A Review: Holiday Double Feature- A Connecticut Christmas & Entertaining by Design

Entertaining by Design: A Guide to Creating Meaningful Gatherings
by Lorna Gross
A Connecticut Christmas: Celebrating the Holiday in Classic New England Style by Caryn B. Davis
Celebrate the Holiday Traditions of the Nutmeg State!
A Connecticut Christmas is a photographic journey celebrating classic New England traditions, beauty, spirit, and community surrounding the holiday. From light displays to decorated churches and inns, spectacular private homes, festivals, carolers, town greens, and picturesque villages, this beautiful book of images and accompanying essays takes readers on a magical holiday tour through the Nutmeg State.
Discover the art of effortless entertaining with 17 seasonal gatherings made simple, stylish, and soulful, complete with 18 recipes and fabulous decor tips.
“Lorna brings style and joy to everything she does, whether designing a room or setting the table. Now, we can delight in her magical world!” -Steele Marcoux, Editor-in-Chief Veranda Magazine
"In this breezy debut, interior designer Gross shares ideas on how to host sophisticated events for a variety of occasions. . . This will spark hosts’ imaginations." -Publishers Weekly
From interior designer and style maven Lorna Gross, Entertaining by Design is a collection of accessible gatherings, organized by season, from a small dinner to post-Christmas breakfast celebration. Each gathering is designed to be instructional, inspirational, and doable for anyone by using tableware and decorations you may already have along with carefully chosen decorative items like place cards or serving platters that can cost as little or as much as your budget allows.
Each gathering includes suggestions for the best way to invite your guests-sometimes, that’s just a well-thought-out email-types of tableware, music suggestions to set the mood, and a color scheme to tie everything together. Lorna has shared a few of her favorite recipes that are satisfying, delicious, and certain to get the party started.
In a world where we’re constantly busy, it’s easy to think there is no time to plan a party, but Lorna proves that with her simple instructions, streamlined tips, and a little planning, any of these gatherings can be accomplished. Whether you believe you don’t know how to create a gathering or you just think you don't have the time, gorgeous photos throughout the book encourage readers by showing how easy it can all be.

[@fitzhugh9409]

I once knew a lady who was the Grand Dame of Raleigh society whose beautiful home always bedazzled at Christmas. She said that it does not matter if you live in a mansion decked out for the holidays or in a mobile home with a strand of lights on it because it is all beautiful and that it is the spirit of Christmas that matters. I have never forgotten those words!

[@thetartantopiary]

To borrow from “The Grinch” as he hears the Whos rejoicing: “It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

[@bwiseok]

You know that statement is exactly what I need to hear right now lol. Because I myself live in a small 26 foot camper while I’m building this small 750 square-foot house. I live between both of them because they face one another. It is only this year that I have been contemplating putting up a tree but right now as I speak, I look at vaulted ceilings with insulation between the beams and walls full of Insulation and no sheet rock. Yet I’m still thinking about putting up that tree. Your words have given me confidence to move forward. That one tree could brighten up this whole unfinished business.

[@teresaogg6533]

@@bwiseokyou’ll get there! Enjoy your tree and the celebration of Christmas!

[@sharonchilds3871]

@@bwiseok do it. You’ll be so glad you did 😊

[@joymoore7934]

​@@bwiseokHello there, oh please put up your tree and smile as you do it, and laugh with genuine enjoyment all through the most joyful season, celebrating the best gift ever given, a Saviour who is Christ the Lord. Thinking of you 🙂❤️🙏

[@PattyFolk]

I love Fortnum & Mason, I had tea there in the 1990’s on a trip to London with my husband. He did not want tea, so he walked to McDonalds to eat , and then came back to sit with me. While I finished my full tea, he ordered an ice cream sundae to enjoy. I, too, love their Royal Blend tea. I, thoroughly, enjoyed watching you unpack the hamper. What fun, thanks Mary.

[@patriciarobinson5909]

You have the best voice! So easy to listen to!

[@thetartantopiary]

That is very encouraging. I received a comment a couple of weeks ago saying I needed a voice coach, or I should hire someone to do the voice over for me.

