Dear Friends, While this year’s July 4th celebrations and gatherings may be different in many ways, this holiday gives us pause to remember the founding of our country. Although we are not a “perfect” union, any more than we are perfect individuals, we come together to give thanks for all that is good. This year maybe we will also challenge ourselves and discuss around our tables, how we…
Dear Friends, I hope that at the end of your day, you’re switching gears to wind down and enjoy the summer evenings with family and maybe now, even a few friends as we begin to gather again. The “cocktail hour” is a fixture in our home, whether it’s just Ed and me, a house full of…
Dear Friends, I’ve always tried to deliver content in this newsletter and through my social media, that is true to our mission and your expectations. The mission of Effortless Entertaining is to inspire and equip others to entertain easily and graciously in our homes. Even amid the COVID pandemic, I’ve hoped to encourage our followers to look forward to when…
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…