Small Talk

Whether hosting a Paris bash, summering on the Riviera, or having a few friends in, what good is a party without stimulating, intoxicating, heart-stopping small talk. We’d love to hear yours. Drinks on the EA.

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47 Responses to “Small Talk”

  1. from gerard in SF Bay Area…. the photographic imagery on this site is so spectacular .. and i enjoy reading the postings that accompany them. particularly loved the images of the Yemen women and also the tiled arches. great place to stay current with culture art, travel and trivia. definitely the work of a very discerning taste. have also enjoyed the links to other sites. I’m definitely going to keep visiting.

    gerard said this on 08/21/07 at 02:08:24 | Reply

    • Hardy Amies’ photo appeared quite naturally on my errand to locate him for a potential book on the women parachuted into Belgium on various TOP SECRET missions working for the resistance. After training agents at the SOE’s finishing school at Beaulieu in recognising the enmy by studying their uniforms, he worked as the Head of the Belgian section. His uniform was made for him on Saville Row… Any chance I can use his photo acknowledging the errant aesthete en passant?

      Bernard O’Connor

      Bernard O'Connor said this on 10/28/09 at 09:10:22 | Reply

  2. Thanks Errant Aesthete for the great virtual cocktail party Friday night…. sans the hangers-on and hangover… the drinks were perfect… I was tempted by that glorious, marvelous martini, but succumbed instead to an aperifif …. loved being reminded of that oh so civil French ritual … my mouth savored once again the Lillet I hadn’t had in years…made me want to go to Paris tomorrow. My eyes roamed over the guests….. great to see Katie Couric bringing some celeb power to Iraq, that place can use it….and the US does it so well. Ralph Lauren still putting out class for the masses… Jimi Hendrix and Coco reincarnate…. nostalgia for that time when we thought the world would change… for the better… and when elegance reigned supreme…… and every party needs a Femme Fatale with red hair draping over her martini glass … in perfect tableaux. And of course some serious talk of new beauty and healing for New Orleans, optimism for the soul city that’s reminding us that we’ve lost ours. Loved every minute. So thanks again for a great lift after a long week. That’s what a good Friday night cocktail party is for. judith in Mill Valley, CA

    gerard said this on 08/31/07 at 08:08:32 | Reply

  3. I like the site. Perhaps a day should be set aside where there’s an actual cocktail party going on. Where readers can interact with one another. On line. I enjoyed the Bond martini…keep up the good work.

    Larry said this on 09/03/07 at 10:09:37 | Reply

  4. I love this site! Food for thought for the thinking person.

    Mark said this on 09/07/07 at 10:09:40 | Reply

  5. The Errant Aesthete is like having my own personal editor…..who culls and collects only the choicest bits of intelligentia…. the best of the Internet….erudite, arty and witty, always entertaining and visually stunning. My information trivia and intellectual quotient has just jumped exponentially and I haven’t had to spend precious hours surfing and sorting. EA is my favorite bookmark.

    Elaine reports said this on 09/10/07 at 09:09:34 | Reply

  6. Eclectic, eccentric collection of not uninteresting information. Attractive to the eyes and thought provoking.

    Candy said this on 09/14/07 at 06:09:10 | Reply

  7. This is a really interesting and complex web site with alot of information to sort through. I haven’t seen any other web site like it. Lots to read. Very nicely done.

    Lynne said this on 09/16/07 at 11:09:19 | Reply

  8. Let me set my ‘tini down before I start. Where has this site been all my internet-life? So much beauty and knowledge is available to us, but who has the time to go chase it down? The Errant Aesthete (had to check the address bar to make sure I spelled it correctly) has opened a window in my world, allowing a breeze of loveliness in. I get plenty of information in the course of my day. But how nice to have access to reports that stimulate my little pea brain, make a seismic register on my emotions. Well done and bravo. I may have to make you my home page. Cheers!

    Anna said this on 09/17/07 at 12:09:36 | Reply

  9. EA … instead of channel surfing on TV to relax at night… mostly trying to avoid tasteless, “too cute” commercials ….. I browse this wonderful site… and am always astounded at the beauty… and wonderfully stimulated and refreshed from having visited …. what an accomplishment EA…. this is my favorite place to relax and fill myself up again after a busy day. Thank you, thank you

    JG in Marin, CA said this on 09/19/07 at 10:09:31 | Reply

  10. I’ve got my eye on that vanilla crepe recipe. It sounds and looks yummy. Even though I’m quite challenged in the kitchen, and my cooking skills leave much to be desired (on a good day, I might add), I’ve been studying that recipe and trying to decide if it’s something I can master without (a) hurting myself and/or (b) setting the house on fire. Please keep it on EA for a while so that I have time to copy it and give it a whirl. Thanks!!!!

