THE TRUITT HOUSE EDIT
Come with us as we tell meaningful stories of preservation, restoration and hospitality. Explore Suffolk, Virginia’s rich history and share in our favorite experiences at The Truitt House.
The Myth of the Ready Host
December has a way of convincing us that everything must be fully formed before it is shared.
The tree must be perfect before guests arrive. The house must be in order before anyone steps inside. The table must be complete before a place is set.
And quietly, almost imperceptibly, that thinking transfers to us.
I’ll invite when I feel ready. I’ll gather when life feels calmer. I’ll open my door when I’m more confident, more rested, more put together.
But readiness has never been the price of belonging.
A Barn, a Wreath, and the Start of Christmas
The season doesn’t start with the lights or the shopping for me—it starts the night our Garden Club meets in the barn with clippers, ribbon, and an armful of greens. By the time everyone arrives, the long tables look like the forest floor—magnolia, cedar, pine, holly—and the whole place smells exactly like December should. We bring what we can from our own yards, our neighbors’ yards, and maybe even from behind the church if the branches were generous that year. Warm coats, work gloves, and a little good gossip complete the scene.
The Hostess, the Guest of Honor, and the Caftan That Made the Night Easy
A closer look at why the hostess dress matters—not as a trend, but as a quiet little secret that can change the way you move through an evening. When you feel comfortable and beautiful, the whole tone of the gathering shifts. Here’s how I think about choosing pieces that make hosting feel effortless.
From Fellowship Hall Punch to Entry Hall Prosecco: The Baby Shower Grows Up
Once we gathered in the fellowship hall with mints in crystal dishes. Now we gather in the entry hall with prosecco on the sideboard. The details have changed, but the heart of the baby shower—the way a room softens around a mother-to-be—remains as familiar as ever.
Borrowed Daughters and Thanksgiving Tables
A borrowed daughter, a dish room adventure, and a Thanksgiving centerpiece made from magnolia and memories. Today I got to be “Dear Mom” for Cassidy as she prepares to host her first family holiday—and my heart felt full in all the best ways.
When Doing The Thing IS The Thing.
Thanksgiving isn’t just about the turkey — it’s the laughter, the stories, the flour on the counter, and the familiar rhythm of cooking together. This year at The Truitt House, we’re welcoming family, new faces, and all our favorite dishes as we savor the beautiful, messy work of making a holiday meal.
Just a Bite...
A simple cheese board can turn strangers into neighbors and “just a bite” into a clean plate. Hospitality really is that easy.
Dear Mom, How Do I Host?
Hosting isn’t about flawless details so much as creating a sense of ease the moment someone steps through your door. A table set with intention, a candle or two flickering, music low in the background, and a drink guests can pour themselves — that’s the quiet choreography that makes an evening feel gracious. Southerners know this instinctively: people remember how they were welcomed, not whether the forks matched. Once the atmosphere is warm and the hostess is at ease, the night has already found its footing.
Chicken Pot Pie: Because Sometimes Chicken Soup Needs Backup
Chicken pot pie is comfort food with its hair done and lipstick on — the dish I make for cold nights, tired days, and even Christmas-tree disasters. It’s the freezer-friendly recipe that always shows up when you need it.
My Forest Walk Dinner Party
For me, it’s never just about what we’re serving — it’s everything around it. The light, the scent, the sound, the people you love. That’s the magic you can’t fake.
First Ladies and First Citizens
A table set at The Truitt House to honor Suffolk’s 2025 First Citizen, Joyce Trump, alongside the remarkable women who continue to shape our community’s legacy.
Comfort on the counter: eggs, butter, and cream cheese - It’s Pound Cake Day!
Brian always knows when it’s a pound cake day—eggs, butter, and cream cheese lined up on the counter are the giveaway. This cake is dense in the most delicious way, with a crunchy top that never lasts long in our house. Comfort, love, and a little thank-you… all baked right in. Who wants a slice?
When Artists Meet Hospitality… and Dessert Wins
Suffolk has a tradition—when plein air artists arrive, you welcome them with dinner on the very first night. This year, our table was full of stories, laughter, and one unforgettable olive oil cake that just might have upstaged the art.
Dear Mom, How Do I Make It Look Like I Know What I’m Doing with Flowers?
You don’t need a cabinet full of vases to make flowers look beautiful at home. Start with three: one that makes a statement, one for a single potted plant, and one that makes cut flowers easy every time. Here’s how I use them — and how to make your flowers last longer while you’re at it.
Not Our Block, But Our Kind of Party
We showed up to a block party that wasn’t on our block—and left with new friends, a gorgeous sunset, and a renewed love of name tags. Sometimes hospitality just takes a Sharpie and a little courage
Dear Mom, What kind of music should I play - my guest list is a little older than usual?
It started with a question from my daughter: “Dear Mom, what kind of music should I play when my guests are a little older?” That one line sparked a whole series. If you’ve ever wanted your gatherings to feel a little more intentional—but weren’t sure where to begin—this is for you.
Green Pea Soup (That Makes the China Jealous)
Soup invites you to slow down. It doesn’t rush. It asks nothing more than for you to sit, sip, and settle in.
That’s one reason I love starting meals this way. A small first course, warm and welcoming, sets a rhythm for the evening that feels intentional. It’s simple, but meaningful—and when made ahead, even better.
Coffee Cake for Now (and Later)
The ultimate sour cream coffee cake—moist, cinnamon-swirled, and made for sharing. Set a beautiful table, pour the coffee, and serve this irresistible brunch favorite. Bonus: the recipe makes two…one for now and one for later.
If You Only Make One Dessert All Summer, Let It Be Ice Cream
I’ve linked my full Ice Cream Night Kit here—everything I use, all in one place. Whether you’re hosting or just treating yourself, it’s worth it. Level up your ice cream game this summer!
And when you're ready for homemade peanut ice cream... we can talk. I am from Suffolk, after all.
Super Fun, Friend-Pleasing, Yes-I’ll-Have-Another Desserts
During our warm Virginia summer season, I try to keep the dinners light—but let’s be honest, I’m still going to want dessert. So I rely on a simple truth: the freezer never lets me down.