It will focus on everyday meal ideas, categorized by days of the week.
“I never thought in a million years that I’d write a cookbook,” Costello says.
Costello recognizes that each day of the week has a different schedule and needs when it comes to mealtime.
Credit:Photo: Rikki Snyder | Design: Better Homes & Gardens
“We had to lift the house, literally.
We had to take down the chimneyand fireplace.
The plan is to be moved in by the first of the year, maybe even by the holidays.
We wanted to keep the 1830s spirit, we couldn’t just gut it.
“You always have to be mindful of the history of the home.
It takes more time to preserve historical elements and incorporate them.”
In our home, we have always hadlots of family pictures.
Your home is your castle, right?
So it has to show you and your history.
That’s where our family history is.
you might always replace furniture.
you’ve got the option to always replace dishes.
But you’re free to’t replace your family photos and history.
Barbara Costello
you’ve got the option to always replace furniture.
you’ve got the option to always replace dishes.
But you could’t replace your family photos and history.
Q: What are your hosting must-dos?
Get everything organized so you’re not frazzled and you canenjoy your own party too.
Get your grocery shopping done early and set the table the night before.
Don’t forget to turn on all the lightsno one wants to pull up to a dark house.
Turn on the musicsoft music or whatever the mood of the party is.
I think doing all those little things makes it so special for guests.
Q: What’s your favorite pop in of party playlist?
I just got on Spotify for the first time.
I love Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, anything mellow.
I also love to dance.
My husband and I were two finalists at our homecoming dance in high school.
We are two dancing fools, I have to say.
Q: What’s your decorating style?
I’m pretty classic.
I’m not a modern glass and metal punch in of person.
I like warm woods.
I love the Williamsburghistorical look; it stands the test of time.
Having a beautiful home is very important to me.
To incorporate some of Costello’s decorating style into your home, check out her curated picks atBirch Lane.
Q: What is a cooking style that you take inspiration from?
My mom used a cookbook for baking but never for cooking.
Italian, Middle Eastern, and Greek foods are all ethnic foods I love.
Q: Do you have a cooking icon you look up to?
My mother and grandmother, and I had a “surrogate” mother, Ida.
She was Italian, so she of course had to always feed you.
In only 15 minutes, she would make the mostamazing frittata.
I have the recipe for her pasta sauce, which for her was a two-day process.
Q: Do you have any organizational rules you live by?
Surface cleaning goes a long way to make you feel at peace in your own space.
Q: How do you unwind at the end of the day?
I love a hot bath with lavender-scented Epsom salts.
Sometimes I’ll bring a book in there too.
It’s kind of like my own little instant spa.
Q: What is your go-to drink and meal for hosting?
I’m a Prosecco girlI love a glass of Prosecco.
It’s elevated and lovely and effervescent.
If someone is coming over last minute, my go-to meal isa lovely roast chicken.
