Dahlias: Stars of the Autumn Garden
Dahlias, the iconic fall bloom, are truly a native flower of the Americas. With a histoire that goes back to the Aztecs (it was considered to be Montezuma’s favorite flower), … Read More
Entertaining
Entertaining, Newport Style: Secrets to throwing a Great “Pardee”
Image of Bettie taken mid-party by Maaike Bernstrom. This picture was featured in The Salonniere article, which commented, “With a surname like Pardee, you know she’s going to be our… Read More
A Picnic in the Garden: All About Pattern
September is truly the most beautiful month in Newport, a perfect outing for a small garden picnic. And under the canopy of grand old beech trees, Alice and Jim Ross… Read More
8 Sophisticated, Cool Cocktails
Just in time for the final fling of summer – Labor Day Weekend – a collection of 8 intriguing and sophisticated cocktails. Dare I say inspiration first came from the … Read More
Private Gardens in the North Carolina Mountains
I’ve had not one, but two opportunities to be in the North Carolina mountains this summer. What a wonderful counterpoint to Newport – vistas of rolling mountains versus long ocean views –… Read More
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 wouldn’t be a summer in Newport without them! Over the years, having given and attended… Read More
Inspired Hostess Gifts from a Gracious Houseguest
It’s August. High season in Newport for houseguests, a beloved summer ritual. What are you giving your hostess/host this year? Do you “come bearing gifts” or expect to pick one… Read More
Tailgate Picnicking at Newport Polo
Like so many things in Newport, equestrian pursuits have a colorful history here. The lush acreage where the Newport International Polo Series is now played was the former Glen Farm of… Read More
“Iris in Wonderland” Newport Picnic
In an earlier journal post, I presented the irrepressible fashion maven Iris Apfel, who is the subject of a well deserved documentary. But the night of her exclusive Newport showing also… Read More
Mountain High
When I walked into my dear friend Ruthie Watts’s charming, cozy mountain retreat in Highlands, North Carolina, she asked me if I noticed anything different about her living room. Knowing… Read More