Newsletter Archive

It’s “wedding season,” and after the Covid hiatus, there are joyful wedding receptions galore!  A recent bride spoke to me about a wedding guest, and how she wished a few of her younger guests knew the no-no’s to know!  So, here we go!  Pass it on…. No-no: To arrive at the church at the stated time on the invitation for the ceremony. What is done:  Plan to arrive up to 20 minutes before the appointed time on the invitation, or earlier if you know the church will be overflowing with guests. Stand up when the bride enters the aisle of the church. No-no: To wear sunglasses for the ceremony, and also at the reception. What is done:  Sunglasses are removed before entering the church.  Even if the reception is outside, try to refrain from wearing sunglasses, because when the wedding couple fondly look back at the photographs of their wedding

Ever since 1776, on the Fourth of July, a “star-spangled day” in America has been in order, and now more than ever with what is going on in the world. Red, white and blue, along with sparklers, fireworks, and strawberry pie are traditions enjoyed on Independence Day. I feel the need to celebrate America with extra vigor this Fourth of July. Do you agree? Perhaps, we will all make the effort to proudly display an American flag to honor our great country! The protocol of hanging a flag: -When a flag is projecting out from a building on a pole, the Union (the blue background with 50 stars to commemorate our states), should be at the top, and in front of the pole. You already know this! -What if you are hanging the American flag vertically on a wall, where does the Union go? It is placed at the top

While on our trip to Israel, I had the delight of meeting a charming new friend, Marilee. She is from the South. We were discussing the topic of a “well-brought-up” child. It’s summer… and school is out!  So, if you have grandchildren coming to visit, (or even if you and your children are going to be houseguests), here is an idea that Marilee shared with me on how to encourage good table manners.  When her children were young she used a point system. But fast forward, while visiting Universal Studios with her grandsons, aged 8 and 11, she tried a new technique to encourage table manners just for fun. Instead of points, she offered to pay them $1.00 per day per item that is not violated on her Manners List! The Manners List: Napkin placed on the lap No elbows on the table Don’t talk with your mouth full No

A bride, a client, and a relative recently asked me what a “drape table” was. So, I decided to revisit the topic again! One can soften any room with a “skirted table,” also referred to in England as a “drape table.” Drape tables have graced pretty interiors… forever! Placed in a living room, library, bedroom, foyer, or even a powder room, they are tantamount to a graceful lady who adds just the right touch of glamour to any room. These bespoke skirted tables can resemble an elegant ball gown, depending on the formality of the room and the fabric and trim chosen. Typically, a drape table is round, but it can also be square or rectangle. Drape tables get their smart looks from their fine fabric and trims, rather than exceptional wood and inlays. In a room filled with elegant “bare legs” on the tables, chairs, and chests, the addition

What a pleasure it was to receive a phone call from my dear friend, Gerret Conover. He, and his wife Paula, are the owners of the Charlotte Inn, a Relais and Châteaux property and THE most charming Inn on Martha’s Vineyard. It is an internationally acclaimed destination! Gerret and Paula have created a truly enchanting English country paradise, from guest rooms filled with stunning antiques, to walls adorned with museum-quality artwork (oh, I LOVE their British sporting art), to timeless decorative accessories and an abundance of polished silver accessories. My husband Stuart and I have adored staying at this Inn and have savored the genuinely gracious hospitality.  I always feel as if I have been transported to the most lovely slice of English paradise… but the best part?  It is here in America, so no jet lag!  The Charlotte Inn has been listed in the book, 1000 Places to Visit

A darling Southern friend recently posed the question, “What do you do when you are presented with a passed hors d’oeuvre that appears to be HUGE?”  My response to this dilemma is: “pass” on anything that is larger than one bite! From my experience, anything that is passed which is larger than “one bite” has the propensity to either crumble when you bite into it or drip down the front of your outfit!  And, if you choose to pop the entire oversized “nibble” into your mouth, well instantly you look (and feel) like a chipmunk!  Once a large piece is in your mouth, there is no backing out! Once I had a rather traumatic party experience, which has served to instill the “one-bite” nibble rule for me!  I was notably pregnant at the time. Donning my only emerald green silk maternity cocktail dress, I  gracefully took a bite of a