Contemporary and custom furniture, lighting, and decor.

In Their Own Words: Layla and Anna Tell Us What Makes Their Dad Special

Posted on June 16, 2017 by AW

Father’s Day is Sunday and in honor of all the Dads, Stepdads and Father figures in this great big world, we sat down with Anna and Layla Eby to talk about their dad, Alex. Alex is a teacher here in Bozeman and a guy that the Architect’s Wife has a great deal of respect for. When you hang out with Alex and his girls the love he has for them is on full display. He’s the fun dad who makes an effort to keep his daughters laughing and remind them not to take life too seriously. Read on to find out what makes this guy so special in his daughter’s eyes and find out how parenting teens is challenging him to prepare his girls for independence.

Anna (left), Alex(middle), and Layla (right).

Layla, age 12:

What is your favorite thing to do with your dad?
I love going Morel hunting with my dad because it is around his birthday and it is a fun present to give him.

What do you love most about your dad?
I love my dad’s sense of humor. I like it because he makes everyday things that aren’t normally funny, funny.

What is the dorkiest things he’s ever done?
He kisses me in public and yells to people he doesn’t know.

If you could give your dad an award what would it be?
He gets the weirdest weirdo ever award. If you don’t believe me ask his students.

What is your dad’s favorite band/musician?
He loves Bob Marley.

From Anna, age 15:

What is your favorite thing to do with your dad?
My favorite thing to do with my dad is to travel. He is so adventurous and spontaneous and we can always find something fun to do.

What do you love most about your dad?
He loves to make people laugh, and no matter what the occasion, he has the perfect costume to wear, whether it’s a funny ski costume or his christmas reindeer suit. He’s also super playful and is never shy.

What is the dorkiest things he’s ever done?
He has this really awful all natural sunscreen that makes his face look super oily and greasy and he will cover his whole face with it. Sometimes he even puts it on his lips if it’s super sunny and it makes his lips look green. Once he did that and also tied a bandana around his head [so he looked] like a pilgrim girl, I guess that was pretty dorky. He also is a math teacher for 6th graders, so that, by itself, is pretty dorky too.

If you could give your dad an award what would it be?
Best party thrower. My dad throws a pretty good party, with lots of drinks, games, and funny costumes. He goes all out. He’s also pretty talkative, so he could win an award for that. He’s definitely an extrovert.

What is your dad’s favorite band/musician?
He likes all sorts of music, it really depends on his mood, the time of day etc. In the mornings he likes to play Bob Marley and Ray Lamontagne. For parties he loves 80’s dance music. He also has a record player so we have some old Jazz albums that we sometimes play at dinner, and other albums on vinyl.

It didn’t feel right to complete this piece without some input from Alex, so I asked him how parenting has changed for him over the years, especially now that he is the father of two teenage girls.

Alex:
One of the greatest emotions associated with this stage of fatherhood comes from watching my children do things their own way. Early on, I was focused on showing them my way, the right way. I have changed as they have matured. It is a challenge, but when I’m able to relax and appreciate their style, their perspective, their strengths and weaknesses, then I’m filled with pride and wonder and reassurance. I guess that the trick is letting a situation or an opportunity play out. I have to bite my tongue. But isn’t this what we want as parents? We want our children to turn into humans that can think and choose and initiate and persevere, without us.

Alex watches his daughters raucous rendition Chopsticks on the family piano nudging them to go faster with each round. From left to right: Alex, Woody the dog, Anna, and Layla.

With that, we wish all the good men out there who have a special place in our hearts a Happy Father’s Day. Thank you for supporting us and cheering us on and preparing us for this world which can feel pretty uncertain at times.

How to Style Your Coffee Table.

