Stylist’s Corner

tom hamilton

When Tom Hamilton, globe-trotting stylist and flea market connoisseur, arrived in Jasper, Florida for a farm-inspired photo shoot as part of Art Smith’s cookbook, Back to the Family, he had only three days to prepare. In instances like this, where time is limited, Tom’s keen eye for found objects can be incredibly useful.

To play to the land’s natural beauty, Tom turned to local antique stores for props that embodied the rustic look he was seeking. Here, mismatched wooden chairs, tin containers, and a ceramic pitcher convey a casual, no-frills dinner scene that echoes the feel of the farm. Varying the heights and shapes of the dishware while working within a certain color scheme, says Tom, is the key to creating a striking yet cohesive look. With the addition of a loose bouquet of garden flowers, the resulting setup appears simple, fresh and natural–the very essence of farm-to-table cooking.

by KATHRYN O’MALLEY