Enchanted Winter Gathering at the Chinese Tea House at Marble House

A Newport Afternoon of Fortune and Future Letters

A group of Newporters brightened a winter Sunday afternoon at the Chinese Tea House at Marble House, their Asian-inspired attire adding splashes of color to the historic setting. Silk scarves caught the sunlight, and traditional prints mingled with modern interpretations as friends greeted each other with warm hugs.

Stoneacre Brasserie made sure no one left hungry, filling the tea house with irresistible aromas and plenty of delicious bites. Their attentive service meant glasses stayed full and plates were never empty for long.

Between sips of tea and bits of conversation, Christon Gibson offered special papers for everyone to write letters to their future selves. These little time capsules of thoughts and wishes will stay sealed until December 2025, the Year of the Snake, when they’ll serve as windows back to this sunny winter afternoon.

Jennifer Massotti of Barrington Books brought an extra dash of excitement with her golden fortune cookies. Hidden inside eleven of them were golden tickets that paired with wonderful gifts from our local community. The Preservation Society of Newport County, Chris Cline Design, Metal Dynamics, E. Francis Cards, and Barrington Books all contributed to the treasure hunt. Lucky winners found themselves going home with everything from a gorgeous tea set with tea included, a membership to the Preservation Society, a book of William Heydt watercolors, to a gift certificate for future adventures at Barrington Books.

It was just the kind of afternoon Newport does best—good friends, good food, and a touch of magic, all wrapped up in one of our city’s most beautiful spaces. As the winter sun played across the ocean view, it felt like the perfect way to spend a Sunday.

PHOTO CAPTIONS BY Kat Paiva Mcswine of The Social Frm

Ditch the Selfies : Personal iPhone Photographer for Influencer-Worthy Photos

Ditch the selfies! When you want to capture romantic moments with your partner, create unforgettable memories with your family, or showcase your Charleston SC gal pal travels, having a personal iPhone photographer at your fingertips is the way to go.

Instashoot, founded by professional DSLR photographer Nicole Nevill, offers a fun, fast, and affordable iPhone photography service that delivers influencer-worthy shots. For just $60, you’ll get a 30-minute photo shoot with edited photos and two videos sent to you within 24 hours. Nicole’s accommodating nature and dedication to her craft make her service well worth the photo memories that you will walk away with. The user-friendly and super adorable website offers a variety of packages to meet your specific needs. Don’t miss the testimonials from the cutest folks that she turns into “models”.

Nicole lets you completely customize your shoot – we used Charleston logo’d hats from Beau & Ro, pink bubblegum, and an annoyingly super huge pink balloon for a playful touch at a ladies’ birthday getaway. She ensures the lighting is perfect and that your hair, clothing, and positioning create a well-balanced, visually appealing photo.

Charleston, South Carolina, is a photographer’s paradise, with its pastel-hued homes, majestic oak trees, and historic charm. When you want to capture your Charleston vacation in a unique way, Instashoot is the perfect solution.

At Newport Living & Lifestyles, we love finding unique experiences. Instashoot’s Charleston photoshoots blend fun, creativity, and lasting memories. Nicole and her team will design a shoot that reflects your personal style and the spirit of your Charleston adventure.

Photography Credits: All photos courtesy of Instant Shoot & be sure to follow her business on Instagram @instant.photoshoot

UNSPONSORED AND VERY TRUE REVIEW

When the Weird Turned Wild : Halloween Party 2024 Uncensored

A Night in the Twilight Zone: Highlights from Newport’s Most Anticipated Halloween Party

This Halloween, Newport Living and Lifestyles transported guests to another dimension and ripped open a portal to the unknown at the highly anticipated Twilight Zone Halloween Party at Top of Pelham, Newport’s favorite bar overlooking the harbor.

Inspired by the classic series that has captivated audiences for generations, this immersive event promised to be a journey into the surreal and unknown. Guests embodied their favorite characters from Rod Serling’s classic The Twilight Zone series, donned Beetlejuice inspired costumes, and created looks that defied explanation, embracing the spirit of surrealist art  (Pinterest inspired costumes).  Was it just a party, or did they truly cross into… the Twilight Zone?

The evening featured the mesmerizing tunes of DJ Bells, a professional DJ with 40 years of experience, and captivating photography by The Cocoanco, a company known for their creative and high-energy approach to capturing events.

View photos with highlights from this unforgettable night.

Stay tuned for details about future events hosted by Newport Living and Lifestyles, your guide to the best in lifestyle events in Newport and beyond.

TwilightZoneHalloween #NewportRI #HalloweenParty #CostumeParty #DJBells #TheCocoanco #NewportLivingAndLifestyles #TopOfPelham #HalloweenInNewport

Newport Living and Lifestyles is a lifestyle brand that showcases the best in events, restaurants, hotels, boutiques, and charitable causes in Newport and beyond. Follow for exclusive interviews, event coverage, and inspiration for living life by design (Instagram).

