The etiquette of entering & exiting doors!
My dear parents gave me the opportunity to attend a school that embraces gracious traditions. Because of that, I also made lifelong friends and camaraderie. At my reunion, many commented about my newsletter and how they share it with their children and grandchildren… the ultimate compliment! My darling classmate, Caroline, suggested the topic of “common […]
Exciting News!! Jude Connally & Holly Holden Collaborate!
Exciting news! I am ELATED to unveil my latest collaboration! ~The Jude Connally x Holly Holden Collection~ Together, we designed a collection of happy dresses for day and play! So, how did this all transpire? Here is my story! About 12 years ago, Stuart and I were at the Saratoga Races in New York. Afterwards, […]
Tiny Flower Arrangements – Darling and Done!
There is something quite charming about little flower bouquets! With spring upon us in New England, the hopeful anticipation of pretty flowers in the garden comes to mind. No matter what size your house is, consider making a few petite flower arrangements by using very small and unique vases. The joy and allure of lilliputian-sized […]
Protocol for place cards!
We all know how much effort it takes to host a memorable, seated dinner party for our guests! Seating placement is one aspect of proper entertaining, and it takes time and considerable thought. A place card (or seating card) tells guests where they will be seated at the table. Guests tend to appreciate place cards […]
Thank you notes: The secret code!
A handwritten note is more important than ever, especially with the present-day trend of sending off a quick thank-you via email. A handwritten acknowledgment for someone’s hospitality, gift, or act of kindness is the pinnacle of graciousness, a quiet beacon of polish, and a proper nod to good manners. Have you ever heard the old-school […]
A Well-Appointed House Guest Bathroom: The Essential List!
So, you have houseguests coming! How well-prepared is your Guest Bathroom? While you are not trying to be a 5-star hotel, you want your guests to feel comfortable, relaxed, and attended to! Assemble a little “guest bathroom basket” under the sink, or place it in a vanity drawer or their bedroom closet. Fill it with […]
Ladies, do you tilt your hat to the right or left?!
Kentucky Derby day is near, so let’s chat about hats! Ladies, did you know that the appropriate side to tilt your hat is to the right side of your face? That’s right! Rachel Trevor-Morgan is a clever and, OH, SO talented London milliner with a Royal Warrant, and she has been a lovely sponsor. When […]
Chargers: When NOT to use them!
A “charger” is a plate that is more significant in diameter than a dinner plate. It is also referred to as a service plate or an underplate. While chargers are used for decorative purposes these days, they used to be primarily to protect the table from hot plates being placed directly on top of the […]
A gift that you give to yourself when you entertain at home!
Stuart and I adore entertaining, and our goal has always been to have a jolly time while catching up with our darling friends. We share stories and laugh the night away over dinner. “Friends are a gift you give yourself!” I truly savor the preparation before a dinner party, from arranging the flowers, deciding the […]
Holly’s “Secret” Lemon Chess Pie Recipe
For those occasions when impromptu guests arrive, or you spontaneously invite friends over for lunch or dinner and need a quick dessert, I have the perfect recipe! It is one that both men and women savor, and you will most likely have all the ingredients on hand. So, what is my tried-and-true “SECRET” pie recipe? […]
Graduation: The difference between an “Invitation” and an “Announcement”
It is always a delight to read your questions and recently, I was asked about the difference between a graduation invitation versus a graduation announcement. A graduation invitation is requesting your attendance at the actual ceremony, and a graduation announcement is acknowledging an academic accomplishment. A Graduation Invitation: A graduation invitation is requesting your physical […]
Lipstick Lessons for Ladies!
Picture this: You’re out to dinner, enjoying a divine meal with others, and suddenly, you realize your lipstick has disappeared faster than you expected. Fear not! Here’s how to properly reapply lipstick color to your lips, without becoming a circus act- especially when surrounded by fellow diners. Discretion rules! A lady should try not to […]