Newsletter Archive

Secrets to a Timeless Manterpiece: Classic Styling & Fireplace Elegance

September 21, 2026

Having a party? Remember to embellish your mantel, as the fireplace is invariably the true focal point of any room! Recently, a darling millennial bride asked for my advice on how to decorate her Living Room mantel for an upcoming cocktail party. Here are her questions… and my classic design secrets. 🌸  How do I decorate a mantel in a classical style? Symmetry is key! Symmetry plays a pivotal role in classical design, creating immediate harmony and balance. I always like to start with a centerpiece. Choose an object that is meaningful to you and complements the room’s theme. Then work outward in pairs, flanking the centerpiece on either side. Continue working outward in pairs, introducing varying heights to add rhythm and visual interest. The overall length of your mantel will naturally dictate how many pairs can be gracefully displayed. 🌸  What are the two key elements that adorn the Living Room

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To Clink or Not to Clink? Wine Glass Toasting Etiquette

September 14, 2026

To clink, or not to clink? That is the timeless question! Yesterday, September 13th, marked a truly momentous occasion. Stuart and I celebrated our 51st wedding anniversary. As I sat across from my darling husband, ready to propose a heartfelt toast to five decades of love, laughter, and shared adventures, the topic of crystal glasses—and the etiquette behind touching them—came to mind. Few sounds are quite as festive as the crystal-clear chime of two glasses meeting for a toast. Yet, the history behind that musical sound reveals a fascinating past. Centuries ago, tapping vessels together was believed to ward off lurking evil spirits. It also served a practical purpose: clinking vigorously enough to spill a splash of wine into a companion’s cup proved that neither drink harbored poison! Over time, the gesture evolved into a profound symbol of mutual trust. By the early twentieth century, however, clinking fell out of

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Holly’s Easy-Peasy Cheddar Drop Biscuits!

September 8, 2026

Running short on time? These easy-peasy cheddar cheese drop biscuits are delightfully simple! When I found myself running short on time before a dinner party where I had promised to bring my homemade biscuits, my dear granddaughter Felicity stepped in to save the day! She whipped up a fresh batch of our favorite cheddar cheese drop biscuits, proving just how wonderfully simple and dependable this recipe is. I love serving these piping hot in my grandmother’s silver basket with a lovely biscuit linen to envelop them. The secret to “drop” biscuits is pure ease- no rolling, kneading, or cutting. You just mix, scoop, and bake! Holly’s Easy-Peasy Cheddar Cheese Drop Biscuit Recipe: Ingredients 2 cups all-purpose flour 4 teaspoons baking powder ¼ cup salted butter, cold, cut into ¼-inch cubes 1¼ cups milk 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1 heaping cup grated sharp cheddar cheese ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

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“Air Kiss” Etiquette: How to Master the Cheek-to-Cheek Kiss with Poise!

August 31, 2026

Kissing on the lips is reserved for lovers, but the traditional cheek kiss remains one of the most delightful—and occasionally perilous—forms of affection between dear friends and family! We have all experienced that split-second hesitation when both parties lean the same way, nearly turning a gracious greeting into an accidental collision, right? Touching cheek-to-cheek with a gentle kiss in the air, known as the “social kiss” or the “air kiss,” elevates a greeting beyond a standard handshake, instantly conveying warmth, hospitality and genuine fondness. Across Europe and the Americas, this greeting is a beloved custom. In France, it is famously known as faire la bise. When shared with poise, it sets an elegant, welcoming tone for any gathering. A poised hostess always takes cues from subtle body language! 🌸 Traditional Precedence: A gentleman traditionally waits for a lady to extend her hand or lean in first before initiating a cheek

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Holly’s “Angel Cheese Crisps!”

August 24, 2026

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 if he could extend an invitation to his guests to come to our house for a drink before they went out to dinner. It was always good for business, so I learned early on to say, “YES, of course!” With three little ones at home, I did not always have the luxury of going out to buy something pre-made or get ingredients.  I learned a repertoire of quick and easy hors d’oeuvres. Here, I want to share one of my easiest recipes! It requires only two ingredients. I can almost guarantee you’ll have both ingredients,

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How to Be a Gracious Listener: The Art of Conversation

August 17, 2026

This week’s topic comes straight from our verandah! Stuart and I were enjoying breakfast when I caught myself interrupting him (not for the first time!). Stuart smiled and said, “Darling, perhaps that would make a wonderful topic for your next newsletter?”  Point taken! So, here is a note to myself, which I will share, as a gentle reminder not to interrupt others! “True charisma isn’t about being the most interesting person in the room; it’s about being the most interested.” (Loving words that my dear father tried to instill in me.) Here are four lovely practices for gracious listening: 🌸 The Three-Second Pause: Allow a brief, thoughtful pause after someone finishes speaking before jumping in. (Gosh, I need to work on that one!) 🌸 Ask for Feelings, Not Just Facts: Inquire about how an experience felt rather than focusing on rigid details. 🌸 Be a Listening Ear: Resist the urge

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