Entertaining Inspiration Abounds at this Holiday Soiree Complete with Old-World Charm and Modern Touches
Joey B Collection & Design fashions a vibrant holiday tabletop that offers a playful twist on tradition
Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles: Oh, what fun! Your holiday soirée embraces Atlanta’s mild winters with a screened-porch setting. Walk us through your design and the inspiration behind it.
Joey Butler: The inspiration began with two cherished pieces. First, we discovered an amazing English 19th-century farm table from an antiques dealer in England. It took six months to make its way across the pond, and it was well worth the wait. The second item was my client’s antique crystal glasses, passed down from her grandmother, whose family originates from Catalonia, Spain. The glasses were a treasured wedding gift. From there, I decided to blend old-world charm with fresh, modern elements to keep the ambience both timeless and vibrant. We spent over a year collecting blue-and-white vintage porcelain china, with each plate and bowl featuring a unique pattern. I then introduced new items, such as colorful place mats, napkins, and glassware from Lucy’s Market. I adore how the dried oranges and splashes of blue add a playful yet elegant twist, creating a refreshing take on traditional holiday decor.
AH&L: Your design takes a less traditional approach with the color scheme of blues and oranges. Tell us your thought process behind this choice.
JB: This was inspired by my client’s passion for blue and how whimsical and fun she is. I also wanted to create something that was unexpected, yet classic in nature. There is such a rich history of using dried orange slices at Christmas dating back to the 1800s. Southerners have always loved using dried fruit during the holidays, and who doesn’t love a pop
of color?
AH&L: Cheers! What beverage are you serving to guests at your holiday party?
JB: I will be drinking in the holidays with a Winter Aperol Spritz. My version has a holiday spin featuring cranberry juice and a sprig of rosemary to finish it off—it’s absolutely refreshing and so very festive.
AH&L: The season typically brings fond memories of years past. What is your favorite holiday memory or tradition?
JB: One of my favorite holiday traditions is seeing the Christmas Spectacular with the Radio City Rockettes in New York or at the Fox Theatre here in Atlanta. From the moment I step into Radio City Music Hall to the final dance number, the entire experience fills me with joy and truly gets me into the Christmas spirit.
AH&L: Festive fashion is the most fun. What are you wearing to your holiday parties this year?
JB: I absolutely love dressing up for the holidays and have a real passion for fashion and personal style. With so many events, parties, and gatherings to attend, a festive holiday skirt paired with a chic sweater is always a go-to option for me. The best part about a dressy skirt is its versatility—you can easily dress it up or down depending on the event.
AH&L: Holiday entertaining can be stressful. What is your one piece of hard-and-fast entertaining advice that will make any party run smoothly?
JB: It’s no surprise, but the key to avoiding holiday stress is always preparation. As a child, I watched my mother create the most stunning tablescapes—something I now love doing myself. She always set everything up well in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Any tasks you can complete early will help minimize the last-minute crazies.
Joey’s Christmas Wish List
PERFECT MATCH
“I have my eye on the Misty Triple Candle Holder from The Paris Market in Savannah. My daughter just moved there and I am in love with the store.”
SCENTSUAL
“My signature scent! Mon Paris eau de Parfum by Yves Saint Laurent is a regular ask on my Christmas list.”
AT THE TABLE
“A Loving Table: Creating Memorable Gatherings is a beautiful book about incorporating inherited dinnerware or decorative pieces into modern tablescapes.”
COMFORT & JOY
“The Olivia von Halle Contessa Niko Slippers are the perfect touch of luxury for your feet with hand-stitched ostrich feather pom-poms.”