Country French design expert hits Newport

It was dinner at the Dennis residence as local designer Ann Dennis

and her husband, Bill, welcomed Charles Faudree of Tulsa, Okla., for

a little Southern California charm and a fabulous meal.

Faudree had flown into Newport last week to check out the local

design scene and speak to the crowd on his passion -- French country

furniture and fabrics. Faudree is considered a world-class expert on

the style.

He came to benefit New Directions For Women, a local substance

abuse program to help women in the community break free from drug and

alcohol addictions, and to restore broken lives.

Faudree was a hit. The crowd, which filled an entire theater, went

wild with laughter at his dry wit.

At the Dennis home, following Faudree’s presentation, a small

gathering enjoyed insight into the man, who began as a teacher and

evolved into one of America’s leading decorators. Guests dined on

shrimp cocktail that was “inspired by a recipe served at Gulfstream,”

Ann Dennis said.

Special guest Rusty Grimes of Dallas, a longtime pal of the great

decorator, regaled the local crowd with stories of their travels

around the globe in search of “treasures.” Rusty’s daughter Sally

Johannessen graced the dinner, as well, along with Lido Isle’s

ultra-charming Maryanna Jeppe and the beautiful Sandra Ayres,

president of the Decorative Arts Society, which sponsored Faudree’s

visit to Newport on behalf of New Directions for Women.

Bill Dennis wore the white chef’s hat for the evening, creating a

very special menu that featured a medallion of pork tenderloin served

in a painstakingly prepared Scotch whiskey reduction, accented with

mustard and currents.

Guests were escorted into the Dennis’ dining room, a formal yet

eclectic space reflecting the hostess’ multi-layered design

philosophy. Ann Dennis is known for blending periods and styles

gracefully in rooms.

The deep red walls of the dining room blended with the crackling

fireplace to set a decidedly, sophisticated mood. French doors opened

onto an interior courtyard and pool, reflecting both the light on

water and the ripples of the coastal breeze, as the diners sat down

to a first course of homemade butternut squash soup, which showed

Bill Dennis’ affection for curry and Granny Smith apples. A 1999

Terra Chardonnay from Napa’s Carneros District was poured as a salad

of hearts of palm and artichokes over lamb’s lettuce was presented on

Ann’s antique blue and white china.

Faudree entertained the intimate group with anecdotes from his

35-plus-year career as a designer in the United States and Europe.

His work has been published in everything from House Beautiful to

Southern Living. In 1995, he was awarded the Traditional Home

Designer of the Year Award.

Faudree has finished a book titled “Charles Faudree: French

Country Style.” He plans to return to Newport after the book’s

publication to present his work to local society.