[@psin0373]

Hi Mary! Love not only the loot that came in the wicker F&M hamper but the wicker hamper itself. Can't wait to see what you do with the hamper...

[@user-bx5xf5ki8r]

I am not a book collector but love viewing each and every book on design may it be interiors table scapes or recipes. Thank you Mary and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. M Tucson Az

[@mimis5407]

I always look forward to your videos. They have my heart ❤

[@thetartantopiary]

That is such a nice comment. Your kind words make me happy, and I thank you!

[@joycerestiano587]

What a feast for the mind, eyes, palette, and desires of beauty. Thank you Mary

[@thetartantopiary]

You are certainly welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@patriciacleary9634]

Love the unpacking! More Christmas shows like this. Thank you.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thanks for the feedback. I have 3 more Christmas books in the queue, but from here until Christmas the vlog portions of my reviews will be ALL Christmas. 🎄⛪

[@lyneung5081]

Fortnum &Mason has a beautiful afternoon tea . I love it so much every time that we’re in London we’ve been it.

[@thetartantopiary]

It is beautiful. We did enjoy the afternoon tea at Harrod's, but there was just something extra special about F&M.

[@janedoe7330]

Your world is complete beauty.

[@thetartantopiary]

I try, but I still have to clean the litter box! 😄🐈

[@janedoe7330]

@@thetartantopiary Pets are better than things.

[@fayemorgan2496]

Mary, so much fun, thank you! Looking forward to visiting the Christmas Shop next video 🎄

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, I think you'll enjoy the Christmas Shop. It really put me in a festive mood. It's an entire house filled with pure joy! Everyone there was smiling with glee.

[@annanorth7997]

I loved the book reviews and unboxing. I could almost smell the teas and candles. I have 5 granddaughters. They were God's gift to me after surviving their dads. Lol. I love shopping for girly gifts. One granddaughter loves candles and tea.

[@thetartantopiary]

You are funny! I want grandchildren so badly. I had my youngest son when my older children were 12 and 16. They did a great job of babysitting (often), so I think they feel like they are already parents. Enjoy all that sugar and spice and everything nice...I'm jealous.

[@lindaortolano7837]

Hello Mary, I enjoyed watching you unbox all the lovely gifts from Fortnum & Mason. While the gifts were beautiful, I especially loved the little frog and hamper basket! Your videos are putting me in the Christmas spirit and I love it! It's always a pleasure to visit with you and watch what you (and Daniel) are up to. Have a great week and I will see you in the next one! Hugs! :)

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, Linda. I'm glad to ignite the Christmas spirit. This weekend I'm going to try and get some of my Christmas decorating done. I'll be lighting the pine and spruce scented candles and listening to Bing, Nat King Cole & Perry Como...to name a few. I hope you have a great weekend.

[@jeaninesarrge8159]

Thank you again for a great video... I'm going to look up Fortnum and Mason now ❤. Have a great weekend!!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thanks, I hope you have a great weekend also.

[@maryannaunedi1790]

Your videos I always look forward to. I love books and I have purchased some of them. I can't wait for more. Bye MaryAnn London On. Canada

[@thetartantopiary]

I appreciate that, thanks for letting me know!

[@sharonchilds3871]

Enjoyed the reviews! The recipients of those wonderful gifts will be more than pleased!😊

[@thetartantopiary]

Sharon, thank you. I hope you're having a great weekend.

[@donnalegrand9133]

You pick the best gifts!

[@thetartantopiary]

It's hard to go wrong with F & M. They made it easy.

[@richardsimmons-p9d]

Hi I always look forward to your reviews, loved your gifts you purchased from Fortnum and Mason. I have always loved the candles from Cire Trudon. Especially there Christmas Candles. Thanks

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you so much. As far as Cire Trudon, I buy them sparingly but have found it is money well spent. The history, quality, fragrances and craftsmanship keep me returning.

[@marjoriegreen2]

Loved this segment! The music makes me whistle! Thank you so much, Mary.

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you!

[@dianayavetz6286]

Really excellent job filming the books and choices of music too. Loved the basket opening

[@sandranorden5217]

Since I live in Connecticut, I enjoyed reviewing A Christmas in Connecticut which I own and will pull out to display this season. I didn’t know about Caryn Davis book Connecticut Waters which I promptly ordered! Thank you Mary!