Posted on March 2, 2017 by AW

Do you have an amazing coffee table that needs a little life? Architect’s Wife asked her go to girl, Hillary , to add some energy to our new, substantial, mahogany coffee table (so substantial was this piece of furniture, it took four grown men to move it in to the shop). Here are Hill’s fail-proof suggestions for styling your table.

style-coffee-table

1) Stack Books. Stack your favorite books as an anchor. Books are a great conversation starter and they create an additional surface for you to layer accessories.

2) Add Height. I added a cloche to create height and add interest — this helps lead your guest’s eye through “the scene”.

3) Add Life! Instead of flowers, add a low maintenance plant to the mix for color and life!

4) Personalize the Space. Personalize the look with some of your favorite objects. Here I added some petrified wood and a gorgeous handmade wood bowl by local maker, Lui Ferreira.

And, there you have it — Hillary’s super-simple steps for creating a dazzling scape for your coffee table. To shop the look, click links in the copy or visit our Bozeman shop and have our expert staff guide you to the perfect pieces that will set your coffee table apart.

Date Night: What to do With BAE on V-Day

Posted on February 10, 2017 by AW

Whether you’re hanging with your BAE or having a night out with your best gal pal, Architect’s Wife has rounded up our go-to spots for date night around town. From our favorite eateries or goings on about town, to THE most romantic way to start your evening, AW has you covered.

Let’s begin at the beginning, shall we?

5pm Sunset Sleigh ride with Bridger Mountain view. Saddle up with Shane of Sunrise Pack Station and take your boo for an hour long sleigh ride through the woods. You’ll pause midway for hot chocolate and watch the sun descend the sky and finish up with time to spare so you can move on to your next destination: dinner.

Watch the sun set and sip hot chocolate on this 30 minute or one hour tour (we recommend the one hour ride).

6:15 Dinner. Valentine’s Day just isn’t Valentine’s without a delicious meal in your belly. AW has a few favorites in town.
Bisl. Bozeman’s newest culinary hot spot (conveniently located parallel to AW).
Saffron Table. South Asian goodness. We’ve had friends from far and wide visit and declare Saffron has the best South Asian cuisine they’ve ever eaten.
Feast. AW has a serious soft spot for this place. Not only is the food delicious, but our sister biz, Abby Hetherington Interiors, designed the interior space.

bisl-saffron-feast

3. Show. For those of you who celebrate V-Day in advance, check out Barefoot Movement at The Ellen. The show starts at 7:30, February 11th, so you’ll have to celebrate V-Day in advance, but it’s a small price to pay to see this Nashville folk band in person.

Don’t forget that all important giftie for your special someone. We have an excellent selection of gifts big and small for your bestie or your S.O.

Great gifts for your love, from left to right: Forget the flowers, buy her a bouquet that will last forever, Flowers Book; Buffalo Check blanket, perfect for that horse drawn carriage ride; Spy Deck; Ski Books.

Hometown Darling, TART, is BACK (With a Vengeance!)

Posted on February 3, 2017 by AW

tart-boutique Image Courtesy of Tart

When the doors of Tart closed in the Emerson last Spring, a collective gasp could be heard throughout the Gallatin Valley. Since 2007 Tart was our go-to place for fun, quirky handmade in Montana gifts. When the doors closed it left a huge hole in our local world of retail therapy and more importantly, our hearts. Its proprietor, Anna Visscher, was a familiar face and our tour guide for the tartist landscape of Montana.

The passing of the torch. Anna Visscher, former owner of Tart and Serena Rundberg, Tart's new proprietor. Image Courtesy Tart. — Passing the torch. Anna Visscher, former owner of Tart and Serena Rundberg, Tart’s new proprietor. Image Courtesy Tart.

But, after 9 years of business Anna was ready to take a break from retail life. Enter Serena Rundberg, proprietor of Nova and Feed Cafes. Thanks to Tart, Serena and Anna had a great working relationship. Not only did Anna run Tart, for many years she also curated the gallery space at Nova adorning their walls with original art from artists represented at her shop. Based on what happened in the months following Tart’s closure, it’s safe to say, Serena gasped the loudest when Tart closed.

