A Kennebunkport Home Restored and Readied for Generations to Come

August, 2025 | By: Alyssa Bird | Photography: Erin Little

Having grown up in Michigan, one of the owners of this Kennebunkport residence has been summering in the town her entire life—first next door, where five generations of her family have spent time, and later at this historic 1895 manse known as the Billows Cottage, which her parents and uncle purchased in 1981. Located directly across from the Atlantic, with views of Walker’s Point, the property was actually home to Barbara and George H.W. Bush during the 1970s. “My immediate family began staying in this house when I was ten, after it had served as a rental,” she says. “My parents eventually moved back next door, and then my husband and I took over the property from my siblings during COVID. The home didn’t have an HVAC system or any other significant updates, so it was time to breathe some new life into it. We wanted the family to be able to come year-round and celebrate holidays here. It was important to us to bring the structure up to modern standards while staying true to its character and surroundings.”

To guide the thoughtful renovation of this beloved place, the couple tapped architect David Graham, designer Alexandra Theofanidis of Studio Alpha Interiors, and Spang Builders. Because the couple has a large extended family—not to mention their own two children and dogs—they placed an emphasis on creating comfortable guest quarters and spaces for optimal entertaining. “This is a very family-oriented couple who like bringing everyone under one roof,” explains Theofanidis, who struck out on her own a few years ago after working in hospitality design. “The husband’s parents are from Italy, so they love cooking big Italian meals, and they even make their own grappa.” As such, reworking the kitchen and transforming part of the servants’ quarters into a pantry was of utmost importance. “The goal was to make the kitchen the center of the home and create that hearth feeling,” she continues. The designer worked with Graham on a new layout, making it more accessible to an adjacent sitting room and the dining room. “The fireplace used to face into the dining room, but we reversed it for use in the sitting room instead,” says the wife, noting that this is now one of her favorite spots to curl up and enjoy the ocean views. To make the most of the rather tight space, Theofanidis designed a built-in sofa that wraps around a windowed corner. “My mom sits there while I’m cooking, and my daughter loves to perch there and read,” says the wife. It’s also the perfect place to enjoy cocktail hour, thanks to the wet bar positioned between this area and the kitchen. On the other side of the kitchen is the new pantry, which features food storage, a beverage refrigerator, a farmhouse sink for prep, and a baking zone complete with a marble surface for rolling out dough.

This rejiggering of dated spaces (including an antique toilet tucked beneath the staircase), plus a minor addition to the rear of the structure, make all the difference in how the home functions. “We weren’t able to extend the footprint much, but David is a mastermind at working with what you have,” says Theofanidis. “Now the flow of the first floor and the back entry, which the family normally uses, is much better. We also added a mudroom with a special area for the dogs as well as a powder room and wine storage.” On the second floor, a new Jack and Jill bath serves the two bedrooms that hadn’t enjoyed en suites previously. And in an effort to take full advantage of every square inch, the dormers were raised in the unfinished third-floor attic, which became a bunk room complete with a desk area and an adjoining bath. “We have lots of small kids in the family, so we thought this would be a great spot for cousin sleepovers,” says the wife. “Now eight kids can sleep up there.” Theofanidis outfitted the room with a few nautical touches—including shiplap and porthole-like lighting—in addition to a whimsical tree wallpaper in one of the nooks. Combined with the view, she says, “It’s as though you’re on a boat, but also in the forest. This space is all about the kids.”

Despite these significant changes, the team’s goal was always to respect the residence’s history and remain true to its bones. “We tried to accentuate the old,” says Theofanidis. “The pine flooring on the first floor is original, as is the staircase. And the builder replicated a portion of the other architectural elements, such as the crown moulding, trim, and pocket doors, to match the rest of the house.” Other crucial behind-the-scenes updates included adding structural support, restoring the existing rock foundation, installing a new roof and shingle siding, and enlarging or adding windows to maximize the ocean views. “We didn’t want this to look like a remodel,” says Norm Laliberte of Spang Builders. “We replicated as much as we could to retain the essence of an old shingle- style home. You can tell it has been updated, yet you still feel like you’re stepping back in time.”

