Initial Thoughts

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.…

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…

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…

A Clicquot Moment in the Garden

What’s more fun than throwing caution to the wind and being unabashedly honest about a personal like! In my case, it would be champagne…not Prosecco or Cava, but the real…

A Harvest of Memories

From our house to yours…may the “thanks” in Thanksgiving have special meaning for you this year.

Last Minute Planning: Decorating for Thanksgiving

It’s been a very colorful New England fall in Newport providing inspiration aplenty, so where to start? With my Japanese maples, of course, ablaze in all shades and a perfect…

Tastemaker: Jane Scott Hodges of Leontine Linens

In addition to enjoying the sublime weather in New Orleans, I had the long anticipated pleasure of visiting with Jane Scott Hodges, founder of Leontine Linens that are distinguished by…

48 Hours in New Orleans

New Orleans is that rare city where each guest can return home with their own collection of singular memories– varied, rich and not to be replicated– that somehow seem that…

An Enduring Affair: Newport and New Orleans

Luxuriantly set amongst emerald green lawns, embowered by magnificent trees and surrounded by lush rose gardens, Rosecliff (1902) is a tempting place. So much so, that in 1949 J. Edgar…

9 Delicious Thoughts for Hosting a Dessert Party

Many are the merits of hosting a dessert party, especially as we head into the holiday season. Those beautiful and extravagant offerings add such a festive note to any occasion…