Flower September/October 2023

“Don’t you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.”—Joe from Nora Ephron’s “You’ve Got Mail” I HAVE NEVER FORGOTTEN THIS QUOTE, AND I SAW THE MOVIE 25 YEARS AGO. Now that’s good dialogue. I don’t live in New York, for better or worse, and I don’t necessarily need a “bouquet of just-sharpened pencils” as I do most of my writing now on a keyboard; but I do well recall and relate to the anticipation, the frisson of a new school year—and a new season, especially fall. Fall, with its fresh palette of golds, deep reds, burnt oranges, charcoal grays, and vibrant grapes; its lingering dahlias; the welcome…

Foraged and Fabulous When floral and event designer Lewis Miller of Lewis Miller Design was in Birmingham, Alabama, for an event at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, he treated us to a floral arrangement demonstration at the home of FLOWER editor-in-chief Margot Shaw. He foraged materials from her garden and included some locally-grown dahlias to create a vibrant fall arrangement. See the video and Lewis’s tips for arranging at flowermag.com/howtodahlia Inspired Tables For almost every issue of FLOWER, our stylists set a fantastic table (see page 96 for the latest from contributor Amanda Smith Fowler). They curate gorgeous, seasonal table settings and share tablescape ideas using the latest wares and classic pieces from Replacements, Ltd.; Kravet; Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights; and others. We’ve gathered more than two dozen of these…

Defining Chic: Carrier and Company Interiors by Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller (Rizzoli, September 2023), $60 Sit back and enjoy this armchair tour of inspired interiors designed by Carrier and Company. For almost 20 years, firm principals Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller have been creating timeless, uniquely customized homes for their clients. As the talented duo explains, “We care deeply that the spaces we create are comfortable, that they function effortlessly for the lives they support, and that they are never under-decorated or overdesigned.” Readers will delight in the designers’ firsthand accounts of their individualized process for a variety of projects, including a historic, art-filled New York duplex; a refreshed Mediterranean-style California home; and an updated Connecticut lakeside retreat replete with glass expanses to capture the views. City Parks by…

Curve Appeal When it comes to style, classic forms will always have a seat at the table. They just require a fresh approach from time to time. From modern to traditional, silhouettes are becoming softer with curvature, including sinuous forms like the Freeform Writing Table by Baker Luxe (left). Inspired by the unpredictable shaping of modernist art, the gently flowing legs and top make this piece adaptable to any setting. For second-generation designer Nellie Howard Ossi, her take on the new traditional is displayed in her capsule collection, Nellie Jane for Mr. and Mrs. Howard. Blending classic with modern, as seen in the Angie slipper chair with its scalloped skirt (below), results in a fusion of grand millennial style and new traditional design. bakerfurniture.com; mrandmrshoward.sherrillfurniture.com MATERIAL MOMENT An art form…

Kelli Haywood loves a little friendly competition. So, when the Texan-turned-Tennessean began planning her 40th birthday party with husband Dave Haywood (of the country music group Lady A), she wanted it to be remembered as the BEST game night of all time. “Next to her people, what Kelli loves most is winning—whether it’s games, sports, contests, or anything else for that matter!” says the honoree’s close friend Blair Laborde of Sarah Blair Event Design. “So we planned an event that really spoke to Kelli’s passion for fun and games with festivities that would start in the afternoon and continue well past dinner.” In an homage to Kelli’s roots, more than 70 of her nearest and dearest wore their “Texas best” and convened at West Glow Farm, an enchanting 65-acre property…

Event designer Blair Laborde takes her clients’ parties personally. “Party favors are a wonderful way for a host or hostess to show their guests how much their presence is appreciated,” she says. “I like to take them one step further by creating a favor that reflects the giver’s personality or passion. It not only serves as a tangible memory of the event but also as a special reminder of the giver.” Here are a few of Blair’s gift ideas that reflect different givers: FROM THE GOLFER Personalized golf balls or golf towel. FROM THE GAME LOVER A customized deck of playing cards. FROM THE GARDENER Personalized packets of flower or vegetable seeds. FROM THE WINE ENTHUSIAST A bottle of the host’s favorite vino with a personalized label. FROM THE NIGHT…