Floral Arrangement Secrets for Dinner Party Entertaining!
There is nothing quite like the magic of flowers to bring a room to life and signal to your guests that an elegant evening awaits. Whether I am plucking blossoms from our garden at Fox Hall or selecting a few stems from the florist, preparing my floral arrangements is pure joy for me! I want […]
Repurposing Family Silver Treasures: The Story of “Truffle Trays”
A Short & Sweet Secret: The Story of “Truffle Trays” I imagine you love to repurpose silver as much as I do! I inherited some darling, small, round silver trays from Mummy. I wasn’t quite sure how she used them or what their original purpose was, but in the spirit of lovely living, I decided […]
Secret Candle Etiquette: How to Prepare a Proper Candle!
What a stupendous time Stuart and I had with the CEO.org team planning our next “Live Royally” event for 2027. We explored breathtaking palaces and private castles in Salzburg and Vienna, Austria. Everywhere I turned, from the grandest ballrooms to the more intimate dining chambers, I would tilt my head back to admire the gilded […]
Table Etiquette: Which Direction Do You Pass Anything at a Dinner Table?
The No-No to Know: Keep Passing! This isn’t earth-shattering, but I have witnessed this more often than I can count on my hands! Have you ever attended a dinner party, a large charity function, or a wedding where an item is being passed from guest to guest- perhaps a basket of warm biscuits, savory gravy, […]
White-Tie Dress Code for Women: The Ultimate Etiquette Guide
‘Tis the season for White-tie balls, which are being held from Palm Beach to Vienna! I was asked recently by a Millennial, “What is appropriate for a lady to wear if the invitation indicates ‘White-tie’ on the bottom, right side?” Well, here is a definitive overview for the most formal of occasions! The Essentials of […]
The #1 Must-Have for Every Silk Scarf Lover!
It’s that time of year again when silk scarves come out of the closet, and I love nothing more than to add a splash of color to my outfits with one of my favorite accessories. Scarves become my magic “travel wardrobe” because they are lightweight and enable me to pack my suitcase with interchangeable monotone […]
A Timeless Secret: How to Enhance Pearls with a Pin!
Pearls are “The Queen of Gems” in my opinion! Ever since my darling daddy returned from a business trip to Japan and gifted me my first string of graduated Mikimoto pearls at age twelve, they have been my signature piece of jewelry. I simply cannot leave home without them! Pearls are timeless, elegant, and surprisingly […]
The Art of Being a Gracious Houseguest
After years of hosting at Fox Hall, and Animal Haus in Vermont, my husband and I have been fortunate to have some truly delightful houseguests. Their impeccable manners have touched my heart and serve as brilliant examples of how a guest can contribute and be “easy keepers”… the kind of guests you want to have […]
Bread & Butter Note
Happy New Year! Have you ever heard the old-school term “bread and butter” note and wondered what it is? It is an old-school term for a thank-you note, which is dutifully sent to thank a host/hostess for their hospitality! The gracious gesture of sending a “bread and butter” thank-you note is an appreciated gift to […]
Petite Adornments: A Charming Secret to Decorate Your Service Tray!
Christmas is almost here! I invite you to look at your silver chest with fresh eyes. Beyond their traditional role, a silver napkin ring (or any kind of decorative napkin ring) can be reimagined as an exquisite “petite adornment” that adds a sense of beauty and whimsy to your serving trays. This is applicable for any occasion […]
Hostess Gifts: Unique and Thoughtful!
With the holidays approaching, “party time” is in the air! It is important to show your appreciation to your host or hostess, especially knowing the effort put forth for the party you are attending. Your joyful self, along with complementary verbal sentiments, will be music to the ears of the hostess. Bringing a hostess gift […]
Decorating for Christmas with Treasured Vignettes: The Magic of Miniature
The holidays are here! Norman Vincent Peale said it best: “Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” A simple lesson I learned firsthand from Mummy: the true enchantment of the season often comes in smaller, quieter packages. Have you considered creating “petite vignettes,” discerningly placed around […]