Editor's Letter - December 2011

A Season for Entertaining

Steven Biller

Shooting on location for Palm Springs Life sometimes goes like filming a movie. We often start somewhere in the middle of the story and sequence the final images when we lay out the magazine.

While shooting “The Elements of Gracious Living” — an entertainment feature that showcases fine food, fashion, and design in a country club setting — we started with the main course: seared wild salmon with gingered raw slaw and Thai red curry sauce, prepared by Jennifer Johnson.

“Get the still-life views out of the way before we introduce people to the set,” photographer Charles White said. So, next came the elegant tabletop view in the dining room, showcasing the rich setting created by Tuverson & Co.

When Dennis and Cathy Graham emerged from their bedroom, where Palm Springs Life had placed its wardrobe, hair, and makeup stylists — they looked every bit the part: a country club couple, ready to open their house to guests.

The Grahams, who leave rainy Seattle for a season in the sun, exude a bright spirit and eagerness to embrace the gifts that desert living offers. Their custom house in Ironwood Country Club has a charming interior with intimate spaces, as well as a patio with refreshing water features and panoramic views of the property’s golf course and the chiseled Santa Rosa Mountains.

Their experience has a familiar ring to many of our readers. In our feature story, the people who helped create the magic at the Grahams’ house, including interior designer Donna Dunn, point out the details that make this house a home.

Also in this edition, actor and 2012 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards honoree Peter Gallagher reveals why he devoted himself to AIDS causes in “I Was Personally Touched.”

And turn to the Desert Guide for ideas for holiday shopping and New Year’s Eve entertainment.