The hallmark of Tart's offerings: handmade gifts made in the United States. Images by Cathy Copp — The hallmark of Tart’s offerings: handmade gifts made in the United States. Images by Cathy Copp

Serena was busy operating her latest culinary venture, Feed Cafe, when her light-bulb moment came to her. Rundberg was wandering the aisles of Costco, searching for her next bulk bargain and talking to her general contractor when the moment came to her. Her contractor mentioned his wife was lost since Tart closed. The shop had long been her go-to place to buy gifts for friends and family and there was a huge void left with its closing. That’s when it hit her, there was some vacant space next to Feed which, for a variety of reasons, couldn’t be converted to extra seating for the restaurant, why not relocate Bozeman’s beloved boutique to this space?

Restaurateur, Serena Rundberg. She is venturing in to the world of retail with Tart. Image by Greener Visuals

Serena has a reputation for being a dynamo, so it didn’t take long for her plan to re-open Tart to come together. She immediately reached out to Anna, negotiated the purchase of Tart, and her ambitious plan to open by Black Friday 2016 was realized.

For long time Tart loyalists, the new space will feel familiar. It is light and bright with touches of yellow and the iconic button closure gift boxes are stacked neatly behind the counter. The store continues to carry exclusively handmade art and gifties with at least a dozen carry over Tartists, but they’ve made a commitment to cast a wider net and are now working with artists from around the United States to bring Bozeman unique, one-of-a-kind finds.

Left: Tart isn't Tart without their signature button closure gift box. Right: A bird's eye view of fused glass plates made by Serena's business partner's mother. — Left: Tart isn’t Tart without their signature button closure gift box. Right: A bird’s eye view of fused glass plates made by Serena’s business partner’s mother.

You may have noticed this post has nothing to do with furniture or a maker that we work with. It has everything to do with why we love our community — because it supports local talent and handmade goodness and holds on to businesses that are worth keeping around. In this age of encroaching box stores, Architect’s Wife couldn’t be happier to see this darling of Bozeman back in business. If you haven’t visited the new space, get yourself over there! Better yet, stop by Feed for breakfast and browse Tart’s offerings while you’re waiting for your grub.

The new Tart is located in the old Kirk Homestead (the red barn on Main Street).

Wait. You didn’t think I forgot about the scoop I teased you with on Le Social Media, did you? Never. You heard it here first folks: Nova and Feed will be joined by a sister restaurant which will take up residence in The Cannery district! Stay tuned folks, more deets to come!

The World Class Pottery You May Have Never Heard Of

Posted on January 26, 2017 by AW

archie-bray-foundation-facility

Stepping on to the property of The Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts is like stepping on hallowed ground for a ceramic artist. The sprawling compound is a former brick factory and the dream of Archie Bray to “make available for all who are seriously interested in the ceramic arts, a fine place to work.” Located just three miles outside Helena, Archie inherited the brick factory from his father, Charles, when he passed away and in 1951 he joined together with Peter Meloy and Branson Stevenson to build the Pottery. Rudy Autio and Peter Voulkos both talented ceramicists in their own right were brought in to manage the pottery and quickly established the foundation as a significant center for the creation and study of ceramics.

peter voulkos, archie bray — Founding members Archie Bray Sr. (left) and Peter Voulkos (right).

Since its humble beginnings 65 years ago, The Bray has hosted over 675 resident artists from all over the world from as far as Taiwan, China, Serbia, and Israel to name a few. Ceramic masters like Akio Takamori, Sarah Jaeger and Steven Young Lee (The Bray’s current director) have all attended The Archie Bray making it a world class facility.

