Diet Coke, Dolly Parton and a House Full of Dishes | The View from Foxglove Hill

Each week, The View from Foxglove Hill gives me a chance to share a little of what is happening around our home, but this week I thought I would turn the view around and introduce you to the person behind the tablescapes, decorating projects and ever-growing collection of dishes. You may already know how much I love fresh flowers and entertaining, but you might not know about my devotion to Diet Coke, the time I stepped into Dolly Parton’s shoes, or how I accumulated enough dishes to host a small village. So, pour yourself something refreshing and settle in—I’m sharing a few surprising things you may not know about me!

Diet Coke is always my drink of choice. I have never been a coffee or tea drinker, so while everyone else is reaching for their morning cup, I am usually reaching for a Diet Coke—often poured over plenty of ice. And when there is something special to celebrate, I am always happy to raise a glass of champagne—but usually just one!

Long before I began sharing tablescapes and decorating ideas, I loved performing onstage. One of my favorite roles was Truvy, the warmhearted and wonderfully outspoken hairdresser played by Dolly Parton in the film version of Steel Magnolias.

That production was just one of several shows I performed in during the season, and at the end of it, I was honored to receive the award for Best Actress for my work across the entire season. Playing different characters gave me another creative outlet—and perhaps explains why I have never been afraid of a dramatic party theme or a little theatrical flair in my decorating!

It probably comes as no surprise that I have a bit of a weakness for dishes! Over the years, I have collected more sets than I could ever count, from classic white and delicate floral patterns to colorful seasonal and holiday pieces. I love mixing and matching them to create a completely different look for every table I set. Some are treasured family pieces, while others were discovered at antique shops, thrift stores, or favorite retailers. To me, dishes are never simply practical—they are part of the fun of entertaining and often the inspiration behind an entire tablescape.

Something you may not know about me is that my sister and I once worked together as Character Attendants at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Our job was to accompany the Disney characters during their appearances, help everything run smoothly and make sure each guest interaction felt special. It was such a fun and memorable chapter in our lives—and even better because we were able to share it.

Of course, working at Walt Disney World also meant spending plenty of time enjoying the parks together! This photo of us laughing on the PeopleMover at Magic Kingdom captures the fun perfectly. Perhaps all that time surrounded by imagination, storytelling and Disney magic helped strengthen my own love of creating memorable experiences for others.

When I choose a party theme, I have never been known to do it halfway! Long before Wicked found a whole new generation of fans, I hosted a party inspired by the Broadway musical, complete with emerald-green decorations, themed costumes and plenty of theatrical flair. As you can see, I fully embraced my role for the evening—and fortunately, my guests were willing to join in the fun!

I have always believed that the best parties give people permission to be playful, step into another world for a little while and make memories worth keeping.

I truly love entertaining and am happiest when I get to play hostess. For me, the fun begins long before anyone arrives—with choosing the dishes, arranging the flowers, planning the menu and dreaming up the little details that will make the gathering feel special. I don’t believe entertaining has to be perfect or overly formal; it should simply make guests feel welcomed, cared for and glad they came. Whether I am creating an unusual centerpiece, setting an elaborate table or serving something simple, bringing people together in my home will always be one of my favorite things.

You haven’t truly experienced judgment until a standard poodle stares at you!

Lily is intelligent, expressive and never leaves us wondering what she thinks about a situation. Whether she is reminding us that it is bedtime, supervising a decorating project or quietly questioning one of my decisions, she brings so much personality and laughter to our home. Foxglove Hill simply would not feel complete without her—and neither would I.

I hope you enjoyed this slightly different View from Foxglove Hill and getting to know a little more about the person behind the tablescapes, flowers and ever-growing collection of dishes. Looking back, I can see that creativity, storytelling and bringing people together have woven their way through so many chapters of my life—from the stage and Walt Disney World to themed parties and the homes I have loved decorating. Creating a beautiful home has never been about perfection for me; it is about making the people I love feel welcome. Now it is your turn—I would love for you to share one surprising thing I might not know about you!