Newport Society: The Passing of a Legend

My first post of the New Year is in honor of Marion Oates Charles, a legendary hostess and fixture of society in Newport and Washington D.C. since the 1950’s. “Oatsie,”… Read More

Ballyfin: An Irish “World Apart”

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If you love a wonderful story, a dreamy, romantic setting and a knight in shining armor who saved the day, then look no further than Ireland’s Ballyfin demesne. Having had… Read More

Newport Society: The Harold Brown Villa

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In a very European fashion, the Harold Brown Villa has been occupied by the same family since 1895 – approximately seventeen generations – which is befitting of an aristocratic family… Read More

Privileged Pets of Private Newport

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Last summer’s post on “Newport Living: A Pampered Pets Perspective” was so popular (no surprise) that I knew I needed to include a part two for 2018. It has been… Read More

The Return of Downton Abbey

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Is it just a coincidence that the announcement of Downton Abbey’s return as a silver screen adaption is coming out a mere three to four weeks before Coaching Weekend returns… Read More

At Home on the Upper East Side

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With my speaking and booksigning travels, I don’t make it down to New York, one of my old hometowns, as often as I would prefer. But when I do, I… Read More

The Little Black Dress of Flower Urns

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Many gardeners have a favorite “go to” container for our flower arrangements. They’re like an old friend — reliable (water tight), accountable (whatever you arrange in them looks good), stylish… Read More

Newport, “Before and After” the Blizzard

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I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been intrigued with the “before and after” images in decorating magazines. This past December a version of this opportunity presented itself in… Read More

Carriage and Gate Houses of Newport, Part 2

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There are more carriage and gate houses in Newport than I had ever imagined, so here is part 2 as a wrap-up to my summer post on the subject. I… Read More

Casa Tranquila: At Home in Palm Beach

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It’s seldom that I pair a home and its garden with individual posts. But Terry Rakolta’s exterior and interior are so elegantly and sympathetically considered — one flows gracefully into… Read More