05/03/2026 Silver, General, General Furniture & Decorative Arts
In advance of the May 6 sale of Entertaining with Style Featuring The Tina Hills Collection, we asked her family to share their memories of Tina Hills’ entertaining style and the qualities that made her gatherings so special.
• How would you describe Tina Hill’s signature style of entertaining—intimate dinners, lunches, cocktail parties? Casual, formal?
Tina’s style of entertaining was a distinctive blend of elegance and warmth. Her larger gatherings often mixed formality with an easy, convivial atmosphere. At her parties, it was not unusual to find celebrated figures—authors, political leaders such as the Mayor of Miami, publishers from major Latin American newspapers—mingling comfortably alongside old friends and family. Her dinner parties, however, were decidedly formal and beautifully orchestrated. They were gracious, sophisticated occasions that felt almost regal.
• What made an event at her home unmistakably hers?
What made any event at Tina’s home unmistakably hers was the sense of generosity, beauty, and personal attention she brought to it. She had a gift for making every guest feel important, whether they were a prominent public figure or a new acquaintance. There was always a feeling of abundance—wonderful food, lively conversation, elegant surroundings, and a guest list that reflected both her wide world and her deep devotion to family and friends.
• What details defined her hosting—favorite table settings, signature pieces she loved to use?
Tina was known for setting a truly spectacular table. For dinner parties, she brought out her finest dinnerware, sterling silver, and dazzling crystal pieces. Every detail was thoughtfully chosen, and the overall effect was extraordinary. The menus themselves were equally refined—reminiscent of White House dinners. Dining at Tina’s table felt quite special and elegant.
• Which holidays did she most enjoy hosting and what set those occasions apart?
Holidays were especially meaningful to Tina, particularly Christmas. Those gatherings included family—ours was a very large one—and everyone dressed elegantly for the occasion. The conversations were often carried on in Italian, which made the atmosphere feel even more intimate and rooted in family history. These celebrations were warm, lively, and full of joy. Even then, Tina used all her beautiful serving pieces and table settings. Her She also enjoyed Easter with the children in the family – being sure to hide Easter eggs on the grounds of her home and treating the children to Easter baskets and other treats. No Easter was complete without some classic Italian Easter treats including Perugina chocolates and “Uovo di Pasqua” – large hollow chocolate eggs wrapped in elaborate foil, usually containing a surprise gift inside. Tina and Lee made the holiday feel magical, and her home was always decorated for holidays.
• How did her entertaining style evolve across her life in Puerto Rico, Detroit and Miami?
Tina’s entertaining style began to take shape in Puerto Rico, where she beautifully brought people together in her stunning home. She used her finest serving pieces, and evenings often began with a cocktail hour that set the tone for the gathering to follow. That gracious, polished style continued in Detroit and Miami, where she remained a superb hostess and brought the same elegance to her home and entertaining. No matter where she lived, she maintained her high standards and love of hospitality. What remained constant throughout was her warmth and inclusiveness—her homes were always places where people felt welcome and cared for.
• Are there any memorable stories involving political, cultural or journalistic figures she hosted?
A particularly memorable experience was meeting the great author James Michener at one of Tina’s gatherings. It was typical of her entertaining that a guest of his stature would be present alongside politicians, cultural figures, publishers, close personal friends, and, of course, family. She had a remarkable ability to bring together people from very different worlds and make the evening feel seamless and natural.
• What was her philosophy as a hostess—how did she make guests feel welcome, and what were her guests’ lasting impressions?
Tina’s philosophy as a hostess was rooted in generosity, elegance, and genuine care for others. She made people feel seen. Whether at home, at a formal affair, or in her work with the Arts Council, she had an extraordinary presence. She would almost sweep into a room—beautiful, impeccably dressed, adorned with fine jewelry, and greeting everyone with grace and warmth. She was attentive, and, to this day, people still talk about Tina and the impact she had on their lives. She not only supported charities publicly, but also helped many people quietly and personally, never seeking recognition. Generosity was simply part of her nature, and it defined her style as a hostess as much as anything else.
Auction Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 10am
Exhibition May 2 - 4
View Property from the Tina Hills Collection
