Holiday Dinner Party- How To Be The Hostess With The Mostess

The quintessential guide to classic interior design, elegant entertaining & a genteel lifestyle.
(formerly Mummy's Monday Manners)

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Holiday Dinner Party-  How To Be The Hostess With The Mostess 

Oh, what fun it is to celebrate the “holly-days” at Fox Hall by creating good cheer that is merry and bright…in candlelight!

The holidays are upon us and how grand it is to celebrate with family and friends and host dinner parties again!  Here are just a few suggestions, from my years of entertaining experience, which I feel contribute to creating a memorable event for your guests.

-Prior to your event, ask if your guests have any food dislikes, allergies, or are vegetarian. 

-If your guests prefer non-alcoholic drinks, be sure to have something else to serve them.  One of our friends adores ginger beer, a non-alcoholic drink that I keep on hand for him. 

-Polish your silver! Mummy always said the best way to get your silver and house to sparkle is to host a party or have houseguests! 

The darling “holly” embellished linens were a hostess gift to me from a dear friend. I cherish thinking of her when I use them during the month of December.  

-Write out your place cards, with the name of each guest, and decide where they will be seated.  My previous newsletter offers more detail about the protocol of place cards.

-Replenish your candlesticks with new white candles and blacken the wicks.  This is an old-school tradition.  Blackened wicks indicate that candles are not just decorative accessories; they are actually used. 

-Before my guests arrive, I place a card on the unlocked front door to invite them in. It simply says: “Please, do come in!” This way, they do not feel obliged to stand in the cold elements until the door is answered. 

-Lower the lights in the evening and remember, candlelight is not only romantic, it also enhances everyone’s appearance!  I believe that candlelight makes everything taste better too, so light the candles on the dining room table, sideboard, and the wall sconces. 

-If you have a fire in the fireplace, make sure your house remains cool enough that your guests are not sweltering from the heat, especially for those seated near the fireplace.

-It is up to the host to pour the wine.  If the wine is placed on table, and the host is in deep conversation or busy, any gentleman guest may take it upon himself to pour the wine for guests seated next to him, serving others before he serves himself.

-Wine bottles are either placed on a wine coaster or, more formally, poured into crystal decanters.  Typically, one is placed on each end of the dining room table. This is discussed in my book, The Pretty and Proper Living Room. 

Forbidden Faux Pas:

No-no: To place a fork on top of the napkin.  The fork goes to the left of the dinner plate (the napkin goes to the left of the fork), or the napkin may be placed in the center of the place setting. The fork never touches the napkin!

No-no: A centerpiece that is too tall and restricts the view of your guests from looking across the table to one another. Keep your centerpieces low so that your guests can enjoy their conversation and eye contact with other guests.

No-no: To have your dog or cat out and about, greeting your guests.  Your pets should be put away in another room.  I am such an animal lover, but I understand that not everyone else is!  Some people have allergies or are afraid of animals. 

No-no: Phones on the table. If a guest has a babysitter, or needs to be on-call, they should mention to the hostess that they need to have their phone nearby, or preferably, they should discreetly place the phone in their pocket, on their lap, or behind them on the dining room chair seat.

No-no: Playing music too loud. If dinner music is played, it should be so soft that everyone can carry on a normal conversation. Nothing is more disconcerting than not being able to carry on a civilized conversation and being forced to raise one’s voice due to the overzealous sound of music.
May the joyful sound of jolly laughter and merriment fill your house during this holiday season! 

XX,
Holly

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Holden Punch

The quintessential guide to classic interior design, elegant entertaining & a genteel lifestyle.
(formerly Mummy's Monday Manners)

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Holden Punch

What fun we had filming a video about Holden Punch! My darling daughter-in-law, Karen, convinced me to share the secret recipe.

Why not serve a festive punch for all of your holiday gatherings this year?  Your guests will be pleased… as punch! 

Our “Holden Punch” has become a traditional libation that our guests now have come to expect at Fox Hall… and they are rawwwther disappointed if it does not greet them!  In addition to having a bar, I find it easy to offer a punch versus a signature cocktail because the punch is prepared in advance and voila, guests can also help themselves too! 

Where did “punch” originally come from?  Well, British sailors brought it back to Europe from their travels to the colonies in India during the 16th century.  Nutmeg was the most valuable product imported from there and it was also the spice used in punch.  Because of that, punch became fashionable for aristocrats and the elite in Europe, and eventually in America too.  In 1655, Jamaican rum became popular when it was brought back from the West Indies, and rum punch became favored in the Western World.

The word punch may have come from the Hindu word, panch, meaning “five” and translates to the five ingredients found in most punches: sweet, sour, spice, alcohol and water.  This is certainly applicable to Holden Punch!

At Fox Hall, Holden Punch is presented in a large, silver Revere bowl on a silver platter, along with a punch ladle. A floating ice ring with sliced lemons, limes, cherries, and even holly leaves dresses it up with a pretty garnish on top.

My ice ring was just released from the mold and is ready to be placed on top of the punch before serving. 

I find that punch cups are too small and dainty for my party guests so I use my own rendition of a punch cup: crystal brandy snifters!  When placed around the punch bowl, they add a festive sparkle! 

Our punch bowl is placed at one end of our dining room table for large cocktail parties or on the sideboard when we have a smaller gathering.

The “secret” recipe to Holden Punch:

4 cups light rum (can also be dark!)

2 cups brandy (your choice!) 

2 cups lemon juice- use “ReaLemon” in a bottle (even better, freshly squeezed lemon juice!) 

1 cup sugar

½ cup peach brandy

⅛ teaspoon nutmeg (for tradition!) 

Mix the above before the party in a mixing bowl or pitcher. 

5 lbs ice 

When ready to serve, pour the mixture in a punch bowl and stir in the 5 lbs of ice!  Add the ice ring as a garnish and serve with a ladle. 

Add more ice as needed.

Note: This is half of the recipe and it makes enough for 35 people - double it and it's enough for 70-75!  It is very similar to Fish House Punch. 

Grandmillennial Tips:

A glass, porcelain, or silver bowl can be used, or simply serve the punch from a pitcher. 

If you don’t have brandy snifters, use “old-fashioned cocktail” glasses. 

Make an ice ring in a round or crescent shape gelatin mold.  I first line the mold with Saran Wrap because it makes the frozen ice easy to remove!  Then, sprinkle slices of lemons, limes, cherries, raspberries, strawberries, or oranges in the mold, cover with water, and freeze. 

Holden Punch is indeed alcoholic and only for adults.  For children, I serve sparkling cider, which can be in a punch bowl too, or simply served in a pretty glass along with a cherry or two, as a special drink for them. 

Punch is also a festive libation to serve at ladies’ showers, club meetings, evening book clubs… it definitely contributes to a jolly atmosphere! 

Cheers! And, Happy Thanksgiving wishes to all of you!

XX,
Holly

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THE Perfect Pecan Pie!

The quintessential guide to classic interior design, elegant entertaining & a genteel lifestyle.
(formerly Mummy's Monday Manners)

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THE Perfect Pecan Pie!

While baking this pecan pie, Fox Hall was filled with the most divine aroma, and as I took it out of the oven, I was suddenly surrounded by my grandchildren and family visiting. They watched me like a hawk, and nudged me to “hurry up and finish the photograph.” They couldn’t wait to have a piece of the warm pie. True confessions? I couldn’t wait either!

Thanksgiving is upon us and I have been requested to share my secret Pecan Pie recipe.  It is absolutely divine and I have kept it close to my heart, never divulging it before!  I am exceptionally “thankful” to you for subscribing, and for inspiring others as well.  So, consider yourself a cherished friend because today, my secret recipe is now your secret recipe too! 

For you, my darling “international audience,” I know you are aware that Pumpkin Pie is the traditional pie served at an American Thanksgiving.  But did you know that Pecan Pie is truly an American creation, because pecans are native to our country and were propagated by Native Americans?  Georgia is now the largest commercial grower of these nuts.  It is debatable where the first recipe originated, most likely in Texas in the late 1800s.  The recipe was published in 1898 for a church cookbook in St. Louis, but its popularity truly began in the 1920s when the manufacturer of Karo syrup printed the recipe on the bottle… and the rest is history! 

