Newsletter Archive

Do you know the secret language of flowers? Every day is perfect for giving, receiving, or admiring pretty flowers!  But are you aware of the secret language of flowers?  Besides merely admiring them, the color and the variety of various flowers can have a symbolic meaning behind them… a secret language. During the Victorian ages, the language of flowers was an ingenious way of expressing intimate, romantic feelings to another, back when it was taboo to do so blatantly.  The color and type of flower chosen was a silent dialogue.  I was unaware of this lovely language until I discovered a precious little book about the secret language of flowers at my mother-in-law’s charming Cape Cod house. I was intrigued and enthralled because I adore flower arranging and I asked myself, “What secret message am I relaying with the flowers I give to others?”  Not that the recipient would ever know,

With my new Holly Holden Collection of clothing, I was inspired to protect each piece and reached out to Barbara Harman, the founder of The Butler’s Closet. She is THE renowned expert on how to protect clothes as well as upholstered furniture. Your clothes, like my new collection, are a serious investment… so I was “seriously interested!” Barbara was the former CEO of Parfums Nina Ricci. She was gifted many beautiful clothes from the ready-to-wear and couture collections and searched online to find the best cotton garment bags to protect them, along with cotton dust covers for their newly built weekend house furniture. Nothing was out there to buy! A lightbulb moment. She worked with two very experienced and accomplished textile conservators to understand what materials they recommended. The answer?  Storing clothes in 100% cotton, breathable garment bags made from fabrics free of chemicals. So, in 2011, she launched The Butler’s Closet, offering

Having just returned from Merry Old England, I wanted to share a colloquial term I was introduced to while having afternoon tea at Cliveden House.  The English lady I was with asked, “Do you drink your tea ‘white’?” “Yes, I like milk in my tea whilst in England,” I answered. (I prefer lemon when in America) And then she asked, “Are you a MIF or TIF?” with an amused smile and a wink! The tradition of pouring afternoon tea has many nuances, but this reference was new to me. I soon found out that it refers to “Milk in first” or “Tea in first” when pouring the tea from a teapot into the cup. It was considered refined to pour the milk into the cup after the tea (TIF), and more “downstairs” to pour the milk in first (MIF).  The theory was that pouring the milk in first would protect the

Here is a lovely idea to commence 2024: create a needlepoint pillow! The art and implementation to create a needlepoint creates a sense of calm and a quiet time to savor. What you create will give joy and bring back distinct memories. Needlepoint pillows are a timeless staple in classic, preppy interiors as well as in noble residences, especially if made by a member of the household. They can add a touch of whimsy and give a glimpse into your interests. The design you choose can pique a conversation when others admire it. I devoted an entire chapter to needlepoint pillows in my first book, The Pretty and Proper Living Room… I adore them!  But, true confession: once I start a piece, I cannot stop. I become a sleepless addict, staying up until I finish it. Heaven, help me! From my experience, a house that has a few handmade needlepoint pillows

Being with family and friends is always a merry occasion, especially during the holidays.  Here are a few thoughtful tips Mummy shared with me… and I am passing them along to you! As a host: Make the extra effort to welcome your guests at the door and greet them with JOY! As a guest: Bring a little gift, preferably something homemade (always the best gift)! Whether it is your unique recipe for spiced nuts, a yummy pecan pie that can be frozen for future use, a box of your signature cookies, a coffee cake, or a breakfast casserole for the following day, a homemade gift will relay the love in your heart to your hosts. Write a little note to accompany your gift, and compose a sentence or two on why you are grateful for your friendship. GrandMillennial Tips: If you are contributing to a party, place a little piece