Carrying this sense of history through to the decor was key. “I wanted to reflect the grandeur of this generational home, which will hopefully withstand the test of time,” says Theofanidis. “I met the clients’ children, nieces, and nephews, and I thought about the fact that the house will be theirs one day. I really wanted it to represent their family. We were going for timeless, sophisticated, and elevated. This isn’t your typical beach house.” Indeed, the palette eschews crisp colors in favor of more muted, moody tones that appear sunworn in an utterly comfortable, casual way. And although the decor is anything but “beachy,” the expansive ocean scenery simply cannot be ignored. “We still wanted to bring the outside in, from the water to the pebbles on the beach,” says the designer. “That drove a good portion of the palette. You’ll find shades of green, navy, grayish blue, and pops of yellow on the first floor as well as patterns that create enough visual intrigue without being in your face.” When it came to the seven bedrooms upstairs, the couple asked that the designer work within the same color schemes that have become so well known to the extended family and friends. “Each bedroom has always had a different color assigned to it, and we wanted to keep up with that tradition,” explains the husband. “Alex did a great job translating them in a really subtle way.” According to the designer, she once again looked to the landscape when selecting specific shades of each hue. “The goal was to play on each color a bit rather than going fully chromatic,” says Theofanidis.

Throughout, performance fabrics and durable materials prevail, given the need to withstand everything from children and dogs to salt water and sandy feet. Theofanidis selected classic furnishings to mingle with some custom elements and a smattering of the clients’ existing antiques and artwork. She also layered in contemporary artwork by local artists and custom furnishings by local artisans. “It was important to us to find Maine woodworkers and source locally,” says the husband. After all, it’s those one-of-a-kind items that make the house theirs. “I hope my clients feel like the home reflects their style,” says the designer. “At the end of the day, this is a summerhouse, where they should be comfortable and happy.”

Landscape Designer Gavin Boyce-Ratliff on Planting For Your Future

“Money and labor aside, density provides habitat for wildlife, maintains soil temperatures, and helps fight erosion and runoff. A win, win, win.”

MH+D ASKS BOYCE-RATLIFF TO TELL US MORE.

Q. How do you start your design process?

A. Everything starts in the landscape. Whether it’s a small consultation or a multiyear master planning effort, my design experience and tendencies are only valuable if I properly understand the land we’re talking about. After hearing from the clients, and talking through what the process might look like, I go and find a place in the garden to just sit quietly for a while. I’ll probably come back to it over and over through the project, using it as a place to pause and reset. I find if I spend too much time getting caught up in the drawings and base plans, I quickly lose track of the site’s character. So, as much as the early stages of the design involve pen on paper and concept sketches, the more time I can spend without plans and an open mind on-site, the better.

More tangibly, one of the first things I do as a project kicks off is collect soil samples from the site. Between holistic soil analysis and a survey of existing plant material, the framework for our design work comes into greater focus.

Q. You’re very vocal about the danger of getting into chambers and preaching “native only” no matter the circumstance. Can you tell us a little more about that?

A. Let me preface by saying, when in doubt, plant native. It’s well documented how important it is to support and encourage a greater diversity of native species around our homes. This is at the heart of Doug Tallamy’s homegrown national park idea: that our human footprint on the landscape is so large that we need to use our gardens and landscapes as a means for piecing together habitats and migratory paths for wildlife, with which I fully agree.

However, there are numerous external factors at play, and I believe we need to be particularly thoughtful about how we transition into this next chapter in our gardens.

For one, climate change is causing species to migrate north at a rapid rate. Plants that were hardy in the mid-Atlantic 10 or 20 years ago are now marginally hardy up here in Maine. That’s crazy. However, what that means is we will get both the good and bad species as everything migrates north. Invasive species, tree-killing insects, and less reliable weather patterns will significantly impact our native flora. And so it’s up to us to decide what we want our future landscapes to look like. If some of our birches and maples are going to become less and less resilient in the face of all this, do we just keep planting “native” for the sake of it? Or do we begin selecting species from farther south that will better handle the next chapter? How do we even want to define “native?” It’s unbelievably complicated, and I won’t pretend to be the right guy to answer all these questions.

