Newsletter Archive

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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Decorating for Christmas with Treasured Vignettes: The Magic of Miniature

December 8, 2025

The holidays are here! Norman Vincent Peale said it best: “Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” A simple lesson I learned firsthand from Mummy: the true enchantment of the season often comes in smaller, quieter packages. Have you considered creating “petite vignettes,” discerningly placed around your house? A few serene, almost “little secret festive displays” are a tender tribute to the magic of the season and can conjure the sweetest memories of Christmases past. I treasure pieces that tell a story. Here are a few Lilliputian displays that make their appearance every year since…well, as long as I can remember!   With the oversized, commercial Christmas decoration bombardment these days, the true meaning of Christmas is often neglected or masked. Enchantment and charm can come in small packages; a few well-placed petite decorations will serve to tenderly delight your family

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Mummy’s Secret Christmas Caviar Ball!

December 1, 2025

Do you agree that inherited family recipes are “as good as gold?” Not just because they’re tried and true, but because they immediately bring back happy memories! Our ultimate Christmas Eve tradition at Fox Hall is Mummy’s Caviar Ball, served every year during cocktail hour and also, at my holiday parties. It’s the easiest, most elegant holiday appetizer you can make! This recipe eliminates the ordeal of traditional caviar service (no need for all those little servings of minced egg and onions!). Here is the secret, simple recipe. The Secret: Mummy’s 5-Ingredient Caviar Ball This is the cherished recipe I use.  Ingredients: 8 oz. Philadelphia Cream Cheese 2 shakes of Worcestershire Sauce 1–2 Scallions, finely chopped (include the white bulb) ½  tsp. Cream or Milk 2 oz. Jar of Caviar (or more if you have it!) NOTE: Do not use low-fat cream cheese—the flavor and texture depend on “original standard

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