Archie Bray's current resident artists. From Left to Right: — Archie Bray’s current resident artists. From Left to Right: Nicholas Danielson, Ling Chun, En Iwamura, Michelle Summers, Perry Haas, Noah Riedel, Hannah Lee Cameron, Myungjin Kim, Lauren Gallaspy, Chris Riccardo, and Steven Young Lee

True to Archie’s vision, the Bray encourages and celebrates the work of the artists by hosting gallery space and providing studio space to the resident artists as well as a shop for the makers to sell their pieces. The result is that the artists are given the freedom to study, test, and create work at their own pace as well as learn from each other.

Sample works by some of "The Bray's" current artists. Top Row, from Left to Right: Nicholas Danielson, Ling Chun, Chris Riccardo; Bottom Row, from Left to Right: Hannah Lee Cameron, Perry Haas, and Myungjin Kim. — Sample works by some of “The Bray’s” current artists. Top Row, from Left to Right: Nicholas Danielson, Ling Chun, Chris Riccardo; Bottom Row, from Left to Right: Hannah Lee Cameron, Perry Haas, and Myungjin Kim.

Architect’s Wife had the opportunity to visit the Archie Bray Foundation last Spring and wander its grounds. One of the things that stood out for AW during her visit is the accessibility the public has to this space. Everyone is free to experience the facility by visiting the gallery and touring the studio space to see the artists in action. There is even an artist’s shrine which ceramicists have been contributing to over the years. This place is special and well worth the drive to soak in the wonder of watching people study their craft and view their original works in clay.

Works by <a href= — Bobby Tso, left, and Brooks Oliver, right, currently available at The Architect's Wife. ” width=”1178″ height=”785″ class=”size-full wp-image-1137″ /> Works by Bobby Tso, left, and Brooks Oliver, right, currently available at The Architect’s Wife.

AW couldn’t let a trip to the gallery pass without making a few acquisitions for the shop, so if you don’t have time to visit Helena (although we HIGHLY recommend the trip), stop by our furniture shop to gaze at the works of some of the current resident artists.

Work by current Bray artists in residence. Clockwise from left to right: Lauren Gallaspy, En Iwamura, and Michelle Summers.

2017 Means Out With the Old, In With the New!

Posted on January 5, 2017 by AW

Are you a New Year’s resolution keeper? I love the idea, but I’ve tried them with high hopes and great expectations for many years and then life seems to take hold and those goals fall off the radar within at least a month. In my younger years this was frustrating, now I take comfort in knowing myself well and sparing myself the stress. Instead, I’ve taken to keeping the resolutions simple, like recharging my main living space each Winter with new accessories and pillows. The psychology for me is that creating an inspired space supercharges my creative impulses, something I use every day and something which is essential to my design process.

With that in mind and to jump-start your creative juices, I’ve styled one couch (The Radley, by Cisco Brothers) two ways. My hope with this post is that it will be a great jumping off point for you to get inspired to create an inviting place to come home to which drives your motivation through out the year.

radley-sofa-cisco

LOOK ONE: Casual comfort. We styled The Radley, one of our most popular sofas, with piles of Kilim pillows and two complimentary Cisco Brothers arm chairs. There is a lot of pattern in this vignette, but it works because there is a common color and fabric texture theme throughout. Art by Cherlyn Wilcox, Havoc Hendricks, Stephanie Ho and Ben Pease tie all these colors together. Don’t be afraid to add lots of layers to your space with mementos from far flung travel and your favorite books. Surplus pillows can always be tossed on the floor for extra seating.

radley-couch-winter

LOOK TWO: Sultry & Seductive. We added some Winter whites and flirtatious furs to set the mood for this second look. Deep wine colored fur pillows along with Mongolian fur set the stage for The Radley here. This is the quintessential look for cooler climes and the perfect place to cool your heals after a long day at work or on the slopes.

Stop by Architect’s Wife downtown to get great ideas for sprucing up your existing furniture with pillows and accessories or indulgence in an entirely new look. We have incredibly talented women ready to help you put together an entirely new look or just refresh the space you call home.

