Initial Thoughts

Coaching Weekend

Living the Downton Abbey Life: Highlights of Coaching Weekend

  Living in Newport gives one the sense of existing in another place in time – and then the much-anticipated Coaching Weekend comes along to reinforce that magical impression.  An…

Yacht

Yacht Hop in Newport Harbor: The Boys & Girls Club Fundraiser

Newport hosts some of the most scrumptious sailing vessels of the summer – sleek racing sailboats, large motor yachts the size of floating homes and America’s Cup J boats and 12…

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 –…

Downton Abbey Comes to Newport: A Weekend of Coaching

The dramatic and much-anticipated production that is Coaching Weekend returns to Newport in just a few days. For your pleasure, here is a preview, straight from the pages of my…

The Cocktail Dress – Classic Inspirations

What makes for a perfect cocktail party dress? In the City-by-the-Sea, where there is no shortage of summertime cocktail parties, venues, vistas, galas and intimate gatherings, our calendars get jam-packed…

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…

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…

My Summer Flower Garden

My gardens were designed with flower arranging in mind. Each plant, flower, bush (and yes, even some trees) were planted because they would enhance the mixed garden bouquets that I love…

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…

The Newport Antiques Show

One of the most anticipated events on our bustling town’s summer calendar is the Newport Antiques Show (July 24th-26th.) With its sharp focus on fine American and English antiques, the regional…