[@thetartantopiary]

You are certainly welcome.

[@esthersnell2357]

The gifts are so charming! And the frog is precious ✨

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, I do love my little frog.

[@LadyNance]

So glad you had success and love the double knock-outs! I wish the rabbits didn't love mine so much. Thanks for another relaxing video with plenty of inspiration!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you for watching. If I have provided relaxation AND inspiration, I feel pretty good about that. I appreciate you letting me know!

[@BrenSchilling]

Always a highlight of my Friday! I enjoy sipping tea while watching now that we are having the cooler temps! Yay! LOOK at all those delightful Gifts from F & M. I have been shopping with them for years. I am glad to see the Christmas library books so that I may get inspired to change up some decorations. On the roses, when deadheading you must put them in a throwaway bag, so pests do not come to feed on the roses. Leave no debris around the base of any of them, and always cut back any bug eaten leaves or yellow spots or brown spotted leaves. Many thanks dear one. Hope you have a delightful upcoming week! XOXO Blessings to you and yours, Bren

[@thetartantopiary]

Thanks for the reminder! I really appreciate the advice and encouragement. I hope you're having a great weekend.

[@lindaroller-x7g]

Oh Mary , you got me again. Loved the reviews. Loved the unboxing. I love tea and collect teapots and cups and saucers. I have tried to quit this obsession due the number that I have, but alas they continue to call to me. I do have 5 granddaughters and one absolutely shares this obsession. It was great.❤❤

[@thetartantopiary]

What a sweet obsession to have and share. When my daughter was a little girl, she wanted a Christmas tree in her room. I got her a small one and we decorated it with teacups. The tree was artificial, so the cups could be securely attached to the branches by their handles.

[@richardmorrow5060]

My wife and I always served Walker's short bread. When you received the F&M short breaf I ordered a smaal box. I must say the F&M are my new favorites. Thank you.

[@thetartantopiary]

I will say that Walker's shortbread is a very close second. Walker's does have a lovely Advent Calendar that I enjoy giving.

[@normamiller2599]

Loved it!!!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you so much!

[@gloriamorgan76]

Thank you Mary you have certainly shared the Christmas spirt - I am inspired even though it’s raining outside, Christmas Cheers from Napier New Zealand ❤❤❤

[@thetartantopiary]

Thanks for watching, and cheers in return!

[@vllukens7265]

Lovely episode Mary, thank you. You have such a soothing voice. Well done on the special roses. Fortnum's xmas windows are always a treat to see. I think I will pop in and get some matches and the little musical biscuit tin! ( ex pat residing in London)

[@thetartantopiary]

The ability to "pop in" seems like such a luxury. I am a little jealous...make that a lot jealous. 😄 Thanks for watching!

[@vllukens7265]

@@thetartantopiary I am lucky I know, but this time of the year is mayhem in there so I will have to time it right to avoid the crush 🥰

[@therealsoutherngarden]

I love your channel, I do all things southern garden related on my channel and I really enjoy your southern garden and landscape book reviews!! 💚💚

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you- I can't wait to take a few minutes and watch some of your videos!

[@MourieAnnFeeney]

Hi Mary! Just so jealous watching your unboxing of gifts. Loved all the wonderful items. Kitty cats are so sweet and the black/white one is a big 'boy' - assuming a male since so large. Always a delight to watch your videos each week. Sleighing from the south..xoxo

[@thetartantopiary]

Whiskers is indeed a boy. He is the cat that just showed up on my porch, but in a dire state. I think I featured that in one of my videos. He was so skinny and covered in fleas. We slowly nursed him back to health. He has become a dear part of the family and like me- he never misses a meal! 😁

[@MourieAnnFeeney]

@@thetartantopiary Whiskers is beautiful. I did recall the story after you reminded me. You and Daniel were saints to take sweet kitty in and help him to be well.

