Bradley Agather

Tastemaker Questions: Bradley Agather

India Amory Linens used: Round placemats & dinner napkins in Blue Spot

What do Texans do really well when it comes to entertaining?  The best hostesses are gracious. They know how to make guests feel comfortable. Texans do this exceptionally well. We always aim to create a warm, welcoming environment. We also know how to make a really good margarita!

Do you have a favorite piece you like to incorporate into your tablescapes?  Candles. Lots of them! I think lighting is really important. It sets the mood - not to mention, everyone looks better in candlelight.

Cozy dinner in, or fun dinner out?  Cozy dinner in - preferably with tequila.

You’re hosting a dinner fête. What do you wear?  You never know what guests will show up wearing. I always want to make sure that they feel comfortable, and not under- or over-dressed. With that mind, my outfit usually falls somewhere between dressy and casual - a long caftan with statement earrings or cropped pants with a cozy sweater. And (almost) always flats!

Ella Fitzgerald or Bruno Mars?  Ella Fitzgerald

We loved your most recent “Punch List” on your blog. Are there any favorite entertaining or tabletop pieces for your next series?  My India Amory blue spot napkins!

You blogged about taking a much-needed sun-filled vacation with your family over the holiday. Do you have a favorite warm-weather go-to destination?  Harbour Island will forever be my favorite.

Best hostess gift?  I steer clear of candles and bottles of wine. I really like to gift a hostess with a treat she can enjoy the next morning. For example, Model Bakery makes the most divine English muffins. I'll order a bag of those ahead of time and give those as a gift. They're always a huge hit. 

You've incorporated our Blue Spot Round Placemats and Napkins with a distinct pop of orange for a recent table setting. Can you tell us about the occasion? Do you typically use placemats?  I almost always incorporate placemats - especially since I rarely use a tablecloth. The placements are like the backdrop of a table setting. For me, they're necessary.

This setting was for a casual brunch with a group of my girlfriends. It's a great example of personal style: classic with a twist. The blue and white combo is a forever classic. It's timeless. I've never been one to shy away from color so bringing in a pop of orange was a way to put my own spin on it.  The best part about this set of napkins and placemats is their versatility. The dot design makes for a seamless pairing with all kinds of other prints and patterns, and, of course, the blue and white color combination is essentially a neutral. It will work with any color in the rainbow.

Your blog, Luella & June, documents your personal style, among many other fashionable topics. With your own personal style in mind, what makes the perfect brunch outfit?  Brunch allows a little more flexibility. You can go lots of different directions with your outfit. I usually opt for something that's a step up from casual. I stay away from jeans and instead opt for a skirt or a long, breezy dress paired with fun accessories like a statement necklace or a pair of oversized earrings. I also love a good jumpsuit!