Newsletter Archive

Creative and decorative ideas for mirrors! Mirrors can bring the outside in and can add sparkle to any space, especially when the mirror reflects candlelight and chandelier light. I was inspired to share a few design ideas with you on how mirrors can be used to enhance your interiors. A thoughtful subscriber from North Carolina shared how her guests love seeing the reflection of the crystal chandelier lights, along with the candlelight on the table, in her mirrored Dining Room ceiling. Small spaces can grow exponentially with the addition of a mirrored wall.  Because Fox Hall was built in 1803, bathrooms did not exist, so a small area of the Master Bedroom was portioned off to create a bathroom.  When we renovated, I had the “sink vanity wall” mirrored floor to ceiling.  Even though it appears that we have “two loos,” due to the reflection, it does indeed make a

If you are ever in a pinch to make some quick and easy, but insanely yummy cookies, I have the recipe for you- my coconut macaroons! I imagine you have all the ingredients already on hand, especially if you keep a package of sweetened “Baker’s” coconut in your freezer.  I  use coconut for several recipes, so I always have a bag or two available! The recipe is on the back of the Baker’s coconut package, BUT I do a few things differently, making them even more divine. My secret? I use self-rising flour, add more almond extract, and whip the egg whites until they are very frothy Heat the oven to 325 degrees. You will need: 1 14 oz bag of sweetened coconut (Baker’s if possible) ⅔ cup sugar 6 tablespoons flour (I use self-rising, but regular will work too) ¼ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon almond extract (or a touch more!) 4

Think of ceilings as your fifth wall! Most guests rarely look up to the ceiling until they begin to feel notably comfortable in their surroundings, so something other than white can be an unexpected treat for your guests’ eyes to discover. I honor the tradition of a white ceiling for historic or classically designed houses. When the trim is white, I will specify the same white color on the ceiling (versus an ordinary “white ceiling” paint). My wood trim color of choice is Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17 semi-gloss, and then I use the same color, but in a flat finish, for the ceiling. Another option, especially for a resort house or a 21st-century interior, is to consider painting your ceiling the same pastel color as the walls, or another color. My secret pink recipe is Ben Moore Pink Peony # 2078-70, cut in half with 50% white, with a

As a 21-year-old bride, I quickly discovered my darling husband’s predilection for pies! It was not long before I compiled a repertoire of easy but very yummy pie recipes! The season of sweet summer strawberries is almost over, so here is my secret recipe, “easy as pie” to make! My 5 Simple Ingredients: -One Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust OR a 9” graham cracker crust pie shell -3 pints of strawberries -1 cup of Sugar -3 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and add in… -My secret ingredient: 1-2 tablespoons of Grand Marnier Liquor, to taste. (This is optional but adds a delightful dimension to the pie’s sweetness! You can use more lemon juice as an alternative to Grand Marnier.) Bake the pie crust as directed until lightly brown. Place in the refrigerator to cool. Take the stems off and slice 1 pint of strawberries in thirds,

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