A few months ago I received an email from Mary Alice Sherrill telling me about Elizabeth Mayhew’s upcoming book FLIP! for Decorating. Elizabeth, the lifestyle expert for NBC's Today show and special projects editor for House Beautiful magazine, is a woman of great talent.Mary Alice, who also happens to be a friend of Patricia van Essche, kindly put Elizabeth and me in touch with one another. After talking with Elizabeth and receiving an advance copy of her book I was instantly smitten.
What is so wonderful about this particular book is the ability to actually flip through the upper right hand pages and see four rooms instantly made over. There is nothing else like it on the bookshelves. 
Not only does the book include more than 200 color photographs and dozens of line drawings (illustrated by Elizabeth’s mother), it includes the fundamentals of color, no-fail wall and trim colors, the art of picking the perfect sofa, chairs, tables, and lighting and strategies on how to prioritize your decorating decisions.
Of course it’s always a plus when you love a book and then find out the author is lovely too. Elizabeth and I were finally able to meet in person at Amanda Nisbet’s party last Friday. We both have children of the same age and compared notes on the finer points of raising a teen. Her daughter was attending her first boy/girl party on Friday.
Elizabeth’s practical advice and stylish point of view comes through so clearly in FLIP! for Decorating. I love that she actually shows you how to put a room together and then explains why it works. It’s much like having your best girlfriend offering you solid, savvy advice. Thanks Elizabeth!
I will be doing a follow up Q&A post with Elizabeth shortly. In the meantime, we are giving one copy of FLIP! for Decorating to one All the Best reader. Simply leave a comment or send an email to: thebestgiveaway@gmail.com (subject: FLIP!).A winner will be announced Wednesday, May 13, 2009.
Photo Credit: Annie Schlechter
