ENTERTAIN ME: BUNNY WILLIAMS FALL BOUNTY FOR BALLARD DESIGNS
Bunny Williams, the New York-based interior designer, recently launched an easy to live with collection of entertaining, holiday and decorative pieces for Ballard Designs. Designed to capture beautiful details and artistic elements from her personal collection amassed over years of travels, the assortment stays true to the Williams aesthetic of pretty luxury, while coming in at a strikingly approachable price point. Known for her Southern hospitality and graciously welcoming interiors, the decorative entertaining pieces she has created stay true to her design hallmarks of comfort and ease. So many of these pieces I can say are already favorites of mine-- her Salt Cellar pails that resemble her set of fine English silver are fantastic and are a fail-safe gift for those that entertain constantly. The range mixes well together and hits a high note with diverse quality finishes, unexpected details and an undeniable pretty factor. The fall entertaining season is upon us, so create a fall flower arrangement, invite friends old and new, and go forth and be merry! Here are some moments from her New York City launch party and favorite pieces from the debut.
At the launch party, Williams styled a variety of tables using her blue and white Campbell House china pattern. The detailed, ethnic-inspired pattern comes in a set that serves 4.
Photos courtesy of Ballard Designs
My favorite plate from Campbell pattern has a radiating circular motif
And the mugs are classic, with a simple blue and white stripe and zig zag border
The other china pattern, Melange, is done in autumnal tones of green and brown, can mix well with existing white china and works well in a rustic country setting. Lattice and loopy Trellis designs are inspired by her Connecticut garden.
Microwave and dishwasher safe, the porcelain china has a thin edge and lightness to it
Stainless steel flatware, modeled after a set found at the Paris Fleamarket is made of a cast brass body, giving it significant weight, which is just what you want out of flatware.
A little whimsy is always a good idea, and these Farm Tool salad servers are good to have on hand as pretty presents
When I spied the Pail and Shovel Salt and Pepper Holders, I marveled at their antique-inspired design authenticity. At $29 a set, invest in several to place along the center of the table.
Place card holders are a difficult thing to get right. They either have to be stunningly beautiful, or adorably cute. Realistic miniature watering cans seem to check both boxes.
Having small containers to place candy in or add a bit of sparkle, silvered brass dishes come in a Fig or Grape leaf.
Its nice to see the tables set a variety of ways, to show how the pieces can interrelate. One of the more charming designs are the Beaded Candle Covers that were inspired by a pair of English Regency beaded sconces she owns.
Another easy to give piece, the wine chiller. An elegant Greek Key border detail offsets the bright teal or red colorways.
Not only were tables set with entertaining essentials, an entire potting shed area was recreated, to share Williams' love of the garden. I can never have enough cachepots around, and when they are this pretty, with a metal basket exterior and removable liner, I get a hankering to grow my collection.