Newport’s Holiday Doorways
Our “City by the Sea” was founded in 1639, so the Colonial influence looms large in our history. Known as Newport’s “Golden Age” (as opposed to the “Gilded Age” of… Read More
Everyday Chic
Pardee Planning: Savvy Southern Hospitality
We’ve all had this experience – you are looking for one thing in an old file or seldom-used drawer and you come upon something quite by surprise — which then… Read More
Celebrating Iris Apfel’s 95th Birthday
There are parties…and then there are PARTIES. This, though, was not a big bash but a small, intimate dinner at our home with fashion icon Iris Apfel on her 95th… Read More
A Refreshing “Devine” Summer Tablescape
Isn’t this fabulous! No surprise, when the designer’s last name is Devine…Michael Douglas Xavier Devine, to be exact. When I walked onto the terrace at Rosecliff during the pre- Newport… 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
Personal & Precious: The Art of the Thank You Note
In my most recent post we chatted about being a gracious host and a perfect house guest. A natural follow-on? Thoughts on handwritten thank you notes, both for the house… Read More
Summer House Parties: 13 Tips for the Gracious Host and Perfect House Guest
Becoming the “perfect houseguest or gracious hostess” takes years of OTJ (on-the-job-training). Seldom do I spend a weekend in someone else’s environment that I do not come away with a… Read More
Bistronomy: The Best New Paris Bistros
“Bistronomy” is the latest trend in Parisian cuisine. I was so pleased to experience it firsthand at a recent talk and tasting celebrating Jane Sigal’s latest book, Bistronomy: Recipes from… Read More
Chic it Up! The Whimsical Artwork of Patricia van Essche
There’s nothing more enchanting to me than refined and well-placed pen strokes on Strathmore paper…finished off with a luxurious watercolor wash in yummy colors. When Patricia van Essche’s work was brought… Read More
Savvy Packing Tips to Keep from Unraveling While Traveling
Dear fellow travelers, lately I have been doing quite a bit of lecture, book tour and pleasure traveling, and I think we can all agree that getting from point A… Read More