We’ve asked this week’s curator Kristin Paton of Kristin Paton Interiors, to share with us her thoughts and inspiration for her Curator’s Collection event. Here’s what she had to say:
Elegance doesn’t need to be fancy – it’s about paying attention to the details, even if you’re having dinner with friends in your kitchen.
When guests come to my home, whether they’re close friends or new acquaintances, I want them to feel transformed from their day-to-day life. It’s a time to slow down, unwind, and shift from the chaos of the day. I think about my guest’s path from entry into my home, through to the kitchen, dining room, or back garden, setting the mood and ambiance. Children’s book bags and shoes are shoveled into the mudroom. Dimmed lighting, candlelight in the evening, and decadent music – anything from Hotel Costes – create an escape from life’s realities.
I love to entertain in the kitchen. I keep a large garden urn filled with my favorite flowers in the center of my island, with some of my favorite paintings on the walls. I want my kitchen to be as beautiful as my living room, with that great, casual approachability perfect for friends on a Friday night.
When we lived in London, we taught our children the importance of family dinners and the great English tradition of Sunday lunch. We all have extremely busy lives, so it’s important to have family time. We always eat with placemats, napkins and “real plates,” and for the grownups, a sip of rosé!
Elegant entertaining is about the way you make a guest feel in your home, how you care for them, and how you pay attention to the details. Make it fun, interesting, and simple.