The Blog

Private Gardens in the North Carolina Mountains

I’ve had not one, but two opportunities to be in the North Carolina mountains this…

Downton Abbey Comes to Newport: A Weekend of Coaching

The dramatic and much-anticipated production that is Coaching Weekend returns to Newport in just a…

The Cocktail Dress – Classic Inspirations

What makes for a perfect cocktail party dress? In the City-by-the-Sea, where there is no…

The Newport Summer Cocktail Party – 12 “Pardee Tips”

Let’s talk about something near and dear to a Newporter’s heart: The Cocktail Party. It…

Inspired Hostess Gifts from a Gracious Houseguest

It’s August. High season in Newport for houseguests, a beloved summer ritual. What are you…

My Summer Flower Garden

My gardens were designed with flower arranging in mind. Each plant, flower, bush (and yes, even…

Tailgate Picnicking at Newport Polo

Like so many things in Newport, equestrian pursuits have a colorful history here. The lush…

The Newport Antiques Show

One of the most anticipated events on our bustling town’s summer calendar is the Newport Antiques…

“Iris in Wonderland” Newport Picnic

In an earlier journal post, I presented the irrepressible fashion maven Iris Apfel,  who is…

Vive La France! Vive Newport!

In honor of Bastille Day, I have a confession:I am a Francophile. A few cases…

7 Fanciful Garden Pavilions of Newport

Many are the charms of a Newport summer, but a particular favorite of mine are…

Mountain High

When I walked into my dear friend Ruthie Watts’s charming, cozy mountain retreat in Highlands,…

The Mystery of the Pink Hat

Greetings from Newport, hope your summer is going along swimmingly. If you are as fascinated…

Entertaining for the 4th of July

One of the many hats I’ve worn over the years is as a Contributing Editor…

Bellinis and Blossoms

Summer is now in full play in Newport! To toast the official “start of the…