The Blog

7 Steps to Hosting a Successful Cheese-Tasting Party

Who doesn’t love cheeses? If it weren’t for their high caloric count, I could live…

Newport, RI

Neighborhoods of Newport House Tour 2016

Everyone loves a sneak peek at private homes, especially if they’ve never before been opened…

April in Paris: An Intimate Perspective

Norma Thiessen, who lives in Toronto in “a little blue house,” adores all things French:…

“Nothing Left Unsaid: Gloria Vanderbilt & Anderson Cooper,” a Preview Screening at The Breakers

One soon learns, and then takes for granted, that Newport is seemingly at the epicenter,…

15 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Wedding Photographer

For many, planning a wedding is preparing for life’s greatest adventure and grandest party. There…

Euonymus

Euonymus, an Overlooked Garden Design Asset

It’s always insightful to hear someone else’s “take” on one’s garden, especially if it’s Martha…

Easter

Easter Entertaining for the Aspiring Hostess

With all the bunnies hopping, flowers blooming and spring fever popping, everyone is in a…

Buffet

Bringing a Spring Picnic Indoors: 8 “Pardee” Tips

It’s about this time of the year when cabin fever sets in and the first…

Iconic Views of Northern and Southern Italy

Isn’t falling in love with Italy something each of us should experience? When my talented…

The REAL Inspiration for Downton Abbey? Gilded Age Newport

Dear readers, yes, we are all bereft that our favorite Sunday night show is no…

Newport Revisited: Memories of Noreen Stonor Drexel

For one who has written two illustrated books on Newport houses, driving down Bellevue Avenue…

10 Inspiring Tips from a Lush Florida Garden

My recent stay in Palm Beach, Florida provided two exceptional opportunities to admire and gain…

Palm Beach in 48 Hours

Can’t you just feel those  tropical Palm Beach breezes?A great migration takes place each winter when…

15 Tried & True Travel Tips

Time for more Private Newport travel tips!  Such is on my mind as I return…

Outstanding American Gardens: A Celebration

What better way to spend a cold February day than curled up before the fire…