HOST + HOME
A NOTE FROM VICKY
Here we are — our first issue of 2026! It’s still cold outside as I write this, but I know the spring blooms will be here soon. This time of year always feels like a fresh start, full of endless possibilities. Every day at 119 West Park Street, home of Southern Studio and Home for Entertaining, brings exciting challenges and new opportunities.
Home for Entertaining hit the ground running in January with markets in Dallas, Atlanta, and New York. Connecting with amazingly talented artisans never gets old for our team. Meeting the creators whose work we bring into the shop is endlessly inspiring, and their passion for their cra is truly contagious. As you explore our new spring collections, we’re thrilled to share their stories — and the artistry behind each piece — with you.
A major highlight of the month was attending the 2026 ARTS Awards in Dallas, where Home for Entertaining was honored as a finalist for Best Home Accents Store on the East Coast. For a business just 2½ years old, it was an incredible recognition — and a meaningful reminder of how far passion, dedication, and creativity can take a team.
We’re eagerly preparing for spring at Home for Entertaining, and you’ll find special features throughout this issue: ideas for spring entertaining, casually cheerful table settings, and farmer’s market tips from our chefs. At its heart, Home for Entertaining is about gathering well and celebrating life’s special moments with friends and family. We hope these pages spark a few fresh ideas for your Easter and Mother’s Day gatherings.
In this issue, Southern Studio is also revealing one of our happiest projects. And when we say “happy,” it’s not just about color — it’s about a homeowner who radiated grace and joy throughout the process. O en, it’s not the largest homes that leave the greatest impression, but those filled with memories, love, and everyday magic. We hope you enjoy this transformation as much as we loved designing it (be sure to check out the before and a er photos).
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of this community. Every day, we strive to bring beauty and joy into the world — and we couldn’t do it without our talented team and your continued support
Warmly,
Vicky Serany
SOUTHERN STUDIO PROJECT REVEAL
A HOME FILLED WITH COLOR,COMFORT, AND FAMILY MAGIC
SEASONAL STYLING
A FRESH TABLE, TOLD IN LAYERS & GATHERED FROM THE GARDEN
HOSTING GUIDE
EASTER BRUNCH, MADE EASY
MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE
WEDDING REGISTRY
A SPECIAL SOMETHING FOR MOM
A THOUGHTFUL WAY TO BEGIN A MARRIAGE
SOUTHERN STUDIO PROJECT REVEAL
A Home Filled with Color, Comfort, and Family Magic
Some dreams take time — and this client’s long-awaited renovation was worth every moment of patience. Our clients navigated project delays and even a family wedding with grace, confident that their family’s future home would be nothing short of extraordinary.
Led by senior designer, Kayla Boyle, and executed by our full team, the project began with meticulous CAD drawings to completely reimagine the kitchen and the home’s flow. Every decision was rooted in real life: how the family moves, cooks, gathers, and plays. The kitchen now gleams with state-of-the-art Wolf and SubZero appliances, creamy-white cabinetry, and a so blue island — a timeless backdrop for vibrant pops of color in the furnishings. The large family table was repositioned to optimize space, and the former breakfast nook transformed into a cozy seating area with four swivel chairs, creating the perfect spot for conversations in the heart of the home.
The primary suite underwent an equally thoughtful transformation. The bedroom and bathroom were reconfigured, and the closet expanded to maximize storage. A top priority was enlarging the shower and introducing a freestanding tub with double vanities — an elegant solution that blends luxury with daily practicality. Working within the constraints of an existing home can be challenging, but our team approaches it with the enthusiasm of solving a rewarding puzzle
The hall bath and powder room received modern updates as well. In the powder room, we retained the original pedestal sink but infused it with fresh finishes and a cheerful wallcovering, giving the space an entirely new personality.
Meanwhile, the family room evolved into a vibrant gathering place, designed to welcome energy, laughter, and togetherness. The furnishings brought the design to life, guided by the homeowner’s love of bright, joyful colors: blues, greens, and pinks weave throughout, balancing playful energy with timeless elegance. Lighting was curated with intention — each fixture chosen to set the mood, highlight key features, and reflect the family’s personality.
A er years of anticipation, this family finally has a home as vibrant, welcoming, and full of life as they are. For our team, there is no greater joy than bringing these dreams to life — and that joy is simply contagious.
T JUST ABOUT UPDATED SPACES; S ABOUT CREATING A HOME THAT CELEBRATES FAMILY,
Principal Designer: Vicky Serany
COLOR PALETTE
Lead Designer: Kayla Boyle Design Team: Paige Adams, Kirsten Gray, Julia Ross
“A SOFT, UNDERSTATED FOUNDATION THAT MAKES POPS OF COLOR STAND OUT BEAUTIFULLY”
SEASONAL STYLING
A Fresh Table, Told in Layers
Spring arrives so ly at the table—through light, through memory, through pieces that have lived a life before now. This seasonal tablescape is a study in thoughtful contrast: crisp modern lines paired with timeworn florals, heirloom china mingling comfortably with contemporary glassware. The result feels collected, not styled; welcoming, not precious.
