The Gift of Thrift: Southern Style!

I am blessed and honored to have been surrounded by so many creative people in my pursuit of The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating With Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details. I could go on for days listing those who have shared their vision and supplied me with hours of wonder and amazement.

Michael Quinn and Heather Kerr are two such rare gems of talent. Every production under their crafty and nimble watch is executed to perfection. How can you not see it in their demeanor when gazing upon this photograph by Jim Franco that was taken at their vintage tailgate party that's featured in The Find?!











So when I called upon them to create the tabletops for a late-night supper hosted by Bevy Smith and The Hired Guns for a few close friends and out-of-town guests coming to celebrate Housing Works Design on a Dime, I knew their creations would astound with whimsy and wit. All they had to go on for a theme was that the buffet was Southern style, and they kept their plans under wrap until the day of the event.

Basically using memorabilia, knickknacks, dishes and vessels they had in their possession, they carted everything out of their Brooklyn apartments into Manhattan and set up these jaw-dropping tablescapes. They latched on to the Southern theme and went global for each table: Southeast Asia, South Africa and South of the Border. And then there's a dessert station that tempts the taste buds and lures the eye. Michelle Talan took so many beautiful pictures that I could almost fill a chapter of a book with just Michael's and Heather's creations.

I can't say enough about how much I love their creative spirit, and the frugal fun that they infuse into a party. I'll let a few of these pictures do the talking.

To see more of Heather's and Michael's work, buy a copy of The Find at Borders, Barnes & Noble,Amazon orPowell's.


With my eyes popping out of their sockets -

The Elegant Thrifter, Always Frugal, Always Fabulous!