Make sure you bring your personality in to your living space. Add your favorite books, mementos from your travels, or art by your favorite local artist. Some of our favorites: Ken Fulks Magical World, Frozen Planet series by Stephanie Ho, and Cherlyn Wilcox.

Styling by Hillary Hoette

Shaw Thompson: Meet the Artist Who Breathed New Life in to Misco Mill

Posted on December 29, 2016 by AW

[/caption]

Photography by Cathy Copp

When you visit Shaw Thompson at Misco Mill, it’s easy to see where his inspiration comes from. I had the opportunity to visit him in November as afternoon light bathed his work shop with a late autumn glow. His space was magnificent and the stuff every artist dreams of for their studio. Shaw is both a visual artist and furniture maker and the visit to his studio and gallery was a little like coming home because it’s where our sister business, Abby Hetherington Interiors, began and where the idea for Architect’s Wife was born.

Shaw’s light-filled workshop.

Even more impressive than the light-filled studio space is the fact that Shaw along with his brother and father renovated the 80 plus year old building starting in 2000. The grain mill was functional until the 1980’s, but fell in to disrepair after it closed, so much so that Shaw says it resembled a pigeon coop when his family took possession of the building. Their hard work over the last 16 years stands now as one of Bozeman’s most iconic landmarks and home to a family that worked really hard to keep the space alive.

It’s hard to believe 300 square feet of this inspiring space was occupied by Abby Hetherington Interiors just a little over two years ago. Our little design firm began here in a tangle of fabric swatches and tile samples and quickly grew to three employees who, in turn, outgrew our modest one room office. Not only do I have great respect for Shaw’s work I also have really great memories of dreaming big and toiling away until I made those dreams a reality. So, take a minute to learn more about this great guy who breathed new life in to a great space.

When and how did you get started as a furniture maker?

I have been building furniture since 1992. I was going to San Francisco State for a painting and drawing degree and someone asked me to build a desk for them. I obliged and loved everything about it. I realized it would be something I would love to do for a living. So from that point on, I have always divided my time between furniture making and painting. Furniture gets more of my time these days, but painting is really how I want to leave my mark on this world.

Mr. Thompson’s plow floor lamp. Shaw loves to marry the old and new together.

Tell me about your process.

What’s my process? Well it varies a lot. Sometimes I have a beautiful piece of wood, which I want to be the main focus. So then I might make a simple steel platform or base that showcases the wood. Other times I might find a piece of farming equipment which dictates the overall design of the object. For example, for years I have looked at and loved the shape of this old plow which I found. So, I thought really hard about a way to compliment that shape. (I get a lot of inspiration from shapes of objects.) I decided the plow would lend itself well to a floor lamp and the rest is history. A lot of the objects I incorporate in to my furniture are antique, but then I like to give it a simple modern context in which it can live. I find it very exciting to try to find a balance between old and new.

You renovated the Misco Mill. When and how did this project come about?

My dad, brother and I have renovated this grain elevator from a pigeon coop to a home, workshop and gallery over the course of several years. We bought the building back in 2000 and it seems like the work is never done. It is a lot to keep going, but we feel very fortunate to be able to call it home. It was built in 1933, which highlights how agriculturally rich the Gallatin valley was even during the Great Depression.

Anyone who is a furniture maker or artist knows how important your creative space is.
This building spoke to me immediately. And maybe it was the shape of it… There is something special for me about the roof lines of this grain elevator.
Initially, I was looking for a live/ work space, which this is, but just a lot bigger than I was thinking in the beginning. But when you put all the family members in it- then it makes sense.

Shaw Thompson’s workspace.

Tell me a little about the gallery and the artists whose work inhabits the space.

We are a little selfish with our gallery space :). Most of the work in the gallery is either mine or [belongs to] my brother, Nate. But we do have some amazing walnut tables by Lance Hossack and some incredible veneer work by Phil Howard in the form of walnut burl side tables. We also have some beautiful textiles by Abby Foster which she’s made into pillows. Her fabric is also available for purchase and can be made in to wallpaper as well. All of these artists call Montana home.

