Toasts: the Good, the Better, the Best
One could write another War and Peace-size tome on the mishaps, malaprops and missteps that have happened in the name of giving toasts. But it’s summertime; I’m going to make… Read More
Author: Bettie Bearden Pardee
An Invitation to Newport Summer Fêtes: 12 Entertaining Details
There’s no end to opportunities to party the night away during Newport in the summer. The biggest challenge — keeping up your stamina (sometimes a decision to take a night,… Read More
In the Garden: Designing with Stone
In 2002 I photographed this garden for my first book, Private Newport: At Home and in the Garden. I remember making a mental note to check in on it over… Read More
Realizing a Dream: The Creation of the Parterre Bench
When something has been a dream for so long, it begins to take on mythic proportions…and begs that inevitable question…am I really going to design this bench? Somehow in my… Read More
Newport’s Iconic Ocean Views
Newport’s renown owes a great deal to its beauty. What makes it so distinctive? The rocks, the topography, the vegetation, the light, the wave action. This is a ledge island,… Read More
Hostess Gifts: The Creme de la Creme from Newport Shops
It’s July and Newport is now in full swing — the clubs have had their “dry runs” in June, the young set and their children have rented every house available… Read More
The Works of Hunt Slonem: A Distinct & Delightful Charm
Newport in the summer enjoys a gracious plenty of captivating visitors — last week it was designer and gardener Bunny Williams at the Newport Flower Show; this week it is celebrated… Read More
The Newport Farmer’s Market
What would summer be without its farmer’s markets? We’re fortunate in Newport to have one very conveniently positioned just up the hill from the beaches and right before you arrive… Read More
Bunny Williams: On Garden Style
The Newport Flower Show is always a much-anticipated start to the “summer season,” but it was especially so this year! Bunny Williams was a guest speaker, an esteemed designer that I’ve… Read More
What’s Out There: The Best of Fourth of July
Flirty and Frisky for the Fourth It’s as easy as 1-2-3-4 First — What to Wear Madewell’s off-the-shoulder broderie anglaise cotton-blend top and CO’s ramie-blend maxi skirt. … Read More