Newsletter Archive

Guardians of Charm: The Magic of Foo Dogs!

June 1, 2026

Foo dogs, also known as Chinese guardian lions, hold great cultural significance in Eastern art and history. These mythical beings, traditionally found in pairs, stand guard at the entrances of grand palaces, temples, and estates. Considered the majestic sentinels of the spirit world, they protect sacred spaces from negative energies and unwanted guests. Incorporating foo dogs into your home provides a stately, protective presence, captivating guests with their fierce-yet-charming allure. My first pair of foo dogs became mine when I was a child living in Taipei, Taiwan. I pleaded with my parents for a puppy, and they surprised me… with a pair of foo dogs! They have been with me ever since, and I hold them incredibly dear to my heart. Their unique blend of lion and dragon features gives them a regal charm, while traditionally bringing good luck, prosperity, and good fortune. Over the years, I have continued to

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Proper Protocol On How To Greet A Friend Who Is Dining With Others

May 26, 2026

Have you ever been enjoying a delightful dinner at a restaurant or a private Club, deep in conversation, only to have an acquaintance spot you and walk over to your table? A spontaneous greeting is a lovely gesture, but far too often a well‑meaning friend overstays their welcome, right? A quick hello turns into a lengthy chat filled with updates… and much more than you expected! When greeting someone who is seated at a dinner table, remember, it should be a fleeting moment, not a full catch‑up session. The individuals dining are there to enjoy their meal and their chosen companions. A prolonged interruption can cause the hot soufflé to deflate, the conversation to stall, and an awkward tension to settle over the table as everyone waits for the interlude to end. The ideal table greeting lasts only a few moments! A perfect formula is a warm hello, a brief

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The Power of the Pin: The Secret Language of Brooches

May 18, 2026

  I have always thought of a jewelry box as so much more than just a place for pretty things. It’s really a lady’s quietest form of diplomacy. While a necklace sits quietly, a brooch serves as an envoy for your personality, purpose, and intentions. It is the ultimate secret weapon for a lady who wishes to make a statement without saying a word! During her visit to the United States last month, Queen Camilla showed us how diplomacy is done… with pins! She landed wearing the Unity Pin—a Cartier piece featuring the American flag entwined with the Union Jack—signaling deep respect before she even stepped off the plane. For the White House welcome, she chose the heart-shaped Cullinan V diamond, projecting strength and the literal weight of history. The true visionary of the “art of the pin” was the late Madeleine Albright, who quite literally wrote the book, Read

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The Art of the Thoughtful Guest: Honoring Hosts and Elders at Celebrations

May 11, 2026

The quintessence of genteel living is found in the gracious intentionality of our interactions with others! Throughout the year, especially spring and summer, many of us are invited to attend some of life’s most significant milestones—from baptisms and confirmations to graduations and weddings.  A truly thoughtful guest “steps up to the plate” by taking the initiative to introduce themselves to the hosts (if they do not already know them), and just as importantly, to the hosts’ parents or grandparents. While our focus is naturally on the guest of honor, there is a secret to being a truly gracious guest that many overlook- making a concerted effort to engage with the family’s elders. Often, elderly parents, relatives, and grandparents can feel a bit left out at large functions… and out-of-town guests, too.  Because they may not know many of the other guests, they tend to sit quietly and observe from the

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To cut or not to cut your salad!

May 4, 2026

Last evening, while dining on Worth Avenue, my attention was drawn to a gentleman at a nearby table. While well-dressed for dinner, he held his silver fork in a “fist grip,” as if preparing for a duel rather than a delicate salad starter! Watching him struggle with a spirited leaf of Romaine, I realized that a salad is the ultimate test of dexterity and grace. This prompted a recent subscriber’s question, “How does one navigate a salad with true grace?” The answer lies in a secret tradition from the grand dining rooms of France, which Mummy shared with me. In France, the cardinal rule is simple: One never cuts the lettuce! Historically, carbon-steel knives would tarnish when in contact with acidic dressings. While modern silver is safe, the protocol remains. Cutting your greens implies the kitchen failed to prepare them into proper, bite-sized pieces. Instead of using your knife, try

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Why are Porch Ceilings Blue? From Nile Villages to Historic U.S. Houses!

April 28, 2026

Lately, there has been quite a bit of talk about “Cerulean Blue” making a comeback in the upcoming Devil Wears Prada sequel… which I can’t wait to see! While fashion trends come and go, I’ve always been drawn to colors that carry a bit of history and purpose, which inspired me to talk about how blue is a global tradition. On my recent O.A.T. (Overseas Adventure Travel) tour with my daughter, Caroline, along the Nile in Egypt, I was captivated by the vibrant blue paint on the mud-brick walls of the farming villages we visited. It was everywhere—inside the houses and out. When I asked “why” this choice of color, I expected a poetic answer, but the locals were very practical: they use it to repel mosquitoes! (And interestingly, while the walls were a stunning blue, the ceilings inside were left white or natural.) We have a historical tradition closer

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