Last November, I taught hat embellishment classes at the invitation of Hoffman Media at the Gracious Living Celebration.  It was a pleasure and honor on so many levels.  The celebration honored the life of founder, Phyllis Hoffman DePiano.

Phyllis Hoffman with son, Eric

Early in my millinery career, Phyllis was a client of mine and I designed her hat for the Kentucky Derby, pictured above.  When I received the call from her office about designing for her,  I was thrilled because she was someone who I looked up to. I admired her accomplishments both in the publishing world and also as an artist who could play piano, sew, bake, decorate, and even paint.   I thought the classic Audrey Hepburn style with the big curved black brim looked fabulous on her.  She is shown here with her son, Eric.

The event was incredible on so many levels.  On the first night, twin brothers Brian and Eric Hoffman talked about their mother Phyllis. I cannot imagine how difficult it was for them. Most people in the room had tears in their eyes as the brothers shared their precious and very personal memories with us.

Their “sister” Lorna spoke about Phyllis and her incredible kindness.  She had the capacity to change lives and led by inspiring others.

Afterwards at the book signing, I introduced myself to Brian and told him the Derby hat story. He immediately jumped up, ran around to the front of the table and gave me the biggest hug! Phyllis loved her twin sons and was so proud of them.

In addition, I listened to cookbook author Barbara Gantt speak about her personal journey.  As a lover of biscuits and Southern food, I was inspired by the story of her life.  Barbara Gantt became an overnight internet sensation in her 70’s when she filmed a simple video about baking biscuits.  Her speech was captivating.

Also, speaking was Lady Carnarvon of Highclere Castle.  It was interesting to learn everything involved in the running of an establishment such as Highclere.  Lady Carnarvon has done a great job bringing the beauty and mystique of Highclere to the world.

We had tea at the Williamsburg Inn.  It was just fabulous!  So elegant.   Phyllis loved Williamsburg, which she visited annually.  The tea was one of the best that I have ever attended.  Interestingly enough, we were served scones first.  Tea Time Editor Lorna Reeves remarked that scones should be served warm, which I heartily agree with. Warm scones are an excellent start to Afternoon Tea. We were also served Prosecco at the beginning of the tea, which makes it a Royal Tea.  Queen Elizabeth II was a guest at the Williamsburg Inn as was Winston Churchill.

Teaching the hat embellishment classes was so much fun!  I met the kindest and most interesting group of ladies.  Many did not know anything about sewing but quickly learned how to make fabric flowers for their hats.  It was inspiring to see them gain confidence and learn a new skill.  Here are some of them.

Finally, it was incredible to meet the editors of my favorite magazines!  They were gracious, and their hard work made the event a total success.  Reading Tea Time, Southern Lady and Victoria is a soothing and uplifting experience. It was nice to meet the ladies who are responsible for creating such beauty through words and photography.

Lorna Reeves, me, Ashley Shaw, and Melissa Lester

Shown here is Southern Lady Editor-in-Chief Ashley Shaw wearing Darjeeling.  It’s always wonderful when the right hat is on the right lady!

I’m shown here with Brian Hoffman, President, Chief Creative Officer, Owner and Editor-in-Chief of Bake From Scratch. Brian is also the son of founder, Phyllis Hoffman DePiano.

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