America’s Best Party Hosts… Gosh!

I’m just not one of those people who wins things. Except for that time I played Bingo with my sister at a spa like ten years ago. My prize was shower gel and moisturizer and I had them bronzed for posterity. Now I might bronze my party shoes. What a huge honor–and surprise!–to be named… Continue reading America’s Best Party Hosts… Gosh!


Guess Who’s in Salonniere’s Top 100: America’s Best Party Hosts

Lucille Ball kicking up her heels, via Salonniere.

I am! Don’t know what came over them, but I am so honored.  Oh my heavens. Fell slam off my chair, I did. Salonniere is a brilliant (obviously ;)) and stylish full of beautiful images, chic people, and smart advice about entertaining in particular and hospitality in general, which we can’t have too much of. Thank… Continue reading Guess Who’s in Salonniere’s Top 100: America’s Best Party Hosts


Holiday Centerpiece With Birch Bark, Foliage, Fruit, and Flowers

Here is an impressive but easy centerpiece for the holidays or any day. For mantel or table, the size and height are easily varied. Use any combination of foliage, fruit, and flowers. Make a mess and it will still be beautiful. It’s an anything-goes thing.




Living Artfully – At Home With Marjorie Merriweather Post

Now that civilization as we know it has temporarily returned to the Colonies with the resumption of Downton Abbey, the most divine book has come my way about Living Artfully: At Home With Marjorie Merriweather Post…



Sunflower Power

RANCHO LA ZACA–I’m not at the ranch now; I’m in New York, but it’s been gray and drizzly day here and I thought some California sunshine might be nice. California sunflowers, better still. We planted a patch of them in June and in August they were in full flower. Who knew a 20-pound bag of… Continue reading Sunflower Power


Easy Summer Entertaining:When Merely Pretty Is Enough

19 July 2011, East Hampton–One of the joys of giving a dinner party is doing up the table; and one of the drags is not having time to do it. Of course you tell yourself it doesn’t matter because what’s important is getting your friends together, and the gracious setting of your home or garden… Continue reading Easy Summer Entertaining:When Merely Pretty Is Enough