NL&L Event : Unleashing Croquet & Cocktails for a Noble Cause

Waterfront Croquet & Cocktails, an unforgettable event thoughtfully hosted by Christon Gibson (Board Member), Ann Mencoff (Previous Boaard Member), Elena Kissel (President of the Board), and Liz Isdale (Chief Philanthropy Officer). Held at the stunning “Rock Cliff,” this spectacular gathering aimed to raise awareness for the Potter League for Animals, an organization devoted to the well-being of our delightful furry friends.

A special round of applause goes to Ann Mencoff for orchestrating an evening filled with delectable refreshments, courtesy of Deb Wyatt’s “Pour People” and ensuring that Wayne Davies, our Croquet Pro from Nantucket, enjoyed a cozy stay at The Hotel Viking. The captivating moments captured in Megan Maguire’s photography tell the story of a night where joy and compassion intertwined beautifully.

We warmly extend an invitation to witness firsthand the incredible impact that the Potter League has on countless animals and their devoted guardians. Immerse yourself in the love that permeates through this organization by taking a tour of one of our three facilities. Simply contact Liz Isdale by replying to this message, giving her a call at 401-846-0592 x 116, or emailing her at LIsdale@potterleague.org

To further explore the inspiring work of the Potter League and discover upcoming events that you won’t want to miss, kindly visit our website at www.potterleague.org

We eagerly anticipate showing you around and sharing our passion for fostering a brighter future for animals everywhere.

Warmest regards,
Ann, Christon, and Elena

#potterleague #animals #NewportLivingAndLifestyles #croquet #croquetwhites #hotelviking

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 Newport Living and Lifestyles

Showcasing Entrepreneurs, Bespoke Products, Lifestyle Events & Chronicles of Boutiques, Restaurants, Hotels, and Travels

 

Embrace Greatness: The Iconic International Tennis Hall of Fame Event

Meet Dan & Learn more about this historic, important and magnetic week long Infosys Hall of Fame Open and Enshrinement Weekend event. July 17th – 23rd at the international Tennis Hall of Fame

Get ready to witness history in the making as we celebrate the legendary feats of tennis greats at the Iconic International Tennis Hall of Fameevent, taking place from July 17th to 23rd! Your heart will race with anticipation, your spirit will soar with pride, and you’ll feel the electric energy of motivation and inspiration coursing through your veins.

Infosys Hall of Fame Open takes center stage this week with thrilling Quarterfinals and Semifinals pitting skilled competitors against one another, vying for ultimate victory. Feel the rush of adrenaline as seats for these unforgettable matches quickly disappear.

Enshrinement Weekend will shine a spotlight on our 2023 Inductees – Rick Draney and Esther Vergeer. Engage with legendary Hall of Famers during an exclusive Meet & Greet, bask in the surreal ambiance of Courting Fashion at Ochre Court, and indulge in a lavish brunch with tennis icons at Brooks Brothers Brunch with Legends.

Don’t miss this golden opportunity to be part of something truly inspiring: a celebration of greatness and a testament to what hard work and dedication can achieve on the Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony. As we raise a toast to these phenomenal achievements, let their stories kindle an unwavering fire within you to chase your dreams relentlessly.

Will you stand among the legends? Join us at the Iconic International Tennis Hall of Fame Event and become a part of history everlasting.

Ifosys Hall of Fame Open

A week of tennis before the ceremonies begin!

Infosys Hall of Fame Open – Quarterfinals
Tennis Hall of Fame – Newport, RI
Tickets
Limited seats available!

Infosys Hall of Fame Open – Quarterfinals
Tennis Hall of Fame – Newport, RI
Tickets
Limited seats available!

Infosys Hall of Fame Open – Semifinals
Tennis Hall of Fame – Newport, RI
Tickets
Limited seats available!

Infosys Hall of Fame Open – Finals
Tennis Hall of Fame – Newport, RI
Tickets
Limited seats available!

THURSDAY, JULY 20

6-8pm Meet & Greet with Hall of Famers, Cocktail Reception

FRIDAY, JULY 21

11am Infosys Hall of Fame Open |. Quarterfinals

7pm   Courting Fashion at Ochre Court, A Fashion Forward Cocktail Event | Ochre Court at Salve Regina University, Newport, RI

SATURDAY, JULY 22

10am Brooks Brothers Brunch with Legends 

11am Infosys Hall of Fame Open | Doubles Semifinal & Singles Semifinals

11:15am Autograph Session with 2023 Inductees

4:30pm Pre-Ceremony Refreshments

Not Before 6pm Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony

Enshrinement Reception presented by Infosys

Following the Induction Ceremony, dinner + drinks served

SUNDAY, JULY 23

Infosys Hall of Fame Open

12pm Doubles Final
2pm Singles Final

WHAT TO WEAR

Newport is a coastal resort community that is typically hot and humid in the daytime and pleasant in the evenings. You may want a sweater or light jacket for evening events.

  • Friday – Courting Fashion at Ochre Court, a fashion forward cocktail party – Cocktail attire
  • Saturday – Brooks Brothers Brunch with Legends – Resort casual
  • Saturday Evening – Induction Ceremony & Enshrinement Reception presented by Infosys – Cocktail attire
      Newport Casino

2023 Newport Flower Show Awards Announced

The following awards were handed out at the 27th Newport Flower Show at Marble House last weekend.  All proceeds from The Newport Flower Show benefit The Preservation Society of Newport County.

