Tabletops designer to visit for J. McLaughlin book event
New York interior designer and photographer Stephanie Stokes will visit Boca Grande to promote her new Rizzoli book “The World at Your Table” at a signing on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at J. McLaughlin.
The book, published in March, is about tabletops and indigenous architecture. The book evolved out of a series of Instagram posts. The table ideas came after Stokes had a horse accident, one which required numerous surgeries, and recuperation time at home.
“I would just invite one person or two people for dinner each night,” said Stokes. “If you are in crutches, it’s pretty nice to set up dinner.”
The book is interspersed with photographs of places where Stokes has traveled. Along with editors from publisher Rizzoli, she spent time searching through old film to find photos, including Budapest, Cartagena and London.
“We used what we could, and I am very pleased with the way it came out,” said Stokes.
The book is not about selling her own products and design but instead to encourage others to create an atmosphere in their own houses when they eat with friends and family.
“I want to start a dining room theater,” said Stokes. “The objects that you use, the plate and silver, are like props.”
The current fad for minimalism and white plates is seen nowhere in the book. While she does not condemn white China dinner plates, and even has a set, she believes there are so many more options. She cited a trip to Iran, where she came back with a set of 20 or 30 plates for what would have been a medium priced souvenir.
In Denver, Colo. she said that she often goes into thrift stores “slapping my hands” to keep away from purchases. Even coming out of her doctor’s office in New York, she is always on the lookout for treasures at the simplest of places.
“It’s a gold mine,” said Stokes. “Have some fun. Go to the thrift store.”
The event in Boca Grande came out of an event that she worked on with the New York home furnishings retailer and jeweler Scully & Scully for the Fund for Park Avenue, where Barbara McLaughlin is president. The organization benefits gardens and beautification on the street.
“We became fast friends because we move at the same speed,” said Stokes. “It turns out we have really good friends in common.”
She was already familiar with Boca Grande, having worked with Larry and Betsy Blau on the Englehard residence, Pamplemousse. The event at J. McLaughlin will include Kevin and Barbara McLaughlin and Charles Miers, the publisher of Rizzoli Books. It will be in conjunction with The Tide Bookstore.
“I am looking forward to going to Boca Grande because it is a very special place,” said Stokes. “It’s very low key and understated, compared to other parts of Florida.”
Stokes, who worked for the designers Mark Hampton and Harrison Cultura before opening her own design business, founded her design firm, Stephanie Stokes Inc., in 1982.
“Just look wherever you are, because there are treasures out there. You can create beauty for your friends and family and do something special.”
J. McLaughlin is at 360 Park Ave., Boca Grande, (941) 855-9163.
