Newsletter Archive

Mummy always said: “To know what house guests appreciate having in their room, spend the night in the guest bedroom!” Roleplay yourself as the guest, experience waking up in the bedroom, and then you will truly discover what else is needed for your guest’s stay. Another thoughtful idea to welcome your house guest is to hang the flag from the country they are from or have something representative of their country on display. My son-in-law is German. He is always thrilled to see the German flag hanging at Fox Hall, underneath the American flag, when he and my daughter visit from England. Other details include making sure a full-length mirror is easily accessible, either in the guest bedroom or their bathroom. A mirror can be easily be installed on the front or back of a door. A night light in the guest bathroom is a thoughtful addition too! In researching for my upcoming book, I’ve

Mummy always said that paper napkins are for picnics, linen napkins are for lovely guests! She advised me to offer linen cocktail napkins to guests when serving drinks at any time of the day. This accessory may seem retro to you, but they announce “Party!” to me! You will also be going green quite elegantly by reusing your linen cocktail napkins for future events, versus just throwing paper ones out. I estimate about two cocktail napkins per guest: one for drinks and another to be passed along with an hors d’oeuvres. For me, it is a delight to discover precious new linen designs. The design can be an opportunity to show your personal style, and can also become a conversation piece. Cocktail napkins can be whimsical with cute embroidery or a clever saying. Mummy had little ones that had roosters embroidered on them. When I inquired “Why roosters, for heaven’s

A few of you have kindly requested that I comment on how to be a thoughtful hostess to house guests.  Summer, in particular, is a prime season! Oh, I do love a party, especially when our guests and family come to visit us at Fox Hall, at any time of year.  In Robert Louis Stevenson’s words, “A friend is a gift you give yourself.” To me, a house guest is a substantial gift that accords immense pleasure to my husband and me. Yes, it requires planning and loads of TLC effort, but is worth every minute! A few days before a house guest arrives, I inquire as to what they would like to do, offer suggestions, and get their feedback, being flexible as to their wants and desires. I think it is thoughtful to let guests know an event schedule with approximate times in advance of their arrival. I do

Drinking tea with a tea bag still in the cup! The tradition of afternoon tea requires loose tea leaves, which seep inside the teapot and are then strained while poured into the cup. But these days, tea bags are often used for ease and simplicity. If a tea bag happens to be served to you in your cup (or mug) in a casual environment or establishment, simply remove the tea bag and place it on the plate offered or on your saucer before taking a sip. The tea bag may remain within a teapot, but avoid having the string with the paper label dangling on the side of the cup at all costs! Sign up for Mummy’s Monday Manners to receive new sparkling tips about etiquette and classic design every week, along with a free download of Holly’s Elegant Entertaining e-book. Name * First Name Last Name Email *  

Sorry to surprise some of you, but that lovely social tea event served around four in the afternoon… well, it is not called “high tea”!  It is correctly called “afternoon tea”. Whether served in a noble house, a grand hotel, an English country house, or your own house, it’s still called afternoon tea. The Queen simply calls it tea. High tea, which many Americans mistake for afternoon tea, is served later in the day between five and seven in the evening. High tea is accompanied with a medley of savoury and hearty fare. It is considered to be more of a light dinner served after the workday and is often referred to as working-class tea—quite the opposite of afternoon tea! When did this afternoon tea tradition begin? Around 1840’s the 7th Duchess of Bedford visited Belvoir Castle in England and was a bit peckish in the afternoon.  Back then there were only two meals, breakfast and

It has come to my attention to correct a few commonly used words whose hidden interpretations you may not be aware of. The use of these words can often reflect one’s education and background as a part of the old school code. Mummy wanted me to know the difference. Here is a personal story detailing the consequences: my girls prep school English teacher reprimanded me, in front of the entire 8th-grade class (the kind of embarrassment that you never forget!) for using the word “raised” in my sentence: “He was raised in America.” She said animals and crops are “raised” and children are “reared”. So from then on, my children were “reared in New England”! Reared is the more traditional, polished choice. Other common mistakes include: Correct Form: Children Incorrect: Kids Reasoning: Kids are baby goats, “raised” by a mother goat! Correct Form: Buffet Incorrect: Spread Reasoning: A time-honored tradition, “spread” is never