Similarly, gardening with native plants is only a piece of the puzzle. A backyard full of 100 percent native species is wonderful, don’t get me wrong. But if it’s planted in the traditional, widely spaced grid with too much mulch, irrigation, and herbicides, how much better is it really?

I am not a purist, and I try to create gardens that are full of “right plant, right place” species. If the end product requires minimal input and “maintenance,” attracts and supports wildlife, and encourages people to get outside and spend time in their landscape, I consider that a success. But everyone has a slightly different approach to this topic, and there isn’t one right answer, despite what some may say.

Q. Do you think garden design should echo your clients’ tastes or be site driven?

A. It has to be a marriage of both. No garden, even in urban areas, is ever truly created in a vacuum. We have to take cues from the climate and local vernacular. Certain plants won’t thrive in your hardiness zone; some stones are inappropriate for colder, icier climates. There are certain considerations and experiences from past work that I can bring to the table and share with my client.

A garden at its root is a space for humans, created by humans. There is immeasurable beauty in our forests and meadows and wilder spaces, but if we don’t have a space closer to home that brings us joy and refuge, it’s difficult to fully appreciate and advocate for the natural world beyond our fences. Whether it comes from a place of nostalgia or practicality, I think it’s imperative that the narrative for a garden stems from a client’s goals and the plants that bring them joy.

Q. What are the benefits of investing in a greater density of plants?

A. Perhaps counterintuitively, more plants can mean less maintenance. In a thoughtfully laid out and established garden, we can leverage the natural tendencies of plants to make our job easier. If, instead of an annual coating of mulch, we let grasses and sedges and wild strawberries weave their way through a bed, we get more visual interest and less opportunity for weeds to pop up. Upfront costs can be tough to swallow sometimes; we all want a good-looking space without spending more than we think we must. But if you pull out a calculator, and you think about the future management needs for your garden, more plants at the beginning can pay for themselves in spades. Less frequent maintenance, less mulch, less irrigation. And a more beautiful space.

To be a broken record: a garden ought to bring you joy and engage your senses. Plants are much better at this than mulch.

MH+D is proud to partner with acclaimed architectural photographer Trent Bell on his architecture, design, and photography podcast. To hear Bell’s conversation with Boyce-Ratliff, please visit adppodcast.com.

Cutie’s Brings DIY Charm and Playful Vibes to the Old Port

August, 2025 | Photography: Nate Davis | As told to Becca Abramson

“Arvid Brown, my business partner in Room for Improvement, and I were loosely considering a second concept that would be the complete opposite of our current bar. Whereas Room is small, cloistered, full of history, and kind of inherently divey, we wanted something bright, airy, fun, and eclectic, driven by natural wine and low-ABV cocktails. Bryce Summers and Garrett Lenderman, our two front-of-house partners at Cutie’s, were also thinking about opening a bar, and Ryan Nielsen, our chef-partner, was looking to do his own project as well. We started chatting about it casually, and this space, which used to be Petite Jacqueline, came up. It’s set above the street, it has floor-to-ceiling windows, and it’s in the heart of town, but it was too big for any of us to take on individually. We decided to do it together, and the concept kept evolving from there.

