Irish Gardens and their Signature Details
It was 2003 when I was last in Ireland, with the Atlantic Botanic Garden. So taken was I with the diversity of garden design and breadth of plant material (sighting… Read More
Tag Archives: Europe
What’s in a Name? Newport’s Private Residences
I’ve long wanted to write this post and a conversation with house guests was the welcome impetus. Naming one’s home is such a long-standing tradition in Newport. These names, and… Read More
Florence, Il Mio Amore
“Florence, I love you.” How many of us have said that? But it has been years for me since I have been in this magical jewel of a small city.… Read More
Celebrating the New Year: Private Newport Style
Thrilled to be Newport Life Magazine’s inaugural blogger for their new #MyNewportLife blog series, Shout Out Sunday. Enjoy this reminiscence of New Year’s Eve weekend 2016/2017! New Year’s Eve is… Read More
The Craft of the Cocktail: Entertaining Guests in the Summertime
Cocktails, much like fashion, are ever evolving, pulling from the past and reinventing themselves for the present. As with fashion and decor, there are trends and there are the classics that never fall… Read More
Thomas Jefferson’s Dovecote on the Rose Hill Estate
As a garden lover as well as an admirer of Thomas Jefferson, I was intrigued when a friend emailed asking if I knew what a dovecote was (not realizing that… Read More
Iconic Views of Northern and Southern Italy
Isn’t falling in love with Italy something each of us should experience? When my talented assistant, Michelle, returned from her first trip to this magical country, there were stars in… Read More
12 Bridesmaids Gifts, Private Newport Style
With Newport’s intrinsic romance and gorgeous vistas, America’s First Resort is home to many weddings. The relaxed ocean breezes, surrounding water views, stunning sunsets, unparalleled venues, and old-world charm lure… Read More
Savvy Packing Tips to Keep from Unraveling While Traveling
Dear fellow travelers, lately I have been doing quite a bit of lecture, book tour and pleasure traveling, and I think we can all agree that getting from point A… Read More
Dahlias: Stars of the Autumn Garden
Dahlias, the iconic fall bloom, are truly a native flower of the Americas. With a histoire that goes back to the Aztecs (it was considered to be Montezuma’s favorite flower), … Read More