Newsletter Archive

The #1 Must-Have for Every Silk Scarf Lover!

January 26, 2026

It’s that time of year again when silk scarves come out of the closet, and I love nothing more than to add a splash of color to my outfits with one of my favorite accessories. Scarves become my magic “travel wardrobe” because they are lightweight and enable me to pack my suitcase with interchangeable monotone outfits; a plain outfit is elegantly transformed with a scarf. I can add my signature splash of pink… my happy color! But, what about scarf rings? These clever little accessories can enhance your scarf in so many ways, and they’re not as intimidating to use as you might think. Scarf rings are often overlooked, despite the fact that they can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outfit. Take a peek here at how I use one of my favorite scarf rings, which is a triangle of three riding spurs. Grand Millennial Tips:

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A Timeless Secret: How to Enhance Pearls with a Pin!

January 19, 2026

Pearls are “The Queen of Gems” in my opinion! Ever since my darling daddy returned from a business trip to Japan and gifted me my first string of graduated Mikimoto pearls at age twelve, they have been my signature piece of jewelry. I simply cannot leave home without them! Pearls are timeless, elegant, and surprisingly versatile. A simple strand effortlessly complements any occasion, whether horseback riding, flying a helicopter, attending a Garden Club meeting, or choosing a more extravagant multi-strand of pearls for a formal gala. The “Hidden” Treasures in Your Jewelry Box: Do you have a collection of beautiful pins or brooches that simply sit in your jewelry box, waiting for the right occasion? I have a lovely idea for you to incorporate them into your wardrobe for a rawwwther smart look! By combining your pearls with your pins, you create a striking “new” piece of jewelry that will

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The Art of Being a Gracious Houseguest

January 12, 2026

After years of hosting at Fox Hall, and Animal Haus in Vermont, my husband and I have been fortunate to have some truly delightful houseguests. Their impeccable manners have touched my heart and serve as brilliant examples of how a guest can contribute and be “easy keepers”… the kind of guests you want to have back again! Here are a few secrets to becoming a world-class houseguest. The Hostess Gift: Flowers are a timeless, all-around wonderful hostess gift. You might send them in advance of your arrival, bring them with you, or as my son-in-law thoughtfully does, send them the day after departure. A “thank you” bouquet arriving the day after you leave is an especially unexpected treat! (If you have never been to the home before, select a bouquet of white flowers or a white orchid. A neutral color will complement any interior.) A bottle or two of champagne

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Bread & Butter Note

January 5, 2026

Happy New Year! Have you ever heard the old-school term “bread and butter” note and wondered what it is? It is an old-school term for a thank-you note, which is dutifully sent to thank a host/hostess for their hospitality! The gracious gesture of sending a “bread and butter” thank-you note is an appreciated gift to your host. It expresses, in writing, how much you appreciate someone’s hospitality. Speaking of thank-you notes, a handwritten note is more important than ever these days, especially with the present-day trend to send off a quick thank-you via email. A handwritten acknowledgment for someone’s hospitality, gift, or act of kindness is the pinnacle of graciousness, a quiet beacon of polish, and a proper nod to good manners. Interestingly enough, in my lifetime, I have noticed that the people who take the time to write a note tend to be some of the most remarkable, busiest

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Petite Adornments: A Charming Secret to Decorate Your Service Tray!

December 22, 2025

Christmas is almost here! I invite you to look at your silver chest with fresh eyes. Beyond their traditional role, a silver napkin ring (or any kind of decorative napkin ring) can be reimagined as an exquisite “petite adornment” that adds a sense of beauty and whimsy to your serving trays. This is applicable for any occasion you are hosting. By transforming a single napkin ring into a Lilliputian-sized arrangement, you can elevate a simple tray into a darling display in mere seconds! Using a napkin ring as aminiature floral holder is an effortless way to add a “uniquely charming touch” to your presentation. Mummy only used her silver napkin rings for our family or her house guests, but never for a dinner party. She adhered to the old-school rule that using a napkin ring for a dinner guest would indicate that the napkins would be reused! Those words have stayed with

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Hostess Gifts: Unique and Thoughtful!

December 15, 2025

With the holidays approaching, “party time” is in the air!  It is important to show your appreciation to your host or hostess, especially knowing the effort put forth for the party you are attending. Your joyful self, along with complementary verbal sentiments, will be music to the ears of the hostess.  Bringing a hostess gift to the party is a lovely idea too, but I want to share two other gestures you can give your hostess… prior to the party. Food: A very dear friend recently responded to my invitation for a celebratory cocktail party at Fox Hall and remarked how thrilled she and her husband were to accept, and complimented me on how pretty the invitation was (always appreciated by the host).  And then, she extended an exceptionally gracious offer, one I had never heard of before. It inspired me to share it with you, too! She knows that

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