“We did most of the design direction and then tapped a lot of old friends who are skilled artisans, contractors, and designers and sort of cobbled it all together. Aaron Black, a buddy of mine, completed our build-out at Room for Improvement and also did the vast majority of the construction here at Cutie’s. He’s great to work with because he brings things to life in a functional and aesthetically pleasing way every time. Tyler Gross, who works under the name Dr. Slime, went above and beyond with our graphic design, and as we started to make aesthetic choices about the interior, we really leaned in to his artwork. He produced some bigger pieces for us that now adorn the walls. In juxtaposition to his style is the abstract mural in the entryway by Jenna Pirello. My friend Ben Houtkamp, who is a stained-glass artist in Chicago, designed the centerpiece chandelier that hangs in the corner. It’s almost Tiffany-esque, but with a little contemporary flair. It taps into our colors and is just as beautiful at night as a focal point. John Sundling over at Plant Office helped us with the plants and installation, and I sourced a lot of weird, eclectic planters on Etsy and eBay. We’ve got probably 60 or 70 plants, so the place is going to be a jungle soon.

“We always envisioned this as a daytime space as well as an evening space, but we didn’t initially know how it would feel at night. When we first opened for nights only, we immediately noticed this vibey, sexy feeling. It’s still airy, but we crank up the music, lower the lights, and turn on some lamps. It’s a much quieter hang in the morning when people are out with their laptops, having meetings, and getting breakfast sandwiches. Ultimately, we wanted to create something that Portland had never seen before—something fun and playful with a sense of nostalgia that can’t be pinpointed as referring to any particular era. It harkens back to a time when things were slower, chiller, and more comfortable.”

—Nick Coffin, owner

This Seaside Blue and White Palette Invites the Ocean to Stand Out

August, 2025 | By: Becca Abramson | Photography: Carmel Brantley

“I didn’t grow up in a house on the water, but I did grow up on the beach,” writes Phoebe Howard in the introduction to her new book, The Waterfront House: Living with Style on the Coast (Abrams, 2025). Living just three doors down from the ocean in south Florida shaped much of Howard’s design philosophy: “The houses I saw on the beach—with their patios and porches; their wooden walls indoors and out, often painted a cool white; and their palettes pulled from their oceanfront settings—all very much influenced how I design today,” she says. “I look for [prints and materials] that echo the subtle shimmer of sun on water, the movement of waves across the sea, and the patterns and textures those waves leave in their wake. Every time I look at the water, I find new inspiration.”

From coastal California to Howard’s roots in Florida and up the eastern seaboard to New England, waterfront style has prevailed as a timeless, calming aesthetic. “There’s nothing I love more than a soothing color scheme of pale blues and light greens set off by the whites, ivories, and other neutrals you see in the shades of seashells, dried seagrass, driftwood, and the sand that surrounds them,” Howard explains. Of course, waterfront design choices need to be practical, too: houses on the water must adapt to the elements, sandy feet, and limited storage space. Howard argues this is because “waterfront houses are resort-like retreats—designed for a crowd and for a good time. Party houses, in the most sophisticated sense, these homes are meant not just to be lived in. They get to be enjoyed by the generations of families who call them home—plus the friends, neighbors, and assorted other guests who are always stopping by.”

Melhorn Architecture and Construction designed the formal living room of this Florida home, situated on the Intracoastal Waterway, with light-filled spaces, large windows, and glass doors that blur the lines between indoors and out. Howard curated both antiques and new furnishings to complement the room’s palette of pale blues and neutral hues, which, paired with natural materials and soft textures, allow the water views to command attention. Wood paneling in the entryway extends to the ceiling of the living room, and Howard chose to mix stripes with medallion and lattice prints atop a flat-weave rug that’s easy to keep clean, no matter how many sandy feet walk across it. Design your own waterfront-style home with these nine finds.

*WAVESIDE TABLE* Bunny Williams Home // bunnywilliamshome.com

MULXIPLY Founder Tanja Cesh’s Perfect Day, Favorite Local Artisans, and Style Influences

Photo: Meredith Brockington

What would be your perfect Maine day?
The day would start with a cold plunge in the bay as the sun rises, with Frankie, our mini Aussie, dutifully dog-paddling in circles around me. Then, of course, a steaming cup of coffee alongside a Belleville butter croissant. During the warmer months, we love taking our kayaks to the East End Beach for “food truck dinners” and then paddling home with the sun on our backs. Nothing is better than cozying up at Night Mares on Munjoy Hill, sipping a Green Ghoul, and digging into a slice of cake over a board game while listening to their always on-point playlist.