BOTANICAL ARTS DIVISION

Garden Club of America Certificate of Excellence in Botanical Arts (exhibit of great distinction):

Ginni Donovan, Cheshire, CT

The Janice Leary Panoff Botanical Arts Award (exhibit of exceptional visual appeal which best combines whimsical interpretation with impeccable execution): Leslie Purple and Alice Farley, Wyndmoor, PA

The Robyn Kauffmann Spagnolo Botanical Arts Award (design conforms to schedule requirements, incorporates the principles of design and is of exceptional quality in craftsmanship and skillful manipulation of all materials): Jennifer Barnette, New York, NY

The Newport Flower Show Best in Show Award – Botanical Arts (selected from among blue-ribbon winners in the Botanical Arts Division): Christina Kramer, Palm Beach, FL

The Newport Flower Show Botanical Arts Award (exhibit showing impressive quality, skill and creativity): Ginni Donovan, Cheshire, CT

The Newport Flower Show Novice Award – Botanical Arts (most distinctive design by a novice exhibitor in any Botanical Arts class): Katherine Renfrew, Chesapeake, VA

The Newport Flower Show New Exhibitor Award – Botanical Arts (most distinctive entry by a first-time Exhibitor in the Botanical Arts Division): Marta Nelson, N. Fort Myers, FL

– more –

FLORAL DESIGN DIVISION

Garden Club of America Certificate of Excellence in Floral Design (exhibit of great distinction):

Nell Carpenter, Richmond, RI

National Garden Club Award (exhibit judged to be the finest in the Design Division): Linda Pare, Ashland, NH

The Newport Flower Show Best in Show Award – Floral Design (selected from among blue-ribbon winners in the Floral Design Division): Nell Carpenter, Richmond, RI

The Newport Flower Show Novice Award – Floral Design (most distinctive design by a novice exhibitor in any design class): Sharon Bender, Westbrook, CT

The Newport Flower Show New Exhibitor Award – Floral Design (most distinctive entry by a first-time exhibitor): Linda Frazer & Chris Duncan, South Hampton, NY

The Preservation Society of Newport County Design Award (exhibit in the challenge class displaying the most creative use of the majority of components issued): Susan Dewey, Chatham, MA

The Corinne Clarke Reynolds Trophy (presented by her daughter, June Reynolds MacKaye, and granddaughters, June Reynolds Davis, Dottie Corinne Houser and Christienne Bailey MacKaye,

for the best interpretation of a class title in the Design Division): Ashley Elizabeth Sparks and Sandra Jean Sparks, Little Compton, RI

The Bettie Bearden Pardee Award (for outstanding design using all fresh plant material grown and arranged by the exhibitor(s): Elizabeth Cusak, West Cornwall, CT

The Candace Morgenstern Design Award (exhibit showing exceptional quality using innovative

techniques involving the manipulation of fresh plant material): Kathy Michie, Worcester, MA

HORTICULTURE DIVISION

The Garden Club of America Certificate of Excellence in Horticulture (exhibit of great distinction):

Mattapoisett Woman’s Garden Club Group, Mattapoisett, MA

National Garden Club Award (exhibit judged to be the finest in the Horticulture Division): Jane Gamber, Madison, CT

The Gilbert S. Kahn Sweepstakes Award (exhibitor winning the most blue ribbons in the Horticulture Division Classes): Libby Moore, Little Compton, RI

The Mrs. Robert M. Grace Best in Show Award (selected from the Horticulture Division blue ribbon winners): Donna Boulay, Newport, RI

– more –

The Mrs. Samuel M.V. Hamilton Award (most creatively original and whimsical presentation of plant material in any container): Donna Boulay, Newport, RI

The Oatsie Charles Award (most outstanding cut specimen of a shrub grown for its flower): Christina Vanderlip, Greenwich, CT

The Annie Laurie Aitken Award (most outstanding rose cut specimen in the show): Dana Rose, Worcester, MA

The Jocelyn Sherman Propagation Award (container entry by an amateur exhibitor in whose name it is entered. Entry must have been grown by exhibitor for a minimum of six months): Carrie Waterman, Dover, MA

The Newport Flower Show New Exhibitor Award – Horticulture Division (most distinctive entry by a first-time exhibitor): Elaine Bakios, Portsmouth, RI

The Green Animals Topiary Award (best topiary in the show): Nancy Russell, Philadelphia, PA

The Rhode Island Wild Plant Society Award (best native Rhode Island plant entry in any class): Evan Aten, Newport, RI

The Newport Garden Club Centennial Award – Horticulture Division (most creative interpretation of a class or theme in the Creative Container Division): Mattapoisett Woman’s Garden Club Group, Mattapoisett, MA

The Newport in Bloom Award, URI Master Gardener Program Award and Certificate of Excellence in Conservation: Not awarded in 2023

The Preservation Society of Newport County, Rhode Island, is a nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the area’s historic architecture, landscapes, decorative arts and social history. Its 11 historic properties – seven of them National Historic Landmarks – span more than 250 years of American architectural and social development.

For more information, please visit NewportMansions.org.