A Southern author, gardener, floral and interior designer, cook and garden-to-table lifestyle expert, James Farmer seems to do it all. Known for his “classic with a twist” interiors, his work has graced the pages of The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Southern Living Magazine, Traditional Home Magazine, and many more. In Spring 2013, James opened his design firm and antique store in Perry, Georgia.
As one of our Holiday Tastemakers, James worked with Dogwood Hill artist Gina Langford to design his stunning Christmas cards this year. He has very graciously agreed to share with us some more about himself including his holiday traditions and what he always has on hand when working on his design projects.
Favorite Holiday Tradition: My family eats sushi on Christmas Eve because my grandmother had finally had it with turkey, dressing and ham. She wanted the complete opposite! We have eaten at a Japanese Steak House for as long as I remember.
Dream Dinner Date: I would love to have dinner with Truman Capote, Babe Paley and their friend group. Or perhaps, Jackie O and her sister Lee. However, if none of them were available I will settle for Thomas Jefferson.
Favorite Last Minute Holiday Gift Idea: Books!! I love giving books…hint hint, James Farmer books!
3 Favorite Coffee Table Books: Furlough Gatewood’s One Man’s Folly; An Updated Emily Post book because we all need to mind our manners; Of course, I am biased, but one of mine!!
Last great film you saw? Home Again with Reese Witherspoon! I love Nancy Myers films! Or, I am on a major Florence Foster Jenkins kick.
Comfort Food: Soup and corn bread.
What inspires you most? Creative Ingenuity! I love when someone does something so simple yet so great!
Prized Possession: My Mimi’s every day silver or old family photos.
Most sentimental Christmas tree trimming: True confession: Christmas trees are not my favorite. I love decorating my mantle, though! I have my grandparents, parents and my siblings’ stockings which go great on my mantle.
Go-to hostess gift: Snips and Clips from the yard in a fun container! People love fresh flowers especially seasonal garden flowers.
Hidden Talent: The Uncanny ability to sniff out a bakery or antique mall in any town. I can tell you anywhere to eat below the Mason Dixon line or East of the Mississippi.
Coffee: I love coffee with a heavy hand of cream.
What did you dream of being when you were a kid? Who I am today, honestly!
What is your number one tool of the trade? That blue stuff – Putty! I fixed a Christmas decoration with it just this morning! Its great for hanging and for cabinets that won’t close, anything really!