Guest blogger: Kathryn Greeley of "The Collected Tabletop"

I am super excited today to have a very special visitor here on the blog, the fascinating Kathryn Crisp Greeley! Kathryn is an interior designer, author and blogger from North Carolina, and I first discovered her work last fall when I came across her beautiful book, "The Collected Tabletop," at a design shop in Buckhead.

"The Collected Tabletop" immediately became one of my favorites, and I truly savored its gorgeous photos, the delightful text, and the terrific recipes. To my surprise and delight, Kathryn recently came across my blog post about her book and wrote me offering to do a giveaway of the book here on the blog! So, at the end of this post, we'll tell you how to enter. But first, Kathryn graciously agreed to do a Q&A for us here, and I think you'll enjoy what she has to say every bit as much as I did!

Your book says that your design philosophy is that homes should be "collected, not decorated." Why is that important to you? I believe that one’s home should be a reflection of their own life and their own personal style. As a designer, I have never kept inventory at my shop, because I want each design project that I complete to be reflective of my client’s style, preferences, travel, passions, and what they have collected through their lives. I do not want my design projects to look like a furniture showroom of whatever might be in inventory at that particular time. A home should be a window to the occupants' lives and passions.

Flow Blue is clearly your collecting passion, and you write that you use it daily. What do you say to those who believe in reserving their "good" china for only special occasions? I believe that EVERY DAY is a special occasion, one to be savored and enjoyed! And using the “good” china only seems natural for me. I wonder what people are waiting for and what they would deem that special occasion that would be worthy of the “good” china?!? I like to live my life that each day is a blessing and beauty is a real gift. So I like to use my beautiful collections each day and share them with family and friends.

One of the most delightful photos in your book has your Leighton Sprays breakfast set displayed with a backdrop of an enormous teapot topiary! What made you decide to create a teapot topiary, and is it hard to keep it in shape? I had seen a teapot topiary while traveling in England years ago and was extremely inspired. Doing a topiary of this nature takes a great deal of patience (of which I have little!) and does require some regular shaping. But oh the joy that it will bring. Gardens should be filled with surprises and little delights and I feel that topiaries provide just that. My precious 17 year old West Highland Terrier, Bentley Greeley, passed away last November and I have started a “Westie Topiary” just beside his little grave. I feel that it keeps me connected to him and yes, it does develop patience!

The invitations you have designed for parties are so lovely! Is that an important part of planning the event? If so, why? It is my belief that the invitation sets the stage for your event. It gives guests a feel of what they might expect and gives them something to look forward to. The invitation is the opening scene for your wonderful event. In my book talks, I am often asked what my opinion is of “evites” … I shall not get off on that subject, but do consider just how they set the stage for an event … ?!?!

Your book also contains quite a few recipes, and my favorite is your Grandmother Crisp's Caramel Cake, which has gotten rave reviews every time I've made it. Do you have a favorite recipe in the book? My favorite is also Grandmother Crisp’s Caramel Cake! Perhaps because of all of the fond memories that I have of her. I also love the Red Velvet Cupcakes and the Flag Tart … do you think that I might be addicted to sweets … ?!?! Since I only included my favorite recipes and designed events with those in mind, it is very difficult for me to narrow down my favorites.

Are there any plans for another book? (I hope so!) I have learned to “never say never”! But at the moment, I am enjoying the travel and speaking events for "The Collected Tabletop"! But a creative mind and spirit are often hard to contain, so who knows!

Finally, I know you love champagne, but it must be asked: Are you a tea drinker as well? If so, hot or cold? Any special varieties? Oh, I am a great lover of tea! My maternal grandfather was from Ireland and tea was a staple in their home. My grandmother gave all of the grandchildren tea at a very early age, and I have been a tea drinker since. I prefer black teas and one of my favorites is Earl Grey! My preference is hot tea, with milk, because this is how my grandmother fixed it for me in childhood. However, I also like ice tea (with a minimum of ice) with lemon during the summer. It is so refreshing in the summer and hot tea in the fall and winter is definitely a “comfort food” for me. At my afternoon tea parties, we always start with hot tea and finish with champagne. Isn’t that a lovely combination!

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Well, there you have a lovely introduction to Kathryn and her design philosophy! Her beautiful book (a $50 retail value) is one you will find yourself turning to again and again for design inspiration — not to mention the terrific recipes! Kathryn has opened the giveaway to readers anywhere in the world, so tell your friends: anyone can enter! Just leave a comment to this post between now and 7 a.m. EST next Monday, July 8, and you'll be entered to win! I'd love to hear what's your favorite photo or tip from Kathryn today. You can visit Kathryn's blog here, and I also have a link to it on the right-hand side of this web page. If you'll come by tomorrow, I've saved a few more photos of teawares from the book to whet your appetite for what's inside. So stay tuned — and good luck, everyone!