Yes, there are negative connotations associated with corn syrup, but the dreamy combination of eggs, butter, vanilla, sugar, whole pecans, and yes, Karo syrup, is required for a traditional Pecan Pie.  The substitutes, like maple syrup, just don’t make the grade in my opinion.  So, prepare to indulge any time of year, because, unlike Pumpkin Pie, it is savored year-round. 

Some variations to the recipe include adding chocolate, coconut, bourbon, or whiskey.  But my secret variation, which I first developed as a young bride, is the addition of Grand Marnier liqueur. I still have a penchant for Grand Marnier!

I enjoy making this pie for my family and for many of my long-standing dinner-party guests who continue to request it…the ultimate compliment!  It is a joy to make and present one as a hostess gift too because it can easily be frozen for future use. 

Oh, one more tidbit for you.  How do you pronounce the word “pecan?”  There are several variants, including the most common mistake: PEE-can.  Mummy told me, “ A 'PEE-can' is something you place under the bed,” if you understand what I mean!  So, if you make my yummy pie recipe, here is how to correctly say “pecan” when you serve it:  I hope you enjoy my “Pee-KAHN” Pie!   

Holly’s Perfect Pecan Pie

You will need one 9” unbaked pie shell.  You can make a pie crust, or simply buy a Pillsbury rolled-up pie crust in the refrigerated area of the grocery store, and place it in a 9” pie plate…. easy-peasy. 

Ingredients:

2 large eggs

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup DARK Karo corn syrup, which is half of a bottle.  Karo is found near the maple syrup.

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 ½ or 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier liqueur (or more!)

1  or 1 ½ tablespoons of orange rind, finely grated (a must ingredient to complement the Grand Marnier)

¼ cup melted butter (salted)- only use butter!

¼ teaspoon granulated salt

1 ½  cup whole pecans 

In a bowl, add the sugar and Karo syrup to the beaten eggs.  Then, add the salt, vanilla, Grand Marnier, melted butter, and the grated orange rind to the egg mixture.  Best to mix by hand with a whisk or spoon, and don’t overbeat it to avoid foam on top of the pie.

Place the pecans evenly on the bottom of the pie crust, and pour the filling mixture over the nuts. The nuts will rise to the top. 

I use a child’s silver fork to score the unbaked pie crust edges. When I poured the pecans in, one of my decorative fall “pheasants” hopped in! I use him to garnish hors d’oeuvres platters during Thanksgiving, but he obviously wanted his picture taken with my pie before I baked it!

Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.  Start checking the pie at 35 minutes, and depending on your oven, it may take 45-50 minutes to get a desirable brown on the pecans! 

Serve warm!  You may add a dollop of whipped cream made with Grand Marnier instead of vanilla…I told you I adore it!   

Grandmillennial Tips:

If you buy the Pillsbury pie crust, unroll it, place it in the 9” pie plate, fold over and crimp or score the edges so that the crust looks homemade.  I usually press the edge with the tines of a small fork, for that added “home-made-ness” appearance!  And, if you want to, brush some beaten egg yolk along the uncooked pie crust edges. This adds a golden glow to the crust once the pie is baked. 

The pie is done when the pecans are medium or toasty brown, but NEVER burned.  

There should be a slight jiggle to the center of the pie when removing it from the oven.

I prefer to use a glass or a pretty porcelain pie plate versus a metal one.

To give an attractive appearance when presenting the pie on the sideboard, or while serving it at the dinner table, I place the pie in a silver pie dish. 

When I give a pie as a hostess gift, I either purchase a new glass pie plate and give that along with the pie, or I use a disposable tin pie plate.  Either way, I do not want to impose on the gift recipient to have to return the plate back to me! 

Serve your pecan pie warm, and offer a dollop of whipped cream with it. Oh, Yummm!

I hope you enjoy my secret recipe.  I would love to see photographs of your Pecan Pie at Thanksgiving, or for that matter, any time of year! 

XX Holly 

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Paint Tips Part II: Ceiling ideas & the perfect pink!

The quintessential guide to classic interior design, elegant entertaining & a genteel lifestyle.
(formerly Mummy's Monday Manners)

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Paint Tips Part II: Ceiling ideas & the perfect pink!

Painting your ceiling a complementary color can be a subtle, yet intriguing detail! The front hall at Petite Fox has the same color pink on the ceiling as on the walls and ceiling in the adjoining living room. I specified 6” wide stripes on the walls. The green is BM Tint of Mint #851, in a flat finish, and the white is BM White Dove OC-17, in semi-gloss finish which adds interest to the surface. The Venetian Murano chandelier contributes to the pink and green theme.

Many have kindly inquired about the color pink on the walls and ceiling in my living room at Petite Fox, our pied a terre in Palm Beach. I am most happy to share my secret recipe! 

First, let’s chat about ceilings!  Ceilings are considered as the 5th wall, one which can be an unexpected treat for your guests’ eyes.  Typically, most guests rarely look up to the ceiling until they begin to feel notably comfortable within their surroundings.  When a person first enters a room, naturally, their eyes gravitate from the floor… up to the ceiling. 

Contrary to this human behavior, when one is in the presence of a spectacular domed edifice, ornate plasterwork, or a ceiling with gilded embellishments, it is natural to want to look up at the ceiling!  Historically, grand ceilings painted by extraordinary artists were meant to impress.  This brings back a fond memory of filming my television series in the Music Room at Highclere Castle (aka Downton Abbey), where Lady Carnarvon and I enjoyed afternoon tea and discussed interior design. The baroque ceiling, painted by Francis Hayman in the 1730s, is positively mesmerizing and a pure delight when viewed from below.  (The eye candy in this episode is probably why the episode garnered an Emmy nomination!)

The ceiling in the Music Room at Highclere Castle is stunning. The original canvas was cut to fit the ornate ceiling plasterwork design. Photo credit: Chris McLaughlin / Pinterest

For a historic house, unless there is a precedent for an original design or plasterwork, I honor the tradition of a white ceiling.  When the trim is white, then I will specify the same white color on the ceiling, versus an ordinary “white ceiling paint,”  Benjamin Moore (BM) in White Dove OC-17, flat finish, is my first choice. 

But, for a 20th-21st century interior, and especially for a tropical resort house, why not consider painting your ceiling, the 5th wall, another color besides white?  Try using the same pastel wall paint color on the ceiling too, as I did in Petite Fox. 

Note how the semi-gloss on the trim adds a lovely hint of sheen against the walls, which are in a flat finish.

So, here is…. my pink paint recipe!  BM Pink Peony # 2078-70,  cut in half with 50% white, and then use that for the ceiling, so the color is more muted than the walls.

Consider painting the ceiling in a powder room, kitchen, billiard room, baby's room, or laundry room in a shade other than white.  You can also request that the wall color be lightened with 50% white. 

A ceiling can become the perfect canvas for clever and whimsical art, too.

Painting the ceiling pink in a powder room, bathroom, or dressing room is charming and the color will create an atmosphere that is most becoming to anyone’s complexion!

Grandmillennial Tips:

When your wood trim is painted white, i.e. Benjamin Moore (BM) White Dove OC-17 semi-gloss, consider painting the ceiling in White Dove too, but in a flat finish.  This gives a room a quiet, understated uniformness.  

Consider painting your ceiling a different, yet complementary color to the walls, just for fun! 

A flat finish is my first choice for walls.  If you have children, an eggshell finish is a bit more forgiving for wiping away those “darling” little fingerprints!

The soft blue walls and ceiling in our bedroom at Petite Fox are BM Winter Ice #866, cut with 25% white, in a flat finish. Both the trim AND the lacquered furniture are in BM White Dove OC-17, in semi-gloss.

When choosing a color, order the large paper samples of the paint color you are considering for your walls, and place them on various walls during the day and night.  Better yet, purchase small samples of your paint and try it on the walls.  Natural light and artificial lighting make a huge difference in how color is perceived.  Your furniture and curtain colors can also have a reflectability on your walls to take into consideration too. 

