Hostess maven Sarah Bartholomew invites you to create a welcoming home for family and friends with her namesake collection for Lee Jofa. Inspired by her Southern roots, this collection of fabrics and coordinating wallpapers lends itself to warm spaces perfect for holiday gatherings, tasteful celebrations, and relaxing respite for houseguests.
Here are five hosting tips inspired by Sarah to help you with your holiday preparations for a relaxed and memorable evening with your loved ones.
1. Create A Beautiful Tablescape
“A table setting is like a pop-up room that you don’t have to live with for a long time.”
Elevate your table by applying the principles of interior design, like layering and color theory. The table is where you can let your creativity shine by mixing patterns and new color combinations with your centerpieces and table linens.
2. Decorate With Fresh Flowers
“I love finding the flowers that are in season, and I think it is a fun way to express yourself in a small, intimate way.”
Visually stunning and tantalizingly aromatic, fresh flowers are the perfect accessory for a well-designed room. But knowing what’s in season is the trick. Here are some suggestions to help you ornament your home with beautiful arrays of fresh flowers, just like Sarah:
Winter: Anemone, Camellias, Forget-me-nots, Narcissus, Holly, and Poinsettias,
Spring: Freesias, Forsythia, Gardenias, Orchids, and Sweet Peas
Summer: Bougainvillea, Peonies, Marigolds, Sunflowers, and Irises
Fall: Mums, Dahlias, Chrysanthemum, and Pansies
3. Take A Beat Of Calm Before The Storm
The life of a veteran host is active – full of excitement, happy memories, and love. Schedule some time for yourself or your immediate family to relax and enjoy the quiet before the first guests arrive.
You’ll feel more energized and better able to entertain and engage with your guests when it’s time for the main event. The party of the century should be fun for everyone, including the host!
4. Create Spaces For Meaningful Conversation & Connection
“You can never have too many chairs.”
Large, open spaces are great for mingling over hors d’oeuvres, but equally as important are those quiet corners where your guests can sit, relax, and connect. Spread a few accent chairs throughout the space to allow for breakaway conversations between small groups.
5. Ensure Your Guests Have A Place To Recharge
When designing this bedroom in her home, Sarah wanted to create a place of tranquility. “I started with the green Baldwin stripe. I love nature and wanted to feel like we were enveloped in the natural world, so I did the walls, draperies, and upholstery in this beautiful crisp stripe.”
Hosting loved ones we haven’t seen in a while is a delight, but travel takes a toll! Creating a sanctuary where your guests can relax and recharge away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays is one of the best gifts you can give.
Ready to start planning your next holiday gathering?
Get inspired by the Sarah Bartholomew collection with its calming florals, breezy indienne fabrics, and crisp stripes on Pinterest.