    Lynne,
    You needn’t worry. It won’t be going anywhere. Just scroll to the bottom of the page for “previous entries.” Or better yet, go under “Epicurean Epiphanies” (Categories) and you’ll find it under the title, “Connubial Crepes.” And let me know how it works out. Bon Appetit! — EA

    Lynne said this on 09/24/07 at 04:09:45 | Reply

  11. A beautiful and inspiring site. I’m going to spread the word about your site far and wide. Keep on bloggin’!

    RDC said this on 10/05/07 at 04:10:51 | Reply

  12. Just discovered this very intelligent and interesting site and was struck by the item on Angkor Wat in Cambodia which we had the happy experience of visiting ! I look forward to discovering new and different stories for this traveler on this amazing web site. In fact we will be telling our friends not to miss this site !!

    tony p said this on 10/20/07 at 10:10:38 | Reply

  13. Wow! This is kind of great! Essentials for the cocktail swilling savant. Perfect. And I love the name — the errant aesthete. The whole thing is good to look at and the articles so different and varied, I could spend days searching through these archives. Got to say whoever the errant aesthete is, s/he or they’ve got a wry sense of humor. Loved the two lampshades in bed together on the story about introverts with the quote from ‘Waiting for Godot.’ “Don’t talk to me. Don’t speak to me. Stay with me.” (Laughed out loud on that one).

    Anyway, consider me a regular. Would love to know who else reads this since I’ve got to think like attracts like and it would probably be a pretty eclectic mix. How about a forum?

    Meredith, your wish is my command. I’d been considering doing a forum for the same reason you mentioned. I think this could be a lively and interesting group and would love to know more. After all, what’s the point in having a party if there’s no one to talk to? In any event, I’ve got someone working something up for me and hope to have it in place over the next few weeks. Thanks for the suggestion and keep reading. —the EA

    Meredith said this on 11/14/07 at 09:11:03 | Reply

  14. Dear EA Readers, Regulars, Occasional Viewers and Accidental Tourists,

    What better time than these days leading up to Thanksgiving, our first online, to offer special thanks and gratitude to everyone who has embraced the errant aesthete in its brief span of three months with the same dedication, appreciation and joie de vivre that has gone into its creation.

    Thank you for your encouragement, support and endless praise on our photographic choices, interesting and unusual content and overall design that is magnificently enhanced by our compatriot, friend and fellow swilling savant, Liz Dimmitt of Gawker Artists, a visual companion of unerring style and class.

    Happy Holidays!

    the EA

    eÆsthete said this on 11/16/07 at 11:11:23 | Reply

  15. Dear Readers, Regulars, Occasional Viewers & Accidental Tourists,

    What a thrilling mention and unimagined honor the errant aesthete received today out of Things Magazine, which is comprised of a group of writers and historians based at the Victoria & Albert Museum/Royal College of Art in the UK.

    The Errant Aesthete was listed among a new breed of visual weblogs whose focus attests to the power of the image as a cultural marker of our time.

    “The common thread that binds these weblogs together is the single arresting image, be it a film still, flickr pic, piece of scanned ephemera or fragment of corporate identity or brochure. These are the new cultural hooks, one shot slices of instant visual gratification that get lodged in the brain, ultimately persuading you that somehow you have seen everything before and yet it all remains strangely new. … These modern compendiums are catalogues of contemporary culture, just as the Great Exhibition was a snapshot of mid-C19 century manufacturing excess.”

    For those of you interested in viewing the full article, you can find it on their website: thingsmagazine.net.

    Again, thank you all for bringing the errant aesthete to the attention of your family, friends and the world at large. It is humbling and gratifying to know that one small venture created out of interest, passion, and dedication can ripple across the universe in life altering ways.

    the EA

    eÆsthete said this on 11/30/07 at 04:11:42 | Reply

  16. As a photographer, I’m already biased in my appreciation of image and it seems clear that the visual culture is not about to disappear. If anything, imagery and visualization are the dominating forces driving this century. In my view, digital imagery can only enhance, expand and promote rather than diminish or lessen. I agree that sites like this are the emerging catalogues of contemporary culture and hope to see a proliferation of them in the future. Well done.

