2024 Lecture Series

Keynote Lecture

The Perfect Recipe for a Beautiful Life

A special conversation with Ina Garten and Mary Celeste Beall

Mary Celeste Beall, proprietor of the acclaimed resort hotels Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain, will host a special conversation with cookbook author, television host and entertaining icon Ina Garten. Mary Celeste will guide the discussion as Ina shares a charming insider’s look into her world and the pleasures of good food and friends, a career in food and writing and the roads that Ina took to becoming the Barefoot Contessa.

Lifestyle-Design Lecture

A Parisian’s Guide to Celebrating the Good Life

Embracing joie with Ajiri Aki

Ajiri Aki, the founder of entertaining and lifestyle brand Madame de la Maison and author of the captivating book, “JOIE: A Parisian’s Guide to Celebrating the Good Life,” will take her audience on a delightful journey through the essence of the Parisian lifestyle. Drawing from her own experiences as an American-Nigerian living in Paris, Ajiri will share her insights and lessons she has learned about embracing joie — joy — every day.

Floral Design Lecture & Demonstration

The Artistry of Flowers

A floral design lecture and demonstration by La Musa de Las Flores

Experience the beauty of floral design through the eyes of gardener, floral designer and founder of Heartfelt Floristry, Gabriela Salazar. Gabriela will talk about how growing her own garden has changed how she designs with flowers, and she will illustrate how an intimate relationship with flowers is the artistry behind soft, romantic arrangements. Discover how flowers have the power to transform the way you feel as Gabriela shares how her Valle de Bravo, Mexico garden helped her find her path and place in the world.

Design Panel

Chic Couples on Creating Beautiful Collections

A panel discussion led by Stacey Bewkes with Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller of Carrier and Company and Meredith and Hunter Ellis of JAMES Showroom

Partners in design and in life, renowned industry experts Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller of Carrier and Company and Meredith and Hunter Ellis of JAMES Showroom will participate in an intimate discussion about what it’s like to work and create with your spouse. The panel will be moderated by Stacey Bewkes, Quintessence founder and respected voice in the world of design and lifestyle. Afterward, attendees can look forward to a book signing, during which Jesse and Mara will be signing copies of their new book, “Defining Chic.”

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