Walk with me
on Nov 21, 2009You don't mind if I show you around the house a little this week, do you? We are on our way home to New York, and a great deal will remain undone but nonetheless, I thought you might be patient with me. Now then, below is the view from the front of t...

Holzfurhaus Giveaway at Blushing Hostess
on Nov 18, 2009I am very pleased to welcome Holzfurhaus to the Blushing giveaway sponsor group. Proprietor Mark Wilding's skill and tasteful hand in decorative woodwork and finishes is remarkable and singular.Holzfurhaus has generously created this decorative vesse...

Gimme some sugar
on Nov 18, 2009Nothing worse than lipstick that will not lay flat and even or a wrinkled pout (don't reach for the needle, not that I am against cosmetic correction, only needles; a long story having to do with working in EMS in my college days.). Neither should a...

Making Middleburg
on Nov 16, 2009One thing about my Husband. He rolls elegantly.These are my first sights of my new home in Middleburg, Virginia - though still a New Yorker at the center of my bone, it is magnificent.The last time I stood in Middleburg, I was a junior rider here for...

Hostess gift style: Painted dreams
on Nov 15, 2009The finely detailed custom cookie work of the astonishingly talented SweetAmbs for parties, weddings, and showers. So gorgeous they should not be edible.

Yielding the Pen: Reggie Darling, Darlington House
on Nov 14, 2009 in Reggie Darlington House Dear Readers,In the entertaining blog-sphere there are few more thoughtful commenter's than Reggie Darling. I have been lucky to have the thoughts and remarks of Reggie during my tenure here; when his name is que'd in Comment emails, I inevitably wig...

Magnificent rooms: All in the details
on Nov 13, 2009It was probably that huge fountain of roses that stopped me. But everything else held me. Not magical at the outset perhaps. But layered and developed. And in my mind, lovely.Photo credit: Morocco: Decoration, Interiors, Design, Mark Luscombe-Whyte a...

Couture entertaining: House of Worth
on Nov 12, 2009 in Chic hostess style "Worth knew how to endear himself to his clients. A perfectionist, he served pate de foie gras and Maderia wine during fittings..."- Letita BaldridgeYour clothing is not intended to fit. Not anymore. The apparel industy has agreed on a standard which...

Give good face: An intervention
on Nov 11, 2009Mornin'.We need to talk. Go get your cosmetics and sit down with me. Yes, I can wait while you rustle around in the vanity. No rush. Can I have some coffee? I am spent.Now then. If you are looking at a stack of beige's and browns accented with a plum...

Dining Out at Etsy Giveaway
on Nov 11, 2009I am so pleased to bring you this giveaway from Dining Out, one of the most talented etsy.com fine table linen purveyors.Dining Out accommodates custom orders for pillow covers, draperies, and placements and is also fully stocked for fabulous reasona...