XX Holly 

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Timeless "white" paint colors and other paint tips!

The quintessential guide to classic interior design, elegant entertaining & a genteel lifestyle.
(formerly Mummy's Monday Manners)

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Timeless "white" paint colors and other paint tips!

Choosing the appropriate white paint color for your wood trim is worthy of your time and consideration. The white trim on the pediment and the surrounding trim that frames the original c.1803 front foyer mahogany door at Fox Hall is my secret, and most trusted, white paint color from Benjamin Moore paints!

There are a myriad of “white” paint color options.  It can be a daunting task to choose the appropriate “white” for various interior applications, wouldn’t you agree?!  

“White” paints can have hidden undertones, which tend to be either cold or warm.  I believe that the best way to accurately see the complexity of the white color you have chosen is to place your color swatch on a piece of white paper.  It will reveal its true color right before your eyes.

Over and over, I am asked to divulge my “go-to” white paint color for wood trim, walls, and ceilings.  Today, I am delighted to share my favorite, tried and true white colors with you! 

But first, let me share with you why I specify Benjamin Moore (BM) paint.  Their paint has a depth of color and a richness in pigment which is stellar.  It is durable and fade-resistant.  Their color swatches and paint fan deck colors are exceptionally accurate… now, that’s an alleluia unto itself! 

Pure white, as in BM Super White 02, has a coolness that works well for modern interiors on both the walls and the trim.  Personally, I am attracted to warmer, softer whites: 

BM Atrium White OC-145 is creamy with peachy undertones.  

BM Linen White 92 is a warm beige.  The walls in the baby’s room at Fox Hall are Linen White because it is neutral and complements the celadon and peach floral chintz for both the curtains and bed hangings very well. 

BM China White OC-141 has a grey tonality and works with grey and black accents.  

BM Opal White OC-73 is a VERY pastel peachy-pink, which enhances anyone’s complexion… hence, it is on my office and dressing room walls!

My office at Fox Hall has semi-gloss Dove White trim and flat Opal White on the walls.

But, my MOST trusted and favorite white, especially for wood trim, is:

BM White Dove OC-17. 

It works exceptionally well in historic houses, but also in new homes.  I have specified White Dove, in a semi-gloss finish, for all of the white wood trim in the several houses we have owned!  It brings a soft warmth to an interior while still looking white. 

Even the furniture that I had lacquered in Palm Beach was in a glossy White Dove.

I have also used White Dove in a flat finish on walls when the wood trim is in a contrasting color. Our living room at Fox Hall is an example of this combination: flat White Dove on the walls and a bespoke blue, semi-gloss on the trim.

The living room at Fox Hall has a bespoke blue trim. Mummy gets credit for this unique blue trim color! Twenty-three years ago, when we first purchased Fox Hall, we immediately commenced the renovation, as most of the house was either painted brown or black! I had the walls painted flat Dove White, and tried a historic blue color for the living room trim. When Mummy observed the sample of blue that the artist painted on the mantelpiece, she suggested adding a hint of black to the paint- and voila, the handsome blue color is what remains today!

Grandmillennial Tips:

When painting your house, try to use the same color for all of the trim, throughout the house. This makes it effortless to touch up the trim, at any time. Between vacuum cleaner bumps, dog scratches, and shoe knicks on the stair risers, there are never-ending touchups at Fox Hall, because it is a family house which is happily “lived in!” That brings to mind a dear friend. She has a stunning house which exudes the perfect balance between elegance and European sophistication. She calls her house, “The Ding House.” When I inquired why, she responded, “I have four boys, hence, constant dings around the house!” Don’t you just love that?!

Per your requests, I will reveal my “secret pink” color on the living room walls in our Palm Beach abode, Petite Fox, in next week's letter!

XX Holly 

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A Well-Appointed Guest Bathroom, The Essential List!

The quintessential guide to classic interior design, elegant entertaining & a genteel lifestyle.
(formerly Mummy's Monday Manners)

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A Well-Appointed Guest Bathroom, The Essential List!

So, you have houseguests coming! Your Guest Bedroom is now well-appointed with your list of essential accouterments. So, now... how well-prepared is your Guest bathroom? And while you are not trying to be a 5-star hotel, you do want your guests to feel comfortable, relaxed, and attended to! So, prepare in advance and place these few thoughtful items in your Guest Bathroom. Your houseguests will appreciate your kind attentiveness.

Assemble a little “guest bathroom basket” under the sink, or place it in a drawer or the guest bedroom closet. Fill it with items they may have forgotten or appurtenances that they may suddenly discover they need. This extra effort will create a sense of relief for your houseguests because once they find it, they do not have to ask you to provide something for them; it’s all there at their fingertips if needed!

The Guest Bathroom

"The Givens:"

• Linens: Two big fluffy bath towels (or more), two hand towels, two washcloths, PER guest

• A white cotton floor mat near the shower or tub

• A new bar of soap on the sink in a pretty soap dish AND in the shower/tub

• A bottle of liquid body soap (millennials prefer this over a bar of soap)

• Shampoo (get one that is good for color-treated hair… just saying!)

• Conditioner

• Mouthwash (Fill a crystal decanter with mouthwash and place it on the counter next to the sink…it will look pretty!)

• Small drinking glass (I prefer a silver mint julep cup, it cannot break!) 

• A hairdryer  

• Hooks on the door, or someplace, to hang damp towels!

• A box of tissues 

• Two terry robes, Medium & Large, in the Guest Bedroom or Bathroom 

• A magnifying mirror on the wall or on a stand, if space allows

• A small vase of flowers or little orchid plant by the sink (a silver baby cup is a perfect size)

• A pretty waste bin

Additional items for under the sink or in a drawer:  

• Shower cap

• Hair spray

• Hair mousse

• Body lotion

• Extra rolls of potty paper

A basket or tray of little lovelies:

• Travel size toothpaste

• New toothbrush

• New razor

• Shaving cream

• Make-up remover

• Cotton balls

• Nail file

• Tweezers

• Roll of Tums or antacid

• Advil or Tylenol- small bottle

• Needle and thread kit

• Little scissors

• Lint brush

• Comb

• Small hairbrush

• Q-tips- small amount

• Travel size deodorant

• Feminine products

• Sunscreen (for a resort house)

• Room scent spray

• Nightlight (or, just plug one in an outlet)

• Spray deodorant

While this may seem like an extravagant list, some of the items you may already have, so it is just a matter of placing them in the guest bathroom. Travel-size products work well to save space and will have a charming presence when placed in a petite white basket or pretty tray.

Grandmillenial Tips:

My daughters kindly have electric curlers for me so that I don’t have to lug them in my suitcase to Park City or Germany! 

If you have items collected from a previous hotel stay, such as a needle & thread kit, comb, nail file, or a shower cap, repurpose them for your guest bathroom.  One and done!


XX Holly 

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The essential list for a well-appointed guest room!

The quintessential guide to classic interior design, elegant entertaining & a genteel lifestyle.
(formerly Mummy's Monday Manners)

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The essential list for a well-appointed guest room!

The pretty floral straps on this luggage rack, which complement the chintz curtains in the guest bedroom at Cape Cod, is another example of my mother-in-law’s talented needlepoint creations!

Before you know it, the holidays will be here and your houseguests and family will gleefully arrive!  After a year’s hiatus of no houseguests due to Covid times, it may be prudent to ask yourself, “How well-appointed is my guest room… and what else is needed?!” 

The perfect way to find out what is missing is to spend one night in the guest bedroom and roleplay yourself as the guest.  Then, you will truly discover firsthand what is needed.

These adorable luggage racks (or tray stands) are covered in Sibyl & Colefa’s ( London) darling bespoke printed fabric.

A very considerate detail to provide, which is often neglected, is one or two luggage racks in each guest room.  And no, they are not just for hotels…they are a welcomed addition for your guests who will be living out of their suitcases during their stay!  Luggage racks fold in half and are easy to store in a closet. 

