Newsletter Archive

Recently, I received a question from Gaye, whom I met at a signing event for my first book, the Pretty & Proper Living Room, which was hosted by my favorite store, Lori Jayne in Palm Beach. Gaye offered me a treasure trove of topics to delve into! I shall share one of them with you today. Even though we are all not attending dinner parties and receptions during this time of social distancing, we continue to be in eager anticipation of them, non? Is bringing your drink from a cocktail reception hour to the dinner table a faux pas? Oh, I adore the Southerners who give me their suggestions and questions…old-world gentility at its best! Most of us are probably imbibing more than usual with the current state of quarantine, whilst carefreely taking our wine or cocktail glasses just about anywhere in the house we may venture.  But, when we are

Because of social distancing, people are reading more, which made me contemplate this very topic! Why is it that occasionally, when someone borrows a book from you, it inadvertently, (wink-wink) never gets returned? I surmise you have experienced this, too, yes? Ahhh, that is why having a bookplate, which marks ownership, fastened inside your book (or on a kindle!) is to your advantage. A bookplate is not only an attractive way to personalize your books, it is inestimable as a subtle reminder to return your borrowed book because it features your name or some reference to your ownership.  Well, at least it will be a hopeful hint in that regard! Bookplates originated in Germany in the 15th century. The first bookplates were printed to indicate ownership of a book. They were little works of art, pasted inside the cover of the book.  Bookplates have also been referred to as ex

This week I received a question from a precious friend’s daughter, whom I adore! She lives in New York but is presently quarantining with her family down south. I thought her inquiry would be a lively topic to cover, especially with the hope and dream of hosting parties again.  Perhaps it will spark conversation within your family, too! “Mrs. Holden, we are looking for your perspective on the topic of hosting “showers” as we have an inner family debate!  In this modern world, is it appropriate or not, for a family member to host a bridal shower? Please do not hold back on your candid expert opinion. We are hoping for a colorful debate!! (What else do we have to do in a quarantine state!!)” My response:  I believe that any member of the immediate family (especially the mother) should not host a bridal or baby shower. The traditional thought

The day after Easter, a family holiday or a dinner party, your table is still adorned with flowers and decorative accessories, in situ.  So, why not relish this enchanting aspect and make a concerted effort to dine there and enjoy them all week long! Admire the polished silver, pretty crystal glasses, flower arrangements and lovely porcelain plates. Don’t let your hard work disappear too quickly! Mummy always said to me, “Dine with your best accouterments every day, not just for special occasions. . Remember, everything tastes better when served on silver or pretty porcelain, and under the gentle glow of candlelight!” By leaving your dining room table dressed in it’s finest, you will also have a proper reason to use your family napkin rings so that everyone can reuse their linen napkins more than once after the initial celebration. If there is a stain on the tablecloth from the antecedent

Perhaps you have noticed my new tagline at the base of the MMM logo? I decided to add “Lessons for Lovely Living” to expand the breadth of a gracious lifestyle. This will enable me to share more than just Mummy’s etiquette secrets with you. I will venture even further into interior design and entertaining ideas that contribute to a timeless and tailored house.  “Lessons for Lovely Living” will encompass all of the realms and nuances of creating an inviting abode where family and guests do not want to leave! On that note, having been sequestering at home for such a length of time, “not wanting to leave” is presently not applicable! Three meals a day at the same table can become rather mundane, right? As such, why not simply try changing your dinner venue? From the dining room or the kitchen table, find an unexpected place in your house, even if it is for

When hosting a large event, table names or numbers are required in order for the guests to be able to discover their table. Being quarantined, for what seems like an eternity, I began to dream about parties! As I viewed some of my photographs for inspiration, I joyfully discovered photographs from the very last event held over a month ago, which I assisted in hosting. My gracious! Times have changed radically since then. Oh, how I cherish those sweet memories of being with dear friends! The event was a lady’s luncheon to introduce the new Executive Director of the Hill-Stead Museum, Anna Swinborne, to friends and supporters of the museum. The Hill-Stead, a beloved treasure in the historic village of Farmington, Connecticut, is a private country estate designed by Theodate Pope Riddle in 1901 for her parents. Theodate was one of America’s first female architects. She worked with the renowned architectural firm of McKim, Mead