Holidays and Seasons
Thank you note
“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” – Elmer Davis Our Connecticut Country House family honor all…
Keep ReadingAnticipation
Potting amaryllis bulbs is a perennial item on my getting ready to decorate for the holidays to do list. Depending upon the variety planted, it can take from five to…
Keep ReadingThrowback Halloween
One of my favorite Connecticut Country House photo shoots was a children’s Halloween party we hosted outside in front of the old house. Every moment of this shoot made me…
Keep ReadingAutumn Joy
Yippee! The brand new, Autumn issue of Nora Murphy Country House Style is here! I’m so excited to share with you what you’ll find inside. To meet the wonderful people,…
Keep ReadingAutumn Showstoppers
I love to dress both the front and back entryway doors at Connecticut Country House, to reflect the beauty of each changing season. Taking my cue from the still flowering…
Keep ReadingHello August!
I can’t believe it’s August! It feels like we were excitedly greeting June just the day before yesterday! So much going on at Connecticut Country House inside and out –…
Keep ReadingFoodie Friday: Very Berry Ice
Very Berry Ice is the perfect red, white and blue addition to your summertime bar. So easy, and so pretty. Fill ice trays with water. Add fresh blueberries and cut…
Keep ReadingA little red, white & blue
When you live and love a house that was built in 1767, it’s hard not to take advantage of any opportunity to deck it out in The Stars and Stripes.…
Keep ReadingA July state of mind
Summer’s here. The 4th..almost. It’s time to get our red, white, and blue on! Happy Sunday! Love, Nora
Keep ReadingMurphy & Son
Last Tuesday was an emotional day for the Murphy’s. Tuesday marked another milestone for our family – Conor’s high school graduation. Murph and I tried to hold it together, but…
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My neck of the woods
The way I celebrate Earth Day is to take care of my neck of the woods. And I mean that literally. I live on a beautifully scenic road in Connecticut,…
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A little note
Wishing you and your family a beautiful Easter holiday. Enjoy! Love, Nora
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The pretty powder room
This weekend, all our Easter festivities will be based in our hub, the kitchen, where we’ll be initially gathering, while enjoying nibbles and sips as we’re cooking. The keeping room…
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Faux support
I love those “Aha!” moments….don’t you? There I was standing in a long check out line at Home Goods, pretty much obligated to look at all the little odds and…
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Need a little spring inspiration?
Spring is here! The season has finally arrived (even though there’s snow visible from every Connecticut Country House window) as well as our Spring 2015 Nora Murphy Country House Style…
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Top o’ the mornin’!
Setting a table for St. Patrick’s Day is the best way to kick off spring (or at least puts me in the right state of mind!). For the NoraMurphyCountryHouse.com spring…
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Cozy up with your honey
For Valentine’s Day (or any time really), you just need a few ingredients (actually I came up with 10) to create a special little dinner for 2. Gather in a…
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O Christmas tree!
Each of our three trees this Christmas has a distinct personality. From the biggest tree in the keeping room/dining room, filled with heirloom ornaments and special little mementos over the…
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Snowflakes for Newtown
This week two years ago, I specifically baked a big batch of gingerbread cookies for the undecorated Christmas tree we had just set up (only the little white lights made…
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Foodie Friday: Major John Gile Holiday Rum Cake
Major John Gile Holiday Rum Cake Cake Ingredients 1-¾ cups all-purpose flour 1-½ cups granulated white sugar 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix ½ cup crushed walnuts ½ cup unsalted…
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Big fat wreaths
To kick-off December I’m starting with wreaths and keeping them green. Maybe I’ll dress them up as we get closer to Christmas, but for now I’m loving the entrances to…
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Dana and the Major John Gile House
I’d love to introduce you to my dear friend Dana Schwartz and her 1763 Major John Gile House, in Nottingham, New Hampshire. When Dana called to tell me all about…
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Happy and very grateful
I love Thanksgiving. I love the “one for all, and all for one” spirit of the day. I’ve always felt very blessed each holiday season, but this Thanksgiving even more…
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Foodie Friday: An encore performance
Some traditions are hard to improve upon, and our Thanksgiving Day turkey with dressing happens to be one of those things. Why mess with a really good thing? Connecticut Country…
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Ring around a napkin
Our Holiday 2014, A Country House Christmas in New Hampshire e-magazine is due out right after Thanksgiving(!!). But until then, I must scoop this holiday issue by sharing with you just…
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