Newsletter Archive

What a delight it is to cook with my granddaughter Felicity, who lives in Berlin, Germany! She has an exceptional talent for cooking, and I’m constantly inspired by her sophisticated palate and uncanny ability to describe the subtle nuances of unique culinary creations. Recently, we made this delicious Chevre and Olive Tapenade together. It passed the ever-stringent “Felicity taste-test” challenge — phew! It is simple, yet deliciously divine. In a Pinch for Time? This Chevre and Olive Tapenade is a splendid make-ahead appetizer — ideal for cocktail hour and beyond. While it may not be the most attractive in appearance, it certainly earns stars for being both deliciously unique and incredibly easy to prepare. Fellow Farmington Garden Club member, Diane R., made it and brought it to a club function I hosted at Fox Hall, and she kindly shared the recipe with the members because we all raved about it,

When my family and I moved into Fox Hall twenty-six years ago, the hall chandelier, along with five other chandeliers, were still entirely candle-lit. Lighting all the candles before an evening of entertaining was beautiful… and a bit daunting, to say the least! Over time, we transitioned to antique, yet electrified chandeliers, and preserved the charm of the previous candles by dimming the bulbs for similar soft lighting. When it comes to creating a memorable evening, soft lighting is one of the most underestimated aspects of proper entertaining, as it sets the mood, tone, and sense of warmth that elevates every detail and moment into an inviting atmosphere for your guests. Candlelight, dimmed bulbs, and flattering ambient lighting can transform a space completely, as artwork glows with depth, table settings sparkle, and faces appear even more radiant! I like to say, “It’s all about the lighting!” when capturing an attractive

My eldest granddaughter, Felicity, is a superb cook… as is her Mum, my daughter Alexandra!  When Felicity visited us from Berlin, Germany, this summer, we exchanged some of our secret recipes and made a few together. My simple Palm Beach Puff recipe was one I shared with her, and we had a ball filming a video for “hollyholdendesign” Instagram too! This is one of my simple “make-ahead and freeze” hors d’oeuvres. I began making them in Palm Beach because they are an elegant, light and airy nibble, exquisite for serving before a dinner party. My Palm Beach Puffs are simple to make with only five ingredients, along with my signature red pepper flakes! Holly’s Simple Palm Beach Puffs! A classic, make-ahead hors d’oeuvre perfect for elegant entertaining. Makes: 70 rounds (1 ¼” diameter) Prep Time: 20 min Cook Time: 10–12 min Freeze Time (optional): 1 hr Serve: Warm!! Ingredients 1 loaf Pepperidge

With my lifelong affection for foxes, it felt only fitting to hang an English painting of a running fox above the second landing in our front hall, near Fox Hall’s most distinctive architectural feature: a pair of Palladian windows, both on the same wall — noted as one of the few known examples ever featured in a 19th-century American home. Our house, built in 1803, is historically known as the General Solomon Cowles House; that name will always be part of its documentation. But, twenty-six years ago, when we moved in, we decided to name the house “Fox Hall.” The name combines my love for foxes along with a nod to its majestic architectural feature of the two Palladian windows which grace the front hall. When my daughter Alexandra lived in England, I was enchanted by the tradition that every house had a name; naming your home is not just

“Simple and summer go together like strawberries and cream.” When my granddaughter Felicity graced us with a visit from Berlin, we embarked on one of our delightful culinary endeavors. We created our secret, signature strawberry shortcake—an all-American “slice of summer” classic—for our family dinner on the verandah at Fox Hall. What’s the simple secret? Bisquick in a box and a touch of Amaretto or almond extract!  The recipe for six: 1. Sliced Strawberries: Slice 4 cups of vibrant strawberries, anoint them with ¼ cup Amaretto (substitute a touch of almond extract for a non-alcoholic version), dust them with ¼ cup sugar, and gently toss. We let them repose at room temperature, allowing their juices to meld exquisitely! 2. Divinely Delicious Whipped Cream: Felicity masterfully whipped 1½ cups heavy cream, blending in ¼ cup powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon Amaretto (or ½ teaspoon almond extract) for a subtle almond allure. Chill

Menu cards are a lovely touch, elevating any occasion and honoring a celebration! These cards serve a practical purpose: informing guests of the courses to come and also, as a subtle alert to potential food allergies.  Beyond function, they’re cherished keepsakes, especially when adorned with the event’s date, occasion, or a nod to a guest of honor. Designing the Perfect Menu Card: Traditionally, menu cards are printed vertically on high-quality stock, measuring approximately 4¼” x 5½” to 5” x 8”. Mine, custom-made on 120-pound white paper, feature a charming Fox Hall illustration centered at the top. Rounded edges—a European flourish—add aesthetic appeal. Black ink exudes classic formality, though gold or colored inks can harmonize with the event’s theme or table design. Menu Card Placement Options: •  To the left of the forks •  On the butter plate (sans butter) •  Atop the dinner plate or napkin •  Upright in a menu