    Jason said this on 12/09/07 at 12:12:54 | Reply

  17. I love the Grace Kelly

    Gina said this on 12/26/07 at 02:12:59 | Reply

  18. EA, I feel your pain! Had to laugh when I saw your posting under “submissions”. Think we all know what it’s like to slave at something you love and to end up being really, REALLY tired. Don’t give up, hang in there. Here’s my suggestion for a post:

    http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?ils:1:./temp/~pp_GwrO::

    From the Library of Congress, the Wright Bros. in flight!

    Anna said this on 01/17/08 at 04:01:36 | Reply

  19. Love the EA Flix….. keep up the great work on this site…. we regulars have become quite enthralled and addicted………. and better informed I might add.

    Dearest JG, thank you for your lovely comments and for finding your way back here again and again. —the EA

    JG in Marin, CA said this on 01/22/08 at 11:01:51 | Reply

  20. I’ve been a fan since discovering the errant aesthete about 2 months ago. Today I’ve become a bigger fan after seeing the entries from March 4. From the caricatures and art work of David Levine to the death of a memory to mac and cheese, and last but certainly not least, Jack (there’s only one) saluting Hillary, this is the best single day entry to date. As in Wow! As in, if you’re not on board yet, what are you waiting for?! As in way to go to the errant aesthete..Thank You!!

    Robert said this on 03/07/08 at 12:03:37 | Reply

  21. I love the photo of the martini …. reminds me of my brother, who lives in Miami, Florida. He loves a good martini.

    Lynne said this on 04/16/08 at 07:04:14 | Reply

  22. Where is everyone? (May 17)

    Mary Mary,

    I’ve been wondering the same thing myself. At the moment, I am on a small island off the coast of Thailand trying to beseech the connectivity Gods to grant me a window to post, but they seem to be
    obstinate of late. I had hoped to set up a travelogue so everyone could join me in my adventure and
    I still hope to do that over the next few days. But I’m afraid my posts will suffer from the absence of the errant aesthete. Perhaps you might consider starting a conversation to help fill in the time slot. Your participation and thoughts are most welcome.

    The Errant Aesthete

    Mary Mary said this on 05/17/08 at 10:05:25 | Reply

  23. one oriental short-hair cat howling in the night is beseeching the connectivity Gods to grant him howling space over Thailand….. hi mom….. laps are warm, food so,so, life’s good…..but miss you!

    Miss you too sweetheart. Absence does, indeed, make the heart grow fonder.

    JG in Marin, CA said this on 05/23/08 at 09:05:52 | Reply

  24. Hello webmaster
    I would like to share with you a link to your site
    write me here preonrelt@mail.ru

    Alexwebmaster said this on 03/03/09 at 02:03:40 | Reply

  25. I thought you might be interested to hear about this Cecil Beaton exhibition at the Chris Beetles Gallery at Ryder St, St James, SW1. It’s the first selling exhibition of Beaton’s work for 25 years.
    http://www.chrisbeetles.com/gallery/exhibition_detail.php?id=1050

    Mrs Trefusis said this on 04/08/09 at 02:04:33 | Reply

    • Mrs Trefusis,

      You know I have had my eye on this for the past several weeks — how well you seem to know me.
      But thank you for the prompt. Time to get something together.

      eÆsthete said this on 04/08/09 at 08:04:43 | Reply

  26. I have just found this great forum with the subject on the organic farming . http://www.organic-farming.org
    Great ways to eat only good and healthy food. To prepere yourself for upcoming years of hunger.
    http://www.organic-farming.org

    There are arround 1000 members and 10000 of threads for you to read and participate in most likely
    one of the biggest problems on earth!
    http://www.organic-farming.org

    cewAnnowlPloP said this on 05/11/09 at 10:05:22 | Reply

  27. Thank you for such a wonderful site. Since being introduced to your blog by my friend Helen James it has become and addiction …and inspiration to start my own.. thank you thank you!!

    silent storyteller said this on 09/18/09 at 10:09:23 | Reply

    • And thank you silent storyteller — what an enchanting name. That alone can create the impetus for your site.

      And to Helen James as well for passing The Errant Aesthete along to you. You have no idea how these small praises sustain me.

