Sign up to receive Holly's weekly letter on the secret "unwritten code" to lovely living, the “new” old-school guide for classic design, elegant entertaining, and more… especially for Millennials!
Secrets To Lovely Living, formerly known as Mummy’s Monday Manners, will be sent directly to your inbox every Monday so you can start your week polished and poised knowing new sparkling tips about classic interior design, elegant entertaining, manners, and more.
SIGN up here
Recent Newsletters
April 29, 2024
Holly's Secrets to a Memorable Dinner Party!
April 22, 2024
Avert Dinner Party Dilemmas: Ask your guests this question!
April 15, 2024
The Art of Reciprocation: Inspiring Responses!
April 8, 2024
Reciprocation: A Forgotten Art of Hospitality?
April 1, 2024
Lovely Lobster Bisque: Elegant and Easy!
March 25, 2024
The Secret to Perfect Invitations: Where to place the R.s.v.p.
March 18, 2024
March 11, 2024
March 4, 2024
Holly's Secret Easy First Course Asparagus Roll-ups
February 26, 2024
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Holly's Secret Design Idea!
February 19, 2024
The Launer: A discrete fashion accessory fit for a Queen!
February 12, 2024
Flower Power: Unlocking the Mysterious Language of Flowers!
February 5, 2024
January 29, 2024
The Perfect Companion to Protect Your Wardrobe!
January 22, 2024
Afternoon Tea: Are you MIF or TIF!?
January 15, 2024
January 8, 2024
Embracing Elegance: The timeless art of graceful deportment!
January 1, 2024
Cultivate The New Year With Gratitude!
December 25, 2023
How to repurpose napkin rings!
December 18, 2023
December 11, 2023
What is a "white dinner jacket" dress code?
December 4, 2023
Giving the gift that keeps on giving!
November 27, 2023
Party Time! Cheers to Linen Cocktail Napkins!
November 20, 2023
Introducing the "Holly Holden Collection" of dresses!
November 13, 2023
Hostess Gifts: Unique and Thoughtful!
November 6, 2023
The Best Spiced Pecan Recipe You'll Ever Try!
October 30, 2023
Halloween Decorating: An Elegant Approach!
October 23, 2023
The #1 Must-Have for Every Silk Scarf Lover!
October 16, 2023
The "regal" way to hold a dessert fork and spoon!
October 9, 2023
October 2, 2023
September 25, 2023
How to double your candlelight: A secret ingredient for a magical evening!
September 18, 2023
September 11, 2023
“When to stand-up!” Savoir-faire
September 4, 2o23
How to properly butter your bread!
August 28, 2o23
August 21, 2o23
August 14, 2o23
Guardians of Charm: The Magic Foo Dogs!
August 7, 2o23
Crazy Crab! An EASY, Impromptu First Course!
July 31, 2o23
Monograms never go out of style!
July 24, 2o23
July 17, 2o23
July 10, 2o23
July 3, 2o23
Crest Rings: They tell a story!
June 26, 2o23
June 19, 2o23
June 5, 2o23
Holly's "Angel Cheese Crisps!"
May 29, 2o23
Memorial Day: Fly Your American Flag
May 22, 2o23
The ultimate upholstery fabric!
May 15, 2023
Upholster The Backside of Your Chairs Differently!
May 8, 2023
May 1, 2023
April 23, 2023
April 17, 2023
April 10, 2023
Two Thoughtful Gestures: Eye Contact and a Smile!
April 3, 2023
Diamond Jewelry Etiquette Two Thoughtful Gestures: Eye Contact and a Smile!
March 27, 2023
Wine spills and other accidents... stay calm!
March 20, 2023
March 13, 2023
“Naples Tables,” a splendid event!
March 6, 2023
February 27, 2023
The Secret to Choosing a Wall Color!
February 20, 2023
Bread & Butter Note
February 13, 2023
February 6, 2023
Honoring your "guest of honor!”
January 30, 2023
Holly's "Secret" Lemon Chess Pie Recipe
January 23, 2023
January 16, 2023
Giving a gift... that keeps on giving!
January 9, 2023
Napkin Etiquette for Private Dinner Parties
January 2, 2023
December 23, 2022
Easy Holiday Recipe: Little Cheese Blintzes
December 19, 2022
December 5, 2022
White-tie Dress Code for Ladies
December 19, 2022
December 5, 2022
White-tie Dress Code for Ladies
November 28, 2022
What makes a proper dinner guest?
November 21, 2022
Chargers: When NOT to use them!
