Newsletter Archive

How quickly life can change! I had spent the morning at Buckingham Palace, interviewed the Chairman of The Goring Hotel, took a lovely ride to Heathrow, and then said a joyful farewell to my dear “LondonTown.” Before I knew it, I was blissfully asleep on the plane home, with my eye mask perfectly in place…. And, WHAM! Suddenly, out of nowhere, a large stainless steel thermos came crashing down… right onto my face… a rawwther rude awakening! Fortunately, my nose and teeth were spared, though I did end up with a VERY black eye. (I’m grateful this didn’t happen ON our way to London… not a good look with my pink attire for the “Live Royally” event!) The crew was incredibly attentive and helpful. Here is the kicker: The passenger who opened the luggage rack above me never said a word about the thermos hitting my face. In today’s litigious society, some

Mummy taught me how to repurpose silver pieces, which she did brilliantly out of necessity. My parents moved 33 times during my father’s career. I hope to inspire you to think outside of the box! Here are 14 of my secrets to “repurposing silver pieces” in a diverse, unique manner:  A silver champagne cooler can be transformed brilliantly into a stunning flower vase or a plant cachepot. A silver baby cup can be a hors d’oeuvres toothpick holder and also a small flower vase. A small silver cream pitcher is perfect for bedside flowers and also to serve warm syrup for pancakes. A silver canister can hold spices, pepper, and powdered sugar. A silver tray can “frame and enhance” the flowers and catch pollen or falling blossoms when placed under a floral arrangement. Silver chargers are a splendid size to pass hors d’oeuvres on. Silver napkin rings can be filled with

Last week, Stuart and I had the honor of Chairing “Live Royally!” an extraordinary five-day event that CEO.org (Chief Executives Organization) hosted in England for only 34 members/spouse attendees. Drawing from my experience filming my PBS TV series in England, I was inspired to create a regal yet entertaining and informative experience. The challenge was on! Stuart and I landed in London a few days early to be on our game and adjust to the time. A driver picked us up at Heathrow (4 a.m. our USA time). As we drove toward London, he politely announced, “Mr. and Mrs. Holden, the King is passing us presently on the right side of our vehicle.”  Really? OH, my! There he was in a handsome Rolls with two police escorts. Right on cue, this set the scene perfectly for “Live Royally!” Elizabeth Gage creates uniquely bespoke, hand-made, stunning jewelry; her boutique is in

Secrets to Lovely Living endeavors to cover topics I hope will enrich your life. With that in mind, I am honored to present my daughter, Alexandra, to you. She just may enhance your life! Thank you for indulging me. Vacation gives you time to start implementing simple micro habits, to think about navigating a career move or even pushing out of your comfort zone and finally starting that business you’ve been contemplating! This summer, if you’re pondering questions about your present status, future, or workplace challenges (universal concerns), or if you know someone who is, you may wish to consider hiring a coach. From recent college graduates to established CEOs, we all face challenges at some point. My daughter, Alexandra Terhalle, is a University of Cambridge-certified Coach dedicated to helping professionals all over the world, at all levels, find clarity and purpose, unlocking their unlimited potential. Her expertise, which includes Executive Coaching, Relocation

Consider adding even more charm to your Powder Room walls with lovely artwork. Typically, most guests do not expect to discover important artwork in a Powder Room!  While silver picture frames, replete with meaningful photographs, pique the curiosity of your guests in other rooms, pretty Powder Rooms can be the perfect backdrop to display some of your most alluring artwork for guests to admire unexpectedly… albeit privately! Both photographs and artwork are what I refer to as “subtle bragging rights.” Nothing is overtly prominent but, instead, discreetly intriguing to others.  Photographs in your house offer a peek at important moments.  Artwork, especially in a Powder Room, can be a surprise, revealing your interests, family background, or personal stories. A Powder Room is intended for guests.  This is where ladies powder their noses and apply pink lipstick… in private. Think of the walls as premium space to be clever and reveal

A lovely tradition in classically designed houses is a table devoted to bridal photographs as an homage to various brides within the family tree. In the past, the assembled portraits only featured the bride in a formal black-and-white pose, but they have now morphed into pictures of the bride and groom in black-and-white and also in color. Bridal photographs are traditionally grouped together and displayed in the living room on a side table, a grand piano, or a table behind a sofa. Formal bridal portrait photographs in English country houses and palaces are traditionally black and white or in a sepia tone. The formality of the house and the photograph dictate the style of the picture frame, which can be ornate or sleek and modern. The most traditional bridal picture frame is sterling silver or silver-plated. A French enamel frame is another stunning choice. Italian fine leather with gold embellishments or antique gilded frames