Newsletter Archive

“There are two ways of spreading light, to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”   ~ Edith Wharton Candlelight can turn a mundane event into a celebration! A candlelit dinner somehow magically becomes… more memorable. Candles have been integral to celebrations for centuries, from churches to dinner parties and atop birthday cakes. Candles create significant moments. Mummy always said, “Everything tastes better in candlelight.” And I think everyone “looks” better in candlelight! What is a simple way to “double” your candlelight?  Place candles in front of a mirror! This technique has been used for centuries. The double reflection of candlelight in a mirror is alluringly majestic. While filming my television series at Blenheim Palace, England, in the private dining room, a pair of dramatic candelabras doubled the reflected candlelight between resplendent mirrors. Simply magical! Why are white and ivory candles the most traditional choice of color? Let’s take a

What is the most sincere type of sympathy note? A handwritten note, not a “store-bought” sympathy card, is the most sincere way to offer your condolences. There is no need to buy a sympathy card, EVER. Your words are a “thousand times more meaningful” than what is printed on a store-bought sympathy card! What kind of stationery is most appropriate? White stationery, preferably a fold-over informal card (pictured above) or a flat card. Old-school formality is to have your name engraved.  Another option is to have your name embossed or with thermography.  Both are less expensive than engraving. Other than a note card, what is another option? Another suitable option is plain white or ecru (off-white) writing paper, preferably in a heavy stock. My favorite stationery companies are Dempsey & Carroll, Tiffany & Co., or Crane and Co. What color ink is appropriate to write a sympathy note? Black ink

After a long “non-social-interaction” hiatus during COVID, I think the “when to stand up” topic is worth revisiting! A darling subscriber reminded me about this simple courtesy, which sadly seems to be disappearing these days. “I would love to see you discuss how a young person should stand up when an adult enters the room. My children were always embarrassed and said, ‘Mom, none of my friends stand up.’ I replied, ‘It is the polite thing to do!’ It seems that even with our grandchildren, it is not done much anymore.” I agree wholeheartedly and am an enthusiastic advocate of this polite gesture. So, let’s discuss a few more standing-up scenarios: Who stands for whom when a person enters a room? ~Ladies and children stand when an older person enters a room. ~Gentlemen stand when a lady enters a room. ~A gentleman also stands for another gentleman when greeting him. Standing

How to properly butter your bread!  When my darling grandchildren from Germany visited this summer, I noticed they buttered their entire piece of bread or biscuit at the dinner table, versus the American etiquette of buttering only one bite-sized piece at a time.  (They have polished table manners thanks to their parents, who insist on a sit-down dinner together every night… practice, practice!) Etiquette varies in different countries, which inspired me to write about bread and butter protocol in America. Millennials, if you are invited to a business dinner…let’s brush up on your “bread and butter” skills.  (Pssst… this little secret speaks volumes about your table manners.) Take it or leave it, but at least you will be aware of this simple polished gesture! When bread is served to you, take the piece of bread and place it onto your butter plate, which is to the left of your dinner plate,

Crazy Crab! An EASY, Impromptu First Course!  Prepare to dazzle your guests with my easy and oh-so-delectable first course, which will be whipped up in a snap! Picture this: a bed of fresh, tender bib lettuce leaves on a pretty salad plate. Then, add the star of the show, a generous layer of succulent lump crab meat.  Crown the lump crabmeat with a pale-pink drizzle of velvety-smooth Remoulade sauce, creating a tangy, creamy, spicy and delightful dance. To serve six: -1 or 2 heads of Boston Bib lettuce (depends on the size of the head) -16 oz container of fresh, refrigerated lump crabmeat, drained -Lemon -Bottle of Remoulade sauce, which can be purchased pre-made (usually found in the seafood department) or homemade. Place the Bibb lettuce leaves on the plate, toss the crab with some freshly squeezed lemon, and place the crab on top of the lettuce leaves. Then, drizzle with

Monograms never go out of style! What is a monogram? Monograms are usually three intertwined initials to create one symbol, with the surname initial centered and the largest of the three initials.  A monogram can also be your name initials in a straight row, all the same size, and preferably with a period between the initials. I adore monograms! They contribute to that darling “timeless and tailored” design aspect of gracious living and are a true Southern tradition that I embrace! Whatever you decide to monogram, it will become unique to you because… it has your name on it. A monogram for a married couple: The bride’s first name initial comes first on the left, the surname of the couple is more prominent and featured in the center, and the groom’s first name initial is on the right.  (An easy way to remember which initial comes first:  “Ladies go first!”) This