Caitlin Chapman: Embracing the Rhythm of Nature with Seasonal Lifestyle
STYLE | FOOD | BEAUTY | WINE
By Jaclyn Tracy
All Images sourced from Caitlin Chapman
Exploring the natural beauty of California and her love of food and wine, clean beauty, and timeless fashion
ON HER LIFESTYLE BLOG, CAITLIN CONFIDENTIAL, CAITLIN TAKES READERS ALONG ON WEEKLY TRIPS TO FARMERS’ MARKETS, SHARES SEASONAL RECIPES, AND SHOWCASES THE BEST OF WHAT CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY HAS TO OFFER.
What motivates you?
I am motivated by the idea of having a life built on living simply and joyfully - one where success is having just enough and finding beauty in the everyday.
What inspires you from a home design perspective?
Home is my oasis, and I take great pleasure in making it a cozy refuge from the world. I love a neutral palette layered with different textures contrasted with beautiful wood and vintage treasures I have found over the years.
Favorite tablescape from recent hosting?
I love to set a beautiful table and have found of late that I prefer a restrained simplicity - less is better. I like to use creamy off-white dinner plates, mismatched French silver that I have collected over the years along with antique velvety-soft linen napkins. Candles and flowers from the garden are the final touches.
What are your favorite recipes from Caitlin Confidential and why are they your favorite?
Fall is my favorite time to cook. My fennel and apple salad is on regular rotation as is my homemade chicken noodle soup and pasta with bolognese sauce. My olive oil cake is easy always a hit and can be served with poached pears or just a dollop of creme fraiche.
Let's talk about wine. What are your top three?
Wine is one of my passions and an extension of my love of cooking and food and nothing gives me more pleasure than figuring out which wine will go with a dish I'm preparing. Three of my favorite California wines are:
Medlock Ames Sauvignon Blanc
Small Vines Pinot Noir
Schramsberg Sparkling Blanc de Blanc
READ CAITLIN’S GOOP ARTICLE: HOW TO DO NAPA & SONOMA IN 2 DAYS
How do you transition your home and style into the fall season?
When the temperatures cool down and it started to get dark early, I start to bring out some of my cozier fabrics like cashmere blankets and velvet pillows. There are fires in the fireplace now, lots of beeswax candles, and piles of books everywhere to be read and savored over the long evenings.
“Shopping seasonally and locally at farmers markets, composting, mindful purchasing, and using recycled materials.”
— CAITLIN CHAPMAN
Sustainable practices?
Shopping seasonally and locally at farmers markets, composting, mindful purchasing, and using recycled materials.
How do you take care of yourself?
Having grown up in New England, I find that I'm very attuned to seasonal changes and love fall for its softer light and cooler temps. I'm a morning person and I like to get up early. I have a simple beauty routine that includes good skincare and dry brushing. Taking care of myself means simple home cooked meals and good sleep.
