Grosgrain Ribbon: A Timeless Trim!
What decorative trim is timeless, tailored, and not expensive? Grosgrain ribbon! It can enhance curtains, valances, upholstery, pillows, and dust ruffles. It can also adorn clothes, hair bows, hats, shoes, and ponytails. Now, that’s a notable roster for a simple ribbon trim, wouldn’t you agree? Grosgrain (pronounced GROW-grain) is a versatile ribbon with a distinctive […]
My Secret Kitchen Color Scheme!
What is my “secret” color combination for a charming, timeless, and tailored kitchen? It’s a “blue-and-white” color scheme! Why? It is TIMELESS! This traditional color combination has been around for centuries, so maybe it does not qualify as “my secret,” but more of my “tried and true” color combination for a kitchen… and other rooms, […]
Why host back-to-back dinner parties?
Why host back-to-back dinner parties? Sometimes consecutive parties are worthy of your efforts for a few reasons. Stuart and I occasionally host two dinners back to back because we either can’t fit two parties into our travel plans, to accommodate the demands of holiday schedules, or to adjust to our guests’ availability. While it might […]
Hidden Beauty: Transform space under furniture for timeless elegance!
We often overlook the hidden potential lying beneath our furniture! With a touch of creativity, these overlooked areas can be transformed into elegant spaces that enhance the overall aesthetic of any interior. Learning from ‘the best of the best’ has always inspired me. My television series aimed to show masterpiece and privately owned houses. Their […]
A no-no for gentlemen!
Gentlemen, take note! I was unaware of the term “HIP” (Hands in Pockets) until William Mikus, a fellow Board member and the former Chair of the Salvation Army of Palm Beach County, introduced me to this concept. We were seated together at the Salvation Army holiday luncheon. The HIP topic sparked interest within our entire […]
Proper protocol for what to do with your cocktail glass before dinner!
After a champagne celebration at Fox Hall, we adjourned to the dining room, while our guests left their glasses behind in the living room. A friend’s daughter recently asked me what she should do with her glass after cocktail hour when attending a private dinner party. Here are some tips on the gracious way to […]
Silver Cloth
“Everything tastes better when served on silver!” That is the advice Mummy gave me as a young bride. I have always had a penchant for entertaining with silver… I imagine my grandmother and parents passed this gene down to me. Keeping silver polished? It is a labor of love! It brings to mind the old […]
A Coaster Conundrum: When should you use a coaster for a drink?
A young subscriber asked me, “As a hostess, when do I need to offer a coaster, and when do I not need to?!” Oh, this is fun because decorative coasters are a popular gift in the world of pretty accessories… but gift shops will probably not like my answer! Any glass WITH a stem, such […]
The Timeless Charm of Handwritten Thank-You Notes: Gratitude in Words
With the holidays now behind us, it’s the perfect time to pick up your pen and acknowledge your gratitude to those who thoughtfully gave you a gift. While sending a quick “thank-you email” might seem like the easiest option, consider forgoing the “digital quick fix“ in favor of something much more personal: a handwritten thank-you […]
The Magic of Candlelight: Merry and Bright!
Rejoice for Candlelight! Candlelight symbolizes joy, romance, tranquility, and merriment. Christmas and the start of Hanukkah fall on the same day this year, December 25, 2024, so the topic of “candles” seems fitting. They have long been integral in celebrations, playing an essential part in the rituals of both Christmas and Hanukkah, and continue to […]
“Holly-Day” Dinner Parties: How to be the hostess with the mostess!
The holidays are upon us, so here are some of my secrets for creating memories that are merry and bright for your guests! Hosting a dinner party (or inviting houseguests to stay over) is the best way to make your house sparkle… and a clever nudge to get all of the silver polished! Unlock your […]
The Magic of Petite Christmas Decorations!
As we embrace and celebrate this joyous season, as in Norman Vincent Peale’s words, “Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” Use your magic wand to create a few charming “petite vignettes” to add a dash of magic to your home. I’ve found joy in creating […]