Talking Tablescapes, Gifting, and More with Lifestyle Expert Kimberly Schlegel Whitman

Setting a festive table comes second nature to lifestyle and entertaining expert Kimberly Schlegel Whitman. For the rest of us, there’s her newly-launched website TRUNK Curated, a meticulously-edited assortment of designer home goods, exclusive vintage pieces, and unique finds.

“Curating brands and table schemes is one of my favorite things to do. Some of them are world-renowned luxury brands with rich histories, others are new entrepreneurs with small businesses making handmade artisanal treasures,” she said.

Mixing them together is Whitman’s secret sauce. “It lends a richness to the new brands and a unique take on the established ones.”

Case in point: a rare vintage Gucci silver and enamel pen cup. “It’s the perfect gift for a gentleman to keep on his desk.”

Other favorites include collectible pieces from Hermès, Porthault, and Cartier; Shandell’s hand-marbled match sets, tissue box covers, and pencil cups; and handcrafted Ines Olympe Mercadal trinket trays. You also can’t go wrong with Riguad candles. “They’re so classic and elegant.”

As the name implies, TRUNK Curated also features virtual trunk shows.

We asked Whitman to elaborate on two current collections.

Christofle. “We focused on giftware for our first trunk show. I love that the brand has brought back its original signature green packaging. It brings the same smile to a recipient’s face that the well-known orange box does!

“I also love that they trusted me with a wide variety of price points, ranging from $70 to $15,500,” she added.

El Shoppo x Esencial Hogan. “Both of these brands – founded by amazing young women who worked in the design industry – are filled with amazing treasures.” Standouts include stunning table linens (“a fresh take on a traditional craft”) and three-foot-tall flower candles (“it’s impossible not to see the beauty in the work”).

You can find all of this at TRUNK Curated.

And of course, while we had the chance, we asked Whitman for some timely holiday advice.

On setting a beautiful table: “I love to pull holiday decorations from around my home for the middle of the table to make it more festive.”

On finding the perfect gift: “Gifts are my love language, so I love to find unique pieces for everyone in my life. I think so many people write off the simple pleasures like scented candles or matches.”

On holiday hosting: “Think of all five senses – what guests will see when they first arrive, the touch of the cold glass of champagne in their hand as they mingle, the sound of holiday music, the smells coming from the kitchen, and finally, taste, as they create memories around the table.

“And remember, smile through the mistakes and let your laugh come easily. It is contagious!”