If there’s one thing we hear constantly from our couples and clients, it’s how hard it is to find the *perfect* event space in Old Town—something stylish and unique, in a prime location, with great food and views. Well, friends, we’re thrilled to share a new hidden gem that checks *all* the boxes: Cooper Mill.

According to Sotheby’s latest Luxury Outlook Report, we are in the midst of a Luxury Renaissance, where affluent buyers make decisions based not on external status symbols, but on personal meaning. Whether in real estate, fashion, or travel, luxury today is about lifestyle alignment—how possessions and experiences reflect who you really are.

Getting ready to move? Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or just relocating across town, here’s how to take the stress out of your move — with expert organizing tips from our team to keep things smooth on both ends.

As you prep for July 4th and Alexandria’s big birthday bash, meet four inspiring makers whose American-made goods bring beauty, heart, and heritage to your home.

The real secret to successful summer learning – or any learning for that matter – is disguising education as play. When children are having fun, they absorb information naturally. Their creativity and curiosity kicks in and they ask thought provoking questions then seek out the answers on their own.

People often say to me, “My kids are too grown up. I missed my chance to do family photos.” But my friends, I promise you this: as grown up as your children seem today, you’ll look back on photos and think how little they still looked. Tomorrow, next month, next year—you’ll always wish for a glimpse of the now.

About a month ago, my father passed away. If you’re in that club, you know how quickly the ending can come. I thought I had more time—more conversations to have, more texts to send. Funny how often I still think I can text him. But time waits for no one, and peonies wait for no one. They bloom and fade on their own schedule. Maybe that’s why I love them more than other, more predictable flowers.

This exceptional 2,100-square-foot residence offers a rare blend of privacy, elegance, and convenience. Overlooking peaceful parkland from every window, the three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath townhome lives with the grace and scale of a single-family home, yet offers the ease of HOA living.

There’s a quiet kind of magic that happens when your home truly reflects who you are. It’s not about chasing trends or filling every corner with something new—it’s about editing with intention and finding inspiration that speaks to your life, your style, and your story. 

Looking for family-friendly summer fun — and a chance to tour your future dream home? Join The Patterson Group and Wakefield Homes for a one-of-a-kind Carnival Open House at 8628 Plymouth Road, Alexandria, VA on Sunday, July 13 from 3–6pm.

Headed to the beach (or mountains, or city) this summer? We’ve rounded up our favorite easy, thoughtful host gifts—from candle sets and cocktail kits to notepads, games, and cozy kitchen bundles—that are sure to impress and easy to pack.

My husband has always wanted to show me where he spent seven years of his life growing up. It just happens to be Switzerland, specifically Lausanne, on the shores of Lake Geneva. So here I am, sitting on our hotel balcony. But since Patina isn’t a travel blog or restaurant review site, let’s move on to something a little closer to home—our gorgeous rechargeable lamps

When the Center for Alexandria’s Children reached out about a possible fundraiser, I immediately thought—this is it! I had been wanting to collaborate with some of my fellow family-focused boutiques, and this felt like the perfect opportunity. I’m deeply grateful to the teams at 529 Kids Consign, Monday’s Child, Ms. Moxie’s Moon Shop, and Old Town Books for joining in. Giving back has always been central to our mission.

We’re entering that joyful summer stretch filled with reasons to gather and gift: end-of-year teacher appreciation, graduations, Father’s Day, Fourth of July, and those last-minute "bring a bottle and come by tonight" evenings with friends. The days fly by, but it’s these little moments—the laughter on the patio, the perfect cocktail glass, the unexpected gift—that linger well into fall. Let’s make summer hosting seamless (and beautiful).

Summer is officially here, and we’re celebrating the best way we know how—surrounded by flowers (and maybe a little rosé). If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at floral design or just need a fun excuse to get out of the house, our summer workshop series at Helen Olivia Flowers is the perfect plan. Our calendar fills up quickly, especially for private events, so don’t wait too long to book!

Father’s Day is June 15 and we’re all scrambling to plan something sweet for the Dad who allegedly wants nothing and has everything. We’ve curated some gift ideas that will delight him to no end. We’ve pulled items from all over the shops to create a collection riddled with fun, practical, classic, and very special pop-approved gifts.

Remember that time you spent 20 minutes hunting for a baseball glove while your kid's friends waited in the driveway? Or when you gave up finding the garden shears and just used kitchen scissors on your shrubs? We've all been there. Your outdoor spaces should work for you, not against you. We've tested dozens of organizing systems to find what actually works, even with kids and busy weekends in the mix.

Whether you're dreaming of a resort-style pool just in time for summer, a historic townhome in the heart of Old Town, or a peaceful creekside retreat, this month’s listings deliver on space, style, and setting. With updated features, unique layouts, and unbeatable locations across Alexandria, these homes are ready to impress.

So, you've taken the plunge and bought your first fountain pen – congratulations! Maybe it's a cartridge-based pen like the Lamy Safari, or perhaps you went bold with a TWSBI Eco and bottled ink. Either way, you're probably wondering about the dreaded "M" word: maintenance. But here's the thing – cleaning your fountain pen is actually easier than getting ragu out of a white shirt. I promise.

From the waterfront charm of Old Town to the quiet elegance of Mount Vernon, these Alexandria residences offer distinct lifestyles defined by luxury, comfort, and location. Whether you’re drawn to Harborside’s riverfront sophistication at 54 Wolfe Street, the expansive upgrades and serene setting of 9103 Chickawane Court, or modern updates of 330 N Patrick Street, each home delivers a unique opportunity to live beautifully in one of the region’s most sought-after communities.