Go-to shop or local artisan for unique pieces?
Well, this might be a little self- promoting, but our shop Ember tells such a unique story, full of handmade apparel, jewelry, and goods from my brand Mulxiply and gorgeous, hand-thrown ceramics by my business partners Kristen and Joe Camp of Campfire Pottery. When we refresh the shop each season, it’s like a blank canvas, allowing us to create a brand-new story. It’s such a joy to create a shop full of often one-of-a-kind pieces.

How would you describe your aesthetic in three words?
Midcentury. Cozy. Functional.

Five things you can’t live without?
Grace. Deep friendship. Hard laughter. Curiosity. Good bread.

Your biggest style/design influence?
My mom. This is something I didn’t fully realize until she passed away. How I dress and decorate, how I host, how I design my collections, what I buy, etc., is heavily (and happily) influenced by her European aesthetic.

One piece of furniture, art, or decor in your space that tells a story?
When my parents passed away, I inherited this very ugly midcentury modern chaise longue with rockers on it. My husband hated it, but I loved it because, as a child, my dad read to me in that chair. We finally had it recovered a couple of years ago by Home Remedies, and it is now proudly displayed in our living room, and it’s the first place guests go to sit (and often fall asleep).

The Lilly Pulitzer Shift Dress Was Designed for Juice Stains & Comfort

August, 2025 | By: Danielle Devine

Photo: Howell Conant (1962), courtesy of Lilly Pulitzer

This is the story of a dress inspired by a nervous breakdown and juice stains. Lillian (Lilly) McKim was born into wealth, the daughter of a Standard Oil heiress. In 1952, at the age of 21, she eloped with Peter Pulitzer, grandson of the publisher Joseph Pulitzer, and moved to Florida, where Pulitzer owned several orange groves.

The attractive couple was known for their fun parties, where Lilly often poured water on the floors to promote dancing. The Palm Beach socialite was something of an anomaly known for walking down Worth Avenue barefoot with her pet monkey, Goonie, on her shoulder. The Pulitzers had three children in under four years, which took a toll on Lilly. She sought treatment for what we would now call postpartum anxiety/depression. After being carefully evaluated by her doctor, she was told that there was absolutely nothing wrong with her, but she needed to find a hobby. Her husband suggested she help sell some of the citrus from their groves, so she opened a juice stand with her dear friend and former fashion editor Laura Clark in 1959.

After a day working at the stand, her clothes were often stained with orange and grapefruit juice. She bought some fabric from the five-and-dime store that would camouflage the stains and asked her seamstress to create a couple of dresses. Lily requested that they be lined, so she could wear the dress without undergarments, and not be fitted, so she could stay comfortable and cool while working at the stand in the Florida heat. The design was simple, featuring two seams, a few darts, and a slit to allow for easy movement. Juice stand customers soon wanted to know where they could purchase their own bright-colored frocks. She began selling her shift dresses, which became known simply as “Lillys,” at the stand for $22. When her friend from high school, First Lady Jackie Kennedy, wore a Lilly dress on the cover of Life magazine in 1962, the company rose to fame. The dresses were unlike the corseted-waisted designs most women were wearing in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Lilly represented the ease and carefree nature of resort living.

Lilly’s juice stand turned into a clothing business. Soon she needed better textiles. She found a pattern that fit her style and traced the designer back to the small fabric printing business Key West Hand Prints. The designer’s name was Susie Zuzek, and over the next 23 years, Zuzek created over 1,550 designs, most of which were used by Pulitzer. Lilly added her signature to each print. The “Lilly Look” was synonymous with wild, bright, colorful prints, the products of Zuzek and Lilly’s collaboration.

Lilly Pulitzer’s trademark shift dress became a wardrobe classic not only worn by the wealthy in Palm Beach but also by those who vacationed in Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Southhampton, and Bar Habor. The design was simple but sophisticated. “‘The Lilly’ doesn’t really follow trends,” Lilly Pulitzer said in an interview in April of 1978. “It has become a kind of classic after all these years, kind of on the order of a Chanel suit. It doesn’t change, you can always recognize one.”

