Little Hands Virginia Tablescapes Showcase

 

The Inaugural Spring Tablescapes Showcase benefitting Little Hands Virginia. Photography by Gordon Gregory

I was honored and excited to participate in the inaugural Spring Tablescapes Showcase benefitting Little Hands Virginia, a nonprofit that ensures children in Central Virginia have essentials from birth to improve their outcomes in life.

 

“Tropical Punch” by Sara Hillery Interior Design. Photography by Gordon Gregory

For this festive showcase, I created a playful yet elegant tablescape that drew on some of my favorite travel memories, my love of balancing classic forms with bold colors, and my desire to bring some energetic whimsy to a fundraising event for a noble nonprofit and mission.

 

Hints of travel inspo are found throughout this colorful and cheery design. For example, I wanted orchids to be a focus of the centerpiece after falling in love with them in Thailand. Hot pink origami napkins are a nod to the time I spent in Japan, and I paired bamboo plates with small-print batik-inspired placemats (and also threaded the bamboo theme by using white bamboo-backed chairs). 

 

Sara Hillery Interior Design’s “Tropical Punch” tablescape.

I can never resist combining old and new so I incorporated vintage champagne flutes along with modern handmade tumblers on the table. In addition to the floral table skirt, the table setting pops with punches of pink and orange (hence the tablescape’s name “Tropical Punch”) as well as more neutral details such as ivory French silverware from my own collection.

 

Sara Hillery with her tablescape, “Tropical Punch.” Photography by Gordon Gregory

I loved being a part of this wonderful event and am looking forward to the 2nd Annual Spring Tablescapes Showcase.

 

Little Hands Virginia, “What a Wonderful World” 2024 Spring Tablescapes Showcase

 

Nantucket by Design

 

I was thrilled to travel to Nantucket over the summer for the 2023 Nantucket by Design, a fundraising event organized by the Nantucket Historical Association.

 

This marked my first time visiting this charming island, and, although it’s only 14 miles long and less than four miles wide, Nantucket really packs a punch in terms of history, design, and nature inspiration.

 

Nantucket is famous for its weathered grey and fresh white exteriors, cobblestone Main Street, and an abundance of nautical inspiration.

 

Traditional grey-shingled homes and buildings often hide whimsical and quirky interiors. Almost half of Nantucket is permanently protected open space, which means that visitors like us can easily enjoy the island’s natural resources.

 

The conference included wonderful programs, panels, and speakers. Getting to chat with old friends and make new ones is always a highlight at design events, especially when those chats take place on the water…

 

In my free time, I explored the island with my husband and got a glimpse of why Nantucket is such a popular vacation destination.

 

We visited the two of the island’s three iconic lighthouses including Sankaty Head Light and Brant Point.

 

And of course, we made time to indulge in my favorite habit of poking around antique stores!

 

We also took advantage of the gorgeous weather by spending as much time outside as we could. We ventured out on beach and bluff walks to admire the impressive homes and the equally impressive surrounding views.

 

Of course, we also partook in enjoying fresh seafood from lobster rolls to oysters to fish tacos. A few of our favorite places included Cru Oyster Bar, Topper’s at the Wauwinet, Galley Beach, and the Chanticleer.

 

After a wonderful week spent exploring and learning, I cannot wait to journey back to Nantucket for another visit.

 

Here are a few more of my favorite Behind-The-Scenes snapshots of my time on island:

 

Bay St. Louis and Pass Christian Adventure

Venture far enough South, and it seems that everyone that you meet has stories tinged with loss and resilience about the hurricanes that have shaped the local land and livelihood. The citizens and business owners of Bay St. Louis and Pass Christian - two small cities located on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi - certainly do.

Every summer, my family and I spend time along this special stretch of the Gulf Coast. And during each visit, we are always inspired by the area’s indomitable spirit and determination to honor the past while celebrating the present.

 

In 2005, the eye of Hurricane Katrina tore through Bay St. Louis with a fury unmatched, leaving behind devastation beyond measure. The catastrophic storm shook the very foundations of the historic homes and buildings that had once stood as silent sentinels along the coastline.

Amid the wreckage, these coastal communities banded together to embark on a long journey of rebuilding and revitalization - in a place where the spirit of resilience flows as steady as the Mississippi.

 

Bay St. Louis:

As architects and builders descended upon the region, Bay St. Louis focused on its future while working to preserve its rich heritage and strong architectural influences from its early European, African, and Creole inhabitants.

Today, Bay St. Louis stands as a quaint and charming coastal town where time takes on a slower pace - making it the perfect place to stop before or after a full day of boating adventures on the bay.

 

The Bay:

Water from swampland, streams, and the Mississippi Sound converge in the Bay so depending on where you venture, its salinity and depths vary.

The Bay’s calm waters offer a haven for seekers of adventure and tranquility alike. Whether you find solace in paddle boarding or waterskiing, appreciate the peace and patience of casting a fishing line, or enjoy embarking on day trips to its small nearby islands, the Bay can be your oyster.

 

Pass Christian:

Located a few miles over the Bay St. Louis Bridge, stands Pass Christian- a city that earned an impressive architectural reputation during the 19th and early 20th centuries for its beautifully crafted vacation and permanent homes.

Take one trip down the live oak lined Scenic Drive Historic District in Pass Christian and you’ll see why the beachfront area is nicknamed the “Newport of the South.” The expansive lawns and wide porches (some of which are two-story) capture the laid-back elegance of this coastal town.

 

Local Recommendations:

  • Oysters: The Oyster Bar at 200 North Beach is a must-try in Bay St. Louis.

  • Ice Cream: For the best dessert in Bay St. Louis, head to The Creole Creamery for a treat - Their Cookie Monster flavor is my favorite!

  • Coffee: One of my family’s favorite places to stop in Pass Christian includes Cat Island Coffeehouse - a coffee shop sharing a space with independent bookstore, Pass Christian Books.

 

I am already looking forward to our next visit to Bay St. Louis and Pass Christian - two cities with enduring Southern charm that have weathered long seasons of loss, rebuilding, and renewal.