Summary of Living Artfully: At Home with Marjorie Merriweather Post, by Estella M. Chung

Uncover the extravagant lifestyle of Marjorie Merriweather Post in 'Living Artfully.' This summary reveals her artful living and cultural contributions!

Welcome to the peculiar world of Marjorie Merriweather Post, where grandeur meets quirkiness and art is not just an afterthought-it's a lifestyle! If you've ever wondered what a life filled with extravagant soirées, quirky collections, and a touch of "who needs a budget?" looks like, then buckle up as we dive into Living Artfully.

Let's start with the most important thing: Marjorie, or as I like to call her, "The Queen of Excess." Born with a silver spoon in her mouth (probably designer), she was the daughter of the founder of the Post cereal empire. Yes, that's right, the same family that brings you breakfast in a box also dabbled in excessive wealth and artistic philanthropy. Marjorie didn't just inherit money; she transformed it into a dizzying array of cultural contributions-while also making sure her home looked like a museum that decided it wanted to be a vintage Feris wheel and an art gallery at the same time.

Now, the book "Living Artfully" isn't just a glorified photo album of fabulous parties (though it does have plenty of that). Estella M. Chung gives us a detailed exploration of Marjorie's lavish lifestyle, showcasing her home, the Hillwood Estate, where every corner looks like a Pinterest board explosion. You think your home décor is quirky? Wait until you see how Marjorie decorated with everything from Russian imperial art to enough china to serve a small country.

Seriously, the book breaks down her artistic sensibilities, showcasing how she mixed high art with high tea and claimed that the pursuit of beauty was not just optional-it was mandatory. The narrative dives into her vast collection of artworks, including pieces that would make the Louvre weep with jealousy. And let's not forget her legendary gardens, which could practically host the Garden of Eden 2.0 reunion.

Each chapter is like a mini tour through a rich person's fantasy land. We learn about her whimsical entertaining style-think lavish dinner parties where guests were more like art installations you could converse with than actual friends. If you ever thought serving hors d'oeuvres on a 24-carat gold platter was a little over the top, Marjorie's here to remind you that's an absolute necessity if you're trying to impress people who probably also own yachts.

Now, let's talk about her influence. Marjorie wasn't just a collector; she was a curator of lifestyle, teaching us that living artfully isn't just about what hangs on your walls, but how you go about living your life. Spoiler alert: it involves a lot of glitter, a lot of style, and definitely a staff of at least eight to keep your mansion running smoothly.

As you flip through the pages, you'll get the sense that Marjorie was not just a person but an entire attitude. She was all about living life with flair and encouraging others to see the beauty in every dull moment. So, whether you're planning a mildly extravagant tea party or just trying to make your morning toast feel like an event, keep in mind the lessons of Marjorie Merriweather Post: artful living is a choice, and honey, you'd better pick the most extravagant option available.

In a nutshell, "Living Artfully" is a satirical ode to a life well-lived-or at least a life lived without any concern for your average budget constraints. It's a delightful read filled with enough inspiration to make anyone consider whether their apartment could benefit from a few strategically placed chandeliers. or just a little less IKEA and a little more opulence.

So, if you're ready to dive into the world of Marjorie Merriweather Post-a world where less is definitely not more-grab a copy of Living Artfully. Just make sure you have your finest china on hand while reading, because who knows? You might even get inspired to throw your own extravagant gala!

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.