Always a collector, Alexander’s love of decorative arts, textiles, and interiors began as a child in Pennsylvania. This passion blossomed into a career in the textile world and he now owns Widener Company, an interiors shop in Wiscasset, Maine. You can find him online, where he shares about design, collecting, and life.
1. GARDENHEIR GARDEN CLOGS
I moved to Maine and suddenly became a “clog person.” These ones are made in Italy, very comfortable and come in a dozen colors…I wear them every day.
2. A HANDMADE BASKET
For years, I’ve been captured by baskets. When I opened the shop, one of our first products was the baskets that our weaver makes right here in Wiscasset. I use mine at the farmers market, beach, or to gather flea market finds.
3. A FANCY FLOWERPOT
I grow a variety of geraniums and topiaries. As spring hits, it’s a good time to repot in preparation for new growth.I love the pots made by Ben Wolff at his Connecticut studio; they make gardening so much more enjoyable.
4. HISTORIC HOME TOURS
Visiting house museums is my favorite weekend activity. Historic New England has the most incredible collection of properties.You can’t miss Hamilton House, in South Berwick, or Bowman House, just around the corner from me, in Dresden.
5. HERITAGE EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
One of my favorite treats is a citrus olive oil cake; it instantly transports you to Italy. The key to a good cake?Good olive oil. I like to splurge on this one from Flamingo Estate—it’s divine.
6. HEIRLOOM-QUALITY COTTON BLANKET
When I first came to Maine, I was surprised by how chilly it gets at night, even on warm summer days. I like to have cotton blankets on hand for guests to wrap up in. These are woven right here in Monmouth.
7. A SCENTED CANDLE
I love burning a scented candle in the shop and at home. My favorite is from C. Atherley, and it is inspired by a variety of geraniums grown by the brand’s founder. It’s fresh, lemony, and botanical. Even better, I can burn it all day and never get a headache.
