Initial Thoughts

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…

Ringing in the New Year with Downton Abbey

As soon as the presents have been unwrapped, the Champagne has been uncorked and we’ve happily rung in the New Year another great event is set to take place. If…

Christmas Tea & Cookies

Christmas Cookies and Tea

  Tea is one ritual that I try to include in each day. Just the gesture of taking a break, catching your breath and enjoying an occasion that is steeped in…

New York City

New York for the Holidays: Favorite City Views

New York for the holidays–there’s no place quite like it. Treat yourself to sights that will linger as memories for many years. The colorfully-bedecked tree at Rockefeller Center, framed by…

New York for the Holidays: Windows and Wonders

New York for the Holidays: Windows and Wonders

“It’s the most beautiful time of the year.” …and no city in the world sports a Christmas spirit and aesthetic like New York. It is positively magical! Spending time (even…

Christmas Tree: Dressed for the Occasion

O Christmas Tree: Dressed for the Occasion

One of our favorite traditions at Christmas, and I’m betting yours too, is picking out our Christmas tree. Heading “up island” on the Friday after Thanksgiving to one of the…

Christmas

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 —…

48 Hours in Houston, Texas

I  love Texas and Texans — their ebullient spirit and can-do enthusiasm. “Go big or go home” well sums it up! While I’ve had many reasons to be in Dallas,…

Kitchen

Entertaining in the Kitchen: An Indispensable Must-Have

This past Thanksgiving with friends gathered in the kitchen, sipping champagne as we put the finishing touches on a  concertedly healthy menu, I realized that I had one more thing for which…

Gingerbread Mansions of Newport

It’s the first day of the festive month of December. What better way to celebrate than admiring the just unveiled selection of gingerbread houses at The Breakers. But not just…