HARTFORD, Conn. – December 15, 2015 – CPTV’s new original series, You Are Cordially Invited, a program that will visit masterpiece houses across the United States and beyond, premieres Monday, January 4 at 10 p.m.
CPTV will also re-broadcast the pilot program on Sunday, January 10 at 10 p.m.; Saturday, January 23 at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, January 30 at 4 p.m.
You Are Cordially Invited is hosted by Holly Holden, a well-known Farmington, Connecticut-based author and interior designer. Throughout the series, Holden will visit some of the nation’s most elegant homes and engage the proud homeowners in discussions about style, design, architecture, collecting, and entertaining.
Drawing on over 25 years of experience as a professional designer of classic, high-end interiors, Holden is superbly qualified to describe what makes rooms successful and inviting. Additionally, she will interview the homeowners to learn their secrets for elegant entertaining – and the faux pas to avoid.
“We are thrilled to be inviting Connecticut Public Broadcasting’s audience into some of the most spectacular homes in America, beginning with a very special one in West Hartford,” said Jerry Franklin, president and CEO of the Connecticut Public. “And, with Holly’s extensive knowledge of design, exquisite eye for detail, and familiarity with the homes’ owners, the viewers will get a never-seen-before look at these private residences.”
“I’m so excited to share the history, splendor, and wonder of these magnificent homes,” said Holden. “I invite CPTV viewers to join me as I stroll the grounds, walk the halls, and even sip champagne with the owners and experts. Yes, you are cordially invited!”
Holden will discuss aspects of the houses’ design that make them exceptional, as well as converse with seasoned hostesses who will share their secrets for entertaining.
“Additionally, we will discuss unique collections of artwork with the owners, which make their homes even more spectacular. I cannot think of a better residence to begin our series than Eyrie Knoll in West Hartford, Connecticut, the masterpiece home of art collectors Melinda and Paul Sullivan,” said Holden.
Holden’s tour of Eyrie Knoll will explore its use of symmetry in designing appealing rooms, discover a magnificent collection of Du Paquier porcelain, and find a hidden champagne bar in what used to be a phone booth. Dr. and Mrs. Sullivan will also share wonderful stories and insights, such as the time Julia Child came to dinner and why, in their opinion, potato chips are the perfect pairing for champagne!
You Are Cordially Invited is a 30-minute program that, according to Holden, will transport the viewers to masterpiece private residences that represent the very best of the best, and that are not otherwise open to the public. Future sights of You Are Cordially Invited include homes in Palm Beach, Chicago, St. Louis, and Holden’s own home, the historic Fox Hall estate in Farmington.
Holden has also received a special invitation from Lady Carnarvon to film at Highclere Castle in England – better known as Downton Abbey to fans of the wildly popular series on CPTV.
You Are Cordially Invited was co-created by Holden and Dean Greenblatt, who also serves as writer and producer of the series. Emmy Award-nominated Danielle Weiss Medina is the show’s executive producer.
You Are Cordially Invited builds upon other CPTV home and hearth programming, including Antiques Roadshow, Martha Stewart programs, This Old House, and Downton Abbey.
About Connecticut Public Broadcasting
The Connecticut Public (CPBN) is home to CPTV, WNPR and the Learning Lab. CPTV is a locally and nationally recognized producer and presenter of quality public television programming, including original documentaries, public affairs and educational programming. WNPR is an affiliate of National Public Radio, Public Radio International and American Public Media. The Learning Lab serves high school seniors through a partnership with Hartford Public Schools and the Journalism and Media Academy Magnet School. It is also home to the Institute for Advanced Media, a program that provides the men and women of our armed forces and adult learners an opportunity to learn skills necessary for the 21st century digital media workplace. For more information, visit cpbn.org.