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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sweet Traditions: Lime Curd Tart for a Perfect Sunday Supper
This week, I found inspiration in a recipe for a lime curd tart that was simply too beautiful to resist.
Sous Vide Chocolate Pudding for Grown Ups… When You Want to Feel Like a Kid Again
Last week, we watched the Chiefs play the final game in their lead up to another Super Bowl vistory.
The Creamy, Dreamy New England Clam Chowder We Cannnot Get Enough Of
'Where have you been hiding this soup magic?' Apparently, my kitchen had been keeping its clam chowder secrets better than Area 51.
My Friend Vikki’s Apple Cake (Which She Stole From Her Good Friend Carol)
Try My Friend Vikki’s Apple Cake - Its super moist and perfect with your morning coffee.