Holly’s secret “white” trim paint color!
Dear Ones, May I ask you a BIG favor? I have been given a challenge, and I need your assistance to accomplish it! Could you please help me double my 20K subscribers for “Secrets to Lovely Living” by inviting one or two friends and family to subscribe? I know I can meet this challenge with your […]
Grosgrain Glamour! A timeless and tailored decorative trim.
What decorative trim is timeless, tailored, and unbelievably cost-effective? It is used to enhance curtains, valances, upholstery, pillows, dust ruffles, and it even graces dresses, hats, shoes, and ponytails. It is a grosgrain ribbon! (Pronounced: GROW-grain) Grosgrain is a very versatile ribbon. It has a distinctive ribbed texture which also serves to enhance its durability, […]
The secret to properly popping a champagne bottle cork!
When champagne is served, it instantly becomes a celebration! Our daughter, Alexandra, and her husband, Maximilian, are hosting a Black-tie celebratory party here in Berlin. It is a “Trifecta,” as both their birthdays and anniversary are all within one week of each other in May! My granddaughter offered to help serve champagne, so the topic […]
A secret magic wand for “Brown Furniture!”
Have you heard talk about how younger generations no longer want “brown furniture?” Yet, on the other hand, they want sustainable, good-for-the-environment furniture. Well, guess what? Using “brown furniture” is a way to go green! If you don’t like the brown color, then transform “brown” into something you’ll love and use. I’m not speaking about […]
Have you named your house?!
When my daughter Alexandra lived in England with her husband, both of their houses came with a name. It was then that I realized that an English country house is actually required to have a name. The house name is used as the mailing address versus a house number and street address as we do […]
Is Holly Holden a “dress” designer or an “interior” designer?
Photo credit: Deb Key Storytime… a mini peek about me, so pour a cup of tea! Quite often, I am asked “when and why” I began to design dresses, especially since my business is interior design. Well, it is probably not what you think- I have been designing dresses for longer than you may imagine. […]
Holly’s Secrets to a Memorable Dinner Party!
Some hosts have a natural affinity for hosting memorable dinner parties effortlessly. Within moments of arriving at a home, you know whether it will be a jolly affair… or not. I was asked what two elements a successful host should strive to master: joyful energy and elegant ease! I realize how fortunate I was to observe […]
Avert Dinner Party Dilemmas: Ask your guests this question!
Many years ago, in my entertaining roster of memories, I learned a valuable lesson, one I wish to pass along to you! When you invite guests to your house for dinner (or any meal for that matter), once they accept, I urge you to then ask them “THE question”: “Do you have any food allergies […]
The Art of Reciprocation: Inspiring Responses!
Last week I touched on reciprocation, “the forgotten art of hospitality,” and you, my dear subscribers, are passionate about it! I received more letters than ever in favor of this simple principle of giving and receiving… and the lack of it in today’s society. Today, I am featuring just a few heartfelt notes I received […]
Reciprocation: A Forgotten Art of Hospitality?
(Dress is Ala von Auersperg) A darling subscriber brought up an interesting topic: the “unwritten rule” of reciprocating hospitality. Is it a lost art? Reciprocation, a gracious social norm, involves returning a favor or invitation. It is an essential aspect of friendship. However, it is often overlooked in today’s society. I am speaking about social events, […]
Lovely Lobster Bisque: Elegant and Easy!
Cooking seafood in our apartment is a bit of a challenge compared to cooking seafood in our house, as the fishy aroma can linger for days. Even though the sliding doors are opened, and scented candles are lit, it does not seem to dissipate! So, when making a lobster bisque, I take an easy, “scent-free” shortcut! I […]
The Secret to Perfect Invitations: Where to place the R.s.v.p.
When composing an invitation, which side do you place the acknowledgment request, aka the R.s.v.p. (R.s.v.p. is French for “Respondez s’il vous plait”)? On the lower-right corner or the lower-left corner? It should be on the lower-left corner of the invitation! Respondez s’il vous plait may be written as R.s.v.p., with a capital “R” and […]