"As we like to say in my family, we're the fanciest casual people you'll ever meet... I love to use my beautiful things"
- Alex Papachristidis
For nearly four decades, New York City-based interior decorator Alex Papachristidis has built a career on making rooms feel as beautiful as they are livable - including his own. Layered with treasures from past travels, covetable auction finds, and thoughtful gifts from friends, no space is spared from his eye for even the smallest details. His natural sensibilities as a host are no accident either; he credits his mother's gracious entertaining as his greatest influence.
This week, Alex opens up about his hosting rituals, his most treasured heirlooms, and why he believes freshly pressed linens are the finest finishing touch to any home. Read on for a peek inside his world.
What’s a feature of your home that guests always notice?
Alex: When guests arrive at my home, I always greet them at the door and offer them a drink. At my house, we offer everything, even Diet Coke, which I think is the devil’s drink, but people like it. I was raised to believe that, as a host, you always make your guests feel comfortable.
Who taught you how to entertain?
Alex: My divine Mother was a gracious and lovely hostess with great warmth and charm. She always made guests feel welcome.
What’s the most meaningful heirloom you own? What’s the story behind it?
Alex: There are so many things that have memories that I adore, many from my mother. Some from our travels, a number from auctions and great collections. Like a wonderful Japanese Porcelain Dog, ormolu-mounted with a fish in his mouth from Mario Bualtta, who was a dear friend and wrote the foreword to my first book. I also love a pair of ormolu-mounted Blue & White Chinese Candlesticks that belong to Alberto Pinto that I purchased at a Sotheby’s auction.
Do you have a signature design element or hosting ritual that you always incorporate into entertaining?
Alex: I love to set my table in a different way every time using objects from my collections. I like my objects to be conversation pieces.
When hosting overnight guests, what special touch(es) do you include that make it ‘feel like home’?
Alex: Flowers in their bedroom, decanted water by their bed, perfectly crisp linens, bathrobe and slippers in the closet. At night, the curtains are drawn, and their beds are turned down.
What is one entertaining “rule” you happily ignore?
Alex: I love and I believe in rules, I simply adapt them to work for me.
What do you hope people feel when they walk into your home?
Alex: Welcomed, warmth and I like to hit their senses with a beautiful atmosphere, yummy food, a perfect cocktail, scented candles, and pretty flowers. We also offer any amenity you would want—tennis teacher, hairdresser, manicures, workouts in the gym, swimming, and walks on the beach.
What are your favorite pieces of your bedding collection?
Alex: I adore all kinds of beautiful linens and I like mixing them in my own way.
How many pillows do you have on your bed?
Alex: I have 4 king pillowcases on my bed. 2 king pillowcases lying flat on top of each other on each side, along with 2 standard shams, 2 king upholstered pillows upright in front of the 2 king, and 2 shams, plus 2 neck rolls!
Tell us about your canine friend!
Alex: Cooper is the love of our lives. We absolutely adore him. He is super spoiled, super cute, and tries to improve his friendly skills with others.
In your clients' homes filled with the most thoughtful design and gorgeous objects, you always specify beautiful linens. Why do you think it is important?
Alex: I sleep every night on freshly pressed linens. Like everything in life, it is important to have quality and refined things around you. Beautiful linens are the finest touch to a well-finished house.
What is the linen piece that you most treasure from your family?
Alex: My mother's special monogram linen and lace handkerchiefs. They are in my drawer with my own handkerchiefs and bring back so many memories of her every time I open my drawer.
"Life should be fun... I believe it makes people feel comfortable, that you don't take things too seriously."
- Alex Papachristidis
