Newsletter Archive

The quintessential guide to classic interior design, elegant entertaining & a genteel lifestyle. (formerly Mummy’s Monday Manners) Petite Decorations Now, more than ever, the joy of being together is sweeter than sugar… and sugar plums! While decorating for Christmas this year, I felt a renewed kindred spirit for the “little decorations,” which I hold dear, sparking even more holiday spirit! At Fox Hall,  a miniature circle of German hand-carved wooden angels (top photo) have been dancing around a little Christmas tree for decades.  You can see how these angels have been well-loved, with authentic patina from my first three childhood years spent in Germany.  My parents allowed me to play with them, so they acquired my “love marks” each year.  By creating these types of tactile traditions for children and grandchildren, cherished holiday memories are kept alive in one’s heart forever! There is a place for glamorous, as well as, homemade decorations. 

The quintessential guide to classic interior design, elegant entertaining & a genteel lifestyle. (formerly Mummy’s Monday Manners) Holiday Dinner Party-  How To Be The Hostess With The Mostess  The holidays are upon us and how grand it is to celebrate with family and friends and host dinner parties again!  Here are just a few suggestions, from my years of entertaining experience, which I feel contribute to creating a memorable event for your guests. -Prior to your event, ask if your guests have any food dislikes, allergies, or are vegetarian. -If your guests prefer non-alcoholic drinks, be sure to have something else to serve them.  One of our friends adores ginger beer, a non-alcoholic drink that I keep on hand for him. -Polish your silver! Mummy always said the best way to get your silver and house to sparkle is to host a party or have houseguests! -Write out your place cards,

The quintessential guide to classic interior design, elegant entertaining & a genteel lifestyle. (formerly Mummy’s Monday Manners) Holden Punch Why not serve a festive punch for all of your holiday gatherings this year?  Your guests will be pleased… as punch! Our “Holden Punch” has become a traditional libation that our guests now have come to expect at Fox Hall… and they are rawwwther disappointed if it does not greet them!  In addition to having a bar, I find it easy to offer a punch versus a signature cocktail because the punch is prepared in advance and voila, guests can also help themselves too! Where did “punch” originally come from?  Well, British sailors brought it back to Europe from their travels to the colonies in India during the 16th century.  Nutmeg was the most valuable product imported from there and it was also the spice used in punch.  Because of that,

The quintessential guide to classic interior design, elegant entertaining & a genteel lifestyle. (formerly Mummy’s Monday Manners) THE Perfect Pecan Pie! Thanksgiving is upon us and I have been requested to share my secret Pecan Pie recipe.  It is absolutely divine and I have kept it close to my heart, never divulging it before!  I am exceptionally “thankful” to you for subscribing, and for inspiring others as well.  So, consider yourself a cherished friend because today, my secret recipe is now your secret recipe too! For you, my darling “international audience,” I know you are aware that Pumpkin Pie is the traditional pie served at an American Thanksgiving.  But did you know that Pecan Pie is truly an American creation, because pecans are native to our country and were propagated by Native Americans?  Georgia is now the largest commercial grower of these nuts.  It is debatable where the first recipe

The quintessential guide to classic interior design, elegant entertaining & a genteel lifestyle. (formerly Mummy’s Monday Manners) Paint Tips Part II: Ceiling ideas & the perfect pink! Many have kindly inquired about the color pink on the walls and ceiling in my living room at Petite Fox, our pied a terre in Palm Beach. I am most happy to share my secret recipe! First, let’s chat about ceilings!  Ceilings are considered as the 5th wall, one which can be an unexpected treat for your guests’ eyes.  Typically, most guests rarely look up to the ceiling until they begin to feel notably comfortable within their surroundings.  When a person first enters a room, naturally, their eyes gravitate from the floor… up to the ceiling. Contrary to this human behavior, when one is in the presence of a spectacular domed edifice, ornate plasterwork, or a ceiling with gilded embellishments, it is natural

The quintessential guide to classic interior design, elegant entertaining & a genteel lifestyle. (formerly Mummy’s Monday Manners) Timeless “white” paint colors and other paint tips! There are a myriad of “white” paint color options.  It can be a daunting task to choose the appropriate “white” for various interior applications, wouldn’t you agree?! “White” paints can have hidden undertones, which tend to be either cold or warm.  I believe that the best way to accurately see the complexity of the white color you have chosen is to place your color swatch on a piece of white paper.  It will reveal its true color right before your eyes. Over and over, I am asked to divulge my “go-to” white paint color for wood trim, walls, and ceilings.  Today, I am delighted to share my favorite, tried and true white colors with you! But first, let me share with you why I specify Benjamin