In my mind, interior design is not just about making things pretty. Good design sets the stage for living better, entertaining friends and family graciously, and creating a place of welcome and solace. Having people you love in your home allows you to share your hospitality.
Hospitality is very important to me. Any good Southerner will consider hospitality essential to the well lived life. Modern Southern hospitality is all about sharing, welcoming, and enjoying those you love. It is not about silver tea sets and the right fork.
When you have guests, it’s often the very small things that make people feel cared for. Here are some very simple and gracious ways to make other’s feel ‘taken care of’:
- offer a coaster or a napkin with a drink
- providing a seat that isn’t covered in old newspapers or mail
- a clean towel at the bathroom sink
- having the toilet paper on the dispenser, and not just out
Hospitality can be a two way street. Treat others well and treat yourself well too.
The photo is from a magazine shoot, styled and produced by Jeffrey Evans. The framed photo, used as a place card, is of his brother, Grant Evans. The feature focused on options to setting a personalized table.
Jeff, did you put together the flower arrangement in this photo? I'm assuming it's silk? It's very nice. What's your thought on using silk flowers? I've always been a *huge* critic of them, but I've seen them in some georgous homes lately. Is there a rule of thumb? I put together a really nice fresh daisy arrangement in our guest room for our 1st guests. They lasted about 2 weeks before we had to discard them. I was wondering, since we don't use the room that often, would be tacky to go to Michaels or Hobby Lobby and buy some nice, quality silk daisy's and duplicate it? Or would you just recommend replacing them when needed? I love look of fresh flowers and I enjoy putting together the arrangements... I just don't like spending the money on fresh flowers for 3 or 4 places in the house every couple weeks... Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteHey- Thanks for the question! The flowers in this pic were made for a Oklahoma Magazine's holiday issue. The article featured different table top schemes. The flowers in the picture are fresh. I love the smell of Asian Lilly. When hiking in S. China, I actually found this same variety growing in the mountains!
ReplyDeletePlastic flowers remind me of cheap Memorial Day grave displays. They usually have harsh primary colors (that show up well in the sun light). Silk flowers were the next generation of this product. Well, technology changes things- and there are nice looking silk flowers available in craft stores. The trick is to use them in a way that looks natural, and believable; Don't show the stems in glass vase, cut the stems at varying heights (this makes them look fresh cut).
My favorite version of flowers would be: The real thing. Can't replace that great fragrance! The color! The ambiance!
I agree, placing fresh flowers can be expensive! But, what a great way to show a guest that they are special.
I like to cut flowers from the garden, or if out of season, interesting leaves and evergreen stems. Place them the day of the visit, move them to your own bedside after they leave- to enjoy them yourself!
The important thing is to make your guest feel welcomed, introducing nature to a room, and relaxing- do what you can- and do it well.