Beyond the Wedding

I could almost hear the wedding bells chiming at Bloomingdales when I appeared to sign books for the brides-to-be. The only thing missing was the grooms. It was a Very Special Registry event hosted by myself and Jorge Perez, the designer extraordinaire whose limited edition gowns are inspired by the rich heritage and romance of old Havana. I felt like Cinderella in the dress he made me. Joining us were David Beahm who designed the most gorgeous tablescapes and Ben Ron-Israel who presented exquisite cakes adorned with amazingly realistic sugar flowers. The setting was so gorgeous and the mood so enthusiastic and hopeful, that it made me want to get married (again)!

In the audience were glowing brides-to-be who came to hear me speak and in their hands was the Bloomingdales registry book that contains everything they could possibly need to be great hostesses. Bride and Knot were there as well to cover the event for their respective publications. I love the etiquette tips they provide preparing brides for one of the biggest days of their life. But manners and etiquette goes well beyond the wedding. It is about being a good hostess, a helpful guest and instilling manners in children because brides and their families are our future!

Being that it is October, I shared with the girls my way of remembering the essentials for hosting a great event. The O in October stands for Organized By being ready for your guests before they arrive, having the table set, food ready to serve in the refrigerator or oven, you can greet your guests with a glass of champagne in your hand and a cool and calm demeanor. The C is for Creative. With Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, the options are limitless for creative themes, color schemes, and seasonal menus. The T is for Time. A great hostess takes the time to make sure her guests are comfortable, are introduced to other guests and that they feel welcome in her home. Good guests can act as sub-hostesses by including others in conversation, helping serve or clean up.

Tip: You don’t have to host a formal dinner to entertain your friends. I love picnicking in the park, wine and cheese tastings with my girlfriends and costume parties. What is important that you are an attentive and welcoming hostess. Have a Happy Halloween!

The Gracious Child

I know it’s hard to get a kid to sit down to write a thank you note, but the gesture is an important one that speaks volumes about how you are raising your children. My brother Paul came to visit us in the Hamptons with his family recently. His stepson Rinat, a budding journalist, wrote this article for his school newspaper. In it, he expresses his appreciation for his visit in such a sweet way. He also sent me a thank you note shortly after the visit.

“Visiting a Countess”

A few weeks ago, my family and I visited my step-aunt who lives in the Hamptons on Long Island. Her name is Luann, although most people know her as Countess Luann de Lesseps from the BRAVO television show, “The Real Housewives of New York City.” Luann is my step-dad’s sister so I figure that makes her my step-aunt.

Our journey started on the ferry to Orient Point, and then on two more ferries. My stepbrother and I kept asking “Are we there yet?” We finally pulled in her driveway, and I was amazed — her house was so big, I thought I was living in a dream! We were greeted by her dog, Aston, and welcomed by Luann and her children, Victoria and Noel. Victoria is 14 and you will see her on the show riding her horse, and Noel is 12, and you’ll see him riding his ATV in the yard.

Luann is also the author of a book titled, Class with the Countess, which was published earlier this year. Her book offers advice and tips on a number of subjects — from self-confidence to table settings. Luann and her children set a good example of “class” during our visit, and I can’t waitto visit them again soon. Visit Luann on Facebook — she’d love to hear from you!

Rinat Reed, Middlefield, Connecticut

I’m so proud of my step-nephew Rinat who took the time out of his busy life to write this article about our family. I was sent Rinat’s article with a nice photo via email. The way Rinat expressed his gratitude says a lot about my brother Paul and his new wife Denise.

Tip: Children can acknowledge generosity in many ways whether it is a phone call, an email or a hand written note, which is by far is the most impressive. It’s the gesture that matters.