Inspiring Garden Design: Parterre in the Snow

I’ve been wistfully looking back at snow images from the last two to three years, a spectacle we’ve missed so far this month. Of course, with such tempting images at…

Inspiring Garden Design: A Classic French Sanctuary

One of Newport’s most pristine estates, the 9 acre Ker Arvor (French Breton for “seaside”), is what I affectionately refer to as a design trifecta — an exceptional example of…

Inspiring Garden Design: 8 Tips for Creating a Sunken Garden

It is perhaps difficult to believe that behind this formal chateau (above) is a sunken garden that in its simplicity provides the lessons for creating your own version. But indeed…

Inspiring Garden Design: Express Your Personality!

January is a much anticipated month for me! I welcome some downtime after the excitement of the holidays to sit by the fire, reflect and plan for the opening of…

Newport Society: The Passing of a Legend

My first post of the New Year is in honor of Marion Oates Charles, a legendary hostess and fixture of society in Newport and Washington D.C. since the 1950’s. “Oatsie,”…

18 Memorable Pictures for 2018

Trusting you all enjoyed a heartwarming Christmas, rich with family and friends. This now quiet period between Santa’s arrival and the fireworks of New Year’s Eve I’ve found to be…

New York’s Holiday Windows

If it is possible, New York this December was  sparkling and glittering even more than last year. How fortuitous, as this “New York Windows” post has become a reader’s favorite.…

The Holiday Parterre Bench

For me, as for many of us, Christmas decorating is steeped in tradition. The treasured hand-me-down and collected-over-the-years ornaments that are lovingly hung on the tree just as they have…

“O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree…”

Newport’s “cottages” are indeed a big draw in the summer, but so many visitors miss one of its truly breathtaking seasons — the Holidays! Decorations galore dress up already significant…

A Vanderbilt-Inspired Holiday Mantel

It was a dream invitation, especially at this time of the year — come in and pick out your favorite new ornaments that have just arrived and create a holiday…