Romancing the Orangerie
What could be more romantic than four rare ‘Hally Jolivette’ cherry standards, swathed in tiny individual shell-pink blossoms that sway in the soft breezes of a mid-April dawn. They are… Read More
Tag Archives: entertaining
Entertaining at Home: Inspirations from Celebrated Hosts
One never knows where life’s chance meetings might lead. Five years ago, Ronda Carman and I were signing our respective books at the Theta Antique Show in Houston. Two weeks… Read More
Romancing our Summer Garden
The Orangerie in Parterre’s garden was a most special surprise Christmas gift in 1997, given to me by my husband, Jonathan, as we began our house building project. While originally… Read More
Newport Society: The Harold Brown Villa
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
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
Bellinis and Blossoms and a Second Bloom
Given our love of gardens and flowers, Cathy B. Graham and I were destined to meet — but actually, it was Instagram that first brought us together — where so… Read More
The Little Black Dress of Flower Urns
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
Chasing Away the Winter Doldrums
Waking on a gray, rainy day two weeks ago, I found myself yearning for a pick-up. Little did I know that a surprise was awaiting me on my sun porch…a… Read More
Inspiring Garden Design: 7 Key Points for Creating Garden Rooms
When invited to speak in New Orleans at a garden club fundraiser, I was asked specifically to talk about the ins and outs of creating my own garden. But, of… Read More
The Private Newport Bar, at Home
As we head into the most festive of holiday seasons, invitations are being readied and entertaining accoutrements are being assembled. This is the time of the year when “the bar”… Read More