Aerin Lauder, the granddaughter of beauty legend Estée Lauder, worked for her family’s business for 20 years before launching her namesake lifestyle brand—and new AERIN tabletop, accessories, and beauty collections just dropped in our shop! The label’s beautiful, effortless, and elegant aesthetic is heaven for anyone registering—from gold-rimmed ice buckets to leather picture frames, to shell-shaped dinnerware, there’s something for everyone. Aerin’s own wedding in Wainscott also serves as eternal event planning inspiration and her pieces continue to evoke her brand of Upper East Side classic-ness with a twist.
The last time we sat down with Aerin, our OTM Registry was about to launch, and now that our wedding registry is nearly three-years-old, we’re chatting with Aerin again about her tips on making a registry and what she would add to her own OTM Dream Registry.
How would you describe your aesthetic?
“I have a very feminine, timeless sense of style. I think you see that in my beauty products, my home, and my wardrobe. I love classic pieces with a modern twist. There is a common thread throughout these different elements of my life that portrays the same effortlessly elegant sensibility.”
How do you like to go about decorating your spaces?
“I like to design spaces that are warm and inviting; nothing is ever too precious. A home is meant to be lived in and every room should feel comfortable and functional. I typically start my design process with the home’s surroundings. I like to bring the outdoors in and incorporate elements of nature that reflect the location. I also take a layered approach by mixing and matching different colors and textures, to give a room depth and personality. Another one of my favorite ways to do this is by mixing family heirlooms and heritage pieces with new finds.”
“I think that lighting fixtures can ultimately transform a space, so I like to focus on a few great pieces that set the mood and create a sense of atmosphere. My favorite finishing touch is always beautiful picture frames filled with photographs of special memories and of course, fresh flowers. To me, this makes a home feel welcoming and personal.”
Are there any books or interior designers that you often turn to for guidance?
“I draw inspiration from everywhere: from friends, family, travel, museums, exhibitions, hotels and destinations. I also love collecting beautiful books that I can always turn to for inspiration. A few of my favorite interior designs include Stephen Sills, Daniel Romualdez, Mark Sikes, and Virginia Tupker. They all have such incredible style and an approach to decorating that is not only warm and inviting, but luxurious and aspirational.”
Do you and your husband need to merge styles at all?
“I like to create spaces that are comfortable and functional for my whole family. However, with such a feminine sensibility, I am always mindful that I live in a house of boys whenever I am decorating a space.”
What 3 AERIN pieces would you recommend everyone put on their Over The Moon Registries?
- A Timeless Set of Dinnerware – “I love the Arno Colletion because of its classic details and versatile sensibility. These tabletop pieces can be mixed and matched with other personal favorites, new items from your registry or family heirloom pieces that have been passed down.”
- Picture Frames – “I always have beautiful picture frames filled with meaningful photos throughout my home. Picture frames are the perfect way to capture special moments, especially during this exciting time and the beginning of a new chapter. The combination of a picture frame with a photograph inside makes a great wedding gift.”
- Classic Barware – “Whenever I entertain, I like to create an at-home bar for my friends and family to enjoy. An AERIN serving tray is the perfect foundation for effortlessly elegant barware and for moments like this, the Sophia Collection is my favorite. Sophia coupes paired with Vittoria cocktail napkins, a small bowl filled with gourmet potato chips and an unexpected arrangement of flowers instantly creates a sense of occasion.”
“My grandmother, Estée, always used to say, ‘Everything can be beautiful if you take the time,’ and it is the idea of using a beautiful tea set or a pretty glass every day. You don’t need to save it for a special occasion. There is something so appealing about that concept because it makes every experience more special, whether you are spending a casual night at home as a couple or inviting guests over.”
Is there anything you think younger couples often overlook that is always useful later?
“I believe that you can never have too many picture frames. Although they may not seem like a priority, a home that is filled with family photographs and memories feels lived-in, warm, and inviting.”
Are there any staple pieces that you wish more people would include?
“There is so much value in entertaining pieces that will be forever useful. I am always welcoming guests into my home, and I am excited to use items that bring a smile to my face. I especially love when I use something that I received as a gift, and it immediately reminds me of someone special.”
What are your must-haves for hosting a big dinner party? A casual family dinner at home?
“A pretty yet versatile tabletop set is essential for a dinner party of any size. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or I’m hosting people in my home, I always set the table. I think that attention to detail is so important, and it’s something that guests always remember. I like to mix and match vintage items and family heirlooms with newer pieces, especially from the AERIN brand. The Paulette collection is my favorite; it has a timeless aesthetic with a modern, feminine sensibility and works well in any setting. I also think that vases are a must. In my opinion, no party is complete without a ton of fresh flowers.”
What is one go-to dish that you love serving for dinner?
“I like to serve classic comfort food that is delicious and easy for everyone to enjoy. Ina Garten’s roasted chicken recipe is my favorite, which I love to pair with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables.”
Do you have any advice on creating a registry, when a couple’s home aesthetic hasn’t been fully formed or when future spouses disagree on a few things?
“You can never go wrong with a neutral color palette. This is one of the many reasons I love all of our cream shagreen items; they look pretty in any setting and with any decorating style. I also think of gold as a beautiful, modern neutral, which is a concept that I learned from my grandmother, Estée. No matter the decorating approach you choose later on, pieces with versatility will fit in seamlessly and elevate the overall aesthetic.”
Shop Aerin Lauder’s Dream Over The Moon Registry and add AERIN to your OTM Registry today!
