Invitation to a Fantasy Engagement Party
I’m all for fanciful and fantasy moments, especially when they are in the garden and occasioned by a specific plant in bloom. And can then serve as inspiration for an… Read More
Tag Archives: centerpiece
Making Thanksgiving Memorable
Yet again, it was that stop by the pumpkin stand that inspired a Thanksgiving centerpiece which in turn inspired the look of the entire table. The mustard yellow pumpkin (“Tonda… Read More
A Fall Centerpiece: Intriguing Combinations with Garden Favorites
Even though Parterre’s gardens are formal in a design sense, I always find a few spots where I can include certain plant material that is not usually associated with French… Read More
12 Quintessential Images Capturing Newport’s Classic American Elegance
Thank you, Sam Dangremond, for once again mentioning the “twelve gorgeous pictures” that appear in my book, Living Newport: Houses, People, Style as proof that “Newport is the Epitome of… Read More
Toasting the Memories of 2016
It’s been a really great year! We’re breaking out the champagne and hope you’ll join us as we reflect upon some of our most iconic pictures of 2016. Happy 2017!
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… Read More
Pardee Planning: Savvy Southern Hospitality
We’ve all had this experience – you are looking for one thing in an old file or seldom-used drawer and you come upon something quite by surprise — which then… Read More
Creating Your Own “Iris Apfel-Inspired” Dahlia Arrangment
Table centerpieces are probably my favorite part of the entertaining process, made all the more satisfying when the flowers are fresh from the garden. At this time of the year… Read More
A Must-Have Garden Accessory: The Parterre Bench
From that long ago Thanksgiving weekend in Ireland…to the house-building, garden-creating project in Newport…to the first published coffee table book that prompted the creation of this bespoke garden accessory…the Parterre… Read More
A Tale of Two Orangeries
Part of the pleasure of building your own home in Newport is the ritual of naming it (very de riguer — taken so literally that one witty friend tagged their… Read More