Lilly Pulitzer died in 2013, having sold the company years before. One thing that has not changed is that the iconic prints are still a staple in many wardrobes, and the iconic shift dress is as popular as ever.

Planting with Purpose at the Mahoosuc Land Trust’s Habitat for All Garden

August, 2025 | By: Becca Abramson | Photography: Andy Gagne, courtesy of Mahoosuc Land Trust

What inspired the creation of the Habitat For All Garden at Valentine Farm?
The goal for the Habitat For All Garden and educational initiative is to provide opportunities for everyone to connect with nearby nature. In construct and inspiration, it has four main pillars. The first is habitat for birds and pollinators: there are sections of the garden that are built for birds, and other areas that are densely planted for insects. It envelops visitors in a riot of color and texture—you can hardly see the ground. The next pillar is food production, which is an amazing access point to appreciating nature. Caring about your food really means caring about how it’s produced. The third pillar is sanctuary, which is especially important because we all need respite and downtime. We’ve designed spaces within the garden where visitors can sit and read or meditate, and where we encourage people to just be. The final pillar is exploration and discovery, and that corner of the garden is designed for kids and families. There are lots of hand-painted signs and prompting questions that get children to touch, smell, create, climb, and question. It’s a brilliant addition to the garden.

What are the benefits of a pollinator garden?
Insects support all life—everything that we need to eat, wear, or enjoy is somehow connected to insects—but they’re in trouble across the globe. If you simply provide some flowers with nectar and pollen, the pollinators will come, and you’ll be rewarded. It’s an incredibly easy entryway into having a close encounter with nature, even if all you have is a single plant in a pot on your stoop.

What are the first steps you recommend for establishing a pollinator-friendly garden?
After visiting the Habitat For All Garden for inspiration, I’d suggest picking up some books or doing some research online. Select a full-sun site if possible, because the flowers people are most familiar with do best in full sun. Work with a local grower who can tell you how their plants were grown and what chemicals they may have used on them. If you’re planting a small garden, buy four or five different types of plants, and then numerous ones of each so that insects can feed efficiently (they like clumps versus several different kinds). Try to choose things that bloom at different times from June to September instead of having everything happen all at once. My own philosophy is that the longer you garden, the better you garden, so give it some time and you really can’t go wrong.

What are some common mistakes people make when trying to create pollinator gardens, and how can they be avoided?
I encourage people to plant closer than the package or directions may instruct, because it provides a dense habitat that will attract more life. Also, many of our ornamental plants don’t need overly rich soils—once established, most of them are going to grow without needing much. Last, when you have a diverse garden, you attract many new insects that are also pollinators. Before you squash any new insect, make certain it’s not beneficial for the garden!

Visit Valentine Farm and the Habitat For All Garden from dawn to dusk through November 15 at 162 North Road in Bethel.

STITCH Runway Show & Style Market 2025

August, 2025 | Photography: Jessica Webb

Maine Crafts Association’s (MCA) annual fundraiser at Maine Studio Works brought together lovers of slow fashion for an unforgettable celebration of wearable art. The evening featured a high-energy runway show spotlighting seven talented Maine designers, an inspiring keynote from local fashion icon Jill McGowan, and live screen-printing action from Little Chair Printing. Guests sipped on craft cocktails from Cocktail Mary, cooled down with refreshing summer samples from Coffee by Design, and shopped the vibrant style market featuring 18 incredible vendors offering apparel, accessories, and more.

*Mary Allen Lindemann from Coffee by* *Design, one of the night’s sponsors*

“STITCH 2025 was bigger and better than ever, and our community showed up to celebrate MCA like never before. We are proud to serve as the connecting point for a broad network of makers, collectors, and supporters in Maine.”

