Oten called the “grande dame” of Palm Beach design, Florida native Leta Austin Foster, affectionately known as Letsy, now age 85, started her design firm 50 years ago. Her boundless energy and superb eye became the stuff of legend. Over two steamy summer days, she crafted a series of elegant and eclectic table settings, assembled from her boutique’s extensive offerings.
Located on the historic Via Mizner, the store is a magical emporium, filled with Old World glamour. Here, she offers a highly curated selection of home accessories, including fine linens from D. Porthault and home fragrances by Rigaud, many of which are exclusive to Foster within the Southeast. She is also well known for custom-made products, including dinnerware, stationary, and children’s clothing, along with unique decorative items acquired on trips.
The interior design arm of the business is called Leta Austin Foster & Daughters: India Foster, works with her mother in Palm Beach, while her other daughter, Sallie Giordano, heads up the office in New York. The award-winning trio have developed a unified design philosophy that intentionally avoids trends, employing pieces with history and longevity to create interiors that are at once classic and comfortable.
Here is a plethora of ideas to help make your holiday entertaining festive and fun.
Tablecloth, napkins and placemats, custom embroidered for Leta Austin Foster by Alexandre Turpault; flatware by Sabre in bamboo in light presswood; glasses by Biot in amber; ceramic plates by F.lli Mari in palio di siena; salt and pepper shakers by Francis Stoia; ceramic vegetables at Leta Austin Foster.
Plates by Isis Ceramics in exotic animal pattern; placemats by Zoë de Givenchy; flatware by Sabre in gustave pearl; salt and pepper mills in ivorine with sterling silver rim; silver wine coaster by Au Bain Marie. Tablecloth in a custom design made for Leta Austin Foster; napkins by Julian Mejia Designs; glasses, stylist’s own.
Tablecloth and napkins by Maison Venu; ceramic plates and bowls by Astier de Villatte; glasses by Biot; wicker and leather tray, and potted ceramic lettuce made for Leta Austin Foster; wooden salad bowl, stylist’s own.
Tablecloth by Noel Paris; placemats by Klatso; glasses by Biot; napkins by D. Porthault in coeurs bleu; flatware by Astier de Villatte; aptware charger by Christine Jouval; ceramic plates and bowls by Zoë de Givenchy in les bluets pattern; salt and pepper mills by Au Bain Marie in ivorine with silver rim.
Tablecloth, hand embroidered by Lin de Chateau; china by Biot in dauphin pattern; napkins by Julian Mejia; glasses especially made for Leta Austin Foster; placemats by Zoë de Givenchy; candlesticks by Astier de Villatte; salt and pepper shakers by Frances Stoia; flatware by Au Bain Marie.
Hand-embroidered tablecloth by Lin de Chateau; flatware by Sabre in gustave pearl; glasses by Biot; piqué scalloped napkins by Julian Mejia Designs; ceramic plates and bowls by Zoë de Givenchy in brindille ochre brûlée pattern.
Tablecloth by D. Porthault in marriage pattern; ceramic plates by Zoë de Givenchy in camaïeu vert pattern; placemats custom made for Leta Austin Foster; salt and pepper mills by Au Bain Marie; flatware by Sabre in gustave pearl.
Tablecloth and napkins, hand-embroidered by Lin de Chateau; ceramic plates by F.lli Mari; flatware by Sabre in bamboo light presswood; placemats by Klatso; mural painted by William Benjamin.