November 14, 2023
Perfect Punch: The “Secret” Holden Party Punch!”
November 7, 2022
Soft Lighting: A secret to elegant entertaining!
October 31. 2022
October 24, 2022
White tie Dress Code for Gentlemen
October 17, 2022
October 10, 2022
The House of Scalamandre: You are invited!
October 3, 2022
A Diamond Tiara: The Protocol For Wearing One!
September 26, 2022
Opera-Length Evening Gloves- A White-Tie Event!
September 19, 2022
The New York Social Diary- David P. Columbia!
September 12, 2022
September 5, 2022
Receiving Lines: A Lovely Tradition
August 29, 2022
Happy 100th Birthday to Salvation Army of Palm Beach County!!
August 22, 2022
August 15, 2022
August 8, 2022
August 1, 2022
Part III: Wedding Guests: Comments and Q&A
July 25, 2022
An Interview With Barbara McLaughlin
July 18, 2022
Wedding Guests: No-No’s To Know! Part II
July 11, 2022
Wedding Guests: 5 No-No’s To Know!
July 4, 2o22
June 27, 2022
Grandchildren: A secret to encourage table manners!
June 20, 2022
Drape Tables: An elegant addition to any room!
June 13, 2022
The Charlotte Inn: My favorite Martha’s Vineyard destination!
June 6, 2022
Elegant “one-bite” hors d’oeuvres!
May 30, 2022
Silk scarves: The perfect travel accessory!
May 23, 2022
Wall brackets: Perfect for well-appointed walls!
May 16, 2022
Bridal Pictures: How to Display Them!
May 9, 2022
Bridal veils! How long should a bride wear her veil?
May 2, 2022
Common Courtesies: Entering a Doorway!
April 25, 2022
Cocktail Napkins Add a Touch of Elegance!
April 18, 2022
Teeny-tiny flower arrangements- darling & done!
April 11, 2022
A clever way to seat your guests at a large party!
April 4, 2022
Place Cards: A “no-no” for a dinner guest!
March 28, 2022
March 21, 2022
March 14, 2022
My favorite rooms at Kips Bay Showhouse, Palm Beach!
March 7, 2022
How to repurpose your silver pieces!
February 28, 2022
The protocol for a graduation invitation and an announcement!
February 21, 2022
A gift you give yourself… hiring help to serve at your party!
February 14, 2022
The social Kiss-Kiss! Which cheek gets the first air kiss?
February 7, 2022
Knock-out knobs and pulls: Jewelry for your cabinets!
January 31, 2022
What decorative trim is elegantly understated and timeless?
January 24, 2022
My “secret” color combination for kitchens!
January 17, 2022
A lovely lucite sculpture can hop into your heart!
January 10, 2022
Simple cinnamon sugar in a silver caster!
January 3, 2022
How to PROPERLY pop the cork on a bottle of bubbly!
Magical Reindeer Food: The Secret Recipe
The Secret Christmas Caviar Ball Recipe!
Holiday Dinner Party- How To Be The Hostess With The Mostess
Paint Tips Part II: Ceiling ideas & the perfect pink!
Timeless "white" paint colors and other paint tips!
A Well-Appointed Guest Bathroom, The Essential List!
The essential list for a well-appointed guest room!
The world’s best dog training technique: “Holly-Jingle!”
A secret to transforming mundane, brown furniture!
"Secrets to Lovely Living” debuts today!
Enchanting driveways with decorative details!
Why Are Porch Ceilings Painted Blue?
The Perfect Fashion Accessory!
Powder Room: A Perfect Place for Artwork!
Michael Pick and a Royal fashion designer you may not know of!
Sent August 9, 2021
Sent August 2, 2021
Sent July 26, 2021
The Charm of Chinese Chippendale
Sent July 12, 2021
Sent July 5, 2021
How to enhance the comfort of your dinner guests!
Sent June 28, 2021
Rayne still reigns in the 21st century!
Sent June 21, 2021
How pretty porcelain can enhance your artwork!
Sent June 14, 2021
How you could use mirrors to enhance your interiors!
Sent June 07, 2021
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who has the prettiest room of all!?
Sent May 31, 2021
How to dress your “firebox” for Summer
Sent May 24, 2021
Decorating ideas for under a table
Sent May 17, 2021
How to properly indicate R.s.v.p. on an invitation
Sent May 10, 2021
Sent May 03, 2021
Sent April 26, 2021
Sent April 20, 2021
Sent April 12, 2021
Pretty In Porcelain: An Interview with Anna Weatherly
Sent April 5, 2021
Sent March 29, 2021
Oh, the tender charm of “little” bouquets!
