Officially my all-time favorite classic movie, I sat and watched Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner having not seen it in at least 10 years. Made in 1967, the movie was ahead of its time, and surprisingly the themes of interracial relationships, calls for tolerance, and inclusion still resonate today.
Both families meet for the first time for a formal dinner at the bride-to-be’s parents’ elegant home. After much back and forth between the two sets of parents there’s a realization that they have much in common. Happily, it all works out in the end and the delightful couple fly off to Geneva to get married. Who doesn’t love a happy ending?? So, we created a beautiful tableau weaving in some of the movie’s themes for our own elegant evening at home.
Christmas is a holiday we traditionally celebrate with family and friends. This year though, for most of us, it will mean smaller gatherings at home. It’s especially important to find ways to celebrate The Holidays or any significant occasion because of the Pandemic. Albeit smaller and more intimate, a festive table setting will always be appreciated by your guests.
Whether going all out or keeping it simple, this is the occasion to express your creativity with items you may already own. A mix of plain and pattern plates is a tried & true stylish touch that brings panache to each place setting. Have the tablecloth be your foundation to pull those varied elements together, along with the same placemats or napkins for everyone.
Continue the festive mood with a seasonal poinsettia plant or two, along with shimmering tea-lights strategically placed on the table to add a glamorous glow. Fill that special-occasion only champagne bucket or large planter with ice and a bottle of whatever you’ll be serving with dinner – another step to elevating your table-scape. Think about dining in a different location, if space allows, like setting up a small table in the living room for a cozy gathering.
At home, casual chic, embellished with a touch of brocade or velvet completes the festive vibe. Let the festivities begin and make this year’s Holiday special and one to remember.
Doreen arrived in Manhattan from London to pursue a career at Estée Lauder and later Donna Karan Cosmetics & Home. It was there that she first fell in love with the process of creating, developing and accessorizing interiors.
Those skills were later put to work when Doreen became assistant to world-renowned architect, Peter Marino. On project after project, she saw how structures come together and how the spaces within them come to life. After going on to study at the New York School of Interior Design Doreen founded her design studio in 2001.
Named a Next Wave rising star designer by House Beautiful Magazine, Doreen draws on inspiration found in nature, fine art, theatre, fashion, food, and travel. She designs sophisticated environments with a serene ambiance for her clients, where they can unwind, relax, and recharge. Whether projects are big or small; the aesthetic contemporary, modern or traditional the timeless sophisticated homes Doreen creates are relaxed and welcoming.
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