      Errant Aesthete said this on 09/18/09 at 10:09:31 | Reply

  28. Errant A,
    I adore you……
    Finally, a kindred soul….I was becoming almost too cynical to believe such a thing still existed.

    Your site is extraordinary, enchanting, and I feel it’s becoming essential to my daily routine.

    Liath said this on 10/12/09 at 04:10:34 | Reply

    • Liath,

      I’m hardly worthy of adoration but It means a great deal to me that you have a found
      a place to soothe your senses and ease your cynicism. My most humble thanks for
      your praises.

      Errant Aesthete said this on 10/12/09 at 08:10:34 | Reply

  29. I forgot to say that I love the quote!!!!!!!

    dreamwriter said this on 10/23/09 at 01:10:27 | Reply

  30. I stumbled on your blog while looking for information about Richard Avedon. I am really impress with the images, as well as the writings .I wish to send you a link on my site when it is done. I am a photographer base in the wine country of Sonoma. I hope that you would be interested in posting one of my work soon.

    Richie Goodwin said this on 11/23/09 at 08:11:59 | Reply

  31. The author of this site is hiding at MORPHYNE.com

    Errant Aesthete said this on 12/02/09 at 08:12:59 | Reply

  32. How Brilliant!!!!!!!! Thank you again for such entertaining mystery!!!

    Silent Storyteller said this on 12/02/09 at 09:12:49 | Reply

  33. Today is my 50th birthday. What does a cocktail swilling savante drink on such an occasion.

    I am thinking champagne and more champagne.

    Vineca Gray said this on 01/09/10 at 10:01:22 | Reply

    • Vineca,

      How perfectly wonderful. I wish you happiness and prosperity on this, a landmark of birthdays!

      For the occasion, mere Champagne is, simply put, not enough. Unless of course, it’s a Dom Perignon White Gold Jeroboam
      ($40,000), a Pernod-Ricard Perrier-Jouet ($50,000) or a Shipwrecked 1907 Heidsieck ($275,000). Thus, I would opt for the
      more aptly named: Kir Royale, a blend of Champagne with a dash of Creme De Cassis, that is, in my estimation, the ultimate of
      champagne cocktails.

      Not only is the taste, superb, and the look, regal, but there is the added benefit of an anecdote. The story goes that Creme De Cassis, a centuries old black currant liqueur, was first created in France by monks for the heavenly purpose of curing “wretchedness.” Thus, what better elixir to banish the woes of time than the aforementioned Kir Royale.

      Kir Royale

      * 6 ounces chilled champagne
      * Splash of creme de cassis

      Serve in chilled flute.

      A heartfelt toast from one cocktail swilling savant to another.

      Errant Aesthete said this on 01/09/10 at 12:01:24 | Reply

    • I was drawn by the honesty of what you write

      Christiana said this on 02/15/12 at 02:02:11 | Reply

  34. Hope you might prowl for some watercolor images by the English artist William Russell Flint. If you don’t know him, he’s worth discovering. –Mark

    Mark D. Kindt said this on 01/12/10 at 02:01:58 | Reply

  35. browsing EA after an absence – touched by ‘remembrance of the girl she once was’ …on the anniversary of her birth…. memories and moments…. the essence of soulful connections with self and others… Enjoyed browsing again through Small Talk… loved the recipe for Kir Royale… been a long time since I’ve had one of those…. whole site looks and reads…. wonderful and elegant…seemingly no end to glorious images and discerning posts. Thanks for continuing to share your incredible eye for beauty, wit and elegance… your michelangelo for sure.

    JG in Marin, CA said this on 04/14/10 at 11:04:34 | Reply

    • Thank you JG in Marin. I had forgotten about this site. I had forgotten so much. I came back to this site and I remember so much. I look back at the beginning of the year when I was researching Poe and how I found this website. Then you posted and I received an email and I remembered. So thank you for what you have done for me without even knowing what you have done.

      dreamwriter said this on 04/15/10 at 09:04:05 | Reply

  36. I can’t spell anything, but I can say I feel I know you. My friends alway tell me I live in a past inhabited primarily by dead French women. Little do they know. I used to want to believe in reincarnation as long as it was retrograde. I love your site and your various enthusiasms. I have been lucky to know various exceptional individuals, usually one a time, and of late thin on the ground. Thank you.

    Roger Walker said this on 10/27/10 at 11:10:45 | Reply

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