Newsletter Archive

Roses are red, Violets are blue, Sugar is Sweet, And so are you!  Will you be my Valentine? Do you remember as a child giving little valentine cards, each with various sayings, and then slipping them in a classmate’s heart-decorated box, signed with “love from your secret admirer?” My grandchildren are doing this right now! The actual history of Valentine’s Day is lengthy, but in short, sending a Valentine as a gesture of courtship is a custom that began in England and France in the 18th century. So, why are red roses so popular for Valentine’s Day? In the Victorian days, certain flowers had a language of their own and relayed different messages to the recipient: red roses, tulips, and carnations meant “I love you!” Valentine’s Day has become such a commercial holiday in America. So, beyond buying a card, or other tokens of love such as chocolates and flowers on

When honoring the “guest of honor,” it is a lovely gesture to have a decorative element, either as ornamentation on the dining room table or as some aspect of the event, to complement your guest. Even something as subtle as a favorite variety of flowers, or the cuisine you know the “guest of honor” adores, will make them feel regaled. One of the most resplendent, private dinner parties I have attended was hosted by dear friends in honor of Baron Roberts of Belgravia. Andrew Roberts is an award-winning British historian and the exceptionally notable biographer of Napoleon and Winston Churchill. The elegant evening was divine, but the dessert was sans pareil.  Lord Robert’s latest tome, King George III, The Last King of America, was superbly and realistically re-created in… chocolate! One lifted the book’s cover to discover there was a colorful, epicurean dessert inside.  Truly a stunning gourmet creation, one

For those occasions when impromptu guests arrive or you spontaneously invite friends over for lunch or dinner and need a quick dessert, I have the perfect recipe.  It is one that both men and women savor, and you will most likely have all the ingredients on hand.  So, what is my tried-and-true “SECRET” pie recipe? A Lemon Chess Pie!  It is one that you can whip up easily, especially if you have a pre-made pie crust, along with two lemons. You will likely already have the other ingredients in your kitchen: butter, eggs, and sugar. The Lemon Chess Pie has a long heritage in England. It is similar to the English curd pie, dating back to the 1600s. It was adopted here, in New England and Virginia.  A version of the recipe was even in Martha Washington’s cookbook.  As a young bride in Richmond, I was given the recipe by

As an interior designer, I have been an enthusiastic advocate of The House of Scalamandre and have specified their fabrics and trims since I started my business in 1989.  Their documentary and reproduction fabrics have historical significance, along with their superb silks and trims. The products they offer are extraordinarily divine and can become addictive for anyone that appreciates fine design. It was an honor and a thrill to be invited as a guest speaker at the D&D, NYC, for Design Week.  Following that event, I gave another talk in the stunning Scalamandre showroom, where they graciously hosted a “Pink” themed book signing party. The cherry on top for that day? They presented me with the perfect pink gift: a classic pair of Stubbs and Wootton linen slippers with an embroidered design featuring The House of Scalamandre’s iconic “Zebra” pattern. The whimsical Zebra pattern was originally designed as wallpaper for

The best gift that “keeps on giving” is the act of LOVE. But, for tangible gifts, the ones that continue to serve the recipient with a meaningful memory or to mark an accomplishment, there are a few options, and I am delighted to share some of my favorites! A silver or polished pewter picture frame engraved with a meaningful date, personalized initials, or monogram, is a gift that can be used anywhere, for any photograph, forever. The same is applicable for a silver tray or bowl. The tray can be used to serve hors d’oeuvres, hold a perspiring champagne bucket, place wine glasses upon, or even place under a floral arrangement for added reflection. A bowl is perfect for holding nuts, dips, jewelry and earrings, and endless things. My daughter was given a silver tray with the wording of her wedding invitation engraved on it. Thank you, Uncle Herb! This

Napkins can be a secret signal in more ways than one! How you fold, place and use them has a language all its own, especially at a private dinner party. While seated, wait for the hostess to remove her napkin first. Follow her lead and then, place yours on your lap, unfolding it below the table (no shaking it with a flourish!). The fold faces you. (If you are at a table of friends, without the presence of a hostess, or in a restaurant, then place the napkin on your lap right away.) When there is a napkin ring, remove it by pulling it toward you. Then, place it to the left of your place setting. (Traditionally, a napkin ring is used for family, houseguests, or for informal dinners.) If you must excuse yourself, place your napkin on your chair (if it is an upholstered seat, be sure to have