Here is my list of the must-have essential elements for a guest bedroom that I have created, and added to, throughout the years.  It has served me well!

The Guest Bedroom

• A petite vase of flowers at the bedside 

• 2 luggage racks

• Water, in a bottle or decanter, with a glass, arranged on a tray

• Books and magazines (choose what they may enjoy)

• A soft throw on the bed or chair 

• Two kinds of pillows: soft and medium-soft

• A strip cord near the bedside to recharge a phone, etc.

• A cell phone charger cord or station

• The WiFi code 

• A pad of paper with a pen

• A box of tissues

• Plenty of matching hangers in the closet (not a mishmash of hangers!)

• An additional blanket in the closet

• A lovely waste bin

• Black-out shades or pull-curtains

• A full-length mirror, which can be hung on the backside of a door

• A nightlight 

• 2 terry robes, medium and large

• A few nibbles:

• Sweet: a small dish of chocolates

• Savory: my rosemary pecans

Grandmillennial Tips:

The most “old-school chic” luggage racks have hand-needle pointed straps, preferably made by a family member! I am blessed to have been gifted a few.

This cherished gift was made by my mother-in-law. She thoughtfully needlepointed it for our Master Bedroom at Stratton, Vermont.

A thoughtful gesture is to make a simple, personalized Welcome poster sign for your front door to greet your out-of-town family and guests. If you have guests visiting from another country, consider hanging their flag as a special acknowledgment. Our daughter’s family lives in Germany, so a German flag is hung over the front door at Fox Hall during their stay! 

In Robert Louis Stevenson's words, "A friend is a gift you give yourself.”  Now is the time to order and prepare your guest room for your friends and family!

XX Holly 

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The world’s best dog training technique: “Holly-Jingle!”

The quintessential guide to classic interior design, elegant entertaining & a genteel lifestyle.
(formerly Mummy's Monday Manners)

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The world's BEST dog training technique: "The Holly-Jingle!"

Miss Zsa Zsa is quite attentive thanks to my new dog training technique, the “Holly-Jingle!”
Photo credit: Gabriella Narus photography

Lovely living encompasses many aspects of a gracious lifestyle, which also includes a well-behaved dog!

Our precious pup, Miss Zsa Zsa (as in Gabor) is a two-year-old, English Jack Russell Terrier (our fourth one). She is a little darling, albeit, a rambunctious "terror”... aka for “terrier!”  Zsa Zsa has been far from well behaved!  Being a “covid time” puppy, she lacked socialization with other dogs.  So, when I began walking her in Palm Beach, she went into a feisty attack mode, barking and growling when she spied another dog…. terribly embarrassing!

Miss Zsa Zsa, a mischievous puppy, was amused with her red croquet ball.

The “Holly-Jingle” is my dog training technique.  It works like a CHARM!  It’s simple, it’s humane, and my training device discreetly fits into my pocket, even my petite-sized handbags.  I made a video with Zsa Zsa about it on my Instagram and it was so well received that I thought I should share it with you, too. 

Take a sandwich Ziploc baggie, place 10+ coins in it and keep it with you at all times. That’s it! 

 I first tried this technique when I took Zsa Zsa for a walk and used it when she was not “heeling,” and only tugging on the lead.  I tossed the bag down on the ground next to her.  The sound scared her.  In essence, I suddenly became the alpha dog, she succumbed and heeled.  As we approached other dogs, I did the same thing and said the recommended command, “Leave It!”  (I learned from the trainer that “ Leave It!” is a more persuasive command than “no” because the word “ittt” has a “t” ending, instead of the word “noooooo,” which has no ending.)    

Now, I always have the little bag of coins with me.  When needed, I quietly jingle it with my fingers, she hears the coins and behaves accordingly.  Truly, it is like magic!  On a plane, on a walk, in a restaurant, I just jiggle and jingle the coins, and she becomes obedient and submissive.  It has been a game-changer.

I never thought I would discuss dog training as a topic!  Please share this with others who may have a young or incorrigible dog.  I wish I had known about this for our four other darling “terrors!” I hope the “Holly-Jingle” works its magic for you too!  

Xx Holly

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A secret to transforming mundane, brown furniture!

The quintessential guide to classic interior design, elegant entertaining & a genteel lifestyle.
(formerly Mummy's Monday Manners)

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A secret to transforming mundane, brown furniture!

Wait until you see the “before” photo of this bed!

Do you have any “brown furniture” that you consider to be rather mundane? Or, have you inherited a piece of furniture that has sentimental meaning to you but is humdrum? What about furniture that is not pretty enough to be in your house, but instead, remains quietly sequestered in the garage or basement? The above is what I refer to as the “Cinderella” pieces, or those that await a magic wand to transform their beauty into showstopper caliber. Want a wand? Well, do I have THE magic wand for you: lacquer paint! Lacquer paint can immediately revamp any piece of wood furniture, even kitchen cabinets, by instantly enhancing their outer beauty… and no glass slippers are required!

One has to envision the outer beauty on this homely stepsister! It is the same bed shown above in a lacquer color of “Dove White,” which is my go-to white for just about everything. It has a semi-gloss finish.

Lacquer is thin but stronger than paint.  It is tricky to apply because it dries very quickly, much faster than paint (hence it needs to be sprayed on), and if not applied correctly, can bubble and crack.  Lacquer is very durable and because it dries so fast, it has a nice and smooth finish. Lacquer cures within 24 hours, whereas oil enamel paint can take weeks to cure. There are many versions of lacquer paint, and each artist uses his own formula.  It is complicated to explain, so leave it to the experts, as they know what combination works best for their specific application. 

The first step is to find a source that specializes in spraying lacquer paint, which is an art unto itself.  Ask your local paint company, especially a Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams store, or a designer for their recommendations for a seasoned expert.  My secret source is Javier Tovar.  He studied at Faux Effects International School.

discovered this Asian-inspired curio cabinet at a W. Palm Beach consignment shop. I will repurpose it as a bar cabinet with glasses and spirits assembled on the glass shelving. Presently, it has a dated “manila folder” color. And soon, it will be transformed with a stunning black gloss finish, while keeping the original gold accents as they are. Once it is done, I will share the finished version on my Instagram!

I met with Javier to discuss using a high-gloss black lacquer to replace the old worn color, while also keeping the existing gold accents on the cabinet and the pagoda top. I think it will be a showstopper once Javier works his lacquer magic! Interested in contacting Javier? Email him here!

The two lacquer finishes that I specify are semi-gloss and high gloss, depending on the piece and its placement in a house.  Lacquer can be dead-flat to a high gloss. Start your lacquer trial with a small piece of furniture to see how you like it, and then work up to larger, more significant pieces. 

A tired, old piece of furniture that is professionally lacquered can instantly metamorphose and have a newer, younger-looking appearance, tantamount to a brilliantly executed facelift!  It is such a delight to witness this radiant transformation.  Watch out… you’ll get hooked, especially lacquering pieces in white for tropical locales, such as Palm Beach!  

XX Holly 

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Monograms On Sheets!

The quintessential guide to classic interior design, elegant entertaining & a genteel lifestyle.
(formerly Mummy's Monday Manners)

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Monograms on sheets!

The linens shown on our bed at Fox Hall are from Schweitzer Linen in NYC, purveyor of fine linens for over 50 years, and a company I have done business with for my New England clientele for many years.

Who doesn’t adore beautiful bed linens?!  Seeing and feeling crisply ironed sheets instantly brings back memories of various beloved venues, the way a scent or sound will trigger feelings from the past.  I vividly remember flying to London with our eldest daughter, Alexandra, then age ten.  We were invited to stay at a relative's elegant London townhouse, replete with a driver and a “Roller” (aka Rolls Royce).  We were both exhausted from the overnight journey and climbed into our twin beds. The faint scent of lavender on the beautifully ironed and magnificently monogrammed sheets gently swaddled us… and instantly, we experienced “sweet dreams and a slice of heaven!”  That experience made an impression on me and how important it is to pay attention to guest room sheets.  Well, all bedrooms, for that matter!

