Look for her designs to pop up at Juliska this month
The founder of Art of the Entry believes that creating a warm and welcoming home starts from the outside in. That’s why the designer and entrepreneur launched her new business selling timeless decor for exteriors and entryways earlier this year—think hand-woven doormats, seasonal wreaths, brass door knockers, and metal planters. Look for Art of the Entry to pop up at Juliska this month, the Southern Living Illumination Holiday Market on December 6 and 7, and The Charleston Place during SEWE in February. In spring 2025, Lavin, who is behind the design-focused Lavin Label website and Instagram account, is collaborating with Fanm Mon on a collection of dresses for outdoor entertaining. Here, she shares how she is decorating her home for the holidays and what she’s wearing this season.
Q How will you decorate for Thanksgiving?
A I’ll start with our handwoven, braided jute doormat featuring a twisted green and white border as the foundation. To add a touch of freshness, I’ll incorporate a seasonal wreath from our fall collection and finish it with a velvet bow in a marigold yellow. Then, I’ll visit Abide-A-While and pick up a variety of winter plants to place in our scalloped planters that flank the door. It’s the details that make the biggest impact.
Q What’s your favorite hostess gift to give?
A I love to give a flowering plant in a pot that can be reused. A plant is a way to bring the outdoors in. For something really special, I’ll ask an artist to hand-paint the pot. I also love to give our doormats (above) as a housewarming gift!
Q Do you have a signature look?
A I’m a big fan of a fitted shirtdress with subtle and classic jewelry. Ann Mashburn’s “Felicity” (above) is a great everyday dress. In the cooler months, you’ll likely see me wearing jeans paired with a comfy, knit cardigan and chic flats.
Q What’s in your real or virtual shopping cart that you hope to purchase soon?
A I have a few skin-care products recommended by Charleston-based influencer Grace Atwood: Augustinus Bader “The Rich Cream,” Supergoop “Unseen Sunscreen,” and Rhode’s “Peptide Lip Treatment.” I also buy anything recommended to me by my stylist, Kensey Adair, like the “Sloane” dress from Hill House Home (above) with woven ballet flats from Loeffler Randall. Lucky us, Hill House and Loeffler Randall are on King Street.
Q What will you wear on Thanksgiving?
A You’ll see me in a fitted dress with a classic silhouette. I love Cara Cara’s and Hunter Bell’s fall collections. We have an energetic four-year-old girl who I’ll be chasing around the yard, so I’ll throw on a dress with this Cara Cara cardigan (above) that’s easy and comfortable.
Q What’s on your holiday wish list?
A An angel investor, ha! But any jewelry from Jane Pope works, too. I love her textured 14K-gold “Cigar Band.” It looks great in a stack.
