Dear Friends, Hospitality … “the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.” Today’s newsletter considers what hospitality as defined above looks like among ourselves … whomever “ourselves” includes inyour life during this unusual time. Maybe “ourselves” includes your spouse or significant other. Maybe it includes your children, maybe your parents. Maybe it includes a few friends that you’re able…
Dear Friends, Although it seems there is a monsoon in the mountains and even though I’m sitting by a fire, spring has indeed sprung! I’ve enjoyed your beautiful posts with roses, peonies, and more! Here in the North Carolina mountains, we’re a little bit behind. The first wave of Rhododendron are showing off in the most beautiful reds,…
Dear Friends, In mid-April, the owner of Paysage Home, Gigi Sireyjol-Horsley, called. I had been scheduled to speak in her Raleigh store on April 22nd and due to COVID-19, that event was canceled. In her bright and beautiful way, Gigi asked if I would consider doing a virtual event. Without considering my lack of technological…
Dear Friends, In today’s video created in collaboration with Paysage Home, we’re talking Table Top! Even though I love setting a special table, whether causal or formal, it’s not meant to impress our guests, but to make them feel special. This summer we will only be gathering with our closest family and friends. Most likely, these occasions will be small, casual,…
DEAR FRIENDS, In Wednesday’s video created in collaboration with Paysage Home, we’re talking about cocktails, mocktails, and hors d’oeuvres. I just love the cocktail hour, don’t you?! Given that we are unlikely to host any big events in our homes for some time, in this week’s video I will focus on small gatherings. While the above photo…
Dear Friends, I look forward to welcoming you into our home … our living room, terrace, dining room … all the areas our guests would visit when they come for dinner. As we anticipate the summer months when we will welcome each other into our homes again, it’s an ideal time to plan how we…
Excited to join ETC for an Effortless Entertaining event in their wonderful shop! It’s going to be a great evening — can’t wait! Become a Member of the Effortless Entertaining Community
Dear Friends, Toast your Valentines, Galentines, or anyone else you love with one of our favorite cocktails. Inspired by Le Diplomate’s Romarin, daughter Elizabeth whipped up this very fine cocktail before we enjoyed dinner at our favorite spot later that evening. You may have seen fun family photos in Sunday Instagram post. As for the…