Sent March 22, 2021
Too Many Leg’s In Your Living Room?
Sent March 15, 2021
Sent March 8, 2021
Capture Them Now, While They Are Young!
Sent March 1, 2021
Sent February 22, 2021
The Symbolic Meaning of Flowers
Sent February 15, 2021
Secret Traditions For Elegant Notes
Sent February 8, 2021
My Debut at Dempsey & Carroll Stationery!
Sent February 1, 2021
Exclusive Interview With Founder of Jude Connally Clothing
Sent January 25, 2021
Do You Know What A Sizzle Reel Is?
Sent January 18, 2021
An Exclusive Interview With Lori Jayne
Sent January 11, 2021
Sent January 4, 2021
Sent December 28, 2020
Christmas Traditions for Children
Sent December 21, 2020
Sweet Memories of Christmases Past
Sent December 14, 2020
Making Your At-Home Office Reflect Your Style!
Sent December 7, 2020
Part 11 Stewart Parvin: A Private Interview!
Sent November 30, 2020
Part 1 Stewart Parvin: A Private Interview!
Sent November 23, 2020
Have You Ever Heard The Term, “Loose Covers?”
Sent November 17, 2020
Exude Confidence With Your Carriage!
Sent November 9, 2020
Elegant Earrings….For Your Walls?!
Sent November 2, 2020
Another Use For Your “Guardian” Staffordshire” Dogs!
Sent October 26, 2020
Ever Consider Having “Porcelain Wallpaper?”
Sent October 19, 2020
What Does Your China Say About You?
Sent October 12, 2020
Pearls of Design: What Color And Theme Represent You?
Sent October 5, 2020
The New York Social Diary! Meet David Patrick Columbia!
Sent September 21, 2020
Sent September 14, 2020
Elegant Entertaining: Five Forbidden Faux Pas
Sent September 7, 2020
What Do You Give The Person Who Has Everything!?
Sent August 31, 2020
Holly's Five Simple Interior Design Tips to Enhance Your House, Now!
Sent August 24, 2020
Fruits & Veggies: A Clever Way To Keep Them Fresh
Sent August 17, 2020
Our Interview With Acclaimed Chef Daniel Boulud
Sent August 10, 2020
Sent August 3, 2020
Behind-the-Scenes: Pearls of Palm Beach, Chapters 5-8
Sent July 27, 2020
Behind-the-Scenes: Pearls of Palm Beach, Chapters 1-4
Sent July 20, 2020
Announcing The Release of Pearls of Palm Beach
Sent July 13, 2020
Elizabeth Gage's Insight Into Jewelry Etiquette!
Sent July 6, 2020
Proper Funeral Etiquette- Part II
Sent June 29, 2020
Proper Funeral Etiquette- Part I
Sent June 22, 2020
Why Does A Cachepot Have Cachet!?
Sent June 15, 2020
Novel to Noble- Needlepoint Still Reigns!
Sent June 8, 2020
Sent June 5, 2020
Sent May 29, 2020
Let's Light Some Candles Tonight!
Sent May 21, 2020
What happened to elegant “one-bite” hors d’oeuvres?
Sent May 4, 2020
Should you bring your drink from cocktail hour into the dining room?
Sent April 27, 2020
Do you know how to use bookplates?
Sent April 20, 2020
Sent April 13, 2020
The silver is polished, now what?
Sent April 6, 2020
Tasteful alternatives to table numbers!
Sent March 30, 2020
Sent March 23, 2020
Sent March 16, 2020
The handshake hiatus: some gracious options to consider!
Sent March 9, 2020
Loud mobile phone talkers… what can you do about it?
Sent March 2, 2020
Are nametags placed on your right or left side?
Sent February 24, 2020
Evening glove savvy! Your questions answered!
Sent February 17, 2020
Do You Know How To Wear Long Evening Gloves, Should The Occasion Arise?
Sent February 10, 2020
When Should You Place Your Phone On A Dinner Table?
Sent February 3, 2020
Should You Hold A Drink In Your Hand When Being Photographed?
Sent January 27, 2020
When You Wear A Diamond Tiara, What Is The Protocol?
Sent January 20, 2020
Do You Have A “Diamond Dilemma”?!
Sent January 13, 2020
When attending a formal or semi-formal dinner, where do you place your evening bag?
Sent January 6, 2020
Etiquette at a seated performance: Ballet, Opera, Theatre
Sent December 23, 2019
Good things come in small packages (other than jewelry)!