 Recently, my husband and I hosted a joyful black tie celebration for our son’s 40th birthday, and a few out-of-town guests stayed at Fox Hall and in our Little Fox carriage house.  While not as crisply ironed as my London memory, the sheets are indeed monogrammed!

The initials on our bedroom monogram represent Holly and Stuart.

Traditionally, a monogram for a married couple’s sheets (and towels) in the master bedroom features the combined initials: the bride's first name is on the left (ladies first!), the surname of the couple is centered, and the groom's first initial is on the right, in that order.

This “Valentino” pattern from Schweitzer Linens features a sweet little heart embroidery pattern and a very pretty edging, so I decided not to monogram the pillowcases, as the design was enough.

For other bedrooms, the lady of the house has her initials used for a monogram, whether she is single or married, because she is the hostess of the house. She may use either her maiden name or middle name for the initial to the right of her surname.

An alternative to a monogram is to have just one initial, a house name, a family crest, or an image that relates to the house embroidered. This pink and green fox (go figure!) is embroidered on our carriage house sheets and towels.

For the shams that decorate the bed and go in front of the pillows (I refer to our euro shams as “party pillows” because they rarely get used… more for show), monograms are typically placed either in the center or above the center, near the top. I like to center it on shams.

Pillowcases and pillow shams can be left plain, embroidered with a monogram in the center, or you may have a monogram placed near the open end of the case, in which case the monogram then faces sideways, toward the opening.  I choose this position so one’s face touches the smooth pillowcase fabric, instead of the bumpy embroidery monogram when it is centered. 

What if a name has more than three initials?  My father had five initials!  They are written in a straight line with periods, instead of the last name being centered.

There is a myriad of embroidery styles and colors to create a bespoke monogram and a reputable linen shop will guide you.  Sheets adorned with elegant embroidery quietly elevates the status of a bedroom, making it “fit for a queen,” and thus, serves to create those comforting memories for your guests… and for you!

In my book, The Pretty and Proper Living Room, I have a chapter about the correct nuances of monogramming and engraving. 

"Secrets to Lovely Living” debuts today!

The quintessential guide to classic interior design, elegant entertaining & a genteel lifestyle.

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"Secrets to Lovely Living” debuts today!

My dear ones,

On October 1, 2018, my first “Mummy’s Monday Manners” debuted after the nudging requests of my children’s friends who were working in NYC.  They were budding hosts and hostesses inquiring how to properly entertain!  It has been a joy to see MMM grow internationally.  I am terribly grateful and thank you for your support in spreading the word for me.  It has given me such pleasure to share some of the tidbits of advice which I inherited from my Mummy (and Daddy too).  They taught me by example the essence of polished graciousness… the basis for lovely manners and more. 

My colleagues and I came to the conclusion that the MMM title is a bit limiting.  At first glance, it suggests only manners, even though I write about so many other topics.  A brand name change needed to be made.  So, drum roll…

Today, I am elated to share the debut of a NEW name and with it, a slight change of direction!  It will incorporate a wider breadth of topics. The new name, “Secrets to Lovely Living,” will allow me to expand on classic interior design, along with elegant entertaining, all of which contribute to a genteel lifestyle.  As always, you’ll be privy to all of the darling details that matter.  And, yes, the no-no’s and millennial tips will continue! 

Are you curious to know what the inspiration was behind the new logo?

I discussed my vision for how the logo would represent the new title, “Lovely Living”  with my talented editor and graphic designer extraordinaire, Alexandra Folino.  (We created my second book, Pearls of Palm Beach together.)  We decided to include these elements: 

Pink… that’s a given!  Beautiful foxes.... a must!  I have adored them since childhood.  Foxes are revered in cultures worldwide for their cleverness.  They outsmart negativity and their beauty has been used as a symbol of nobility, creativity, and passion.  Pearls represent timeless, quiet elegance and patina.  (I can’t leave home without them!)  A crown symbolizes dignity and honor.  And finally, the pink and green gems represent preppy prettiness and whimsy.  A bow?  Well, just because I adore bows!

Alexandra Folino’s charming rendition of the logo, before we had it painted in watercolor, as presented at the top. I think she did a brilliant job of interpreting all of the elements!

The new brand, “Lovely Living” will incorporate the world of design, thus allowing me to expand on an endless realm of topics, and I can utilize my expertise as a designer for over thirty years… oh my, a long time!

If you have enjoyed these past two years of newsletters, would you please reach out to at least one new friend, perhaps one who adores interior design, and invite them to subscribe too?  Doubling the subscriber list would be the best celebration and indication of your endorsement, ever! 

My gleeful thanks to you all, and my darling sponsors too.  I am beholden… love that word, be-Holden!  I hope you’ll endorse my new brand and direction. 

With pearls and pink wishes,

Xoxo 

Holly 

Enchanting driveways with decorative details!

Much more than JUST manners... learn the "secret" nuances of regal refinement, timeless interior design & elegant entertaining!

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This stunning white house features urns up on the roofline, along with an embellished pair of white urns which decorate the entrance pediments on either side of the driveway.

Living in tropical Palm Beach, I continue to be mesmerized and bedazzled daily by the ever-present lush greenery, multi-level hedges, and colorful floral landscape designs! Another aspect contributing to the enchanting and inviting aura of the private houses on the island are the handsomely embellished driveways, which feature varying pillar designs with unique decorative elements. The decorative elements range from traditional to sophisticated whimsy, setting the scene and individuality of a house.

A lovely pair of quietly understated decorative elements are featured on top of the plinth bases that are on either side of this driveway entrance.

When we purchased our house, Fox Hall c. 1803 in Farmington, CT, we immediately set out to design an appropriate fence to replace the old, sad-looking stockade fence which stretched along Main Street. Two notable historic fences, the Peirce Nichols c. 1757 house in Salem, MA, and the “Old First Church” c. 1763 in Bennington, VT, inspired my husband and me. Both were a proper fit for the age and architecture of our house. The urns atop the pillars were elegant, an aspect I fell in love with immediately! We knew that the addition of the urns would be integral, contributing to the stately, historic appearance of our bespoke fence.

The pillars at the entrance to our driveway at Fox Hall are taller, and the urns are larger than the other fence pediments.

Decorative elements can vary from architectural garden urns, statuaries, cannonballs, Southern pineapple sculptures, Georgian urns, stone baskets of flowers, and gilded eagles, to name just a few. As with any aspect of design, it is paramount to keep in mind the scale and design of the house and pillar when adding a decorative element on top. Strive to complement the size of the driveway and the architecture of your house. The two posts that flank the entrance to our driveway are slightly larger than the rest of the fence pillars, so the urns were enlarged to be in proportion with them.

A clever frog that hopped on this driveway entrance ball. The frogs, appearing on the pillars on either side of the driveway, possess a sassy attitude, while also having a whimsical presence!

I hope to inspire you to contemplate adding a decorative element to distinguish your driveway entrance if you haven’t already. Do you have one that you particularly admire? I offer many charming examples that grace the driveways in Palm Beach for you to view on my Instagram Reels and IGTV.

Lanterns and coach lights are another decorative aspect found on driveway entrance pillars, along with splendidly designed entrance gates, both of which I will feature at another time. 

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Why Are Porch Ceilings Painted Blue?

Much more than JUST manners... learn the "secret" nuances of regal refinement, timeless interior design & elegant entertaining!

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The Lewis Walpole Library, on historic Main Street in Farmington, is owned by Yale University. It is a research library, open to scholars for 18th-century studies, and is a renowned resource for the study of Horace Walpole and Strawberry Hill in England. The front door of the Timothy Root House c. 1784, used to house visiting scholars doing research at the Library, features a blue-painted ceiling on the overhang.

Blue painted ceilings on porches, verandahs, and exterior door overhangs has been a 200-year-old tradition in America. This subtle blue decorative detail has always been an attraction to me. The other day, as I was walking Miss Zsa Zsa, our rambunctious Jack Russell, along Main Street in the historic village of Farmington, I admired several blue-painted exterior ceilings. I was curious: how did this tradition develop and why? Was it to give the illusion of the sky as one relaxes on the porch gazing upwards, creating a serene ambiance?

