Newsletter Archive

If you’re an avid collector of china patterns, such as myself, you’d agree that one can never have too many china designs.  Plates, platters, service pieces, oh my!   Like me, if you have a penchant for collecting various sets of china, it can be a challenge to find ample storage space for them. Fortunately, many historic, or turn-of-the-century houses, have Butler’s Pantries designated for this purpose.  Even so, what do you do if you are challenged with a lack of space to store your acquired stacks of pretty plates? Here is part of the answer!  First, let me share a short story… The week before Lady Carnarvon flew over from Highclere Castle, aka Downton Abbey, to attend a luncheon I hosted on my verandah at Fox Hall for 45 ladies, the plumber came to change the faucet in the laundry room, located just above our Butler’s Pantry.  He neglected

Break Out Mummy’s China!  One of my sweet subscribers, Nikki, wrote to me after reading last week’s topic of choosing a color and theme to build upon: “My Southern belle mother always said that the lady of the house should decorate the dining room in her most flattering color.  At the table, she is the star of the evening and the walls behind her are her stage.  To this day, the walls of my dining room are the same shade of green as my eyes.  I always feel more confident and prettier in that room!”  What a lovely observation! This inspired me to write about your choice in china, because china patterns serve to accent and flatter your dining room, and you, too.  China designs are a splendid way to mirror your personality, complement an occasion, and enhance a dining experience!  Observing the china pattern a hostess chooses for an

It has been said that one will meet a handful of people in their life who will share their magnanimous advice or touch one’s life in an impactful way, even though it may seem insignificant at the time. After 45 years of marriage, and after recently celebrating the wedding of a dear friend, I was inspired to share with you the advice that a dear friend, Marie deButts, gave me when I was a young bride. We met at the Deep Run Hunt Club, outside of Richmond, Virginia. She was twenty years older and I admired everything about her. On our long, glorious rides, I asked questions and relished her answers. We discussed everything, from how she furnished her plantation, to what design advice served Marie well. Here are two pieces of advice that I took to heart. Nothing earth-shattering, but in reality, these have impacted my life in a most

May I pour you another sip of fine wine and share another portion of my interview with David Patrick Columbia (DPC)?  Who knows, perhaps I will write even more at another point in time. Hopefully, after my incessant nudging to David to write his biography, he will someday. As you can imagine, he has a plethora of life experiences to share with the world.  David openly shared a glimmer with me, so that I may whisper them to you. Holly:  Given all the brilliant parties you have attended in your life, does one sparkle in your memory bank more than any of the others? David: One of the greatest dinner parties that I have ever attended in my life was hosted by Edie Goetz in LA.  Why?  Because it was perfect in every way!   Edith “Edie” Mayer Goetz hosted legendary dinners at her ‘Holmby Hills’ mansion, which was the epicenter of

Who is the mastermind behind THE New York Social Diary?  David P. Columbia! Looking as dapper as ever, David Patrick Columbia embodies the essence of New York society with his clever wit and positive attitude.  The nature of social journalism is people interested in other people!  In 2000, David Patrick Columbia (DPC) created his legendary, weekly online newsletter, the New York Social Diary (NYSD) where he has cleverly chronicled the social, historical, and cultural life of NYC. People have aspirations and want to be inspired! There is a fine line between having a gossip publication and a socially informative one, the latter of which is the essence of NYSD. I regard his writing as a fine wine. It tastes like velvet and has subtle but complex nuances from mastering the art of its blending and aging, with just the right touch of intrigue.  With one sip, you’ll only want more! I found

Dogs and cats are not always a welcome sight for your guests!   This is sweet little, but very naughty, Miss Zsa Zsa, our fourth English Jack Russell terrier. They are “terrors,” but adorable!  Photo credit: Gabriella Narus “Dogs laugh, but they laugh with their tails.”  -Max Eastman, American Author As long as I can remember, four-legged furry animals have always made my heart go ‘pitter-patter’ with happiness and joy!  Oh, the random treasures that I brought home to my unsuspecting parents. How did they ever put up with me?  Once, during a piano lesson in Taipei, I heard a kitten crying outside of the window.  After my lesson, I walked outside and found the kitten in a brown paper bag “thrown out.”  Yes, tiny “Ribsy” came home to live with us and turned out to be a stunning Calico cat, who teased our dog, Mischief, unmercifully.  I have always been