[@lindaortolano7837]

Mary we have the same playlists! Hugs! :)

[@thetartantopiary]

You've got great taste! 😁🎶

[@PaulaShoaf]

Hi Mary ~ Christmas in Ct. awwe sounds charming. Your unpacking was amazing such lovely gifts, and even for yourself perfect! I need to go to the website! Your kitchen looks beautiful !! may I ask what brand your stove is ?I am shopping for a new one...well I had one on order that was to come in 2 weeks, I received a call coming in Feb 2025 !!I can't wait that long so disappointing : Have a joyful week !! hugs Paula

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you, it's a Jenn Air, and I can't say anything negative about it.

[@PaulaShoaf]

@@thetartantopiary Thanks so much !

[@rinskeraphael8755]

Im so glad a saw you today. Feels like were best friends. Feeling so relaxt listning to you. Thank you Mary🥰

[@thetartantopiary]

That is such a sweet comment. We are definitely KZbin friends, and I thank you for the thoughtful words!

[@marilynrhoads5555]

Thank you!

[@jenniferm5486]

Hi Mary- this is one of my most favorite videos of yours! For the first time I am actually feeling the Christmas spirit for this year. Thanks for the inspiration and motivation!

[@thetartantopiary]

I'm so happy to read your comment. Light a pine scented candle, make a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate and get the Christmas music ready. This always does it for me. Last night I came upon an old (originally aired in 1967) Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin Christmas special on KZbin. It was like wrapping up in a warm blanket of Christmas cheer!

[@debrahalcrow1933]

Fortnum & Mason is new to me but I love the gift selections you have made. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@thetartantopiary]

You are so welcome, and thank you for watching.

[@Rj4cg]

Hi Mary, thank you for inspiration for the holiday season! I’ve never been to London, so the unboxing with Fortnum & Mason was interesting! Just love your creativity! I’m sure so does your family! After your table decor, you have inspired me to decorate my house with a Tartan theme this year!

[@thetartantopiary]

I love that. A fun and inexpensive way to incorporate tartan is through the use of wrapping paper. One year I purchased 4 different tartans and used one color ribbon for all of the bows. They looked so festive under the tree and placed in bookshelves or other random places. I'm so happy you were inspired. Thanks for watching!

[@debraenston4164]

Oh Mary! I so look forward to your videos and this was especially lovely. The books are wonderful! How fabulous to have a Fortnum & Mason hamper - truly the best! I wish you and your family a lovely Christmas. Kind regards from a grateful follower in England

[@thetartantopiary]

That is very encouraging, and I appreciate your thoughtful comment.

[@victoriasicilian4573]

Thank you for the overview of A Connecticut Christmas. Although I have been living in the South I am a native of Connecticut and miss the landscape and buildings! Thanks again for this video including Roscoe and Whiskers Happy Holidays!

[@thetartantopiary]

You are so welcome! Roscoe and Whiskers say hello.

[@elizabethlara4070]

I enjoyed both book reviews and the opening of the F&M package was such a treat! I've been to London on a short trip but sadly didn't have time to visit shops...I have added it to my future trip itinerary😉. Funny enough, I was at a vintage/antique mall last weekend and purchased a small picnic basket from F&M, it was so adorable, i knew it would show beautifully at every season. I am going to display with a cute xmas tree this year. But it also looks lovely in my pantry.😊 Side note: great job with your gorgeous roses! Have a fabulous weekend Mary!

[@thetartantopiary]

Thank you so much, I hope your week ahead is a great one.

[@stefaniecristos8514]

Mary, I’ve recently discovered your channel and am enjoying your lovely videos so much! I live near Southport and am looking forward to next week’s video - been to that “special Christmas shop” so many times!

[@thetartantopiary]

I love that shop. I enjoy watching customers as they enter the room with Santa and Mrs. Claus having breakfast in bed. I'm very glad you are enjoying the channel!

