The holidays inspire a dusting off of backgammon sets and Uno decks as loved ones gather round their tables for good old-fashioned family game nights. We hosted ours at the midcentury modern home of local mahjong enthusiasts Lise Baadh and Gordon Mehus, founding members of the Palm Springs Mahjong club.
Indeed, mahjong is having a moment. And if you don’t already play, you might consider making it a New Year’s resolution to learn. During Modernism Week this February, Lise and fellow devotees will host “Bakelite, Bone & Bamboo: The Mystical Chinese Game of Mahjong.” The event introduces the basics of the game and delves into its fascinating history, abiding sense of community, and highly collectible vintage tiles.
Styling by Brian Primeaux
Nails by Pilar Noire using OPI Nail Polish
Featured Image (above)
Dress: Atelier Sabine Luise. Necklace, bracelet, and ring: Brandon Boswell Diamonds. Champagne flute: Dazzles. Men’s cardigan; Theory shirt and pant: Saks Fifth Avenue. Custom floral pendant: The House of Florals. Pair of Aspery London malachite obelisks: Dragonette Limited.
Vintage Royal Brand by Crisloid backgammon set: L’Indy California. Ichendorf Milano coupe and Rabanne bag: The Webster. Lino Sabattini for Rosenthal fork: Dragonette Limited. Charcuterie box: Palm Springs Charcuterie.
Gucci bag: The Road Luxury. Necklace: Brandon Boswell Diamonds. Holiday gift boxes of almond toffee bites: Brandini Toffee. Eames x Art of Play playing cards: Kat & Cody.
Bucherer bracelet and ring; Hublot “Big Bang Unico” watch: Leeds & Son | Bucherer. Eyeglasses: Oliver Peoples. Men’s sweater; Hugo Boss shirt: Saks Fifth Avenue. Printworks domino set: The Webster. Limited-edition Royal Pine Deluxe candle: Vacation. Martini glasses: Dazzles. Toffee popcorn: Brandini Toffee. Platner coffee table: Knoll.
L’Agency dress: Saks Fifth Avenue. Necklace, bracelets, and ring: Frizzante Fine Jewelers. L’Objet x Haas Brothers chess set: Dragonette Limited. Hermès coffee cup and saucer: The Road Luxury. “Stack of Cash Billions” clutch: Judith Leiber.
Alice + Olivia jacket: The Road Luxury. Ring: Frizzante Fine Jewelers. Bust clutch: Judith Leiber. Sunglasses: Oliver Peoples. The Attico gold heel: The Webster. Champagne flute: Dazzles. SPF 30 shimmer oil: Vacation. Shell Chair by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn: Design Within Reach.
Custom cakes with candied fruit: Con Amor, Nina y Leon. Bracelet and canary diamond ring (on mahjong tile): Brandon Boswell Diamonds. Plate: Baccarat. Martini glass: World Market. Vintage Chanel cuff: Dragonette Limited.