Sent December 16, 2019
How to handle wine stains, spilt wax, and other party mishaps!
Sent December 9, 2019
“Five golden rings?” How to repurpose your napkin rings!
Sent December 2, 2019
Do you know how to repurpose your place cards?
Sent November 25, 2019
Do you know these “pretty party” secrets?
Sent November 18, 2019
For a stunning serving platter, do you know the secret touch?
Sent November 11, 2019
Do you know THE secret, perfect PARTY PUNCH?
Sent November 4, 2019
Party time! Cheers to linen cocktail napkins!
Sent October 28, 2019
Hello! Shall we discuss mobile phone manners?
Sent October 21, 2019
When addressing an envelope, how do you indicate a couple is not married?
Sent October 14, 2019
Are you a polite, thoughtful traveler?
Sent October 7, 2019
When and where is it appropriate to take off your hat?
Sent September 30, 2019
What does “No Gifts” on an invitation mean to you?
Sent September 23, 2019
Part II: What polite vocabulary do you know?
Sent September 16, 2019
Part II: How does one make an appropriate introduction?
Sent September 9, 2019
How does one make an appropriate introduction?
Sent September 2, 2019
Are you aware of these additional U.S. flag protocols?
Sent August 26, 2019
How do you become a world-class houseguest?
Sent August 19, 2019
What additional niceties should you consider for your houseguests?
Sent August 12, 2019
Are you “going green” for an elegant cocktail hour?
Sent August 5, 2019
What niceties do you bestow upon your house guests?
Sent July 29, 2019
Avert these 5 common gaffes during tea time!
Sent July 22, 2019
Which is more formal: high tea or afternoon tea?
Sent July 15, 2019
What polite vocabulary do you know?
Sent July 8, 2019
Wedding gift Q&A
Sent July 1, 2019
Why send your wedding gift in advance of the wedding?
Sent June 24, 2019
Do you know the difference between a place card and an escort card?
Sent June 17, 2019
What is the silent cue to your server that your are completed with your dinner?
Sent June 10, 2019
How to gracefully pass the bread
Sent June 3, 2019
When you are engaged, are both names printed on a thank you note?
Sent May 27, 2019
Do you know the protocol for the American flag on Memorial Day?
Sent May 20, 2019
Do you know how to be a respectful wedding guest at a church ceremony?
Sent May 13, 2019
Do you align your flatware when setting a table?
Sent May 6, 2019
Why is soft lighting imperative when entertaining guests?
Sent April 30, 2019
Postscript - Your Questions Answered
Sent April 22, 2019
What one element on the dining table will enhance anything served?
Sent April 15, 2019
How do you honor your guest of honor?
Sent April 8, 2019
What makes a proper dinner guest?
Sent on April 1, 2019
How long does a charger remain on the dinner table?
Sent on March 25, 2019
Do you know the regal way to hold a dessert fork and spoon?
Sent March 18, 2019
Do you know what a salt cellar is?
Sent March 11, 2019
Why is a receiving line such a lovely tradition?
Sent March 4, 2019
What is the most appropriate flower arrangement on a dining room table? Low is the way to go.
Sent February 25, 2019
How should one sit in a dining room chair? Gently!
Sent February 18, 2019
Monograms for a Married Couple: Whose Initial Goes First?
Sent February 11, 2019
Sent February 4, 2019
Sent January 28, 2019
Why Are Menu Cards so Majestic?
Sent January 21, 2019
Sent January 14, 2019
Sent January 7, 2019
Sent December 31, 2018
Sent December 24, 2018
Holiday Joy & Homemade Hostess Gifts
Sent December 17, 2018
Sent December 10, 2018
Postscript — Your Questions Answered
Sent December 3, 2018
To Clink or Not to Clink? That is the Wine Question!
Sent November 26, 2018
Are you familiar with old-school napkin niceties?
Sent November 19, 2018
What does your handshake say about you?
Sent November 12, 2018
What are the FOUR words to say when introduced, while shaking hands?
Sent November 5, 2018
What is the most sincere type of sympathy card?
Sent October 29, 2018
How do I politely pass the port…and the potatoes?
Sent October 22, 2018
Sent October 15, 2018
How do you serve and clear the plates from the dining room table at a dinner party?
Sent October 8, 2018
When bread is served to you, what is the appropriate way to adorn your bread with butter?
Sent Monday, October 1, 2018
Where do you seat your guest, or guests of honor, at a dinner party?