At the foundation, a clean white table allows pattern and patina to shine. Green block-printed linens introduce movement and an unmistakable nod to the garden, their hand-drawn motifs grounding the table in tradition. Layered atop, delicate vintage teacups—each with its own subtle floral story—bring a sense of nostalgia that feels deeply personal, inherited rather than sourced.
Modern coupe glasses add a quiet sparkle, catching the morning light and keeping the setting from dri ing too far into the past. Nearby, a classic porcelain teapot and sculptural salt and pepper pieces strike a balance between form and function, reminding us that beauty should always earn its place at the table.
What makes this setting sing is not perfection, but intention. The mix of old and new invites guests to linger, to ask questions, to share stories. A plate passed down. A pattern remembered from childhood. A new piece chosen simply because it felt right. This is spring hosting at its best—easy, layered, and full of heart.
The Art of Mixing Eras
Blending modern pieces with vintage and antique finds is less about rules and more about rhythm. Repeat a color to create cohesion. Let one statement pattern lead. And above all, choose pieces that mean something—sentiment is the most timeless element of all.
IN SPRING, THE TABLE BECOMES A PLACE OF RENEWAL—WHERE PAST AND PRESENT GATHER, AND EVERY SEAT FEELS LIKE HOME.
SEASONAL STYLING
Gathered from the Garden
As the days grow longer and meals dri outdoors, the table begins to mirror the season itself—fresh, unfussy, and alive with color. This seasonal setting takes its cue directly from the garden, celebrating the quiet luxury of what’s growing just beyond the door.
A simple wooden table sets the tone, its warmth grounding the scene and inviting a sense of ease. Down the center, fresh-cut herbs and leafy greens spill generously along a wooden board, creating a centerpiece that feels both abundant and e ortless. Basil, kale, and tender greens bring texture and movement, reminding us that the most beautiful arrangements are o en organic.
The place settings echo this relaxed refinement. Crisp white plates are layered with so ly striped linens, their neutral palette allowing the greens to take center stage. A single radish or sprig of mint rests at each setting—a small, thoughtful gesture that feels personal rather than performative. Clear glassware keeps the look light, catching the glow of late a ernoon sun and reinforcing the table’s open, welcoming spirit.
IN SPRING, REFINEMENT COMES NOT FROM EXCESS, BUT FROM INTENTION— AND FROM LETTING NATURE LEAD THE WAY.
HOSTING GUIDE
Easter Brunch, Made Easy
This spring, Easter brunch is all about relaxed hosting with playful, thoughtful touches. A self-serve tea bar—complete with vintage teacups, hot and iced teas, and fresh garnishes—invites guests to linger, while a simple, make-ahead quiche keeps the menu stress-free. Finished with cheerful bunny accents in so spring hues, this gathering celebrates connection, creativity, and the joy of welcoming the season together.
THE TUNES
Spring Social playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1m3iNM9374LRGNeVxU hR?si=KIkTAnG0S2OMqOkNtALCMw&nd=1&dlsi=9fddab06f7094232
FUN
Introduce a new tradition with an annual painted egg swap guests will look forward to year a er year.
FOOD
Chef Florence’s Vegetable Quiche
Ingredients:
1 small zucchini
1 red bell pepper
1 small red onion
Olive oil
Fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme)
4 large eggs
200ml crème fraiche
100ml whole milk
1 cup grated cheese (gruyere, Comte, or goat cheese)
Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Toss chopped veggies with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.
Spread on a baking tray and roast for 20-25 min until tender and slightly caramelized. Let cool slightly. 2
In a bowl, whisk eggs, cream, milk, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Stir in grated cheese.
Spread roasted vegetables evenly in the crust. Pour egg mixture over the top.
Sprinkle with extra cheese or herbs if desired. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 35-40 min, or until the filling is set and golden on top.
MARKET NOTES:
A Spring Guide from Our Chefs
Spring is the moment when farmers markets truly shine—brimming with color, conversation, and possibility. For many of the chefs who partner with Home for Entertaining, weekly visits to the North Carolina State Farmers Market are both practical and inspiring. We’re fortunate to also have the Downtown Cary Farmers Market only two blocks away on Saturdays. Shopping the market this time of year is less about sticking to a list and more about staying curious: tasting what’s in season, asking questions, and letting the rhythm of the harvest guide what ends up on the table. From produce and pantry staples to flowers and finishing touches, the spring market invites a slower, more intentional approach to cooking and gathering.
