Newsletter Archive

“Simple and summer go together like strawberries and cream.” When my granddaughter Felicity graced us with a visit from Berlin, we embarked on one of our delightful culinary endeavors. We created our secret, signature strawberry shortcake—an all-American “slice of summer” classic—for our family dinner on the verandah at Fox Hall. What’s the simple secret? Bisquick in a box and a touch of Amaretto or almond extract!  The recipe for six: 1. Sliced Strawberries: Slice 4 cups of vibrant strawberries, anoint them with ¼ cup Amaretto (substitute a touch of almond extract for a non-alcoholic version), dust them with ¼ cup sugar, and gently toss. We let them repose at room temperature, allowing their juices to meld exquisitely! 2. Divinely Delicious Whipped Cream: Felicity masterfully whipped 1½ cups heavy cream, blending in ¼ cup powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon Amaretto (or ½ teaspoon almond extract) for a subtle almond allure. Chill

Menu cards are a lovely touch, elevating any occasion and honoring a celebration! These cards serve a practical purpose: informing guests of the courses to come and also, as a subtle alert to potential food allergies.  Beyond function, they’re cherished keepsakes, especially when adorned with the event’s date, occasion, or a nod to a guest of honor. Designing the Perfect Menu Card: Traditionally, menu cards are printed vertically on high-quality stock, measuring approximately 4¼” x 5½” to 5” x 8”. Mine, custom-made on 120-pound white paper, feature a charming Fox Hall illustration centered at the top. Rounded edges—a European flourish—add aesthetic appeal. Black ink exudes classic formality, though gold or colored inks can harmonize with the event’s theme or table design. Menu Card Placement Options: •  To the left of the forks •  On the butter plate (sans butter) •  Atop the dinner plate or napkin •  Upright in a menu

Summertime is the perfect time to invite houseguests to stay with you! A dear friend asked me a few questions about having houseguests for Labor Day, and my responses turned into this letter! How long should I invite a couple to stay? How many days and what time should they arrive AND depart? The best plan clearly specifies what you and your spouse agree upon before you invite your guests. It is always so awkward, but how do I tell my guests when to leave? When you invite your guests, it is considerate to share an appointed time for arrival and departure, so they will know what to expect. Obviously, this is stated diplomatically! When inviting houseguests to stay in a country house in England, it is politely assumed the weekend is over after lunch on the final day, unless the hosts specify differently. How shall I go about suggesting

When I lived in Richmond, I fondly remember when someone new moved into the neighborhood, the tradition was to make an effort to visit them, bring a homemade southern dish, and introduce yourself. Recently, I received a message from a fellow Farmington Garden Club member, who said she had received a request from a new neighbor who had just moved into a house down the street from me to join the Club. She asked me to reach out to the neighbor because she was unable to do so, due to surgery, and provided me with her necessary contact information. Because my daughter from Berlin, Germany, is arriving in two days with her four children, it was now or never! I immediately reached out and asked if she could come for iced tea the next day. She could! So, I then asked a few more neighbors to also pop in at

A pair of lovely wall brackets will enhance any wall! Wall brackets support three-dimensional artwork such as porcelain vases, sculptures, clocks, and even candlestick holders. They have graced European interiors for centuries. Wall brackets are my go-to decorative element for adding a touch of elegance to a room. Wall brackets give dimension to a wall. I recommend always purchasing them in pairs for symmetry.  They come in all sizes, shapes, and forms, and can be gilded wood, stone, plaster, or acrylic. Wall brackets should complement both the object they hold and the room. They are discussed in detail in my book, The Pretty & Proper Living Room.   The four gilded brackets from the Mario Buatta sale at Sotheby’s in NYC now happily grace our Palm Beach living room. Grandmillennial Tips: If  you have a piece of porcelain, such as a vase or a Chinese ginger jar, and wish to display it

A lovely tradition in classically designed houses is a table devoted to bridal photographs as an homage to various brides within the family tree. In the past, the assembled portraits typically featured only the bride in a formal black-and-white pose, but they have now evolved into pictures of both the bride and groom, presented in both black and white and in color. Bridal photographs are traditionally grouped and displayed in the living room on a side table, a grand piano, or a table placed behind a sofa. The formality of the house and the photograph dictate the style of the picture frame, which can be ornate or contemporary, sleek or plain. The most traditional bridal picture frame is sterling silver or silver-plated. A French enamel frame is another stunning choice. Italian fine leather with gold embellishments or antique gilded frames are other options. In my book, The Pretty and Proper Living Room, I discuss