Newsletter Archive

The Art of the Gracious Guest: Essential Etiquette No-Nos for Your Next Party

March 11, 2026

While visiting my daughter, Alexandra, in Berlin, Germany, she hosted a delightful impromptu cocktail party in my honor. Alexandra and her charming friends, whom I simply adore, always make such a lovely gesture of welcoming me when I visit. As we prepared the wine and cheese, our conversation turned to the “unwritten rules” of being a guest. Wherever in the world you are, a touch of gracious polish is always a welcomed attribute from a guest because a thoughtful guest is the best ornament at a party! More than merely appearing, bring along your spirit of grace, gratitude and joy. Here are a few of the No-nos to consider: No-no: Upon receiving an invitation, resist the urge to ask others if they are going to the party. It is a significant “no-no” to ask others if they were included. What is done: Discretion prevents any awkwardness should a friend not

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Floral Arrangement Secrets for Dinner Party Entertaining!

March 2, 2026

There is nothing quite like the magic of flowers to bring a room to life and signal to your guests that an elegant evening awaits. Whether I am plucking blossoms from our garden at Fox Hall or selecting a few stems from the florist, preparing my floral arrangements is pure joy for me! I want to share a few of my favorite “secret” nuances that will ensure your floral arrangements are as practical as they are beautiful. 1. The Stamen Secret: When working with blossoms that have prominent stamens, such as lilies, it is a “must” to gently remove them as soon as the flower opens. Those vibrant, pollen-heavy tips can easily drop and leave permanent stains on a tablecloth or nearby upholstery. It is a small detail that saves a world of worry! (A silver tray placed under an arrangement can also serve as a “frame” to catch any

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Repurposing Family Silver Treasures: The Story of “Truffle Trays”

February 23, 2026

A Short & Sweet Secret: The Story of “Truffle Trays” I imagine you love to repurpose silver as much as I do!  I inherited some darling, small, round silver trays from Mummy. I wasn’t quite sure how she used them or what their original purpose was, but in the spirit of lovely living, I decided they needed a new life and a new name, so I named them: “Truffle Trays!” (Chocolate truffles, to be clear!) Have you considered adding a single, decadent chocolate candy to everyone’s place setting for a luncheon or dinner party? I have been doing this for years and love to place a chocolate on a truffle tray for each guest seated at our dining room table. It is a tiny detail, but it is one of my “secret” nuances that I hope makes my guests feel truly cherished from the moment they sit down! GrandMillennial Tips:

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Secret Candle Etiquette: How to Prepare a Proper Candle!

February 16, 2026

What a stupendous time Stuart and I had with the CEO.org team planning our next “Live Royally” event for 2027. We explored breathtaking palaces and private castles in Salzburg and Vienna, Austria. Everywhere I turned, from the grandest ballrooms to the more intimate dining chambers, I would tilt my head back to admire the gilded chandeliers and the stately candelabras and notice a detail that would make any traditionalist’s heart sing: every single candle had a perfectly blackened wick! It reminded me immediately of a lesson Mummy instilled in me years ago. A candle is an object used for light, never merely a static decoration. To display a candle with a pristine, white wick is to suggest it is “just for show,” which, in the world of lovely living, is a “no-no!” By lighting the wick—if only for a brief moment—and then extinguishing it, you signal that your home is

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Table Etiquette: Which Direction Do You Pass Anything at a Dinner Table?

February 9, 2026

The No-No to Know: Keep Passing!  This isn’t earth-shattering, but I have witnessed this more often than I can count on my hands! Have you ever attended a dinner party, a large charity function, or a wedding where an item is being passed from guest to guest- perhaps a basket of warm biscuits, savory gravy, or a tray of chocolates- and suddenly, the momentum stops? It usually happens when a guest responds, “Oh, no thank you, I don’t care for any,” and neglects to pass the dish along to the next person. What they may not realize is that while they are satisfied, the rest of the table is likely waiting! Remember that even if you don’t partake, always keep the dish moving until it has reached everyone. The Graceful Flow: Which Way to Pass? To keep the table from becoming a “traffic jam” of platters, old-school etiquette dictates a

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White-Tie Dress Code for Women: The Ultimate Etiquette Guide

February 2, 2026

‘Tis the season for White-tie balls, which are being held from Palm Beach to Vienna!  I was asked recently by a Millennial, “What is appropriate for a lady to wear if the invitation indicates ‘White-tie’ on the bottom, right side?” Well, here is a definitive overview for the most formal of occasions! The Essentials of White-tie Attire for Ladies: THE GOWN:  The only appropriate dress is a floor-length gown. If you always wanted to wear a Cinderella ball gown, this is your moment. Ball gowns/floor-length gowns contribute to the gracious old-world elegance of a White-tie Ball. No-No: Cocktail attire, semi-formal dresses, and pant suits are not worn. The Shoes:  Elegant evening shoes, a must! Heels with closed toes are traditionally worn. Glass slippers? Doubtful! What about Dorothy’s “click-your-heels-sequin-sparkly” shoes? Definitely! Glittering silver or gold is always festive!  The most classic shoe is covered in peau de soie (a silk/satin weave)

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