According to folklore in the deep South, it was thought that ghosts, also known as “haints” in Creole dialect and pronounced as “haunts,” could not cross water.  The blue paint represented water, hence, evil spirits could not cross the blue ceiling into the house!  The pale bluish-green shade continues to be called “haint blue” in the South.  

Soft blue exterior ceilings continue to have a historic and present-day presence in the South, New England (especially in Colonial and Victorian homes), as well as in the Northwest.

The historic Major Timothy Cowles house c. 1815, on Main Street Farmington, is owned by Miss Porter’s School, and is lovingly referred to by the girl students as “Tim-Co”! The blue portico ceiling contrasts elegantly against the stunning, white-painted, architectural details.

Another folklore was that the blue paint repelled insects. While I wish that held true when those pesky mosquitoes make their appearance in the summer, scientifically, it has not been proven to do so. The soft blue color does tend to reflect light, which is a benefit in the evening hours.

This long blue ceiling offers an inviting sense of calm. 

Photo credit: @rings_end via Instagram

The next time the verandah ceiling at Fox Hall needs to be painted, it will be a soft shade of blue. It will contrast handsomely against the white trim and columns. To me, painting the ceiling blue represents the calmness and happiness of witnessing a bluebird sky, even during evening hours…. something to consider the next time you discover a blue porch ceiling or contemplate painting one!

The verandah ceiling at Fox Hall in springtime, soon to be painted blue!

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The Perfect Fashion Accessory!

Much more than JUST manners... learn the "secret" nuances of regal refinement, timeless interior design & elegant entertaining!

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Ladies use three distinctive terms to reference just ONE essential fashion accessory, one that they carry each day!  Can you guess what it is?  Of course, depending on where one lives in the world, the three names may be interpreted with a uniquely different meaning.  Soooo, which name do you use: pocketbook, handbag, or purse? 

The term "handbag" is often used in England, while "pocketbook" is favored in the South, and a "purse" can reference a small clutch or handbag, a wallet, or a coin holder. 

Whatever name you use, I know you can recognize a beautifully elegant one when you see it!  With that in mind, I am thrilled to introduce you to Launer London, renowned for their understated luxury leather goods, and especially for their stunning handbags.  Because they are made in the U.K., "handbag" is the term I shall use.  I have admired Launer handbags... forever.  Every aspect represents quiet, understated elegance.  Launer earned a Royal Warrant in 1968 and continues to be "discreetly famous" (now that's an oxymoron!).

The Launer "Traviata" handbag is one of THE favored accessories HM Queen Elizabeth II has carried on her arm for decades. It is named after the opera, La Traviata, written in 1853. Various sources have mentioned that Her Majesty owns over 200 of them.

HM The Queen is carrying her traditional choice for a handbag, the Launer Traviata which features a bespoke longer top-handle, which fits comfortably over her arm.

Launer continues to be a well-loved accessory with royalty around the world, the choice for dignitaries, and lovely ladies worldwide. Scully & Scully, on Park Avenue in NYC, has been selling Launer handbags for the past five years. They are the only brick-and-mortar store to carry them in America and align closely with their brand. Since 1934, Scully & Scully has been a luxury store that serves an internationally distinguished clientele. Their must-have mail order catalog is most tempting, filled with treasures that Mr. Michael Scully personally sources worldwide, and is a trusted resource I refer to for my clients too.

Recently, I discovered that Launer debuted a new bubblegum pink color, and my heart went pitter-patter! I shared the news with my husband, Stuart. He is a keen listener and too good to me. It was not long before a gift box arrived at our door in Palm Beach as a surprise! He is a keeper!

I adore the petite size of the Launer "Judi" handbag, along
with the coordinating pocket mirror. It was named for Dame Judi Dench by the wife of the CEO of Launer, Gerald Bodmer. It is smaller than the Traviata, which Queen Elizabeth II carries.

Launer handbags are lined in soft suede and come with an optional shoulder strap, along with a darling little pocket mirror. The signature gold-plated rope clasp is charmingly discrete, unlike the large logos emblazoned on many other brands.

I posed a few questions to Scully & Scully about Launer handbags to share with you:

What tends to be the most popular color or style? 

The Traviata is best-selling, specifically in black or white. 

Are there custom details/features that one can order on a bespoke Launer handbag? 

One can order any color combination but what we carry are top sellers around the world.  They can be ordered with different animal skins too (snake, lizard, etc.), and custom lining and handle size.

Approximately, how long does it take to receive one if it is not already in your inventory? 

6-8 weeks due to Covid delays, but hopefully, it gets better within the next few months!

I think the two-tone color combinations are quite attractive.
Photo: Scully & Scully, NYC

Now you know all about Launer handbags! If you own one, or decide to order one, share a photo with me as I would love to see the color and style you choose.

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Powder Room: A Perfect Place for Artwork!

Much more than JUST manners... learn the "secret" nuances of regal refinement, timeless interior design & elegant entertaining!

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One decorative aspect of this charming Powder Room, besides the pretty celadon green striped wallpaper by Brunschwig & Fils, is the artwork. I have admired this Powder Room, which belongs to dear friends, because it is adorned with art that is meaningful to them. The medley of assorted silhouettes and miniatures, collected in London by their family years ago, adds to the charm of the room. The history of each piece has been dutifully recorded on the backside, which is a clever idea to remember. The two watercolors that hang over the linen guest towels were painted by a family member. The two seashell gouaches are by John Gould, who is considered the “Audubon of Australia.”

Add even more charm to your Powder Room with lovely artwork! 

Typically, most guests do not expect to discover important artwork in a Powder Room!  While silver picture frames, replete with meaningful photographs, can pique the curiosity of your guests in other rooms, pretty Powder Rooms can be the perfect backdrop to display some of your most alluring artwork for guests to admire unexpectedly... albeit privately!  

Both photographs and artwork are what I refer to as “subtle bragging rights,” where nothing is overtly prominent but instead, discreetly intriguing to others.  Photographs in your house offer a peek at important moments.  Artwork, especially when displayed in a Powder Room, can be a surprise, revealing your interests, your family background, or personal stories. 

A Powder Room is intended for guests.  This is where ladies powder their noses and apply pink lipstick in private! Think of the walls as premium space to be clever and reveal your treasures, whether lavish or simply what you hold dear. Typically, Powder Rooms do not have a shower or tub, hence artwork will not be at risk from an abundance of moisture.  A well-appointed Powder Room can easily be transformed into a “gem box,” a private art gallery, where one can stop to admire artwork up close, without being nosy.

A peek at some of the silhouettes from London.

Here is my story, a case in point! While attending a lovely dinner party at a distinguished historic house, which has belonged to the same family for over 300 years, a stunning discovery was made. During cocktail hour, the Director of a prestigious art museum returned from the Powder Room and asked the host what he knew about the watercolor hanging near the sink. “Yes, it was purchased by my grandfather years ago on his travels,” he responded. The signature was diminutive and hard to decipher. The Director recognized the artwork, which was painted by a world-famous artist and was exceptionally valuable. Now, this is another reason to hang artwork in your Powder Room. It may be discovered as being more prized than you ever imagined… wishful thinking, but amusing to ponder, right?!

Powder Rooms tend to be rather feminine in decor, but not ours! Because Fox Hall, our c. 1803 house, was built before indoor plumbing, our Powder Room was cleverly slipped in under the main staircase. The door leading into it is part of the Hunt Room bookcase, so the dark green Scalamandre wallpaper with Jack Russell terriers seemed fitting to complement the burgundy walls and horsey theme in our adjoining Hunt Room. Each piece of the artwork displayed has an intriguing story on how and why we collected it.

The art you display will create a brief and unique experience for your guests to relish and remember. Your choice of an exceptional mirror and soft lighting in the Powder Room will contribute to the sparkle of your guests and the art too!

