The Art of the Thoughtful Guest: Honoring Hosts and Elders at Celebrations
The quintessence of genteel living is found in the gracious intentionality of our interactions with others! Throughout the year, especially spring and summer, many of us are invited to attend some of life’s most significant milestones—from baptisms and confirmations to graduations and weddings. A truly thoughtful guest “steps up to the plate” by taking the […]
To cut or not to cut your salad!
Last evening, while dining on Worth Avenue, my attention was drawn to a gentleman at a nearby table. While well-dressed for dinner, he held his silver fork in a “fist grip,” as if preparing for a duel rather than a delicate salad starter! Watching him struggle with a spirited leaf of Romaine, I realized that […]
Why are Porch Ceilings Blue? From Nile Villages to Historic U.S. Houses!
Lately, there has been quite a bit of talk about “Cerulean Blue” making a comeback in the upcoming Devil Wears Prada sequel… which I can’t wait to see! While fashion trends come and go, I’ve always been drawn to colors that carry a bit of history and purpose, which inspired me to talk about how […]
How to avoid “hat-hair!”
Pretty hats have adorned ladies’ heads for centuries. Give me an occasion, like a European wedding, horse race, or Easter Sunday, and out comes my collection of pretty hats. I adore wearing them! Do you? I realize now, more than before, how imperative it is to wear my “casual straw hats” when I am outdoors […]
How to Use and Repurpose Your Fine China and Silver Every Day!
Something my parents instilled in me by example, was to use our best pieces EVERY day… not just for special occasions! So, are your finest treasures trapped behind glass? We often keep our “best” pieces tucked away, waiting for a grand occasion that feels “worthy” of them. But a true secret to lovely living is […]
How to Properly Eat a Scone: Afternoon Tea Etiquette
My recent topic on “how to butter your bread or biscuit” raised a few questions about how to properly eat a scone! When enjoying “Afternoon Tea,” which is never to be confused with “High Tea,” the centerpiece of this ritual is the warm, fragrant scone. Note: Many people make the mistake of calling this teatime […]
How to Butter Bread Properly
Gracious dining is an art found in the most delicate details. From the way we butter a piece of bread to the smallest of gestures, proper etiquette is a reflection of one’s grace. This summer, a visit from my grandchildren who live in Berlin, Germany, provided a wonderful reminder of how these small details can […]
The Art of Napkin Etiquette for Elegant Dinner Parties
Elegant Table Manners for Private Dinner Parties Napkins can be a secret signal in more ways than one! Their fold, placement, and use speak a language all their own, especially at a private dinner party. A napkin carries a surprising amount of tradition and unspoken etiquette and is one of the quiet hallmarks of a […]
The Art of the Gracious Guest: Essential Etiquette No-Nos for Your Next Party
While visiting my daughter, Alexandra, in Berlin, Germany, she hosted a delightful impromptu cocktail party in my honor. Alexandra and her charming friends, whom I simply adore, always make such a lovely gesture of welcoming me when I visit. As we prepared the wine and cheese, our conversation turned to the “unwritten rules” of being […]
Floral Arrangement Secrets for Dinner Party Entertaining!
There is nothing quite like the magic of flowers to bring a room to life and signal to your guests that an elegant evening awaits. Whether I am plucking blossoms from our garden at Fox Hall or selecting a few stems from the florist, preparing my floral arrangements is pure joy for me! I want […]
Repurposing Family Silver Treasures: The Story of “Truffle Trays”
A Short & Sweet Secret: The Story of “Truffle Trays” I imagine you love to repurpose silver as much as I do! I inherited some darling, small, round silver trays from Mummy. I wasn’t quite sure how she used them or what their original purpose was, but in the spirit of lovely living, I decided […]
Secret Candle Etiquette: How to Prepare a Proper Candle!
What a stupendous time Stuart and I had with the CEO.org team planning our next “Live Royally” event for 2027. We explored breathtaking palaces and private castles in Salzburg and Vienna, Austria. Everywhere I turned, from the grandest ballrooms to the more intimate dining chambers, I would tilt my head back to admire the gilded […]