Letitia Baldridge, The “Doyenne of Decorum”, Would Like A Word

Dining & Diplomacy at The White House.

Letitia Baldridge in the 1960s. Getty Images.

And I believe the word she would like is “YIKES!”

Letitia Baldridge was an American etiquette expert, registered Republican and a friend of Jacqueline Kennedy’s.

When John F. Kennedy, a Democrat, was elected President in 1960, Mrs. Kennedy invited Ms. Baldridge to take on the important role of White House Social Secretary.

She became part of the team that coordinated the Inauguration, all the glamorous State Dinners, official lunches and lavish receptions — this was Camelot, after all.

The Inaugural Luncheon menu that Ms. Baldridge chose reflects both JFK’s New England roots and Vice-President Lyndon Johnson’s home state of Texas.

Credit: The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Letitia Baldridge believed that etiquette was, at its heart, consideration for other people.

“There are major C.E.O.’s who do not know how to hold a knife and fork properly, but I don’t worry about that as much as the lack of kindness,” she told The New York Times in 1992.

Diplomatic ties are fostered at these important White House lunches and dinners, just as any friendship or burgeoning relationship may be strengthened over a good meal.

I looked through the White House luncheon event menus for this time of year in 1962 and found a recurring dessert: Pineapple Sherbet. Was Ms. Baldridge perhaps highlighting pineapple, the universal symbol of hospitality?

Credit: JFK Library

I made a pineapple sherbet tonight, and it couldn’t be easier. It was refreshing, not too sweet and the cream gives it a nice texture— leave out the rum if you prefer. I had some French butter biscuits on hand (I believe Jackie and Letitia would approve) so they took the place of the palmier. The recipe link is: HERE

Photo: Jolene

Land of Lincoln

Photo: Jolene

When I moved to Chicago almost nine years ago, I knew Illinois was called “Land of Lincoln.” I soon learned that there are many reminders of him all around the city and state — including this mural, which I’ve seen quite often.

Lately, the quote that comes immediately to mind when I see it is from Lincoln’s “House Divided” speech of 1858, and the words he took from the Bible.

A house divided against itself cannot stand.

The Union survived and I believe the country will come through this uncertain period. Because it does not feel at all good to be estranged from one’s own countrymen.

I have no answers, but I do have hope.

And tonight I also have pineapple sherbet, and that will have to do.

See you soon.

Jolene