As co-chairs of the Antiques & Garden Show, how would you describe your vision for this year’s event?
When we began dreaming up this year’s Show, we kept coming back to the idea of classic American style. The designer who embodied that best for us was Ralph Lauren. His work instantly evokes a sense of American elegance, and once David Lauren and Lauren Bush Lauren were on board, the vision really started to take shape. What we didn’t think about when we first started planning is that 2026 is America’s 250th anniversary, which is so serendipitous.
Each year, the event perfectly showcases antiques, garden design, and lifestyle inspiration. How did you curate this year’s theme of American Elegance? We were guided by words like iconic, timeless and chic – touchstones that influenced everything from the Show fabrics to the overall atmosphere we wanted to create. We also loved the idea of featuring an all-American lineup of speakers and partners, each of them representing their own version of American elegance.
The keynote speakers and special guests often set the tone for the event. What were you looking for as you selected this year’s lineup?
From the beginning, we knew we wanted to showcase iconic designers that represented everything classic American style and design can be. Once we had our Keynote speakers – David Lauren and Lauren Bush Lauren – the rest of the lineup fell into place very naturally. For the Landscape Design Lecture, we were drawn to Charles Stick and Ben Page, because when you think of classic American gardens, that’s exactly what they do. Preston Bailey is another exciting talent for the Floral Lecture; he was one of the original superstar event designers, and his work blends celebration with floral artistry. His sense of “floral fantasy” brings a completely different creative dimension to the Show. Our Design Panel also truly reflects the full range of American design. It was important to us to spotlight that balance between modern and traditional with GACHOT and Meyer Davis. Including Will Meyer and Gray Davis is especially meaningful since they’re both from Tennessee.
What can you share about this year’s Show? Any new features from years past? We’re excited to introduce a few new elements this year. David Lauren will be hosting a meet-and-greet instead of a traditional book signing, which we think will feel much more personal for attendees. We’ve also named Honorary Chairs for both the Preview Party and Bourbon Party, which we’re really excited about. For the Preview Party, we have Kate Brodsky whose late mother, the renowned decorator Suzanne Rheinstein, designed our 2026 signature fabric pattern, Garden Roses from Lee Jofa. Our Bourbon Party Honorary Co-Chairs are a fun duo, House & Parties Founder and Creative Director Rebecca Gardner and Southern Living
Editor-in-Chief Sid Evans. We also have Antiques & Garden Show branded tote bags this year! Those can be purchased at antiquesandgardenshow.com.
How do you blend tradition with trends and new inspiration?
For us, it’s about showcasing the full spectrum of American style and design. The Laurens represent the height of timeless tradition, while our Design Panel brings fresh, on-trend perspectives that feel exciting and current. By blending both, we’re able to highlight the best of classic and contemporary America and offer something that appeals to a wide range of attendees.
The show attracts top-tier dealers, creators, and garden experts from across the country. What criteria guided your selection process this year?
We rely on the expertise of our longtime Dealer Chairs, who truly understand what resonates with our audience. They’re thoughtful about curating a mix of antique and horticultural selections and price points so there’s something for every attendee. On the garden side, our fantastic Garden Chair leads the selection of landscape designers — he’s a true magic maker.
What do you hope attendees walk away feeling or thinking after experiencing the Show this year?
More than anything, we hope people walk away feeling inspired. We want them to enjoy the beauty and energy of the Show and leave with a sense of excitement and possibility.
Looking ahead, how do you hope the Show continues to evolve, and what legacy do you want the 2026 event to leave?
We hope the Show continues to inspire appreciation for the beautiful designs showcased by its speakers and partners each year, and to discover and create beauty in their own lives. As the 2026 Show builds on this legacy, we also want to inspire people to explore new and unexpected corners of the world for fresh ideas and inspiration.
For more information on the show, starting January 8th, or to purchase tickets, visit antiquesandgardenshow.com.