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
Tips, Timesavers & Troubleshooters
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
Toasts: the Good, the Better, the Best
One could write another War and Peace-size tome on the mishaps, malaprops and missteps that have happened in the name of giving toasts. But it’s summertime; I’m going to make… Read More
11 Wedding Details a Bride Won’t Want to Overlook
Attending a masterfully choreographed wedding this past weekend in North Carolina was not only a heartwarming experience but an opportunity to appreciate the fine art of details. Each moment provided… Read More
7 Steps to Hosting a Successful Cheese-Tasting Party
Who doesn’t love cheeses? If it weren’t for their high caloric count, I could live quite nicely on them for a daily diet of protein. However, a recent front page article… Read More
Toss the Scale! (And other January Wellness Tips)
There are no coincidences. While I was searching for notes on a kitchen faucet that needed replacing, I “chanced” upon an old file. curious, I opened it — and couldn’t… Read More
Essential New Year’s Eve Champagne Tips & Tidbits
I recently published a Champagne themed post regarding chateaux-style dining, complete with a Champagne pairing for each course. As a continuation of a favorite subject of mine and with the contribution of Henri’s… Read More
All Wrapped Up for the Holidays
A favorite “Pardee Party Design,” dressed up for the holidays (you may remember the Easter version in lavender and white stripes). That’s one thing I love about this design —… Read More
“The Salonniere 100: Fête-Fabulous Party Hosts”
While I cannot, nor have I ever, done a backbend as pictured above. And while I certainly don’t see myself wearing that particular drum majorette hat and ensemble, I can… Read More
13 “Steal the Show” Tips for Fall Entertaining – in a Barn
We’ve all been there…you go to a party in an inspired and compelling setting, you dream about re-creating it…and then life happens and you never think about it again. Not… Read More