The pilot episode for my public television series, You Are Cordially Invited, was filmed at a grand house, Eyrie Knoll, in West Hartford, Connecticut. The owner's attention to detail in every room was beyond exemplary, along with their distinguished collections of art and porcelain (an exhibit at The Metropolitan Museum featured their exceptional collection of du Paquier porcelain, Vienna 1719). I chose to include this Powder Room in the episode because when Julia Child was their dinner guest, she exclaimed that it was the most beautifully well-appointed Powder Room she had ever visited… a stunning compliment that the hostess reveled in, and rightfully so! Note the elegant hand-painted design on the wood floor and cabinet, the attractive mirror, and shaded electric candlelights.

Grandmillennial Tip:

Keep in mind the paint or wallpaper colors in your Powder Room to complement the artwork, creating a calm but captivating oasis for your guests. 

Whether you do indeed have a collection of museum-worthy artwork, or simply hang a multitude of porcelain birds on wall brackets, framed children’s artwork,  black and white fashion photographs, a medley of paintings, or a collection of something meaningful, consider salon-style hanging as an option, where the sky's the limit and the walls can be embellished top to bottom. 

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Alluring Awnings!

A vibrant orange accent piping accentuates the beautifully designed, dome/half-round awnings that grace the newly renovated Cafe L’Europe restaurant. The new owners have done a stellar job modernizing and maintaining their reputed upscale elegance. Stuart and I enjoy walking to dine there immensely, and the classic combination of blue and orange are my husband’s college alma mater colors, another attractor factor!

When I heard the word “awning” a few years ago, I thought of old-ladyish fixtures made out of mundane metal hangings over a window to grant shade to an uninspiring house. Well, that image has certainly made a total 360 in the most gloriously decorative way ever while living in Palm Beach! I adore how bespoke awnings, which are attached to an exterior wall, can be customized. They become the darling architectural detail that serves to enhance stunning houses and businesses. An awn-ing is anything but a Y-awn!!

Wadia Associates, LLC, is a distinguished architectural firm that excels at designing breathtakingly beautiful, traditional houses worldwide. Their office in Palm Beach features graceful black and white awnings, mimicking the crisp black and white exterior colors.  It is an honor to know Dinyar Wadia, Principal of Wadia Associates, and I am elated that he has an office in Palm Beach now, as well as Connecticut.

I wanted to share with you why I admire and appreciate awnings that embellish commercial establishments and private houses, especially here in Florida. They are not only practical when hung over an entrance door to protect guests from tropical rain while entering or departing, but they are also advantageous in shielding the penetrating sun from sizzling a window and heating up an interior. While creating shade, they also serve as a decorative element, like pretty earrings that complement an outfit. This is why I enjoy discovering and admiring them!

The English House, owned by the former U.S. Ambassador to Belgium, is featured as the cover of my Palm Beach book. Note the charmingly discreet white-domed awning gracing the front door. It blends in quietly to the white facade of this handsome Bermudian house, built in 1931, by the renowned Palm Beach architect, Marion Sims Wyeth. The English House has a fascinating history, along with a murderous story attached to its first owner, Sir Harry Oaks. The distinguished white awning is a hint at the well-appointed interiors inside, which are the very essence of quiet, understated elegance.

While admiring a particular awning, stop to ponder why the unique shape, color combination, or intriguing style was chosen and ask yourself, “what contributes to the allure of this awning style?”

The multitude of attractive styles and colors that are offered for custom awnings will vary in their well-appointed edges and shapes. I do not profess to know how they are made, but I do admire how the design and colors are chosen to serve to complement either the architecture and color of an edifice, business logo, or even the outdoor furniture. I hope to inspire you to appreciate an attractive awning when you see it!

Findlay Galleries on Worth Avenue is over 150 years old and has two floors of exemplary art. The Gallery presents notable art exhibitions of some of my favorite French artists and Contemporary artists… all museum-worthy. It is always a pleasure to take a client to Findlay. We leave mesmerized, enlightened, and infatuated with an appreciation for the art represented. Note how the curved shape of the awning’s corner is accentuated by the placement and design of the black and white striped canvas, and is repeated on the terrace above. The black, topiary-filled planters at the front entrance continue the color scheme of the awning.

Grandmillennial Tip:

Think about the lining for the inside TOO! Have fun with this aspect!  The recently renovated Colony Hotel in Palm Beach has chosen a happy medley of greens as the underskirt to their frilly “paradise pretty” awnings!

Take a peek at my Instagram to see a little video of other attractive awnings I spied in Palm Beach!

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Michael Pick and a Royal fashion designer you may not know of!

The coronation dress of HM Queen Elizabeth II was created by fashion designer, Norman Hartnell, in 1952-1953.

Presently, there is a stupendous show about the Royals’ fashion, “Royal Style in the Making,” at Kensington Palace in London. The exhibition, which will be open until January 2022, explores the relationship between the fashion designer and the royal client.  The star of the exhibition is Princess Diana’s glittering, ivory wedding gown with a 25’ train, along with creations by the noted royal designer, Norman Hartnell, including a c.1940 dress in black velvet that is unknown publicly and on loan from the estate of the late Princess Margaret.  It was either given to her or it was bequeathed by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. 

Have you heard of the noted fashion designer, Norman Hartnell?  I wanted to learn more about him, so I turned to Nick Rayne (of Rayne Shoes, with 3 Royal Warrants) who kindly introduced me to his dear friend Michael Pick.  For over forty years, Michael has been an antique and fine art dealer, lecturer, and expert in historic regal fashion, and he shares a delightful commentary about “How to design for royalty,” on the Historic Royal Palaces video.

Michael Pick has a large library of books devoted to decorative arts and history.

Michael has written eight splendid books and his breadth of knowledge is renowned! His most recent book is a biography about Norman Hartnell, the world-famous fashion designer who, for over six decades, changed the face of fashion, launching the image of the royals and contributing to British fashion on the world stage. Hartnell held three Royal Warrants from Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and Queen Elizabeth II. The 1953 coronation dress, along with Princess Margaret’s wedding dress, are amongst the thousands of dresses Hartnell designed. He was a fashion favorite in the USA from the late 1920s on and was the first UK dress designer to be awarded a knighthood.

One of three windows devoted to Norman Hartnell at Best & Co., Fifth Avenue NYC, 1929.

What part of the Kensington Palace exhibition do you find most fascinating and why?

I find the recently researched black velvet evening dress, c.1940 for Queen Elizabeth, consort of King George VI, intriguing.  It is one of Hartnell’s slim-line designs, quite different from the grandeur of his crinoline designs, but still regal with its white sleeve accents reflecting broderie anglaise (white needlework, cutwork, aka English embroidery). 

What can we learn from Royal design that would be applicable to anyone who appreciates a lovely wardrobe?

Fitness for purpose is the major key to all good dress design.  Royal clothes are most usually designed as part of working wardrobes, matching fabrics, colours, and design details for the occasion.  Queen Elizabeth was recorded by Sir Hardy Amies (a Royal Warrant holder designer and founder of the Hardy Amies label, and the subject of another biography by me), as being very knowledgeable about fabrics and designs for various occasions, including State Visits abroad.  Items in her wardrobe are regularly worn on more than one occasion with hats ringing in the changes.

At what age did you realize your interest in fabulous fashion?

I vividly remember watching the 1953 Coronation on television at home.  Both men and women were commenting on what was worn.  My mother was a prewar client of Hartnell and all the women in my family were avid fashion followers.  Hartnell was a household name, bigger than Dior for us because he dressed all the ladies of the Royal family for their work at home and abroad, so his name was constantly in the press.

My copy of Michael Pick’s most recent book, which has been insightful and a delight to read!

Of the eight distinguished books you have written, do you have a favorite? Is there another book on the way?

My favourite work is always my most recent, but I have a particular love for my first, "The English Room," with photographs by Derry Moore.  I think that the most beautiful book is “BE DAZZLED!,” commissioned by New York publisher Suzy Slesin.  I am now working on an illustrated biography of Anglo-French designer Edward Molyneux.  He was a favourite with American ladies.  Mrs. Rose Kennedy wore a 1938 dress she had bought in London, when her husband was Ambassador, to the Presidential Inauguration Ball of her son, John F Kennedy.  The dress was timeless and Molyneux’s designs were sleekly elegant.

