Newsletter Archive

Secret Candle Etiquette: How to Prepare a Proper Candle!

February 16, 2026

What a stupendous time Stuart and I had with the CEO.org team planning our next “Live Royally” event for 2027. We explored breathtaking palaces and private castles in Salzburg and Vienna, Austria. Everywhere I turned, from the grandest ballrooms to the more intimate dining chambers, I would tilt my head back to admire the gilded chandeliers and the stately candelabras and notice a detail that would make any traditionalist’s heart sing: every single candle had a perfectly blackened wick! It reminded me immediately of a lesson Mummy instilled in me years ago. A candle is an object used for light, never merely a static decoration. To display a candle with a pristine, white wick is to suggest it is “just for show,” which, in the world of lovely living, is a “no-no!” By lighting the wick—if only for a brief moment—and then extinguishing it, you signal that your home is

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Table Etiquette: Which Direction Do You Pass Anything at a Dinner Table?

February 9, 2026

The No-No to Know: Keep Passing!  This isn’t earth-shattering, but I have witnessed this more often than I can count on my hands! Have you ever attended a dinner party, a large charity function, or a wedding where an item is being passed from guest to guest- perhaps a basket of warm biscuits, savory gravy, or a tray of chocolates- and suddenly, the momentum stops? It usually happens when a guest responds, “Oh, no thank you, I don’t care for any,” and neglects to pass the dish along to the next person. What they may not realize is that while they are satisfied, the rest of the table is likely waiting! Remember that even if you don’t partake, always keep the dish moving until it has reached everyone. The Graceful Flow: Which Way to Pass? To keep the table from becoming a “traffic jam” of platters, old-school etiquette dictates a

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White-Tie Dress Code for Women: The Ultimate Etiquette Guide

February 2, 2026

‘Tis the season for White-tie balls, which are being held from Palm Beach to Vienna!  I was asked recently by a Millennial, “What is appropriate for a lady to wear if the invitation indicates ‘White-tie’ on the bottom, right side?” Well, here is a definitive overview for the most formal of occasions! The Essentials of White-tie Attire for Ladies: THE GOWN:  The only appropriate dress is a floor-length gown. If you always wanted to wear a Cinderella ball gown, this is your moment. Ball gowns/floor-length gowns contribute to the gracious old-world elegance of a White-tie Ball. No-No: Cocktail attire, semi-formal dresses, and pant suits are not worn. The Shoes:  Elegant evening shoes, a must! Heels with closed toes are traditionally worn. Glass slippers? Doubtful! What about Dorothy’s “click-your-heels-sequin-sparkly” shoes? Definitely! Glittering silver or gold is always festive!  The most classic shoe is covered in peau de soie (a silk/satin weave)

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The #1 Must-Have for Every Silk Scarf Lover!

January 26, 2026

It’s that time of year again when silk scarves come out of the closet, and I love nothing more than to add a splash of color to my outfits with one of my favorite accessories. Scarves become my magic “travel wardrobe” because they are lightweight and enable me to pack my suitcase with interchangeable monotone outfits; a plain outfit is elegantly transformed with a scarf. I can add my signature splash of pink… my happy color! But, what about scarf rings? These clever little accessories can enhance your scarf in so many ways, and they’re not as intimidating to use as you might think. Scarf rings are often overlooked, despite the fact that they can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outfit. Take a peek here at how I use one of my favorite scarf rings, which is a triangle of three riding spurs. Grand Millennial Tips:

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A Timeless Secret: How to Enhance Pearls with a Pin!

January 19, 2026

Pearls are “The Queen of Gems” in my opinion! Ever since my darling daddy returned from a business trip to Japan and gifted me my first string of graduated Mikimoto pearls at age twelve, they have been my signature piece of jewelry. I simply cannot leave home without them! Pearls are timeless, elegant, and surprisingly versatile. A simple strand effortlessly complements any occasion, whether horseback riding, flying a helicopter, attending a Garden Club meeting, or choosing a more extravagant multi-strand of pearls for a formal gala. The “Hidden” Treasures in Your Jewelry Box: Do you have a collection of beautiful pins or brooches that simply sit in your jewelry box, waiting for the right occasion? I have a lovely idea for you to incorporate them into your wardrobe for a rawwwther smart look! By combining your pearls with your pins, you create a striking “new” piece of jewelry that will

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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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