Shaw’s handiwork: a roomy dining table.

How long have you lived in Bozeman? What brought you here?

I have lived in Montana for about 16 years now. I was passing through this beautiful state when I was 15 and it struck a very powerful chord inside me. It took me awhile to get back here, but I made it. After a life of moving a lot [I was raised in a military family], I feel very lucky to call Montana home.

What do you love about Montana?

I was initially drawn to the rivers and mountains, and just the empty space. This continues to fuel my spirit. This part of the country never disappoints.

What’s your favorite place to go out in Bozeman?

It is becoming harder to leave my little northeast neighborhood these days. I’m still trying to figure out my favorite place — it’s between Wild Crumb, Treeline and Rendezvous food truck. It changes every day :).

What are the last three things you Googled?
1. How to cook potatoes au gratin (substituting sweet potatoes).
2. An old car on Craigslist
3. What time is it in Morocco?

What’s on your shop playlist?

The Black Keys ( older stuff), for getting the blood moving and just spark some gritty motivation.
Built to Spill, for cerebral thoughts and more driving motivation.
First Aid Kit, for a truly lovely sound and inspiration… “Keep on keeping on…”

Present Day Misco Mill. Image Courtesy of Shaw Thompson.

If you’re in Bozeman make sure you stop by Misco Mill and check out Shaw’s gorgeous original furniture and art. He’s around most days, but it’s worth it to give the gallery a call and announce your arrival, because he might just be grabbing a pastry at Wild Crumb when you decide to come a’calling.

2016 Stocking Stuffer Guide

Posted on December 15, 2016 by AW

What’s The Architect’s Wife’s favorite thing on Christmas morn? The stocking hung by the chimney with care, of course! Because who doesn’t love tearing through a sockful of tiny presents in rapid succession. Plus, it really is true what they say: BIG things come in small packages.

So, without further adieu, here’s our carefully edited list of small treasures for Santa to stuff in your stocking this year.

stocking stuffers

Shop all these great gifts on our website or stop by our downtown furniture store to get your fill of stocking stuffers and don’t forget to try out our carefully curated collection of furniture while you’re here!

1. Laser Cut Card Case, $44. 2. Laser Cut Pencil Case, $48. 3. The Fir Tree, $16. 4. Champagne Leather Tassle Keychain, $54. 5. Leather Mug Holder & Ball Jar, $35. 6. Explore Key Tag, $6. 7. Ridley’s Harmonica, $9. 8. Metal Spud Shooter, $9.50. 9. Money Clip, $65. 10. Laser Cut Hexagon Card Case, $44. 11. Arctic Fox Notebook, $11.95. 12. Alassis Blue Fern & Vetiver Candle, $24.95. 13. Raccoon, Backpack, Pine, Swiss Army, Bow & Arrow Buttons; $1.50. 14. Vintage Kodak Camera, $199. 15. Weekender Stripe Faribault Scarf, $56. 16. Lighter Sleeve, $30. 17. Deputy Sheriff Badge, $5. 18. Wood Dominoes, $10. 19. Bottle Opener in Turquoise, $60. 20. Gold Letter Opener, $130. 21. That’s Nose Fun (rubber nose), $8. 22. Contour Key Ring, $16. 23. Cord Keep, $12. 24. Ridley’s Jacks Utopia, $7. 25. Fortune Favours the Brave Wallet, $27. 26. The Spy Deck Playing Cards, $15.95. 27. Credit Card Tool, $15. 28. Christian Lacroix Black Ombre Notebook, $9.

