![](https://blog.toryburch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Fall18_Blue-Carreon_960_slide1_1.jpg)
After a career in journalism, Blue Carreon is taking the full plunge into his second act: home accessories designer. Not only does he have a store in his native Manila, but he recently opened an outpost in East Hampton — and that’s in addition to a number of retail accounts, including Bergdorf Goodman. Here, as the summer winds down, Carreon shares his top entertaining tips — just in time for the long Labor Day weekend.
My decor style is…
Layered and collected, with a European bent.
My design influences…
Jacques Garcia for his take on opulence. Tony Duquette for his mastery of maximalism. Jean-Louis Deniot for his singular take on Parisian flair. And Carolyne Roehm and Charlotte Moss for gracious living and entertaining, and their love of flowers and gardens.
![](https://blog.toryburch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Fall18_Blue-Carreon_960_slide2.jpg)
1. Flowers are always the starting point for me, whether they are from a florist, a bodega or cuttings from my garden. They dictate the color scheme.
2. Bring out the special occasion pieces every now and then, even if it’s just a casual Chinese take-out dinner for two at home.
3. Always add an element of surprise. I like to add brass creatures, like our brass ants and butterflies. They make for great conversation starters, too.
![](https://blog.toryburch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Fall18_Blue-Carreon_960_slide3.jpg)
My insider tip when it comes to seating…
I designed a seating chart that’s inspired by a scene from the movie I Am Love — it’s part of my home collection. However, mine is made from shagreen and brass, has magnetized pieces and an erasable chalkboard surface. It’s fun and kind of like a seating board game.
And to kick-start the conversation…
Pass around flutes and flutes of champagne to make everyone relaxed and not shy. I also like to introduce people and state briefly what they do or where they’ve traveled to recently so there’ll be points of conversations between strangers.
![](https://blog.toryburch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Fall18_Blue-Carreon_960_slide4.jpg)
To make everyone feel at home and at ease — and, to do this, if you’re the host or hostess, you shouldn’t be frazzled.
My Labor Day plans…
I will be hosting a poolside party at our house in East Hampton to celebrate my 40th birthday. It’ll be two weeks later than my actual birthday but better late than never.
![](https://blog.toryburch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Fall18_Blue-Carreon_960_slide5.jpg)