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

Save the dates – An Evening at Tablescapes will take place on May 2nd and the Tablescapes Luncheon will be May 3rd. Tickets available now on the Little Hands Virginia website. See you there!

My Favorite Holiday Traditions

Hand-tied velvet blue bows adorn this Christmas Tree in Richmond, Virginia. Photography by Alison Gootee

Thanksgiving may be in the rear view mirror, but I like to keep the spirit of gratitude going as we move full speed ahead into the most magical time of the year. I love the holidays because they offer the opportunity to transform everyday spaces and celebrate, regardless of your beliefs! 

With the holiday hustle and bustle ramping up, I’m looking forward to squeezing in as many of my favorite traditions as possible before the year ends. These beloved events and activities actually force me to slow down and to pay extra attention to the things and people that are important to me. My time with family and with friends means the world to me, and my favorite traditions include hefty servings of both!

This milk punch recipe is always a crowd pleaser! Photography by Alison Gootee

One long standing tradition is a dinner party for friends that my husband and I throw. Some years, we even ask people to dress in costume to get into the festive spirit. One non-negotiable: a series of questions that get answered and submitted anonymously. As part of the evening’s fun, we try to figure out who said what. It’s a fun way to break the ice and learn new and occasionally surprising things about old friends.

As for food, I often prepare a smoked turkey gumbo, a nod to my husband’s New Orleans roots, as an appetizer. Every year I make a bunch of milk punch with a recipe handed down from my husband’s uncle–it’s always a crowd pleaser! Dinner itself can vary year to year (and on especially busy years, we rely on a caterer to make our holiday load a little lighter). For dessert, one of my favorites is a coconut cake, but the offerings vary year to year. What never changes is the rejuvenating and comforting experience of laughing and being together with friends.

Unsurprisingly, decorating the table is another favorite holiday tradition. I love to change the theme yearly to stave off monotony. One year I used woodland animals and wintery blue accents for inspiration; another I leaned into crisp peppermint colors, and last year, a Scrooge-themed table (complete with gold “coins” as table decorations). This year, I was captivated by the Nutcracker and inspired by Sugar Plum Fairy-eque pinks and whites. Be sure to watch my Homeworthy episode, “Inside a Willliamsburg-Style Home Decked with Nutcracker Decor” for the full tour!

A Victorian card ribbon over the mantle. Photography by Alison Gootee

A holiday decorating idea that I reuse year after year is a Victorian card ribbon over the mantle. I originally spied a ribbon festooned with cards and displayed over a chest at Major Dooley’s home, Maymont, and I adapted the idea for my own home. I love how my fireplace is framed every year with photos of the people I care about so I can see their faces while relaxing after holiday prep and activities.

Another much anticipated holiday ritual is making cinnamon buns for friends and family. I deliver these sweet treats right before Christmas so that they can enjoy an easy and delicious breakfast once the present unwrapping frenzy is over. Of course, we make sure to save some for our family as well!

A winter wonderland theme is continued in the smallest details from icy blue wrapping paper and matching ribbon. Photography by Alison Gootee

I’ll take these traditions over anything wrapped in a bow, but if you’re still looking for present ideas for friends and loved ones, be sure to check out my gift suggestions over at Glam Pad’s 5th Annual “Christmas with the Tastemakers” Shopping Guide!

Happy holidays!

Gift Guide

The latest Sara Hillery Interior Design Gift Guide is here! Scroll through to find the perfect gift for the most fun-loving friend or family member on your list!

Suzanne Kasler: Edited Style, Barnes & Noble, $57.50

The queen of edited elegance released a new book!

Palm Beach Playing Cards, LouLou Baker, $32

These cheerful playing cards provide a little more style than your typical red or blue set.

Metal Poppy Earrings, Amazon, $15

How fun are these metal earrings? Everyone on my team has a pair!

Eloise Mirror, Sara Hillery Home, $580

Chinoiserie is always in style!

The Perfectly Imperfect Home by Deborah Needleman, Barnes & Noble, $32.50

Such a happy book on how to decorate and live well.

Custom Backgammon Board, Nine Fair, Price and availability varies

A custom backgammon board brings back a classic game in updated colors.

Combed Marble Daily Planner, Papier, $32

This simple and bright planner will keep you organized in style in 2023.

Annie Sconce, Sara Hillery Home, $490

I love the curves and color on this lantern sconce!

Virginia Mammal Pillow, Sara Hillery Home, $300 each

So excited about these winning pillows in last year’s “Made in VA Awards.”

