One of my favorite newly released books of the year is A Loving Table: Creating Memorable Gatherings by lifestyle and entertaining expert Kimberly Schlegel Whitman and interior designer Shelley Johnstone Paschke. I have long admired the work of each of these ladies and was delighted to see the dynamic duo join forces to compile a lovely book dedicated to honoring family traditions and tablescapes.

A Loving Table showcases the inspiring tables and entertaining styles of 34 tastemakers from around the world, sharing how they keep traditions from past generations alive in their families. Interior designer Cathy Kincaid, lifestyle blogger Emily Hertz (Born on Fifth), philanthropist Jessica Nowitzki, food blogger Anne Itoop, interior designer Jan Showers, and publicist Allison Speer are just a few tastemakers offering an inside look into their authentic, family-oriented celebrations that honor their heritage, and create beautiful moments in the home.  Whether they are proudly incorporating a grandmother’s recipe collection or following their mother’s lessons on hospitality, A Loving Table highlights the lasting influence of family role models.

From occasions ranging from grand to intimate, city to country, or even indoor to outdoor, there’s a beautifully designed table with an incredible story behind it.  Some of the inspiring tables and seasonal moments include a Vietnamese Christmas Eve, a Royal Luncheon in Portugal, a Mardi Gras Brunch, Easter Entertaining Traditions, and a 100th Birthday for Grandpa, to name a few.

The vibrant pink cover and heart imagery is a theme that was established early on in the planning process. “Kim and I met in passing at so many events over the years, but it wasn’t until one work trip in New York celebrating tablescapes that we knew we had to work on a project together,” says Shelley Johnstone Paschke. “When coming up with the idea for A Loving Table, we would always send each other the pink heart emoji, and it became the precedent for the logo on the cover of the book. We love how the cover turned out, as each woman’s story really captures special moments from the heart.”

A Loving Table  was published by Gibbs Smith with foreword by esteemed interior designer Mark D. Sikes.