Newsletter Archive

In a dash? I usually am!  I enjoy cooking for my dinner parties, which is my way of showing love.  But, when my travel and time do not allow me to, and a caterer is a must, I still try to make the dessert, create the floral arrangement, and add one more little detail that graces the table.  What could it be? I use a butter mold so that each person’s individual butter plate has a uniquely shaped piece of butter on it. This is incredibly easy to do and can be prepared in advance, then frozen until your party. One and done! Butter molds have been used since the 18th century and were traditionally made of wood, used by dairy farmers. Their stamped designs indicated their farms and added visual appeal. And today, there are fanciful molds for individual shapes made of silicone. A multitude of designs can be

Last week, I wrote about the etiquette of opening doors, which inspired two gentlemen readers to reach out to me. Robert reminded me, “Gentlemen, it is always ‘ladies first’ when exiting an elevator!” Kristopher kindly encouraged me to address manners specific to young gentlemen, to instill awareness of proper “door protocol.” Grand idea! So, dear gentlemen, allow me to share a few timeless suggestions. While some of these customs may seem old-fashioned, the spirit behind them is eternal: kindness, consideration, and—shall I dare say—gallantry. (Plus, a few brownie points in the eyes of a lady never hurt.) Sidewalks: When walking with a lady, a gentleman should walk on the side closest to the curb. Traditionally, this protected the woman from passing vehicles and splashes from street puddles. Even today, it remains a thoughtful gesture that demonstrates awareness and consideration. Staircases: Ladies go first when walking up a staircase. However, when

My dear parents gave me the opportunity to attend a school that embraces gracious traditions. Because of that, I also made lifelong friends and camaraderie. At my reunion, many commented about my newsletter and how they share it with their children and grandchildren… the ultimate compliment!  My darling classmate, Caroline, suggested the topic of  “common courtesies” as a refresher and reminder for us to share with our children. The topic? Doors: how to politely go in and out of a public door! “All doors open to courtesy.” – Thomas Fuller RULE #1: Whenever you push or pull a door open, look behind you to see if someone else is coming, and hold it open for them. Proper protocol suggests that the person coming out of the door has the right of way, and the person outside of the door politely waits to the side. If the occasion allows, the person outside

Exciting news!  I am ELATED to unveil my latest collaboration!  ~The Jude Connally x Holly Holden Collection~ Together, we designed a collection of happy dresses for day and play! So, how did this all transpire? Here is my story! About 12 years ago, Stuart and I were at the Saratoga Races in New York. Afterwards, we walked down Broadway, when Stuart spied a pretty pink dress by Jude Connally in a pop-up shop. I tried it on, and we were both smitten. I still have (and wear) that dress. I had never heard of her brand until then… and henceforth, have continued to fill my wardrobe with her creations! No matter where I am, Jude Connally’s dresses have an “attractor factor.” I always garner numerous compliments and inquiries when wearing one!  My admiration for this timelessly pretty clothing brand inspired me to reach out in 2021 and interview Jude Zimmerman, the

There is something quite charming about little flower bouquets! With spring upon us in New England, the hopeful anticipation of pretty flowers in the garden comes to mind.  No matter what size your house is, consider making a few petite flower arrangements by using very small and unique vases.  The joy and allure of lilliputian-sized arrangements sprinkled about in your house will bring an unexpected delight when discovered. Simply pluck a few blossoms from your garden or borrow a few from another arrangement, and place them in a diminutive vase to create an instantly charming arrangement… darling and done! Be creative and think outside the box for small vessels that you own and can use as miniature vases. A clever way to decorate a serving platter of nibbles is to place a silver baby cup, or a glass (above), or a porcelain egg cup filled with a few flowers. Oh! 

We all know how much effort it takes to host a memorable, seated dinner party for our guests!  Seating placement is one aspect of proper entertaining, and it takes time and considerable thought.  A place card (or seating card) tells guests where they will be seated at the table. Guests tend to appreciate place cards because they confirm that the host cares about creating an atmosphere for delightful and engaging conversation between their guests… and, they also eliminate that awkward dance of “where should I sit?” out of the equation! I received this comment about place cards from a darling subscriber: “I was recently at a beautiful dinner party where the hostess no doubt had made every effort to prepare her seating plan thoughtfully.  I was aghast to see a couple of guests rearranging the place cards to seat themselves in a different location than where the hostess had planned