Kimberly Schlegel Whitman Publishes Monograms For The Home

Maggie Kipp, Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, Ann Marie Marthens, Julie Clancy, Jamie O'Banion & Nancy Gopez

Reese Witherspoon once famously said, "My sheets are monogrammed, so is my silverware and pretty much everything else I own. My rule is, if it's not moving, monogram it." This is a motto that most Southern women live by so it's no surprise that the first printing of Kimberly Schlegel Whitman's seventh book, Monograms For The Home: The Art of Marking Your Mark - which debuted September 1 - quickly sold out and the publisher has already ordered its second printing. On September 11, FGI of Dallas and IBB Design in Frisco hosted a luncheon to celebrate one of Dallas most beloved and accomplished women. Whitman is a Southern Living editor at large, TV host, author, wife/Mother and all-around amazing friend. She's the kind of gal you just love to root for and I couldn't be more pleased to call her a friend.

Cynthia Smoot, Kimberly Schlegel Whitman

The room was full of Dallas dazzlers including Jamie O'Banion, Holly Pelham Davis, Maggie Kipp, Nancy Gopez, Ann Marie Marthens, and Blake Stephenson. Whitman took questions from guests during the luncheon about the "rules" of monogramming. Guests were supposed to leave with a signed copy but a snafu at customs left the event without books - DOH! Whitman did bring a couple of copies with her, so during the lunch they were passed around for everyone to fill through and get a little taste of what was inside the pages.

The book offers an inside look at both the history of monograms and ciphers, and how each can be incorporated into our everyday lives. Through Whitman’s talent for making the ordinary extraordinary, she stresses the importance of finding a personalized stamp that complements the individuality and style of the reader. In an age when “branding” is trending, a monogram is a way to make a statement -more- throughout one’s life and home. Through each chapter, readers embark on a journey with endless options for your entryway, table, powder room, bedroom, bath, kitchen, bar, nursery, living room, and seasonal entertaining. Whitman also provides her signature modern day etiquette coupled with a rich history of monograms.

"I love adding a signature touch to the elements of my home, a table setting or when I give a gift. It’s wondering exploring the various ways that monograms and ciphers can enhance our homes. Exploring personal branding made me realize how special, significant, and meaningful they are to so many people! Though Monograms at Home, readers will take a journey through the history, practices and use of monograms! Monograms are a beautiful way to embrace your personal style and add your signature touch in everyday life.” Since she couldn't sign books, Whitman signed bookplates and Geyer promised to deliver the tome to guests once they arrived. IBB Design graciously created a monogrammed pillow for each guest (seen in the photo above) so everyone left happy. IBB Design donated 10% of sales to the FGI of Dallas Scholarship Foundation.

photos James Edwards