If you are not familiar with the purveyor of good taste known as “Stuffy Muffy” online, we are delighted to make the introduction!  On Instagram and her blog, Stuffy Muffy (aka Emily Jackson) shares “a chic cocktail of a la mode entertaining, delicious decor and marvelous musings,” In addition, Emily is a freelance writer for a variety of interior design publications. With an international sensibility, traditional tastes and a fervor for history, she believes in always adding a fun twist on formal.

Emily lives in Atlanta with her husband, two young children, and Westie. In addition to her writing, she enjoys zhushing her 1940s home, traveling, needlepoint, a page turning read, and supporting worthy causes. It is a pleasure to welcome her today!

Q:  When and how did you first become interested in interior design?

A:  From a very young age, I think antiques were my gateway drug! My great-grandmother Honey was an antiques dealer in little Brownwood, Texas and left behind an abundant collection for her grandchildren to call their own. My parents’ home had all manner of brown furniture in every room along with plenty of silver service and decorative objet. I’ve always sought pieces and spaces that have a story to tell, life is more interesting surrounded by a bit of the past.

Q:  How do you define your style?

A:  Impossibly traditional, bucking every trend in the book. I’ll never turn down a weathered wicker piece or a ruffled skirt on anything, I suppose you could say I lean toward feminine flair and thoughtful details.

Q:  What designers inspire you?

A:  So many decorators from the past including Albert Hadley, Nancy Lancaster, and Billy Baldwin. My latest saved design posts on Instagram are rooms by Caroline Gidiere, Anne Wagoner, Marie-Caroline Willms, Katie Wolf, and Rebecca Graham. The stream of exquisite decor inspiration is endless!

Q:  What led you to create Stuffy Muffy, and what is in store for the next 5 years?

A:  I was looking for a creative outlet like Pinterest, one where I could stay anonymous and share my very niche tastes with like-minded aesthetes. The Instagram caption text could be rich with history and artful themes, which back then (2015ish) was appreciated. In the next 5 years I hope to still be sharing inspirational images peppered in with delightful finds and recipes.

Q:  Tell us about your beautiful home and what renovations you made?

A:  Thank you! It is a cottage-esque 1940’s house with great bones such as high ceilings and a floor plan that flows intuitively; these qualities make the square footage feel grander. Together with Tillman Long Interiors we renovated the kitchen, adding a breakfast room and mudroom, and carved out space for a true primary bedroom all while staying within the original footprint. We’ve learned to live efficiently with the quirks of an older abode, closet space is maximized and architectural elements such as plaster walls are embraced. While this isn’t our forever home, it will always be very special to our family.

Q:  What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

A:  Free time with two young children is limited but I so cherish it! Cooking a new recipe is a simple pleasure I try to find time for weekly. I also love to needlepoint, read, practice pilates and sneak out to a fun dinner with my husband or girlfriends.

Q:  What are 5 everyday luxuries you could not live without?

A:  Good quality eggs with richly hued orange yolks, nothing else will do!

Airpods to listen to my constant stream of podcasts

Tata Harper Illuminating Moisturizer, it takes me from sallow to bright-eyed in an instant

Wusthof knives for all my daily chopping needs

A fluffy Weezie Towels robe is what I melt into every evening

Q:  What are your number one secret for setting a lovely table?

A:  Candlelight! It sets the mood and makes everyone look their loveliest.

Q:  What is your favorite family weeknight recipe?

A:  My go-to is always a three-ingredient Chicken Pommery but in the thick of summer, I will make this Sweet Corn Gazpacho often.

Q:  What is the key to hostessing the perfect dinner party?

A:  I can’t wait to get back to entertaining after our dining room zhush is complete, I miss it! I would say preparation is key and establishing a very warm, welcoming tone with music, lighting, cocktails, simple menu and a thoughtful guest list will make for the most memorable evening. You don’t have to have the grandest home or fanciest catering to make a lasting impression. In his book, Confessions of a Serial Entertainer, Steven Stolman captures this sentiment so well: “I think that much of the dread to entertain comes from an inability to be spontaneous, from thinking that one’s home isn’t up to snuff. I don’t care if you live in a penthouse or a fifth-floor walk up; for crying out loud, buy a bottle of wine and a can of peanuts and call me!”

Thank you, Emily, for joining us today and providing a glimpse inside your très chic world!

For ongoing inspiration – and delicious recipes! – please visit www.stuffymuffy.com and follow @stuffymuffy on Instagram.