Newsletter Archive

Who doesn’t love to be surprised by a thoughtful hostess gift from a guest when they enter your house for a party? A hostess gift is not a requirement; it is simply a lovely gesture to show appreciation for the invitation. One of my darling Virginia subscribers asked me this question below: “We are fortunate to invite lovely friends to our parties who bring various hostess gifts. I am one to send a handwritten note to thank each person for their thoughtfulness. Once, I mailed a thank you note for a hostess gift, and the recipient responded — via text — chastising me for sending a thank you before she could even get hers written and in the mail. [Ironically, I never received a handwritten note from her!!!]  So, should I wait a week after the event to send thank you notes for hostess gifts, or should I mail them

Are guests coming over? Do you need a decadent dessert in a pinch?  Chocolate sauce is my favorite because I usually have the ingredients on hand!  Here are my two SIMPLE recipes for making chocolate sauce: one requires unsweetened baking chocolate and the other uses semi-sweet chocolate chips.  Both take no time at all to make, and when served warm, you may be surprised how guests will want to pour it over everything and anything edible… both recipes are THAT yummy! 1st Recipe: Makes 1 cup of Chocolate Sauce 8 little squares of Baker’s unsweetened baking chocolate-  (NOTE: Baker’s changed the size of the baking squares. Now, 4 little squares equals one of the previous big squares!) 6 tablespoons of cream – (Heavy, light, or half and half: use whatever cream you have. I do prefer to use heavy whipping cream when I have it!) ½ cup of sugar  – (If possible, try

It was a joy to host the second luncheon the very next day for guests whom I had never met and who were arriving from Palm Beach, Virginia, NYC, and beyond! The seven guests were so charming and accomplished. Again, this was an assemblage of new friends, all representing the essence of timeless, tailored, and traditional lovely living. Here are a few questions that I have recently received from subscribers and Instagram followers: Why would you cook anything for an event if you have hired a staff to serve? Mummy shared her entertaining advice with me, which she had learned as a hostess with endless experience. My parents had a revolving door of dignitaries and guests. She said, “Making something homemade to serve will be a quiet nod to your guests for your love and respect for them. Guests are gifts you give to yourself, so why not give them

Recently, I ventured into uncharted territory by inviting dear subscribers, whom I had never met, to two luncheons at Fox Hall. I was truly blessed to meet THE most charming, gracious, and accomplished ladies (and one gentleman) who flew in from over ten states! This poignant experience underscores the timeless essence of gracious living, which is still celebrated by kindred individuals who uplift and support one another in a traditional world. I cherished this experience! Their joy recharged my spirit and inspired me to continue sharing my secrets. Here are my 7 Secrets! ~ How do you set clear expectations for guests you have never met prior to the event? Before an event, I email guests about the timeline, when to arrive, and where to park. I specify the dress code and inquire about dietary needs. I also briefly outline the event: pink champagne upon arrival, a house tour, a

My interior design firm, Holly Holden & Company, Ltd. www.hollyholden.com, specializes in classic and traditional design. I believe in designing once… for a lifetime! Who wouldn’t want to hear those words?  Designing with decorative accessories and techniques that stand the test of time and enhance your home with little effort, translates to a good investment for your design dollars. And, you’ll have fun implementing them along the way, too! Brass Stair Rods: Something as simple as adding brass stair rods to your carpet runner on a staircase is a timeless decorative detail and a finishing touch on any staircase. Stair rods are appropriate in cottages and castles… and everything in between! You can order the brass with a clear lacquer finish so they do not require polishing. When I filmed my public television series, You Are Cordially Invited, I discussed brass stair rods at Highclere Castle, aka Downton Abbey, because they are

Have you had the experience of calling someone and they answer with a rather curt, “What’s up?” greeting? I recently did and it inspired me to write about answering the phone properly. Whether a mobile phone or landline, what happened to the common courtesy of answering a phone properly? No matter how bad your day is, the “What’s up?” terse greeting is quite “off-putting” to the person who is calling.  I assume that this unfriendly greeting is meant to insinuate that one is too busy to talk at the moment, or not in a good place emotionally (if you know what I mean!).  Either way, it is synonymous with rude behavior. An alternative greeting? A simple, “Hello, so and so… may I call you back? It’s not a good time for me to talk right now.” Or, “I wish I could talk, but can’t right now.” Both are thoughtful ways to