Peony Magic
I’m so excited that the weather has finally turned and my glorious faves, peonies, are starting to show off! Appreciating how much we are all besotted with peonies, I chose… Read More
Tips, Timesavers & Troubleshooters
Spicing up your Holidays with Pomanders
Blithewold Gardens and Arboretum is an exceptional historic mansion in Bristol, Rhode Island. Overlooking the Narragansett Bay, it is of the same period as Newport’s Gilded Age “cottages” but with… Read More
People, Places & Privileged Precincts Part 2
Part two of this perspective on being a gracious weekend hostess comes with warm thanks to all my friends who have hosted me, from Palm Beach to Nantucket to the… Read More
People, Places & Privileged Precincts Part 1
Having been a house guest a few times this summer, as well as a hostess, I’ve enjoyed gathering thoughts for each role…as well as some favorite images of “privileged precincts”… Read More
A Miniature Spring Tablescape
Spring…at last? In trying to hasten the green landscapes that seem so long in coming, I resorted to creating my own for spring entertaining occasions in the house. And what a fun… Read More
Last Minute Gift Wrapping Ideas
So many people think that beautifully wrapped gifts are only found under someone else’s Christmas tree — or in a window on Fifth Avenue designed by some highly paid professional.… Read More
Winter Wonderland: Creating a Snowy Centerpiece
Christmas is magical. Here at Parterre, we love adding a bit more magic to the holidays with a fanciful centerpiece, one that I’ve loved recreating over the years…perhaps because it’s… Read More
A Gilded Christmas, Newport Style
Newport’s 375 year history comes gloriously alive at Christmas. From the early Colonial days to the extravagant Gilded Age, our “City by the Sea” is in a most celebratory mood.… Read More
Inspiration for Christmas Decorating
Can you believe it’s the last month of the year? I think I’ll just slip into it, continuing our Fall focus on the gorgeous trees of Newport and choosing one… Read More
Make Your Own Wreath for the Holidays
After the Christmas tree, wreaths seem to be that perennial holiday decoration that is most dear to everyone’s heart. And making your own wreath is part of many family’s cherished… Read More