Party Tumbler (Set of 6), Zafferano America, $159

I love this tumbler – There is something so fun about polka dots on a table!

Too Much Needlepoint Pillow, Furbish, $104

This needlepoint pillow in such a bright color is way too much fun!

Michael Aram Pink Dogwood Napkin Rings, Moda Home, $100

Love these napkin rings in a dogwood motif as a nod to my home state of Virginia!

Mally’s Little Handbook, Mally Skok Design, $22

My friend published this book last summer and it still is a favorite!

Goat Leg Leather Upholstered Stool, Sara Hillery Home, $1,500

Anyone who knows me knows that I love anything that looks like it can walk.

K&K Interiors Preserved Boxwood Single Ball Topiary in Pot, Amazon, $89

A simple topiary can elevate any space.

Citrus Clementine Folded by Gina Langford, Dogwood Hill, $48.75

These are the best notecards! I included a custom set in my Lenox Hill tablescape.

20 Piece Bamboo Flatware Set for 4, Sara Hillery Home, $36

A touch of the tropics for your next dinner party!

Set of 4 Batik Placemats in Coral, Amanda Lindroth, $45

I cannot get enough of this cheery batik print!

12-Piece Melamine Bamboo Dinnerware Set for 4

Add bamboo details to your holiday table and celebrate the season in style

The Songbird in Blush, Birdies, $120

Peak fashion meets peak comfort. And how fun are these pom-poms?

Scalloped Napkin, Sara Hillery Home, $30

Perfect year-round from Mardi-Gras to Christmas!

Thanksgiving Tablescape

Sara Hillery Interior Design

Happy Thanksgiving from my table to yours!

This season, I have been inspired by the simplicity of the original Thanksgiving- and have sought to design a humble, earthy tablescape as a reminder of the holiday’s central message of gathering, sharing, and giving thanks.

Sara Hillery Interior Design

A Touch of the Tropics:

Despite the forecast, I have been embracing inspiration from the tropics!

This bamboo tablecloth serves as a playful foundation while its brown hue allows this base layer to remain somewhat muted and very versatile.

Touches of bamboo seem to evoke a casual elegance – and I simply cannot get enough of this natural element! Since designing a table for the 2022 Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Gala, I have been incorporating bamboo silverware into my recent place settings. This bamboo flatware set now available on Sara Hillery Home acts as an additional cheerful nod to an island paradise.

These natural elements work in tandem to add texture as well as echo the familiar warm palette associated with autumn.

Chargers and China:

How fun are these green scalloped rice paper placemats? They are another earthy yet elegant base for today’s place setting.

In addition to the down-to-earth placemats, blue gold-rimmed China and white bamboo plates are layered on top of one another for a polished yet relaxed look.

Garden Centerpieces:

When tablescaping, be sure to include greenery! Even modest garden herbs in terracotta pots can liven up a table. Moreover, garden herb centerpieces can add an aromatic scent to an already delicious meal!

Sara Hillery Interior Design

Sara Hillery Interior Design

Upcycled Napkins:

This season, I have been inspired by the resourcefulness and practicality of the original Thanksgiving and sought to reuse elements- including these napkins- from my personal collection.

Another way easy way to add interest to a tablescape includes alternating napkin patterns. Deviating away from formal and traditional monogram linens, I mixed pink batik napkins with a blue block print pattern which resulted in a vibrant, eclectic blend. I even chose to forgo a napkin ring! 

These simple napkin choices can create a casual and welcoming atmosphere.

Sara Hillery Interior Design

Gratitude Notes for Guests:

Finally, handwritten notes of gratitude for each guest act as name cards.

I am hopeful that these messages of appreciation remind each guest how extraordinary they are and that they have a meaningful souvenir to take home.

Thank you for following along!

Let There be Light: A Bright and Airy Bathroom Makeover

After living for many years with a first floor layout that included a bedroom and a study with only a small bathroom, two empty nesters decided it was time for a change to better suit their lifestyle now. Eliminating the study made way for a major bathroom makeover (and for the addition of a walk-in closet). The resulting room is a bright space filled with tactile and visual details that give the room an abundance of personality.

Key to keeping the sleek serenity of the space is the crisp yet inviting color palette. Choosing a soft neutral for the walls and under-the-sink cabinets makes the space feel bigger, calmer, and soothing.

To shed light throughout the new space, Sara doubled the room’s natural lighting by adding another sight-line window. In addition to overhead recessed lighting, she also added plenty of shine-reflecting bling in the finishes.