[@bwiseok]

Mary. I just love all your posts. The books you present are outstanding. I don’t even know where you find this stuff. I’m always on the lookout for these titles at book shops, etc. yet I can never find them so therefore I tell myself it’s because no one wants to let go of them lol. As I was watching your video, my daughter was texting me and we were mapping out the day. She is going to one of the biggest antique stores in Springfield Missouri, which is my favorite and I said I’ll meet you there, but I’ve got a watch the tartan topiary first. And I was explaining how you present book reviews, and then sometimes take us on a little trip. I told her about the time you went to London, and to a place I desire to go to myself, Fortnum and mason, and then, when I pop back on and watch a little bit more of your video, Voilà there you present a box from Fortnum and mason of which I take a snap photo and send it to her. She knows I want to go to London but I keep fiddling around and not filling out that passport information. She loves cats so she thought it was so cute that your cat was sitting on that box then you pull out this tea pot that I’ve been wanting for a while now! How is it that we live so far apart? Yep, we both adore the same things! I just planted some double knockout roses myself that are yellow. Anyway, I am rambling, but I had so much to tell you. You’re doing a great job with your KZbin channel and you deserve 1000 applauds. Wait a minute no, I mean thousands.

[@thetartantopiary]

You have such a genuine, encouraging and tender aura. I love it. I remember thinking the same thing about the passport. I had to renew mine before I went to London and the thought of this process seemed overwhelming. I sat down one afternoon and 15 minutes later the papers were complete. I went to Walgreens, and they took a proper photo. I find that often the thought of a task is more daunting than the actual task itself. The corner of my bedroom has a stack of "daunting" tasks. I think there could be a small family of squirrels living beneath the boxes and papers. I appreciate you watching and thanks for sharing your thoughts! ❤️

[@bwiseok]

@@thetartantopiary😊

[@jasondortch2313]

Just a tip that I learned several years ago. If you shop in the store you can have everything shipped back by DHL for £25 and they take VAT off because of export which is around a 20% discount. They carry a Herend tea set in the signature F and M Eau de Nile color that I've been adding to for years. Love F and M.

[@thetartantopiary]

Hi Jason, I appreciate the tip. I saw the Herend tea set, and I was so tempted. The serving tray is especially beautiful, with the golden bow handles. My heart said "yes, I'll take that", but my budget said something else. 😄

[@jasondortch2313]

@ That's the one piece of the Herend set F and M would not ship home for me. I had to carry it back in my carry on and I prayed the whole time. It made it back in one piece!

[@Cindilc]

I just want to give you a heads up. Your videos used to be on my feed every Friday when I got off work. A few weeks ago, that stopped & I just thought that you might be on vacation. After a couple weeks, I noticed that I actually look hem under my subscriptions. Am I the only one that has had 🎉this problem?

[@thetartantopiary]

@@Cindilc I really appreciate you letting me know. You are not the only person that has mentioned this to me. The KZbin algorithm is very difficult to decipher and I’m not sure what’s going on. It is a bit concerning. Thanks again for sharing this!

[@beiderbecke1927]

I'm putting together a box of gifts for a friend of mine in Atlanta who's a slightly younger curmudgeon than I, yet more curmudgeonly. It struck me that he's probably not received a wrapped Christmas gift since his mother died many years ago, so this year I'm sending him several things, including Fortnum and Mason Royal Blend, all nicely wrapped. On a more selfish note, I have my eye on a Herend caterpillar on Etsy that I desperately want, and cannot justify purchasing. But I might anyway. Objects! I know you understand . . .

[@thetartantopiary]

That is such a thoughtful thing to do. Be careful though, your curmudgeon friend might smile and that could cause a fissure in the outer curmudgeon shell, causing it to crack open, which could produce a moment of full-on delight. At that point you (curmudgeon no.1) become susceptible and may experience a feeling of joy. This is when it truly becomes risky, and both curmudgeons fall victim to repeating this behavior, or worse, purchasing an objet d'art that can't be justified, but results in happiness. It's madness I tell you! I'm cracking myself up, but on a serious note, that is a very kind thing to do for your friend, and yes, I definitely understand!

[@beiderbecke1927]

@@thetartantopiary Stranger things have happened! Just picturing your scenario made me laugh, thanks!

[@susanmendez6374]

When my daughters were young, we would have our "Free The Ladybugs" evenings. I would purchase live ladybugs in netting and we would release them at the base of my white Iceberg roses. The ladybugs crawled up the stems and had a delicious aphid meal. My roses thrived!

[@thetartantopiary]

What a sweet memory! Thanks for sharing that.