When the brilliantly talented stylist and experiential designer Sarah Kate Price first called us in July of 2020 in the thick of the COVID pandemic to inquire about using our block printed sheets for the HBO Max television show Stylish with Jenna Lyons she was starring in, we instantly recognized her genuine love for heritage Indian block prints. Sarah’s thoughtful mention of our work on the show on top of her fabulous display of our designs left us with a sincere desire to stay connected, and we are so excited and pleased to have her serve as the inspiration in our next Style Guide!
Marigold Living designs on Stylish with Jenna Lyons
Sarah’s innate refined style which she describes as “eclectic, heritage, and layered” is rooted in “creating “rat-a-tat”, meaning a balance between seemingly different vibes coming together playfully”, which makes everything she does so striking and chic, yet approachable! Behind this cool is a keen and cultivated creative mind with several impressive projects under her belt, including independently designing experiential retail spaces for top fashion designers, such as Diane Von Furstenberg, being featured as the breakout star in Stylish with Jenna Lyons on HBO Max, being an entrepreneur and co-founder with her sister of her very fun pajama brand West of Breakfast – to name the highlights.
Read along for learning some very useful, first-time tips we have gathered from speaking with Sarah to create your own memorable events, the experience of which will last with you and your guests long after the party is over!
Styling a Spring Soiree that feels feminine, fresh, and warm
“I love the patterns I used from Marigold Living. These pieces work really well together because they are the same color scheme, but different scales, which I always think adds a nice layer of dimension”.
Q: Can you tell us a little about this event? What was it for, who did you host, and how did you go about designing this wonderful tablescape?
A: I had so much fun planning this little event for my girlfriends! Spring had finally sprung, and I wanted a chance to come out of hibernation and get the girls together for a little girl’s evening on the patio. One of my favorite parts of my home is the view overlooking the monuments of DC, so I wanted to get to drink in the view (as well as some San Pellegrino). In designing the tablescape, I really wanted to bring out the lush greens of the view and have a vibe that felt feminine, fresh, and warm. The first thing I did of course was select table linens, and I love the patterns I used from Marigold Living. These pieces work really well together because they are the same color scheme, but different scales, which I always think adds a nice layer of dimension. I also added throw pillows and napkins in a different style to make the tablescape feel a little more diverse, not so matchy-matchy. When it comes to tableware, I am always looking for ways to add texture. We actually used these rattan chargers at our wedding and I just love how much they liven up a table scape. I am also such a big fan of the Bordhallo Pinheiro cabbage-ware and the green played so perfectly with the green in the block-prints, so I had to use them! Plus, can you get a better summer-y dish? I don’t think so. I also used bamboo-handled flatware which again, was adding another texture and dimension to the tablescape. Add some flowers and we’re there!
Bringing a sense of surprise and delight to Spring parties
“I would describe my personal style as eclectic, heritage, and layered.”
Q: We’re big fans of your personal style and tablescapes. Can you tell us about your career and how it has influenced and informed your creativity and style today? How would you describe your personal style?
A: Thank you so much! My first job out of college was working for a lifestyle website that focused on entertaining, so I definitely gained a lot of experience very quickly when it comes to pulling together party elements. My boss, Jordan Ferney, (who has remained a dear friend and mentor) has a particular talent for bringing a sense of surprise and delight to events, and she really drilled that into me while I was working for her. I try to incorporate little elements where I can achieve a similar feel. These days, I would describe my personal style as eclectic, heritage, and layered. I love having touches of something unexpected, whether it’s a potted plant in an antique trophy or a gilded portrait of a leopard. I am always talking about things needing “rat-a-tat”, meaning there needs to be a balance of elements. When there’s too much of one thing, I go crazy.
Putting a lot of thought into a table setting for an event
“I’m a big believer in not just taking everything from one collection or style”
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Q: We love how you were able to incorporate various shades of pinks (from all our block prints), can you walk us through your thought process for mixing and matching color and pattern?
