Mrs. Dede Wilsey hosted Yappy Hour at Beaulieu Newport this past Sunday. A lovely garden party in support of Potter League for Animals, full of “puppy love,” delicious hors d’oeuvres, refreshing cocktails and funding for a great cause!
This is our second Potter League event for The Social Diary 2025, but certainly not our last. We attended LoveBash for Animals in April. These events raise important funding for animals in need. Mrs. Wilsey shared a heartwarming moment with a little dog who received such a life saving surgery. Additionally, she passionately advocated for the adoption of an animal companion.
Wise words from Mrs. Wilsey, as we too suffered the loss of our doggie companions. Whilst it is difficult to think about another adoption, since the grief is so fresh, the companionship of a new dog does ease the pain. However, we never forget about our lost babies. We have a shrine dedicated to our doggie “angels” full of their favourite toys and lovely remembrance photos. It’s our way of keeping their memory alive, albeit they are in our hearts forever.
Bella & Mia Wilsey
No doubt Mrs. Wilsey adores her children and grandchildren, but her dogs, Bella and Mia pulled her through grief. The loss of a dog is not easy, but she urged guests to adopt soon thereafter, as the emotional bond of companionship will help pull you out of that misery.
Yappy Hour Adoption at Beaulieu Newport
Adorable puppies were available for adoption during the event. One has to imagine that at this stage in their precious life, they know of no “evil.” We hope that whoever adopts one of these previous dogs will provide them with the “best life.”
One of The Social Diary’s mascots is a Potter League pooch. Rescued from a “hoarding” situation, he languished a bit because of his over exuberant temperament and age. However, he was the perfect dog for us, and one of the smartest and sweetest in our brood. He also transformed from a “Skinny Minnie” to a “Chunky Monkey.”
Beaulieu Newport
Beaulieu, an historic mansion built in 1859 by Federico Barreda, is the current home of Mrs. Dede Wilsey. Famous residents included John Jay Astor III and Cornelius Vanderbilt III and his wife, Grace Vanderbilt of the “Marrying Wilsons.” Beaulieu sold in 1961 for $100,000. And the purchaser? Mrs. Dede Wlisey’s father, Wiley T. Buchanan Jr., the U.S. Ambassador to Austria and Luxembourg. In 2020, Mrs. Wilsey purchased the home after the death of her mum, Ruth.
The Social Diary believes it rather gauche to take pictures of a private home. So, here is an image of the Chinese Tea House, next door to Beaulieu. Marble House is also visible from the back lawn.
Yappy Hour Florals at Beaulieu Newport
The pop of floral colours create a beautiful landscape. Beaulieu covered in fragrant with eye-catching florals, enhanced the beauty of the landscape.
Florals arranged in vases add elegance to any social occasion. Every few days we arrange fresh bouquets from our gardens. Additionally, we feed local wildlife including birds, chipmunks, rabbits and other critters. We welcomed two bird broods this year.
Hospitality Notes
The Social Diary attends several “garden” parties each year, and it never gets old. It’s a time to unwind, relax and explore the gardens, in the literal sense. Many of the events take place in beautiful landscaped “gardens.” The Newport Flower Show brings in the florals and arranges them in spectacular fashion.
Garden parties, usually associated with “cocktails” and “hors d’oeuvres,” are important social gatherings. The Social Diary prefers them to sit down at dinners, especially for fundraising events. The setting is more intimate, in our opinion. On this particular occasion, however, everything was a bit of a blur. We were socialising more than partaking, as we had encountered so many interesting people during our Newport summers.
The Catering company, Glorious Affairs from Middletown did an exceptional turn. Their staff was professional and efficient, without missing a beat. They did an excellent job of creating bite sized hors d’oeuvres and canapés. However, they did offer jumbo shrimp with a spicy sauce. Whilst delicious, it was quite messy.