Thanksgiving Planning from a “Girl of 100 Lists”
If you’ll be so generous as to allow me a somewhat obscure 80’s reference – I can completely identify with the Go-Go’s song “I am a girl of 100 lists.” I… Read More
Seasonal
A Soup-er Fall Luncheon
This has been one of the most beautiful fall seasons in memory. And with it comes one of our favorite traditions – large pots of Portuguese Kale Soup simmering on… Read More
Ablaze in Newport: A New England Autumn
Autumn is my favorite season. So all the more reason to make a priority of designing our gardens and grounds with an eye to those fall trees that like to “step… Read More
48 Hours in Woodstock, Vermont: A New England Fall Story
“Leaf-Peeping,” as it’s affectionately called, is a New England fall tradition (October 10th is considered the peak color for the season). But that was really just an excuse to get… Read More
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, 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
Entertaining for the 4th of July
One of the many hats I’ve worn over the years is as a Contributing Editor to Bon Appetit, producing “Entertaining with Style.” Here, exactly twenty years later, is the first July… Read More
A Floral Topiary for Mother’s Day
We all share special memories of our mother, some out-sized, others a snippet, some prompted by a song, another by an occasion… and still others by personal items that we… Read More
Easter Entertaining, Newport Style
Spring is a time of rebirth and rejoicing! The just-departed snow has provided water and a sheltering blanket of protection for dormant plants. Buds and early bloomers are starting to… Read More