2016 Gift Guide Part Deux: Gifts for the Hostess

Posted on December 8, 2016 by AW

Heading to the house of the hostess with the mostess this holiday season? Show up with more than a bottle of wine for your next dinner party with the help of Architect’s Wife. We have some creative ideas to get you on the good guest list this holiday season.

hostess gift ideas

1. Spotted Low Bowl, $34. In charge of the side dish? Show it off in style with this spotted bowl. Bring a dish, leave a dish.
2. Copper Standing Bowl, $165. Fill this beauty with some roasted nuts or fresh fruit and leave it behind.
3. Wood Grain Montana Love Blanket, $175. Because who doesn’t love Montana and who doesn’t want to spend the entire Winter curled up in front of the fire with this buttery soft blanket.
4. Stovetop Espresso Maker, $29. Because espresso is a must with dessert. Gift this to the coffee connoisseur and be sure to bring along a bag of your favorite local beans. We love Treeline’s Rock Me Mama Espresso Blend.
5. Brass Enamel Vase in Mint, $65 (also available in cream & black and larger sizes). Bring a centerpiece for the table and leave this stylish vase behind. Looking for some flowers in a pinch? Stop by Labellum for a quick bouquet.
6. Black Iris & Tonka Diffuser, $30. Help your hostess set the mood with this aromatic diffuser by Alassis.
7. Frosted Fig and Cranberry candle, $39.95. Help your host conjure the scents of the season with this gorgeous candle. Also available in Noble Fir. But hurry, these are only available while supplies last!
8. Ridley Pop Music Quiz, $10. Avoid those awkward silences and figure out who has pipes like Prince with a fun music quiz.
9. Craft Cocktails Book, $50. Because who doesn’t love a good cocktail? The only party faux-pas would be to forget the fixings for one of the amazing recipes you’ll find in this book.
10. Games Compendium, $25. Because games at a party = F.U.N.
11. Rasttro Cutting Board, $100. In charge of the cheese board? Great! fill this carefully crafted walnut slab with charcuterie and your favorite selection of cheeses and leave it behind for the host to dazzle her guests at her next party.
12.Hand Carved Walnut Spoons, $36. Tie these up with a pretty red bow and hand them over for your bestie to serve up salad or a side dish.
13. Officer Napkin Ring Set, $50. Be the Officer and the Gentle(wo)man with the ultimate classy gift: silver napkin rings. Want to take this gift to the next level? Slide some linen napkins in to these beauties and tie them in to a bundle with a shiny plaid ribbon.

If this doesn’t help you break that mental gift giving block, stop by Architect’s Wife for more hostess present ideas. We have even more games and gifts to choose from (and furniture too)!

The Well Styled Thanksgiving Table by Bash

Posted on November 17, 2016 by AW

thanksgiving-table-bash-01

Thanksgiving is just a week away (The Architect’s Wife may or may not be in denial about this) which has The AW thinking about setting a beautiful table for her guests. When I was a kid it meant my mom pulled out our best china and the silver she and my dad were gifted on their wedding day. I would help her set the table, unfurling the linens that only made their appearance on holidays, placing my homemade place cards by each plate, and busting with excitement at the prospect of drinking juice from crystal glasses.

With that in mind, we partnered up with Kait Constanti of Bash, one half of a local wedding and event coordinating duo, to help us create a swoon-worthy Thanksgiving table for your holiday guests using our line of plates and glasses. Read on to check out her gorgeous take on a modern table and get her tips for creating an inviting place for your guests to enjoy their turkey dinner.

thanksgiving-bash-styling
Fall’s bounty is so plentiful and colorful. Use those natural elements to add depth to your table. Here Kait placed pomegranates along side our spotted plate collection to add a pop of color to the tablescape.

What are your top 3 tips for hosting Thanksgiving at your home?
1. Don’t try to be MARTHA STEWART at the 11th hour. I hosted Thanksgiving a couple years back and decided I was going to cook EVERYTHING from scratch and, while it was a super good meal, I didn’t enjoy the process as much. I love to design and decorate but cooking for 12+ hours, not so much.