—Whitney Gill, MCA executive director

Mainstay with Kevin Browne Architecture

August, 2025 | Photography: Jessica Webb

MH+D’s spring Mainstay at Kevin Browne Architecture (KBA) was a lively celebration of the local creative community and the firm’s transition to totally employee ownership. Held at KBA’s new office in Falmouth, the evening brought together designers, architects, and builders to connect and share ideas. Attendees enjoyed savory eclairs, charcuterie, and more by Experience Maine Culinary and drinks provided by KBA while taking in views from the office’s massive third-floor windows.

*Members of the KBA* *team: Drew Bortles, project manager; Leah Lippmann,* *project and interior architect; Lexi Waddell, designer;* *Nichole Drew, office manager; Heather Browne,* *marketing manager; and Kevin Young, project manager*

“Sharing our space with collaborators and supporters made for a meaningful gathering. It was a pleasure to see familiar faces, spark new connections, and celebrate the relationships that make our work possible. The event was filled with great conversation, shared stories, and a true sense of community.”

—Kevin Browne, founding principal of Kevin Browne Architecture

Pickled Potato Salad with Fresh Herbs

August, 2025 | By: Casey Elsass | Photography: Gentl & Hyers

I’m Irish, so if you put a potato in front of me, I’m going to love it. But if you put a potato salad in front of me, I do have this short list of requests right here: lots of acid (that will always work in your favor), a little bit of heat (never a bad idea), fresh herbiness (a reliable balance to starchy), and a hard no to raw onions stinking up the bowl. If you’ve been dying to have a killer potato salad in your arsenal—and really, everyone should—this recipe will help get you on the right track.

Serves 6 to 8

INGREDIENTS

3 pounds baby creamer potatoes (two 24-ounce bags)
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup dill pickles plus ¼ cup pickle brine
10 pepperoncini plus 2 tablespoons pepperoncini brine
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
½ teaspoon celery seeds
1 bunch chives
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons grainy or spicy brown mustard
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ cup loosely packed fresh parsley leaves, plus more for garnish
½ cup loosely packed fresh dill fronds, plus more for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large Dutch oven, combine the potatoes, 1 tablespoon of the salt, and 8 cups of cold water. Set over high heat and bring to a boil, about 10 minutes. Once bubbles start to pop all over the surface, set a timer for 8 minutes. When the timer goes off, use a spoon to remove a couple potatoes; if a paring knife slides in and right back out with no effort, you’re good to go. If not, give them 2 more minutes before testing again.
Drain the potatoes, but don’t rinse. Let them sit for about 5 minutes until you can comfortably cut them in half. Throw the halved potatoes in a large bowl. While they’re still warm, toss with the pickle brine, the pepperoncini brine, the vinegar, the celery seeds, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt. Let the potatoes cool completely and absorb those flavors, about 1 hour.
When the potatoes are cool, finely chop the pickles, pepperoncini, and chives. Add them to the bowl with the mayonnaise, mustard, and black pepper and fold everything together. Chop the parsley and dill and add. Lightly toss to mix.
Pile the potato salad into a serving bowl, then garnish with more parsley and dill before serving.

Excerpted from What Can I Bring? Recipes to Help You Live Your Guest Life by Casey Elsass (Union Square & Co., 2025). Reprinted with permission from the publisher.

Maine Home + Design |

Magazine

A Kennebunkport Home Restored and Readied for Generations to Come

Landscape Designer Gavin Boyce-Ratliff on Planting For Your Future

Cutie’s Brings DIY Charm and Playful Vibes to the Old Port

This Seaside Blue and White Palette Invites the Ocean to Stand Out

MULXIPLY Founder Tanja Cesh’s Perfect Day, Favorite Local Artisans, and Style Influences

The Lilly Pulitzer Shift Dress Was Designed for Juice Stains & Comfort

Planting with Purpose at the Mahoosuc Land Trust’s Habitat for All Garden

STITCH Runway Show & Style Market 2025

Mainstay with Kevin Browne Architecture

Pickled Potato Salad with Fresh Herbs

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