Newsletter Archive

Love, laughter, and a “happily ever after!” It’s June, the month of roses and weddings! Being a guest at a wedding is a treat, but more importantly, witnessing a marriage ceremony is an honor. Several mother-of-the-bride subscribers have shared their experiences with me about what a guest should NOT do at a wedding!  Weddings are truly personal. Times have changed, from pink wedding dresses to ceremonies under the sea. Today, anything goes.  But for those of you whom cherish tradition, here are some “No-Nos,” as a little reminder, for guests attending a wedding. No-no: To not follow the dress code. What IS done: When in doubt, contact the bride or the mother of the bride to determine what to wear. If the invitation indicates a term you are unsure of, such as “resort chic,” be sure to ask what is expected for attire! No-No:  For a lady guest to wear ALL white. What

Dear Ones,  May I ask you a BIG favor? I have been given a challenge, and I need your assistance to accomplish it! Could you please help me double my 20K subscribers for “Secrets to Lovely Living” by inviting one or two friends and family to subscribe? I know I can meet this challenge with your help… pretty please.  Xx Holly Now, let’s talk white paint! There are a myriad of “white” paint color options. I am frequently asked what my favorite white paint color is for walls, ceilings, and wood trim.  Because “white” paints can have hidden undertones that tend to be cold or warm, it can be challenging to decipher which white to choose. So, what is my secret, tried-and-true white paint color for trim?   It is Benjamin Moore: White Dove OC-17.  Why do I specify White Dove? White Dove’s tonality brings softness and warmth to an interior while

What decorative trim is timeless, tailored, and unbelievably cost-effective?  It is used to enhance curtains, valances, upholstery, pillows, dust ruffles, and it even graces dresses, hats, shoes, and ponytails. It is a grosgrain ribbon! (Pronounced: GROW-grain) Grosgrain is a very versatile ribbon. It has a distinctive ribbed texture which also serves to enhance its durability, more so than satin or silk ribbons. Its matte finish is not flashy, making it a quiet classic. Grosgrain in the 17th century referred to a garment fabric that was black and durable.  In the 1920s “grosgrain ribbon” was introduced, and now, there are a multitude of colors and printed designs available. I like to think of grosgrain ribbon as having a “distinguished appearance.” It continues to embellish evening wear, like the bow on a gentleman’s formal black evening pumps. Consider applying a 1” to 2” wide grosgrain ribbon along the leading edge and bottom

When champagne is served, it instantly becomes a celebration!  Our daughter, Alexandra, and her husband, Maximilian, are hosting a Black-tie celebratory party here in Berlin. It is a “Trifecta,” as both their birthdays and anniversary are all within one week of each other in May! My granddaughter offered to help serve champagne, so the topic arose: How does one properly pop the cork on a bottle of bubbly? I have observed my darling husband open countless champagne bottles throughout the years. His technique is quiet and the popped cork remains in his hand. One may think that the loud “POP” sound, accompanied by a “darting cork” is the way it is done (as often portrayed in the movies) however, the quieter the “pop” of the cork, the more elegant “the pour!” So, how does one properly open a champagne bottle? Twist the bottle, NOT the cork!  Champagne was created in France

Have you heard talk about how younger generations no longer want “brown furniture?” Yet, on the other hand, they want sustainable, good-for-the-environment furniture. Well, guess what? Using “brown furniture” is a way to go green! If you don’t like the brown color, then transform “brown” into something you’ll love and use. I’m not speaking about superlative antiques, but let’s say you have inherited a piece of furniture that has sentimental meaning to you but is… humdrum?  Or you have a piece of furniture that remains quietly sequestered in the garage or basement?  These are “Cinderella” pieces awaiting a magic wand to transform their beauty into showstopper caliber. Want a wand?  Here it is: lacquer paint!  Lacquer paint can immediately revamp any piece of wood furniture, even kitchen cabinets, because it instantly enhances their outer beauty. Lacquer is thin in consistency, but stronger than paint. It can be tricky to apply

When my daughter Alexandra lived in England with her husband, both of their houses came with a name.  It was then that I realized that an English country house is actually required to have a name. The house name is used as the mailing address versus a house number and street address as we do in America. Create a name for your house or apartment and have fun with it! For two hundred years, our c.1803 house has historically been referred to as the General Soloman Cowles house, and it will always be associated with the house, but we created our own name, Fox Hall soon after we moved in twenty-five years ago. Not only is it delightfully dignified to have a name for your house, it is also a reason to have towels embroidered, stationery engraved, and a multitude of treasures created with the name and/or theme. From a doormat