THE ARNIANO PAINTING SCHOOL NEAR SIENA, ITALY

“A building site on a barren hill was not what my parents had in mind when they decided to raise a family in Tuscany,” writes author Amber Guinness in the introduction to her recently released first book, A House Party in Tuscany. “Arniano—the derelict farmhouse they bought in 1989, in the then unfashionable southern region of Montalcino—had a roof and windows but not much else … this was where I would spend the first thirteen years of my life.”

Set on a hillside not far from Siena, Italy, Arniano is a magical 18th-century farmhouse restored by Guinness’s parents and surrounded by staggering beauty as far as the eye can see. Over years of welcoming family and friends, Arniano became synonymous with delicious food and sparkling company. As Guinness notes, “The stories are endless, the guests innumerable, the house parties legendary, and the sense of home paramount.”

At her childhood home, Guinness found a passion for cooking, and in 2014, with friend and painter William Roper-Curzon, she established The Arniano Painting School. A marriage of food and art, the school welcomes amateur artists for weeklong courses in the summer and fall, during which they paint alfresco and enjoy simple, flavorful, market-inspired meals prepared by Guinness. Looking to 2023, Guinness will be hosting painting classes at Arniano as well as at Pylewell Park in Hampshire, England, and at Domaine de la Vène near Carcassonne in France.

Exemplifying fundamental principles of Italian home cooking, the pages celebrate 30 years of joyous entertaining at Arniano and are filled with ideas for the perfect welcome cocktail, feast curation, seasonal menu suggestions, notes on an Italian pantry and wines, and Guinness’s guidelines for effortless cooking and hosting.

To purchase a copy of the book, visit thamesandhudsonusa.com, and for more information on painting classes in Europe visit arnianopaintingschool.com.

NEW BOUTIQUE OPENS IN BARRINGTON

The Sélectionner is Barrington’s newest shopping destination. Owned by Lake Barrington residents Jacey and Charlie Silverberg (and inspired by Jacey’s grandmother), the boutique offers a fiery twist on a women’s boutique with an unexpected juxtaposition of modern and vintage fashion. Jacey has always loved vintage fashion and creatively mixes pieces into her everyday wardrobe. Charlie’s background in retail and distribution helped the Sélectionner open its doors in March of 2022—quickly becoming a fashion destination for the latest in contemporary styles for women of all ages, shapes, and sizes. When walking through the door, expect to be greeted by Jacey and her nostalgic, creative, and specially curated collection, including one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, jewelry, and other accessories such as scarves, handbags, gifts, and more are available in limited quantities to ensure uniqueness and individuality. Whether looking for that elusive dress or a great-fitting pair of jeans, Jacey uses her innate ability to help customers find fashion that inspires confidence, comfort, and most importantly, self-love. Whether age 30 or 80 and extra-small or extra-large, the Sélectionner is the spot to discover trendy yet timeless pieces, each thoughtfully curated to help balance a dynamic life. The Sélectionner is located in Pepper Park at 22000 North Pepper Road, Suite H, Lake Barrington, Illinois 60010. Phone: 224-385-3114. Follow them on social media @theselectionner.

AFTERNOON TEA AT THE RITZCARLTON

The newly renovated The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago is serving up a traditional, summertime afternoon tea with all the English finishes through September 25. Begin the leisurely experience with a complimentary glass of rose champagne and curated Ritz Carlton teas. Afterward, dive into selections such as savory tea sandwiches, shaved cucumber salad, or truffle quiche, followed by freshly baked scones and delightful pastries, which will uplift guests on a sunny summer afternoon. The trendy Cafe at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago is the perfect location for these delicacies, set within the landmark Water Tower Place near Lake Michigan, surrounded by bright whites and floor-to-ceiling windows emanating a greenhouse effect. For more information, or to book a spot, visit exploretock.com/the-ritzcarlton-chicago.

LIVEWIRE PREVIEWS S2 DEL MAR ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE

The new S2 Del Mar™ model from LiveWire™, the all-electric motorcycle brand spun off by Harley-Davidson, will reach dealers in early 2023 with a price of about $15,000. The proprietary S2 ARROW architecture was created at Live-Wire Labs in Mountain View, California, but the bike’s lean “street-tracker” styling has its roots in Harley-Davidson racing legend. Expected to weigh less than 440 pounds and to be powered by an 80-horsepower motor, the S2 Del Mar should be blazing quick–LiveWire predicts 0-60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds. The anticipated range in city riding is 100 miles. For more information, visit livewire.com.

FIREWORKS AND SEAFOOD BOILS

Nothing says summer like fireworks and seafood boils! The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is celebrating extended weekends this summer with Sunday night fireworks for guests. Start your week with a bang every Sunday through Labor Day Weekend at 9 p.m. The resort will also host several seafood boils featuring shellfish favorites such as shrimp, snow crab, and clams served family-style with an impressive selection of sauces and sides. Guests can still enjoy the resort’s traditional summer pleasures, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, golf, tennis, horseback riding, scooter rentals, hiking, biking, and more. To learn more visit grandgeneva.com.