Newsletter Archive

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

Photo credit: Deb Key Storytime… a mini peek about me, so pour a cup of tea! Quite often, I am asked “when and why” I began to design dresses, especially since my business is interior design. Well, it is probably not what you think- I have been designing dresses for longer than you may imagine. Here is my story: My darling Daddy, whom I loved and adored, died suddenly from a heart attack when I was sixteen… I was devastated. On top of that challenge, my Mum did not have access to any money in the bank for over six months because of a mistake the bank made. I never understood why,  but it happened, and she was too proud to let her family help us. During that time, I was invited to dances, debuts, and cotillions, which required a long and short party dress wardrobe. It was time to

Some hosts have a natural affinity for hosting memorable dinner parties effortlessly. Within moments of arriving at a home, you know whether it will be a jolly affair… or not. I was asked what two elements a successful host should strive to master: joyful energy and elegant ease! I realize how fortunate I was to observe my parents, who entertained constantly. We moved worldwide, and within two weeks, Mummy would host an elegant dinner party with ease… she had a gift.   So, by osmosis, mimic, and practice, I learned.  Stuart and I love to entertain. Several of you nudged me to share a few of our secret tricks! Moments before our guests arrive: We savor a few cherished moments and sip a glass of wine in anticipation of our guests’ arrival. This is not always easy to accomplish, as there are always last-minute details one must attend to, right?!  But,