Newsletter Archive

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

A handwritten note is more important than ever, especially with the present-day trend of sending off a quick thank-you via email.  A handwritten acknowledgment for someone’s hospitality, gift, or act of kindness is the pinnacle of graciousness, a quiet beacon of polish, and a proper nod to good manners. Have you ever heard the old-school term “bread and butter” note and wondered what it is? My Instagram explains it here. Simply, it is a note of appreciation for someone’s hospitality and should be sent out or delivered “by hand” as soon as possible after leaving someone’s house. A thank-you note is an appreciated gift to your host. Interestingly enough, in my lifetime, the people who take the time to write a note tend to be some of the most remarkable, successful people I have ever met. They understand how important it is to recognize someone else’s effort on their behalf.  From respected

So, you have houseguests coming!  How well-prepared is your Guest Bathroom? While you are not trying to be a 5-star hotel, you want your guests to feel comfortable, relaxed, and attended to! Assemble a little “guest bathroom basket” under the sink, or place it in a vanity drawer or their bedroom closet. Fill it with items your houseguests may have forgotten or appurtenances they may suddenly discover they need. This extra effort will relieve your houseguests because they do not have to “ask you” for something; it’s all at their fingertips if needed! The Houseguest Bathroom Essential List: Linens: Two big fluffy bath towels (or more), two hand towels, and two washcloths per guest (a black make-up hand towel is thoughtful, too) A white cotton floor mat near the shower or tub A new bar of soap on the sink AND in the shower/tub A bottle of liquid body soap