are. But what about cloth napkins? Are they worth investing in, or are they just an unnecessary hassle? Keep reading because I am going to explore the pros and cons of using cloth napkins and whether they're a worthy addition to your everyday place setting.

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