A Venetian Masquerade Fête for Halloween
Last year about this time, I found myself looking for an excuse for a party. Curiously, Halloween popped up. But if Halloween, then it had to be more than trick… Read More
Entertaining
A Newport Story: The Twin Pleasures of Elm Court
This gorgeous fall weather has reminded me of a very similar day three years ago. In the final stages of photography for my new book, Living Newport: Houses, People, Style…… Read More
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
Dressed in Autumn Finery
It’s the end of the growing season; time for cutting back, pulling out, bedding down. And thinking about making an arrangement with leftovers from the garden and “roadsidia” (a gardener’s… Read More
Autumn Equinox
The Autumn Equinox gives us the occasion to reflect back on our favorite images from a memorable Newport summer 2016.
Creating Your Own “Iris Apfel-Inspired” Dahlia Arrangment
Table centerpieces are probably my favorite part of the entertaining process, made all the more satisfying when the flowers are fresh from the garden. At this time of the year… 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
Summer Picnics: 14 Don’t-Miss Pointers
Picnics! What is summer without them? And sometimes the best spot for the occasion just may be on your own plot of heaven. If truth be told, I find myself… Read More
The Chowder Bar Pop-Up Party
Newport is busy with visiting guests, drop-by garden aficionados and parties galore. You probably have your own version of this summer fun also. So I thought you might enjoy an easy-to-assemble, spur-of-the-moment… Read More