Pops of color and texture add intrigue and enliven the space. For example, the painting above the mirrored chest is a sea of organically crafted and warmly colored brushstrokes, painted by Sara herself,  while the ushak floor rug creates a cozy, lived-in feel.

A vintage relief sculpture of a woman in a hat adds an artistic dimension to the wall.

Despite its luxe appearance, the shower was finished with tiles in a marbled design in taupes and greys in lieu of actual marble. Tile doesn’t require the maintenance and care (or cost) of natural stone, but still offers a natural, polished look. A panel with a design breaks up the shower area and adds another layer of texture, while the glass door makes the space seem bigger.

With elements toggling effortlessly between the modern and the eclectic, we transformed the bathroom into a bright, relaxing, and soothing oasis that the homeowners will enjoy for years to come.

First Home Essentials

As I get ready to celebrate my anniversary it brings back memories of all the firsts and exciting moments of getting married and preparing to build a life together. Looking back almost 15 years I am sharing a few things I have learned along the way...

Whether you live together prior to marriage or not, moving into your first home as Mr. and Mrs. feels special…and getting a little help in purchasing all the things you want and need is a wonderful bonus of getting hitched. Your registry provides the perfect opportunity for you to request goods, furniture, art, and more that will reflect your relationship and interests as a couple and help prepare you for your lives together. 

So many choices and areas can make the registry process seem overwhelming (Towels! Matching tennis racquets! 35 types of waffle makers!), so we made our list of the Top 5 best things to register for, invest in, and use often. And that last part is of utmost importance: if you don’t have aspirations of hand-making your own noodles for spaghetti night, skip that pretty KitchenAid with the pasta arm attachment. A surefire way to kill newlywed domestic bliss is to end up with cabinets and closets of appliances, décor, and knickknacks that are simply collecting dust. On the other hand, surrounding yourself with beautiful and useful items that you choose together can keep that warm glow of love going.

China and Dinnerware

This is the time to splurge! Your wedding is likely the one time in your life someone else will be buying china and dinnerware for you so select pieces you go ga-ga for. While it seems like you can buy anything on the Internet these days, we highly recommend that you take a trip to the store before adding these every day and special occasion essentials to your registry.

Hold the mugs, feel the weight of the silverware, examine the plates: these are the MVPs of your kitchen and dining room so you want to make sure you are choosing wisely and for the long haul.

And speaking of the long haul, the price of sterling silver can increase dramatically over time, so if your wedding day yield is a mix and match of silverware pieces, make sure you save some of your gift cards and extra funds to fill out at least one set so that you have it for life. This is a good tip for dinnerware as well: go ahead and purchase the rest or at least several sets. Some stores discontinue lines or even just certain colors, and you don’t want to be stuck without enough pasta bowls or end up with a hodgepodge of mismatched dishes. To get varied looks (and the most bang for your buck), consider picking a simple and classic dinner plate and then adding wild, playful, fun dessert, salad plates or chargers.

A good sofa

Whether you have visions of watching your favorite movies huddled together, hosting friends for wine, cheese, and charades hang outs, or spending lazy Sunday afternoons napping, picking the right sofa is of key importance and another instance where you want to try it out in real life. To choose a sofa that will last whatever life throws at it (and on it), seek out a kiln-dried hardwood frame and cushions with eight way hand-tied springs. As for fabric, we don’t have any hard and fast rules, other than to choose something that’s durable and that you find yourselves drawn to, whether it’s neutral or in a statement pattern or design. If your tastes change quickly, and you love switching things up regularly, consider erring on the neutral side. Throw pillows and blankets are a great way to incorporate bold colors, and swapping out these décor details will be less painful (and expensive) than a whole sofa!

Original art

Art is a deeply individual part of the decorating process, and it’s crucial for adding a personal touch to your home as well as setting the tone and mood. Original art sourced from galleries, Etsy, or your artist friends truly elevate a room and help make the space uniquely yours. One-of-a-kind pieces are conversation starters; even a few smaller, distinctive pieces framed well and hung with care over a second-hand sofa looks much more put together than a poster from college hung with push pins. Trust us: we are hereby giving you permission to throw away, recycle, or move into the attic anything that graced your walls during your college years.

If you and your significant other love a piece of art, it will likely be eye candy to some of your visitors as well, but don’t worry about whether the art is “good” or “worth it” from an investment standpoint. You and your spouse will be the ones living with it so select something that stands out to you! Of course, building your own art collection is rewarding, but for many novice art buyers, it’s more important to select pieces that work for your budget and your style now. You can always save up later for your own little Matisse or Kahlo original!

