THROWING A

WHERE DID YOUR APPROACH TO COLOR, PATTERN AND EMBROIDERY DEVELOP?

Joanna - Growing up I was always creating my own fabric and was super interested with pattern and technique on textiles... I remember making a huge tie and dye tablecloth and matching napkins on our small roof in Hong Kong. That love of creating has stayed with me – and I so enjoy exploring new techniques and trying things that our factories and artisans have not tried before. I love juxtapositions and do NOT love anything that feels too matched or themed....

Everyday I am looking for color play and internalising everything I see – I may not recall the exact name and place of date night...but if there was a mood or visual in that restaurant that I liked,... it will be locked in my memory bank for future use!

I have always loved surface pattern and much of it is very instinctive...I truly appreciate the idiosyncrasies of hand touched/created products. As I have gotten older I find it easier to determine and define what feels ‘mass’ and what looks ‘designed’. That’s very important to me – our collection is all designed by me and whilst there is so much available to ‘source’, we never go down that path.

WHAT DO YOU FEEL WAS THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOUR DESIGN AESTHETIC GROWING UP IN HONG KONG?

Joanna - The love of glamour and sparkle is prevalent in everyday life in Hong Kong and that had a huge impact on my visual language. What’s interesting is when you contrast that with my equal love of grand but shabby old English homes... I think that’s where the unique aesthetic of Joanna Buchanan comes into play. Perfect gloss mixed with perfect quirky! WERE THERE ANY OTHER TRAVELS THAT INSPIRED YOUR COLLECTION AND MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON YOUR STYLE?

Joanna - I have a huge passion for India and adore traveling there... the unexpected color combinations are everywhere you look. I worked for an Indian textile company for four years and understand what is possible to create on a loom which really helps the creative process.

Indian pattern and embroidery is a recurring theme in my design...But I don’t want things to look too ethnic – so we will take a traditional pattern and print on linen instead of cotton and add a gold trim, for example...or a traditional Indian embroidery technique and pop it into a bee motif ...then its glamorous enough to be JB.

The markets there are such an amazing feast – I always buy snips of ribbon, vintage fabrics colored threads to bring home and work with in my studio in the garden... so the juxtaposition of worlds is very real!

YOUR LOVE FOR GARDENING WEAVES ITS WAY THROUGH YOUR DESIGNS WITH THE BEAUTIFUL BEE COLLECTIONS AND MANY MORE. WHEN AND HOW WAS THIS LOVE CULTIVATED?

Joanna - My parents had a summer home in England and neither of them were particularly interested in the garden but I saw a blank canvas for creation!

I was out there during the summer holidays digging beds and asking Mum to drive me to the garden centre for plants... I was probably ten years old... and I loved weeding and edging and keeping everything immaculate! Learning what liked being where, eagerly waiting for the next year to see what had grown...it is a lifelong love and if I could, I would be outside working every day!

When I moved to London and then New York, that passion had to take a back seat but now we are in Connecticut – we have three wonderful acres to plant. I am always so inspired by the ‘moods’ of other people’s gardens and everyone who comes to our garden always says they feel transported to England. I love deep messy beds and a mix of plantings...no straight lines here! Except for my topiaries which are an eternal work in progress!

WHEN YOU ARE AT HOME, WHERE DO YOU DO MOST OF YOUR ENTERTAINING?

Joanna - We love outdoor entertaining in the summer – we have a lot of friends with children and they love to run about outside – it just makes everything so fun and casual.

In the fall, I so enjoy setting a beautiful table and making things a little more sophisticated. We have a lovely bright dining room with high ceilings, so in fall, I dim the lights and light the candles and create a super cosy and moody vibe.

WHAT WILL BE THE DESIGN FOCUS OF YOUR HOLIDAY TABLE THIS YEAR?

Joanna - We are only talking about grown up glamour this Christmas.... we are banishing all things childlike!!

Our new capiz trees are the most exciting way to decorate your holiday table – they are instant “impact” and such a stunning centerpiece. I will be building greenery and florals around the trees as they give the best structural starting point for any concept or color scheme you want to create.

So we will all enjoy fabulous extravagant tables and also our new celebration crackers. They are such a fun way to get the party started... crowns, riddles, games and gorgeous Joanna Buchanan sparkling gifts inside! Our reviews are fantastic and I can’t wait for the new sets to ship!

YOU SEEM TO ENTERTAIN SO EFFORTLESSLY DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR THE REST OF US?

Joanna - Plan and prep – very little in life is truly effortless!