Is there a present-day designer that you think is up to the brilliant caliber of Hartnell?

Circumstances are now so totally unlike those experienced by Hartnell during his career from 1923-1977.  He had a huge Couture House employing some 550 people.  His greatest and lasting touch of luxury lay in his extraordinary embroidery workroom producing work unique to one single garment.  Sadly, there is apparently no designer with his remarkable versatility today, even if the clientele existed.

What manners that were instilled by your parents have served you well in life? 

My father and his father were both firm believers in the rule of law, liberty, and democracy.  I graduated in history and law so feel the same.  My extended family were all charming and gregarious, so I knew that being polite and good to others should be a normal part of life.  Having lived through the great Nancy Mitford debate of the 1950s on ‘U or Non-U’, I believe that as someone else said, ‘if it’s me, it’s U.’  Done with style and consideration, all behaviour or faux-pas can be excused.

The artistic genres of interior design and fashion are quite similar.  With your expertise in fine antiques and art, what do you think contributes to an inviting interior?

An inviting host is the most important element in any interior, be it grand or faded!  To me, fashion and all design history are interrelated, and it seems impossible to read or write about any period without referring to how people lived or what they wore.  We all need a basic appreciation of religion, philosophy, music and science, and many other facets of human endeavor vital to our own existence.

This is only a hint of our in-depth interview.  Michael’s book, “The English House,” is a wonderful resource in my office, along with his newest publication, the Norman Hartnell book.   I am most grateful to Michael for sharing his distinguished expertise with me. I hope that you may be inspired to attend the Kensington Palace exhibition in London, before it concludes, with a new appreciation for Norman Hartnell’s stunning Royal creations!  

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Have you named your house?

With my affinity for foxes, an English painting of a running fox is prominently placed above the second landing in our front hall. One of Fox Hall’s notable architectural triumphs are the two Palladian windows located on the same wall in the front hall. It is one of the only houses in America with this distinctive feature. Hence, the name “Fox + Hall” was a fitting appellation for our home.

When my daughter Alexandra lived in England with her husband, both of their houses came with a name.  It was then that I realized that an English country house is actually required to have a name. The house name is used as the actual mailing address, tantamount to our house number and street address in America. 

May I inspire you to consider creating a name for your house or apartment, if you do not have one already?

For two hundred years, our c.1803 house has historically been referred to as the General Soloman Cowles house.  While that name will always be associated with the house, we decided to create our own name soon after we moved in over twenty years ago.  I love that Fox Hall has an exclusive and personal meaning to us. 

In my Palm Beach book, The English House, is the house featured on the cover. It has a divine linen closet filled with embroidered towels and linens, which I show in the Darling Detail section of the book.

Not only is it delightfully dignified to have a name for your house, it is also a reason to have towels embroidered, stationery engraved and a multitude of treasures created with the name on it. From a doormat to a bespoke mailbox, tissue box, waste bin, ice bucket, soap or butter mold, to bookplates for your books and door knockers for the doors, there are endless options! Create a name that you adore and that has a unique meaning or a historical reference, and one that gives you a sense of pride and pleasure.

Have fun with the name you choose too! When we decided to name our carriage house at Fox Hall, we took a family vote on several nominated names and “Little Fox” won. And, the same scenario when we bought our place in Palm Beach. “Petite Fox” became the appointed name.

I worked with my embroiderer to create a unique Little Fox design for the linens at our carriage house.

Grandmillennial Tip: 

When we filmed the pilot show for my public television series, it was in a grand house in West Hartford, Connecticut.  The owners, who are dear friends, gave me a limoges box as a memento gift.  It has a rendering of the house on the front and the name they created for their house, Eyrie Knoll, on the back.  Every time I see it, it brings back fond memories for me.  

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Summer Hat Etiquette

This splendid summer hat is a Rachel Trevor-Morgan creation. She is a London milliner with a Royal Warrant. The Panama boater is trimmed with three narrow grosgrain bows!
Photo credit: Cat Harbour

My darling grandson in England, a dapper dresser like his father, asked me if he should take his hat off when being introduced to someone… similar to the sunglass protocol!

Ladies: Oh, lucky you!  Your pretty dress hats do not need to be removed indoors or when the National Anthem is played because your hat is deemed as a fashion accessory for your outfit!    

After five in the evening, or once the sun sets, a lady does not wear a brimmed hat.  The reasoning behind this is that a brim is not needed after sunset.

I find myself wearing straw hats daily in Palm Beach as my “chic technique” for sun protection.  Do you wear hats as well? 

Gentlemen: Your hat should be removed out of respect when being introduced to someone, and especially if it is a lady, or while in the presence of a lady.  A hat should also be removed when the National Anthem is played, upon entering a church, a restaurant, a private home, a school, a theater or movie, in a place of business or during business meetings.  A loose rule of thumb for men is to remove your hat when indoors or in the presence of a lady.

For both men and women, any hat may be worn outside and in public places such as elevators, airports, hotels, and public transportation.

Grandmillennial Tips:

A tip I gleaned from Rachel Trevor-Morgan when I inquired about the placement of a bow or an ornament on a hat: 

Women are always RIGHT!  Right?!  Yes, bows, pins, and other ornamentation are traditionally placed on the right side of a woman's hat.  Although, these days, milliners are quite creative and embellish all aspects of a hat. Hats are usually slanted to the right side of ladies' faces too! 

For gentlemen, the ornamentation goes on the left side of the hat.

Ladies, be sure to respectfully inquire when you are invited to attend a wedding, funeral or christening in Europe as well as other countries, to see if the host recommends wearing a hat.  It is customary for ladies to wear elegant hats to these functions, adding to the celebratory elegance and time-honored tradition of these events.

Baseball caps are considered a man's hat, or a unisex hat, so the same rules would apply to women as to men, meaning hats off during the National Anthem and the other formal occasions mentioned previously. 

All hats may be worn at any time, any place, for both men and women, for any medical or personal reasons.

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What do summer sunglasses and a glove have in common?

What do summer sunglasses and a glove have in common?

Both are thoughtfully removed whilst being introduced to another person. 

Recently, I attended a lovely luncheon fundraiser in Palm Beach.  It was outside, under a charming, fern-adorned canopy at The Colony Hotel pool.  We were in the shade due to the canopy above.  I was seated at a table with an inspiring and very accomplished group of ladies.  The conversation amongst us was informative and most delightful.  I feel privileged to have met them!  We all exchanged personal cards and I look forward to seeing them again.  But, one lady had sunglasses on the entire time.  If I ever have the good fortune of seeing her again, I must confess, I will not have a clue who she is because she never removed her sunglasses.  Besides that, her sunglasses were tinted silver, reflecting a mirror-like appearance.  This was distracting, as I looked at myself the entire time!

As a guest of a dear friend, in a restaurant, I had a similar experience.  After lunch, as we were departing the dining room, my host recognized a longtime friend entering and introduced me to her.  The friend wore a hat and very dark sunglasses.  Well, I can remember her name, but I have no idea what she looks like, so I would never be able to recognize her!  And yet, I imagine after our lengthy conversation that she might be able to recognize me.  If we run into one another again, I would be at a loss and it would be embarrassing not to acknowledge her.  Has this ever happened to you?

It is a time-honored tradition to remove your sunglasses upon meeting someone.  And, it is also thoughtful to remove them for an encounter with someone you do know.  This is tantamount to the courtesy of removing your right-hand glove when shaking another person's hand.  (Note: the glove removal, which was applicable pre-covid, is now an option, “apres” vaccination!)
 

Forbidden Faux Pas

No-no: To wear sunglasses inside at a social gathering. 

No-no:  To wear sunglasses to a wedding ceremony.  Even if it takes place outside and the sun is out, it is thoughtful to remove them so that the photographs of the event will show the guests,  and not the want-to-be-movie stars wearing sunglasses. 

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