A: If I’m putting a lot of thought into a tablescape for an event, I find it super helpful to either make a moodboard of the tableware I’m going to be using, or even just lay it all out beforehand so I can see how things are mixing. As I said before, I’m a big believer in not just taking everything from one collection or style so it doesn’t get too matchy-matchy. But it can be a risk! That’s why I like laying everything out, so I can see what accent colors I can pull from and how I can still have everything feel cohesive. Finding a color thread is usually helpful, and in this instance it was the green. Once that was cohesively pulled through the tablescape, I found that I had a lot more freedom to explore different pinks without them feeling completely unrelated.
There is an element of Indian block prints that can feel rather preppy
“I love the rat-a-tat of seemingly different vibes coming together so playfully”.
Q: Why did you choose these particular block print pieces for your summer soiree? How do our handcrafted, classic Indian designs fit in with your aesthetic?
A: I spent a little bit of time in India when I was in college, and immediately fell in love with all the gorgeous textiles. The workmanship that goes into the woven and block print textiles is just astounding to me! Spring and summertime to me always feels fresh and green, so I loved the touches of green that are used throughout the pieces I chose. I also feel that there is an element of Indian block prints that can feel rather preppy, which is an aesthetic I frequently gravitate toward. Especially when paired with rattan, bamboo, and crisp dishes, I love the rat-a-tat of seemingly different vibes coming together so playfully.
Sarah’s summer party theme and entertaining must-haves
“…an arrangement of good flowers that feels very custom and curated; place cards make anybody feel special; and party favors help people remember how much fun they had at your party“.
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Q: What are your summer entertaining must-haves? Can you offer any everyday hosting tips/advice to make things feel more special?
A: Here’s the truth: good flowers make anything feel more elevated. I find that grocery store bouquets plopped in a vase tend to feel very off the rack and uninspired, so I prefer to make my own bouquets with flowers from the store (Trader Joe’s has the best flowers and they are a steal!). I like to grab flowers that look interesting to me, as well as an abundance of greens, and weave them together into an arrangement that feels very custom and curated. I will also say that place cards make anybody feel special and are always a nice touch. Oh! And party favors! I am such a firm believer in a fun little takeaway from an event. It can be something small, but it is always thoughtful and helps people remember how much fun they had at your party.
Our Makeup bags make for the perfect party favors
“I received RAVES about these makeup bags…”
Q: Are you planning to use our makeup bags for anything besides makeup? We love hearing any creative ways people choose to use them since they really are so versatile!
A: I received RAVES about these makeup bags from my girlfriends. Everyone was in love! All of my girlfriends are relatively new moms and my friend Chelsea told me she has been using hers to hold diapers and wipes in her diaper bag. I thought it was so clever and it’s the perfect size for it! Now that I’m expecting my first baby, I think I’ll probably end up using mine for something similar, it is just too perfect. But lately I’ve been using it to tote around everything from sunscreen to the pool to facemasks to a spa-night. I’m loving it!
Summer fashion should feel effortless
“I always carry a silk scarf in my purse…you never know when you’ll need to liven up an outfit”
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Q: What are some of your tips for accessorizing your summer wardrobe? Any other summer wardrobe staples we should know about?
A: During the spring and summer especially, I always carry a silk scarf in my purse (or even tied onto it). You never know when you’ll need to liven up an outfit or when you’ll end up seated outside wishing you were a couple of degrees warmer. It really is such a great versatile accessory. Summertime also has me reaching for rattan or wicker bags (with the aforementioned scarves tied glamorously on the handle). The thing with summer fashion is I always just want to feel effortless: big sunglasses, airy dresses, Grace Kelly vibes.
Layering with Scarves during transitional season
“I love these scarves because they are soft and cozy…while also being very breathable.”
Q: We love how effortlessly you have styled our silk and wool scarves for a late spring/early summer evening gathering. What drew you to making these particular selections?
A: Spring and summer can always be tricky because the days are warm, but it can really cool down in the evenings. For me, the answer to this dilemma is layering, and scarves are the perfect way to do it. They aren’t bulky and always look chic draped around your shoulders while feeling comfortable and warm, like wrapping yourself in a light blanket! I love these scarves because they are soft and cozy enough to keep warm, while also being very breathable.
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