Versatile and investment-worthy furniture

Playing with the size and shape of your rooms and what can fit in it is one of our favorite activities as designers, and you and your significant other can play too with a few foundational furniture pieces. Look for versatile options that are built to last. Select furniture crafted from wood from sustainably certified forests, antique pieces that have stood the test of time, and/or pieces that feature evidence of craftsmanship and expertise, as evident in dovetail details. 

Finding hardworking pieces that can transition between different rooms is a major goal here. For example, a chest of drawers could be used in an entry hall, topped with a lamp and a beautiful bowl for mail and keys. It could just as easily be incorporated into the master bathroom as an elegant way to store linens or as a functional TV stand in the living room. And take your time. Some hand-crafted furniture takes weeks or months to arrive after ordering. The wait will be worth it (and you won’t even remember it) years down the road as you are still enjoying your carefully chosen pieces.

Something that you choose TOGETHER

It’s common that one half of a couple takes the registry reigns and makes many of the decisions. If you or your spouse truly doesn’t have an opinion or trusts the other completely, your selection process will undoubtedly be easier than that of two highly opinionated people.

However, we highly recommend that BOTH of you weigh in on the registry and selecting pieces for your new home together. Not only is it a good bonding experience, but having both parties join in the decision-making process will make your home feel like what it should be: a reflection of the both of you. Have some fun and incorporate your common interests, complementary styles, and respective sensibilities. Whether it’s an amazing painting you found in a gallery while on vacation, a statement chair that reminds you of the pink dress you wore on your first date, or a hand-thrown vase that makes you laugh and think of your ill-fated attempt at a couple’s pottery class, find and invest in pieces that make you both happy and that reflect your unique personalities.

Museum Fix

Museums are slowly opening up, and returning to more traditional travel is (knock on wood) on the horizon, but jetting around to the latest exhibitions seems ambitious at the moment.

For those of us who are still committed to armchair travel to get our fix of arts and culture, we have some compelling online options, several of which are hands on and fun for the whole family. 

One of the silver linings of the pandemic is that museums and galleries have put more of their pieces and the stories behind them online, so you can access them anytime!

Museum of International Folk Art

In addition to exploring the museum’s mind-bogglingly extensive online collection of folk art from all around the globe, you can try your hand at some of their DIY art projects, inspired by traditions including Mexican paper making and Japanese fans.

Tate

Through podcasts, articles, videos, and more the Tate offers a deep dive into numerous pieces in its collection and the passionate creators behind them. We also recommend the  Create Like An Artist series, with fantastic hands-on projects for both kids and adults with options including soap carving, making chocolate paintings inspired by Jackson Pollack, and using the techniques of master watercolorist Joseph Turner.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi

Online options at this gorgeous museum are extraordinary. We could spend days exploring, from an online book focusing on clothes and costumes in the collection to curated playlists to spoken word poetry inspired by various galleries to a “futuristic audio and visual experience”.

National Museum of India

Looking for some bite-sized art education? The National Museum of India’s Museum at Home features short videos on sculptures, artistic traditions, and more. The video gallery also offers quick, insightful dips into India’s fascinating art and history. 

Bata Shoe Museum

This quirky Toronto museum focuses on shoes throughout history (yes, the collection is as amazing as it sounds).  With the museum’s #BSMFromHome offerings, you can brush up on your knowledge of various shoe-making techniques, get a virtual tour of exhibitions, or de-stress with some shoe-themed coloring sheets.

Petra

If you haven’t been able to cross off the architectural wonders of Petra off your bucket travel list (or if you just want a return trip), this comprehensive “tour” of the Rose City might satiate your wanderlust for a short time. It’s not technically a museum, but there’s enough history and art to make for an educational and inspiring armchair voyage.

The Freshest Holiday Décor Trends of 2020

The Holiday season is in full swing, and if you are looking for ways to refresh and up the ante of your holiday décor, look no further! we have created a list of our favorite, freshest, and most festive holiday decorating trends for 2020!

BLUE IS BIG!

“Classic Blue” was named Pantone’s color of the year for 2020 so there’s no huge surprise that hues of blues might pop up in holiday décor, blue feels unique and fresh, especially for Christmas décor!

