December 21, 2015
Mom’s Top Five Holiday Tips for Decorating Mantels at The Inn at Court Square

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1. Cut fresh Magnolia leaves, making sure to leave at least 6-12 inches of stem to work with. For extra shine, polish each leaf with bee’s wax. Arrange Magnolia branches on top of the mantel. Work from the outside in, weaving together the leaves while also saving small spaces for the fruit.

2. Mix a variety of fresh fruit, including pineapples, oranges, pink grapefruit, apples, tangelos, lemons, and limes, into the greenery. Be sure to use fruits that vary in height, color, and shape.

3. Work from the outside in, being sure to keep the height of the leaves and fruits balanced as evenly as possible.

4. Place a pineapple in the center of the mantel as a focal point. Use two more pineapples, one on each side of the mantel, for balance.

5. Use accessories, like a pair of candelabras and a pair of bronze birds, to create additional height and and sense of balance. When using accessories, be sure to weave the Magnolia leaves around them.

December 14, 2015
Top Five Festive Holiday Drinks in Downtown Charlottesville

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1. Chester Gap Cellars 2009 Petit Verdot at The Inn at Court Square:
Relax by the fire with a robust glass of my favorite local Petit Verdot. Enjoy talking with friends and other travelers in the beautiful living room, decorated with vintage antiques mixed with mid-century art.

2. Mary Lou Mule at Alley Light:
Enjoy the best Mule in town at the Alley Light, known for signature cocktails that use homemade ingredients. A delicious combination of Reyka vodka, house ginger beer, and house bitters, this amazing cocktail is served in a chilled copper mug, making it seem like the perfect drink for an adult Harry Potter. Drinking the Mary Lou Mule is easy, but finding the restaurant can be a bit of a challenge, since there is no sign. Locals in the know, turn down 2nd street’s small alley and look for the light above the door…

3. Big Easy at Commonwealth Sky Bar:
It’s hard to choose just one drink from the long list of signature cocktails offered on the roof of this fun and trendy restaurant, but the Big Easy combines the flavors of the South in a tasty treat: Southern Comfort, apple cider, and Ango Bitters. Enjoy this tasty drink hot or cold from the rooftop bar overlooking the Downtown Mall. This venue also gets my vote for best people-watching spot!

4. White Russian at C&O Restaurant:
Indulge in the classic, creamy cocktail while treating yourself to the quintessential Charlottesville dining experience in this upscale, country French restaurant famous for its exquisite cuisine and elegant atmosphere. With six different dining areas, guests enjoy an intimate dining experience amidst exposed brick walls and salvaged barn wood. I love the small intimate downstairs space.

5. Twinkle Berry Vodka Tonic at Court Square Tavern:
Enjoy this timeless staple with pomegranate berries at an authentic tavern, where locals gather for the rustic, warm feel of a neighborhood meeting place. Located on the corner of Fifth and Jefferson Street, Court Square Tavern is tucked away in the historical heart of downtown Charlottesville and a half block from The Inn at Court Square. Step down into the ground floor tavern of The Old Monticello Hotel and meet Jeff who has been bartending here for over 24 years.

December 7, 2015
DAD

 

My dad, Ray, was a kind, energetic, talented, smart-as-a-whip father, who encouraged my sense of adventure and understood my spirited side. While he worked hard, he was a hands-on dad. He loved horses and even played polo in the army. Dad couldn’t wait to put me on a horse when I was little. According to family lore, I was riding Shetland ponies at my cousin’s farm by the age of 3.

One of the first times I was on a horse by myself, it decided to take off at full canter, much to the horror of my parents. As the horse tore off across the fields with my slight 3-year-old self, my parents were surprised to see the biggest grin they had ever seen appear on my face. And they were amazed that I could hold on and ride without falling off! My dad said from that moment on he never worried about me riding.

And I think that’s one of the things I loved most about my dad—he recognized and trusted in my abilities. He knew what I could handle and let me handle it, even if it seemed like I was too young or not experienced enough. That sense of trust inspired a self-confidence that has helped me throughout my life.

When I was growing up, my parents owned an antique shop, Chatham House, but like everything my dad did, it was not an ordinary furniture store. Chatham House was in a historic mansion on 37th Street in Savannah, Georgia. My mom and dad furnished all the rooms with unique antiques, all of which were for sale, so customers could stroll through all the rooms as if wandering through someone’s home. There was even a chapel where the oriental rugs were displayed. Michael and I would climb on top of huge piles of rugs and play hide and seek amongst old furniture, often scaring each other by leaping out from behind the back stairwell. The idea of selling antiques out of an old home inspired me to open the 1817 Inn in 1992 and, 11 years later, The Inn at Court Square, where much of the furniture is antique and for sale! After 13 years of inn keeping, my parents became my business partners so we could expand and grow even more.

My dad passed away almost 3 years ago now. He would have been 87 on November 27th. I miss his sharp wit, wise advice, fun-loving way with people, vibrant stories, and penchant for gin and soda.

Happy Birthday Dad!