An Afternoon with James Farmer
Are you a lover of great design, beautiful gardens, and delicious food served with great hospitality? All of that defines James Farmer!
Are you familiar with James Farmer? His books have graced my kitchen and decorated my tables and mantel for years. As I open each book, echoes of hospitality, celebration, exquisite design, beautiful gardens, great food and creating memories flood the pages.
If you are a southern girl, that Georgia designer, gardener and writer is known to you. His books are sold at some of my favorite gift shops.
He is best friends with Debbie Roker, Al’s wife, who is from his home town. Their conversations during visits are like many of ours with updates about characters from their mutual home town.
He worked alongside Jenna Bush Hagar at Southern Living. In turn, she wrote the forward for one of his cookbooks. Conversations about hospitality in the White House and a grandmother and mother who welcomed all were the impetus for such.
His sense of cherishing family, humor, and beautiful things are front and center with his speaking engagements…which is what brought me to this post today.
Do you remember the Paducah Garden Club event that I shared with you last summer?
An outdoor garden event that showcased local gardens.
Beautiful place settings…formal and not so formal gardens included.
Then there was a Flower Show this summer that I shared among the pages here.
Once again, beautiful tablescapes….
to a welcoming floral design that was stunning…
Beautiful garden arrangements were everywhere.
That club decided to bring James Farmer to Paducah for a speaking engagement.
There were my favorite vendors set up with flowers, garden decorations, and spring bulbs.
Frenchtown Station shared some of her amazing garden pieces.
If you are ever in Paducah, you need to visit.
We have the most amazing local artisan, J. and D.’s, who was there with simply exquisite hand made ceramic pieces for sale.
Yes! That flower pot and arrangement is hand created.
Be still my heart.
Then there were the foxgloves he created. Oh. My. Goodness.
Tulip Lane and Flower and Furbish also had beautiful things to sell.
Oh, the flowers! Aren’t they gorgeous?
And of course, there were books authored by James Farmer for sale.
And he would autograph them after his speaking with all of us.
There was catching up with dozens of friends…those who introduced me to new friends…and those whom I hadn’t seen in years.
Returning to normalcy and gathering together was so good for my heart.
But the best part of this event?
Hearing James Farmer speak.
His humor.
The hilarious small town stories.
From hello, yal, to cherished southern antics, my heart connected.
With an art of hospitality, he invited you in from that podium in a way that those without that gift simply can’t do.
He drew you in with laughter.
Familiarism.
Celebrating all that is important. From cherished family dinnerware to favorite family dishes, he made you grateful and thankful for those who had left impressions in your life.
A perfect season for thankfulness and getting back to focusing on what’s important with feet under my table.
His descriptions of living were so applicable and recognizable to my heart.
A bit of faith with a lot of humor brought pure joy.
An appreciation for his mama and grandmama and all family members warmed my heart.
Descriptions of those people who he watched and emulated were so delightful.
And of course, for those gardeners in the audience, there were reminders of how to prepare your garden for spring’s beauty which were wonderful.
If you EVER have an opportunity to hear him speak…Please go! You will be so glad you did.
Why was it important that I share this with you today?
Because gathering with feet under your table is important.
Celebrating life as often as you can is so very valuable.
Embracing all that you were created to be and not be “molded” into someone you are not is vital.
Creating moments with beauty and love is so needed today.
If you are curating your Christmas gift lists for you or others, please add his authored works to your lists for those who find these values important.
As an Amazon, Walmart and LTK affiliate, at times I may provide affiliate links to products that may offer an easier way to find products that I mention or use. Same price for you, but beneficial to this blog and at times, may offer compensation if you use them to shop. See my disclosure policy here.
Don’t forget what’s important, friends. Life is fleeting and time too short to miss moments gathered.
14 Comments
Vickie Ramey
I did not know about James Farmer, but I will look in my bookstores and gift shops. Thank you for the info!
Leslie J Watkins
If he is speaking anywhere close to you, go and hear him…he will truly make your heart happy!
Renee Tilley
Leslie, thank you for your lovely write up about James Farmer and enjoying the event as much as I did! James has a great following here now.
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Renee, to all of you with Paducah Garden Club for bringing James to Paducah. The event was magical! Please thank all of your members for me for their dedication, work and roles in making it, once again, a wonderful event!
Lucy Paxton
I loved that you enjoyed James Farmer as much as I did! You captured his personality perfectly!
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you! Oh, my goodness. He was the BEST! So thankful that Paducah Garden Club brought him here!
Wendy McMonigle
What a wonderful experience to see him in person. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Leslie J Watkins
It was a delight!
Alda Ellis
Oh Leslie, your post had me wishing to be there with you and hear James Farmer for I have all his books. So delighted to know how charming (and truly southern) he really is . I just love all your posts but thank you for sharing this visit with all the details so beautifully written. You know I certainly like to celebrate!
Much love and big hugs, Alda
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Alda. Oh, that would have been perfect to have you sitting in the seat right next to me, friend. I don’t have all of his books, yet…but, I’m working on it.
Cindy Walker
After reading your post, I must start reading James Farmer’s books. Those flowers are breathtaking! Thank you for sharing.
Leslie J Watkins
Paducah Garden Club events are always beautiful! And James Farmer books are amazing.
Connie Byrd
Leslie, thank you for your fantastic review of the James Farmer Event! I was not familiar with James Farmer before we began planning for this event, but I was absolutely impressed after hearing him. Your description of the afternoon “nailed it!” Your photos are great as well. Did you use a smartphone or bring another camera? I have added a link to your blog on our website I have already printed a couple of the recipes you shared. It was great to see you again!!!!
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Connie. It was wonderful seeing you there! For that event, my phone was my friend. Thank you for adding a link to your website. What an honor! The group ALWAYS does beautiful things that I have shared on the blog before. Can’t wait for the next event! Hope you love the recipes!