CHEF TIPS FROM THE MARKET
Chef Cat
“I buy everything at the farmers market—meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables, jams, honeys, even flowers and plants. Many vendors o er samples when items are in season, which is a great way to taste before you buy and notice how di erent harvests vary in flavor.”
Chef Stefanie
“Shop for color! Look for purple sweet potatoes, di erent varieties of eggplant, or yellow and green tomatoes. More color usually means more nutrient variety.”
Chef Florence
“I always ask vendors if they have slightly bruised or imperfect fruit, especially apples or peaches. They’ll o en sell it at a discount, and it’s perfect for applesauce, jams, and baking tarts.”
Chef Wendy
“Presentation matters to me, so I never skip the flower stands. I love supporting local growers and finding unique blooms that elevate a dish and add beauty to the table.”
Chef Lane
“Get to know the vendors and ask what they’re most excited about that week. Talking about how the weather has a ected certain crops—like strawberries, stone fruits, or herbs—can really guide what you choose.”
Chef Kim
“Bring your kitchen knives midweek! Beck’s Cutlery Sharpening Trailer is usually at the market on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am–4pm. Drop them o , then shop while they’re being sharpened.”
MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE
Mother’s Day is a moment to pause and celebrate the women who gather us, guide us, and make every place feel like home. This season, we’ve curated a collection of gi s chosen with care—beautiful pieces that feel both joyful and enduring. From artfully designed accents to high-quality essentials meant to be used and loved every day, each item is selected to honor the thoughtfulness and warmth our mothers bring into our lives. Finished in fresh colors and luxurious textures, this guide is an invitation to give something meaningful—something as special as she is.
My Neighbor’s
Tallow Hand Balm
https://homeforentertaining.com/products/manuka-honey-blue-tansy-tallow-hand-balm?_pos=2&_psq=My+Neighbor%E2%80%99s+Tallow+Hand+Balm&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Juliska Sofia Side and Cocktail Plates
https://homeforentertaining.com/products/sofia-side-and-cocktail-plate?_pos=1&_sid=8ad3f83d5&_ss=r
Claude Dozorme Berlingot Cheese Knives in Pink
https://homeforentertaining.com/products/claude-dozorme-box-of-3-berlingot-cheese-knives?_pos=3&_psq=berlingot&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Lauren Dunn Pretty in Pink Frame
https://homeforentertaining.com/products/pretty-in-pink-acrylic-frame?_pos=1&_sid=c614c0b19&_ss=r
Beatriz Ball mini heart dish in periwinkle
https://homeforentertaining.com/products/beatriz-ball-encanto-soho-mini-heart-in-periwinkle?_pos=1&_sid=b6e7d99df&_ss=r
https://homeforentertaining.com/products/coral-bay-pale-blue-throw-blankete?_pos=2&_sid= 10e1a16&_ss=r
Laura Park Coral Bay Throw Blanket
WEDDING REGISTRY
A Thoughtful Way to Begin a Marriage
Your registry should feel like more than a checklist—it should feel like the start of a life well lived. At Home for Entertaining, our registry experience is designed to be personal, joyful, and deeply considered. From the first glass of prosecco to the final wrapped gi , we guide couples through a relaxed, hands-on process that celebrates style, storytelling, and the pieces that will become part of your everyday moments and special occasions for years to come.
THE REGISTRY EXPERIENCE
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Begin by calling our shop to select a date and time for your personalized registry appointment. Our expert team will prepare for your visit, ready to help you build a collection of beautiful entertaining pieces that reflect your shared style and vision as a couple.
POP THE BUBBLY
Arrive at the shop and be welcomed with a glass of our favorite prosecco and a sweet treat. As you sip and snack, your registry expert will get to know your aesthetic, hosting goals, and the moments you’re most excited to celebrate.
PLAY WITH THE PIECES
Together, we’ll explore the shop and begin gathering pieces for your registry. Along the way, we’ll share the stories behind our vendors, how each piece is cra ed, and what makes them truly special. Place settings will be styled on our large dining table so you can see how everything comes together—and in some cases, your collection may even be displayed in the shop to inspire other couples.
SHARE YOUR REGISTRY
Following your appointment, you’ll receive a personalized registry link to share with your guests. Your registry can be updated at any time, and we’ll guide you through the online portal. Guests may choose to have gi s shipped or picked up in-store, with complimentary wrapping included and a special code to ensure everything arrives just as intended.
ENJOY THE DAY
No couple leaves empty-handed. At the end of your appointment, you’ll receive a wrapped gi —our way of celebrating the beginning of your registry journey.
COMPLETE YOUR COLLECTION
The experience doesn’t end a er the wedding. Any remaining registry items may be purchased with a 10% completion discount, allowing you to thoughtfully finish your collection at your own pace.
SHARE THE LOVE
Loved your experience? Refer another couple to Home for Entertaining. When they schedule a registry appointment, you’ll receive a $100 gi card as our thank-you—a little joy passed forward.
