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Cooking seafood in our apartment is a bit of a challenge compared to cooking seafood in our house, as the fishy aroma can linger for days. Even though the sliding doors are opened, and scented candles are lit, it does not seem to dissipate! So, when making a lobster bisque, I take an easy, “scent-free” shortcut! I buy it ready-made and add my special touches to make it “semi-homemade.” There are several places to buy yummy, premade lobster bisque that is refrigerated (and not in a can), such as Publix, Panera, and Costco. I simply add some Madeira wine to taste, along with a shake or two of red pepper flakes, to the store-bought bisque, slowly bring it to a simmer, and add “the secret” dollop of crab or lobster. My “Secret” Ingredients Mix and simmer until warm: Premade and refrigerated Lobster Bisque Madeira Wine (to taste) Pepper flakes (to taste) Add

When composing an invitation, which side do you place the acknowledgment request, aka the R.s.v.p. (R.s.v.p. is French for “Respondez s’il vous plait”)? On the lower-right corner or the lower-left corner? It should be on the lower-left corner of the invitation! Respondez s’il vous plait may be written as R.s.v.p., with a capital “R” and lowercase “s.v.p.” The other form of R.S.V.P. is in all capital letters. The preferred form is R.s.v.p. “The favour of replay is requested” is another form of an acknowledgment request. It relays a touch of old-world charm and formality to the occasion. I chose this for my wedding reception invitation because the British spelling of “favour” reminded me of my dear father, who was British. It is appropriate to use the simple phrase “Regrets only” along with a phone number, email address, or both. This form is considered less formal than using R.s.v.p. When including

If paired well, porcelain and art can create a symphony of perceptible bliss for any room. Porcelain plates, vases, cachepots, and figurines add a lovely dimension to walls, shelves, and tabletops, enhancing the room’s character and artwork. When porcelain pieces are chosen to complement a piece of art with specific colors in mind, the porcelain becomes part of the overall composition, and the artwork visually extends rays of intrigue toward a nearby piece of porcelain.  Thus, the entire composition expands and enhances viewers’ pleasure. A win-win!  This is a sound reason to buy what you love while keeping a room’s color scheme in mind. My favorite artwork at Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington, Connecticut, is Jockeys (1886) by Edgar Degas, which hangs over the dining room mantel. The mantelpiece is graced with the Pope Family collection of celadon porcelain pieces made during the Song (960-1279) and Ming (1368-1644) Dynasties. The mantelpiece

Upon entering a house for the first time, what elements do you immediately sense that contribute to a positively enchanting atmosphere? You know, a house that feels inviting, and one you don’t want to leave?! My list of a few “inviting” elements: -Joyful colors that complement one another from room to room -Intimate seating arrangements -Art that speaks to the heart and is collected with passion, and hung appropriately -Decorative details that tell a story I am reminded of the time my team and I photographed Brian and Mila Mulroney’s Palm Beach house for my book, Pearls of Palm Beach. I immediately felt an overwhelming sense of warmth, happiness, and gracious hospitality the moment I walked through the front door. The happy, sunny yellow and Mediterranean blue color scheme delighted my visual senses. The living room seating arrangements were close together, conducive for intimate conversations. The artwork and decorative details reflected

One of my secret recipes for a first course is my asparagus roll-ups! Not only are they quick and easy to prepare, but they look pretty on any porcelain design, can be made several hours ahead, and may be served at room temperature. Prepare one bundle per person. Ingredients: ~Asparagus: steamed until soft but still slightly crunchy.  I allow between three and four stalks per person. ~Boursin Cheese: you can use any variety, including truffle-flavored. (Alternative: use cream cheese and simply mix in some fresh garlic and herbs) ~Prosciutto Slices: allow one thin, presliced piece per person/bundle. Cut ends off: make the top of the stalk to the bottom about 4-5” long. Steam or simmer the asparagus (or place it in a microwave) until still green, soft, but slightly firm. Spread about a teaspoon or more of Boursin cheese in the center of the prosciutto slice. Place 3-4 stalks of

The artwork you choose to present on your walls provides a window into your interests and tastes, and Mummy instilled in me never to buy reproduction art. The cost of a mirror is quite often only a fraction of the cost of a painting.  It’s always better to purchase a lovely mirror than inferior artwork. In my first book, The Pretty and Proper Living Room, the chapter, “Magnificent Mirrors and Wall Art,” discussed how mirrors can enhance the design of a room. They are similar to a living painting because they reflect life in a room, and occasionally an outside view too. Mirrors (referred to as “looking glasses” in England), have been used historically to increase the daylight or candlelight in a room before there was electricity.  Candlelight placed in front of a mirror doubles the “romantic” lighting. When selecting a mirror, ensure that the frame complements the furniture and architecture of