The REAL Inspiration for Downton Abbey? Gilded Age Newport
Dear readers, yes, we are all bereft that our favorite Sunday night show is no longer there for the watching, but no need to go into a decline — Downton… Read More
Author: Bettie Bearden Pardee
Newport Revisited: Memories of Noreen Stonor Drexel
For one who has written two illustrated books on Newport houses, driving down Bellevue Avenue late the afternoon of February 25th was heart wrenching. Within three blocks of my own… Read More
10 Inspiring Tips from a Lush Florida Garden
My recent stay in Palm Beach, Florida provided two exceptional opportunities to admire and gain a better understanding of gardens in a subtropical clime. On one afternoon, I arrived at… Read More
Palm Beach in 48 Hours
Can’t you just feel those tropical Palm Beach breezes?A great migration takes place each winter when seemingly three quarters of my friends head to Florida, most to Palm Beach; I jokingly… Read More
15 Tried & True Travel Tips
Time for more Private Newport travel tips! Such is on my mind as I return from Sea Island, Georgia and Palm Beach and Delray, Florida for talks and book signings.… Read More
Outstanding American Gardens: A Celebration
What better way to spend a cold February day than curled up before the fire with a new, exceptional coffee table book on gardens – “Outstanding American Gardens: A Celebration-… Read More
Dressing Your Closet: Saving your Sanity Part 2
There! Now that you’ve gone through the painful, ooops, entertaining exercise of sorting, consolidating, purging and editing your wardrobe, you deserve a payoff for your time and efforts. While many… Read More
Wedding Etiquette for Mother of the Bride & Groom
My father had a singular perspective on tieing the knot—”emotions run highest at weddings and funeral.” As we head into preparations for Spring and Summer weddings, I thought we all might welcome some… Read More
Clothes Closet Capers: Saving Your Sanity
It’s winter – time to take advantage of being indoors to organize…our selves, our entertaining essentials, our wardrobe. We’ve already touched on that hot button issue, closets, with “Super Secret Storage.”… Read More
12 Bridesmaids Gifts, Private Newport Style
With Newport’s intrinsic romance and gorgeous vistas, America’s First Resort is home to many weddings. The relaxed ocean breezes, surrounding water views, stunning sunsets, unparalleled venues, and old-world charm lure… Read More