3 MAJOR HOLIDAY DECORATING TRENDS FOR 2022

WOODLAND WONDERLAND

Here we use natural elements that bring the outdoors inside. A large quirky tree with plenty of branches for ornaments that are burnished and have patina. Large magnolia branches in vases used on console tables or mantles. Mixed garlands of pine, cedar, and magnolia draped on the staircase. A large wreath of pine cones, large & small, mixed with juniper berries. A large bow of shimmering organza finishes it off. Beautiful birds of all varieties are tucked into the tree, garlands, and wreaths as a surprise element. Garlands are laid on the dining tables With pillar candles, votives, glittery dear, and pine cones. Napkins are wrapped with simple jute with greens tucked in. Michael Giannelli, owner of East Hampton Gardens shares this years 3 major holiday decorating trends. Michael knows a thing or two about creating the perfect visual experience. In his previous career in fashion merchandising and branding, Michael worked in management roles, overseeing the creative direction of top brands. His experience ranges from merchandising to managing large staffs to conceptualizing new visions for global brands such as the Gap to Victoria’s Secret. We asked Michael where this years trends will take us. Here are his top 3.

This is our nod to a classic, More traditional Christmas. A large Classic tree filled with white lights, red, green, and silver beaded garlands, painted plaid ornaments in glass, and Santa’s in all shapes and sizes. candy canes and peppermints in apothecary jars on mantles and tables. Vintage-inspired ornaments to hang in mass on the tree finished with retro tinsel that sparkles. Satin tartan tree skirts and stockings add to the traditional mix. Tartan ribbons are woven in garlands and finish a beautiful wreath layered with greens, pine cones, and winterberry. Our signature red satin bows are placed on boxwood wreaths inside and out, The tails are left long to add drama. Tables are set with a mix of heirloom China and grandma’s crystal glasses and napkins are finished with dress pleats and are tucked into silver napkin rings. Boxwood topiaries are placed in small silver containers to add shimmer and reflect the candle glow.

JACK FROST

This is a winter wonderland of snowy whites and shimmer that brings elegance to your tree, interiors, and tabletop. Frosted trees twinkling with lights, silver garlands, and vintage ornaments are the focus. Antique silver glitter covers pine cones & accents of crystal icicles, glittery, blown glass ornaments, and faux fur-covered Santas are grouped together in a wintery scene. Pastel-colored cottages finished with glitter sparkle under the tree or placed on a console with antique white & gold miniature trees to set a frosty holiday mood. Take out all your vintage silver pieces and accents and display them around your home filled with ornaments, greens, or candy. Frosted garlands are placed on mantles with crystal and silver candle sticks and everything shimmers in a layer of glitter.

TIPS AND TRADITIONS FOR THROWING A HOLIDAY SOIREE

The ultimate tastemaker Aerin Lauder

By Colleen Guilfoile Richmond Photography by Simon Upton.

When we think of hosting an elegant soiree at home, the first person that comes to mind is Aerin Lauder. Aerin Lauder, Founder and Creative Director at AERIN and Style and Image Director at Estée Lauder grew up taking notes from her legendary grandmother, Estée Lauder. Just like her grandmother, Aerin is renowned for hosting fabulous soirées with impeccable taste. Aerin’s name has become synonymous with beautiful tablescapes where her own lifestyle serves as a focus point of inspiration for her global luxury lifestyle brand.

It goes without saying that Aerin Lauder has been a guest at some of the most glittering of celebrations throughout the years, but she enjoys entertaining just as much at home. We consulted with Aerin and asked for a few of her best tips.

AS AN ENTERTAINING ICON, WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ENTERTAINING TIPS?

The most important thing to remember as a host is to be prepared and relaxed. Guests know when you are stressed or worried. Entertaining should feel effortless, so as a host you can also enjoy the party. Even if everything is not perfect, it is most important that guests feel welcome and comfortable.

IS THERE A SIGNATURE COCKTAIL YOU LIKE TO SERVE?

I love serving tequila in beautiful bottles that I have found during my travels.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS YOU LIKE TO GIFT OTHERS DURING THE HOLIDAYS?

I love giving gifts that feel meaningful and special. If a friend is interested in a certain style of art or fashion, I will gift a beautiful coffee table book about that subject. I also love to gift beautiful picture frames with photographs of special memories, candles that remind me of inspiring destinations, and of course, chocolates and fragrance.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY MEMORY OF YOUR GRANDMOTHER?

For me, the holiday season has always been filled with family, nostalgia, and wonderful memories. I have loved the holidays since I was a young girl, but my favorite memory is getting up on Christmas morning and opening my stocking full of candies and surprises with my family. My sister and I would always wake up extra early and run downstairs to the tree in our pajamas. With all of the décor, the parties, the festive fashion, and the time spent with the people I love most, I have always thought of the holidays as absolute magic. Through the years, I have tried to maintain those same traditions with my own children.