Holly’s “Angel Cheese Crisps!”
Impromptu parties? That is my signature! Pulling a party together at a moment’s notice came from years of experience. My husband has a reputation for being the “host with the most,” especially with his business clients and colleagues in his industry. When customers were in town, he would often call from his office and ask […]
Destination Funeral Etiquette: Why Confirming Your Attendance is the Kindest Gesture
Attending a funeral that requires travel, a destination funeral, is difficult enough. But for the bereaved family, it’s exponentially more challenging. Not only are they grieving, but they are also simultaneously managing travel logistics, food, and accommodations for dozens of guests who have traveled far to attend. Stuart and I planned to attend a service […]
A Gracious Secret: Where Should Ladies Place Their Handbags at Your Party?
The true secret to seamless, elegant entertaining is anticipating your guests needs… before they have to ask you! Make your guests feel cared for the moment they cross the threshold into your home. A dear subscriber inquired: “When guests come for dinner, should I direct ladies to a place where they may place their handbags?” […]
The Timeless Appeal of Carrara Marble Countertops
Our cooktop is a standalone cabinet, which enabled me to add two custom columns on either side, which serve to enhance the bespoke design of the marble. There are design choices that feel trendy, and then there are those that are timeless. As a designer, when I’m asked about my favorite countertop surface for […]
A Sparkling Debut: Welcome to the New Holly Holden Website!
With genuine delight, I am excited to unveil and debut my sparkling new, updated website to you today! Not only is it easy to navigate, like a well-kept garden path, but I am tickled pink to share additional “secret” resources with you. You have kindly nudged me over the years to create a “Holly Shop.” […]
Floating Wall Brackets: Classic Meets Clear
One of a pair of Lucite wall brackets, which flank our mirror, almost disappear and allow the pattern and colors of the Chinoiserie-inspired wallpaper to be visible in our dining room at Fox Worth in Palm Beach, and enable the colors of the porcelain to complement the overall color scheme. As a long-time advocate of […]
Cooking with Felicity: A Chevre & Olive Tapenade!
What a delight it is to cook with my granddaughter Felicity, who lives in Berlin, Germany! She has an exceptional talent for cooking, and I’m constantly inspired by her sophisticated palate and uncanny ability to describe the subtle nuances of unique culinary creations. Recently, we made this delicious Chevre and Olive Tapenade together. It passed […]
The Secret to Magical Evenings: Soft Lighting While Entertaining!
When my family and I moved into Fox Hall twenty-six years ago, the hall chandelier, along with five other chandeliers, were still entirely candle-lit. Lighting all the candles before an evening of entertaining was beautiful… and a bit daunting, to say the least! Over time, we transitioned to antique, yet electrified chandeliers, and preserved the […]
Holly’s Simple “Palm Beach Puffs” Recipe!
My eldest granddaughter, Felicity, is a superb cook… as is her Mum, my daughter Alexandra! When Felicity visited us from Berlin, Germany, this summer, we exchanged some of our secret recipes and made a few together. My simple Palm Beach Puff recipe was one I shared with her, and we had a ball filming a video for […]
Name Your House!
With my lifelong affection for foxes, it felt only fitting to hang an English painting of a running fox above the second landing in our front hall, near Fox Hall’s most distinctive architectural feature: a pair of Palladian windows, both on the same wall — noted as one of the few known examples ever featured […]
Holly’s Secret “Simple Strawberry Shortcake Recipe!”
“Simple and summer go together like strawberries and cream.” When my granddaughter Felicity graced us with a visit from Berlin, we embarked on one of our delightful culinary endeavors. We created our secret, signature strawberry shortcake—an all-American “slice of summer” classic—for our family dinner on the verandah at Fox Hall. What’s the simple secret? Bisquick […]
Majestic Menu Cards: An Elegant Touch!
Menu cards are a lovely touch, elevating any occasion and honoring a celebration! These cards serve a practical purpose: informing guests of the courses to come and also, as a subtle alert to potential food allergies. Beyond function, they’re cherished keepsakes, especially when adorned with the event’s date, occasion, or a nod to a guest of […]