2. PLAN AHEAD [especially when it comes to] shopping. Don’t go to the store on the day of thinking you’ll get those last minute herbs. They’ll be out and you’ll be bummed. Make a list and get er’ done way ahead of time and beat the last minute shopping anxieties surrounding the day.

3. Have FUN with it! Try to come up with a unique table scape and interesting cocktails or mocktails for the night to create some fun talking points for guests. Make it an experience that is remembered versus the same old Thanksgiving dinner that we’ve all seen/been a part of.

What are you top 3 tips for setting a gorgeous table?
1. Start with your color story and make sure to create depth and dimension by choosing a palate that is unique. Find images that inspire you and use that as a jumping off point.
2. Color outside the lines. Just because thanksgiving traditionally incorporates pumpkins on the table doesn’t mean you have to. Create a look that is interesting and artful that feels unique to you and your family.
3. Always use fabric napkins. End of story.

thanksgiving-decor-tablescape
Left: Kait reached out to Remy Greco-Brault of Labellum to create a beautiful centerpiece for her Thanksgiving tablescape. Right: One of Kait’s top tips for completing you Thanksgiving look — cloth napkins.

What are your tips on being a gracious host?
I love hosting and I ask our guests to do nothing but eat, drink and enjoy themselves while at our house. They aren’t allowed to do dishes/clean up as I think of it as a gift to our guests. We all have to do dishes/clean on the daily for ourselves so why not treat others while at your house to relax and have the night off? That’s my personal opinion.

What’s your favorite host/hostess gift?
LOVE giving anything from Remy at Labellum— she always puts together a unique last minute gift such as an air plant in a concrete vessel, fun vases with blooms, etc! Easy, quick, go to.

What is your top tip for a guest?
Relax! Enjoy! Drink! Eat!

Who is your hostess icon?
This won’t mean much to any of you but my Grandma Barbara was the consummate host. She loved herself some dinner parties and was constantly hosting people at she and my Grandpa’s house in Southern California. She was organized, poised, gracious, all about the details and always with such style. She was never frantic even while hosting a 50 person Christmas dinner at her house. She is #goals for sure and I learned a ton from her entertaining style. Our family joke is ‘She’s going full Grandma Barbara mode’ when my mom and I host dinner parties.

*Kait (right) and her hostess icon, Grandma Barbara. Image courtesy of Kait Costanti*

Best Thanksgiving ever?
Hard question! They’re all special and unique in their own ways. My husband and I ditched out on Thanksgiving a couple years ago with his brother, sister in law and new baby to Sayulita, Mexico, and did it well down there. However, I do love myself a traditional Thanksgiving with all family and friends around.

What are you thankful for?
Another tough question– SO much! My husband and I are fortunate to travel quite a bit and generally choose to go to developing countries. Travel offers a ton of perspective; we’re all so lucky. Health, family, friends, shelter, jobs, safety, our dog, Hillshire! [There is ] so much to be thankful for year round.
Favorite Thanksgiving dish?
I’m boring. Probably brussels sprouts or pumpkin pie.

Mixing materials and textures adds interest and depth to your Thanksgiving table.

No cheating. What are the last 3 things you Googled?
Answers are so random but true!
1. What is traditional Kazakstan food?
2. How far is Albuquerque to Santa Fe?
3. Any rescue dachshunds available in Montana?

To get this look stop by The Architect’s Wife’s downtown furniture store and shop our collection of spotted tableware and recycled glassware.

*Kait Costanti (left) and Rachel Granger (right) lounging in their light-filled bridal and event planning shop named Bash. Photo courtesy of Bash*

Sources:
Centerpiece by Labellum
Photography by Cathy Copp
Styling by Bash

the architect's wife | curated collections
23 w. babcock street
bozeman, mt 59715
406.577.2000

hello@architectswife.com
at the corner of willson & babcock
(in the historic montana motor supply building)