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.
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.
The Year-Long Vanilla That Made a Pie Disappear
Last summer, after a particularly inspiring Ina Garten binge, I decided I was finally fancy enough to make my own vanilla extract.
Soft Clothes, Full Hearts, and a Charcuterie Board
A cozy Sunday night at The Truitt House turned into the perfect gathering of old friends—with soft clothes, shared stories, and a relaxed charcuterie-style supper.
Westover Spring Luncheon at The Truitt House
A spring send-off with the Westover Garden Club—part potluck, part salad art show, and full of the kind of friendship and fun that makes hosting a joy. It was a beautiful afternoon celebration of a year well spent, all around the table at The Truitt House.
From New Orleans to Virginia Beach: A Thoughtful Spring Menu
Some dinners just work—the right guests, the right menu, and that effortless kind of rhythm where conversation flows as easily as the wine. This was one of those nights.
Some Drinks Are Served, But Bourbon Is Mastered
There’s a rhythm to hosting—setting the table, curating the menu, knowing who takes their cocktail extra dry and who wants an extra cube of ice. But when it comes to bourbon, I leave it to the ladies and gentlemen with experience. It’s not just a drink; it’s an art, and they are the masters.
I’m Not a Chef, But I Host Like One
Over the years—and there have been plenty of them—I’ve read enough cooking magazines to deplete a forest and tested my fair share of recipes to know that some are siply not worth the effort. But somehow, with all the trial and error, a plan always comes together, and what emerges is my own style of hosting—one that feels right for me.
What If Saving One House Could Help Preserve An Entire City’s Story?
Some homes are more than brick and mortar. They carry stories, dreams, and memories within their walls—whispers of laughter, ambition, and resilience.
The Chocolate Pie That Stole The Show
Some desserts are so fancy they feel like they’ve got their own publicist. Chocolate chess pie? It’s more like the friend who shows up unannounced but always brings wine—reliable, delightful, and guaranteed to make your day better.
In My Opinion
The Lehman House, a rare 1891 French Second Empire gem in Suffolk, stands as a symbol of history, culture, and resilience.
Westover Winter Soup: A Tribute to Friendship and Flavor
You know that saying, “this hits the spot”? I’m convinced it was coined with G. Lee’s winter soup in mind.
How Sunday Suppers Helped Bring Our Neighborhood Back To Life
A single table, a shared meal, and a few neighbors willing to lean in—what started as a simple Sunday supper is quietly rebuilding our neighborhood, one connection at a time.
A Sneak Peak Before The Holiday Glam
In this video from Suffolk History In A Nutshell, you’ll see The Truitt House in its natural state, without its holiday dressing.