We love mixing in Chinoiseries pieces with our decorations. These blue and white porcelain pieces, planters, and ginger jars have been popular for quite some time now, but utilizing them for holiday decorations is trendy and fun. Not to mention, if these are a staple in your everyday home décor, you’ll be saving time and energy when it comes time to pack up the holiday decorations!

Design by Emily Clark

Get Them Here

These chinoiserie painted oyster shell ornaments are another great way to incorporate blue into your décor this year.

Another way to use blue this holiday season is by using classic navy. Not as bold as black, but just as chic, navy is an unexpected and gorgeous color to use while decorating!

Design by Becki Owens

Blast from the Past

With all of us living through a global pandemic, it’s no surprise we are yearning for the idyllic holidays of the past. Try raiding grandma’s attic for vintage decorations!

A throw back to a Victorian trend, try displaying your holiday cards over your mantle. You and your family will love seeing all of the season’s greetings you received this year!

These iconic ceramic Christmas trees have become popular again after taking a back seat for decades. We love this version in an updated all-white colorway!

Get One Here

Get Them Here

These traditional Christmas tree Highball glasses provide the perfect subtle festive touch to any holiday cocktail!

Pretty In Pink

This one is just fun! Pops of pink provide an unexpected and crowd-pleasing ambiance. It’s definitely not a traditional look, but we love how surprising and cheeky it is.

A forest of pink bottle brush trees is a great and easy place to start if you’re unsure how to tackle the pink Christmas trend. Scatter these across a credenza or mantle for instant fun and charm.

Get Them Here

Design by Arin Solange at Home

Design by Jennifer Perkins

Bright shades of neon pink are sure to make a big splash! Try using pink ornaments and garland to create a unique and crafty mantle vignette.

For a more classic look, try dusty pink rather than a brighter shade. This combination of crisp, white table linens, crystal drinkware, long leaf eucalyptus, and dusty rose blown glass ornaments is absolutely gorgeous!

Design by Joli Place

Mix and Match

This one is definitely a favorite of ours! A maximalist approach creates such a warm and collected look for the holiday season!

Design by Quintessence

Layering, and layering, and layering pattern, textures, and colors is key here. Don’t be afraid to embrace several different colors and patterns!

If you’re unsure where to begin with this trend, try out a block printed tablecloth as your base and build from there.

Get One Here

Design by Sara Hillery Interior Design

Scandinavian Chic

In contrast, Scandinavian minimalist décor with natural elements, this straightforward yet chic style will be everywhere this year.

Design by Homeyohmy

With a focus on, simple, fresh, and natural materials, these wreaths are a tasteful nod to the minimalist elements we associate with Scandinavian design.

A great way to add depth and drama to your minimalist décor is to embrace black! It might seem crazy to use black for your holiday decorating, but when mixed with fresh greenery and sleek Scandinavian elements, using black makes for show stopping décor!

Get Them Here

Design by Burkatron

No matter how you decide to decorate this holiday season, we hope you stay healthy, happy, safe this year!

Celebrating Fall and Thanksgiving in Color

One promise we made ourselves during this challenging year was to add sprinkles of joy whenever possible. So for our Thanksgiving table this year, we moved it outdoors! We wanted to change it up a bit this year, we’ve been having a wonderfully mild Autumn and wanted to take advantage of the nice weather before Winter. Moving outside also allowed us to gather and remain Covid-safe.

We leaned heavily into our love of natural elements, vintage details, and handcrafted pieces, and plenty of color, of course! Instead of creating a monochromatic or neutral color palette, we embraced a variety of warm colors to give us and our table guests some life and vibrancy.

We began with a fresh white cotton tablecloth that had been hand block printed with repeating blue patterns reminiscent of leaves and tree branches. A rattan charger grounds each place setting along with folded and draped gorgeous ikat napkins in dreamy purples and pinks. The green bamboo dinner plates from Blue Pheasant add gloss and texture, while flatware in gold and green tie into this color scheme while adding modern flair. Vintage Kaiser white bowls from Germany finish off the clean and composed look of the place settings.

For drinkware, we chose chic yet distinctive variations from typical clear glass. Blue, vintage inspired goblets and hand blown “tortoiseshell” glasses offer a faint whisper of the exotic and prove that unconventional matches can work beautifully together.

A vintage brass bowl overflowing with globe amaranth and coleus leaves and surrounded by mini pumpkins, apples, and figs makes the table feel especially romantic. By drawing from colors found throughout nature and pairing surprising textures and tones, we created a table that celebrates the simplest and most pleasurable of joys these days: sharing an intimate meal with loved ones.