Her Green Hills Shop is Full of “Curated Curiosities”
Whether you're hosting a dinner party, refreshing your home decor, or looking for the perfect gift, Ruth Bailey has you covered at her Green Hills shop, Hostess & Home. Image: Cassidy Rose Photo
The owner of charming Green Hills boutique Hostess & Home, Ruth Bailey, has a keen eye for elegant entertaining and stylish home decor, stocking her store with a thoughtful collection of tableware, gifts, and accessories that she fondly refers to as “curated curiosities.” Whether she’s helping you find the perfect hostess gift or offering clever styling tips, her creativity shines through. Get to know this week’s FACE of Nashville!
What inspired you to start Hostess & Home, and how has your vision evolved since opening the store?
I always dreamed of opening a gift store at some point. My mom and grandmother owned Finder’s Keepers, a gift store, and the idea of creating something similar was exciting. My mom is the ultimate businesswoman, and it has been incredible to have her guidance throughout this journey.
I wasn’t sure of the timing and, quite honestly, didn’t expect it to come to fruition in this season of life, having two young children. I opened my heart and prayed for direction over the last few years. It was made clear to me the time was now … So, here we are!
How do you curate your collection of home accessories, and what makes a piece stand out to you as a must-have for your store?
I have always enjoyed decorating and rearranging spaces. It brings me great joy to fill a beautiful vase with fresh flowers, set a colorful tablescape, and burn a fabulous candle. Finding pieces to share with our customers that provide them with the same opportunity at an affordable price has become a passion.
Going to Market provides us with great inspiration for the shop. It is important to us to offer long-time gift vendors as well as support new brands and small companies! We find so much joy in hunting for incredible pieces to bring back to our customers. I also have help from my mom and cousin, JoJo Moman.
What challenges have you faced as a small business owner and entrepreneur in Nashville, and what advice do you have for those overcoming those challenges right now?
As a new store, it is important to be present in the stage you’re in. You can’t compare yourself with stores that have been in business for 20 years. Growth is challenging but so rewarding and empowering.
It is challenging for me not to get fixated on making everything perfect and working 24/7, so I really try to set boundaries to make sure I stay present with my family and friends. My biggest reminder to myself is to stay authentic and transparent. In being vulnerable with my customers, we have developed a wonderful level of trust.
What are your absolute favorite items currently in the store?
I am really excited about our beautiful vases, cachepots, and candlesticks. They are getting me so excited for spring and all the gorgeous colors coming our way!
If you could design the perfect dinner party setting, what three key elements would you focus on?
Atmosphere: Hosting it outside on a mid- to late-spring night is my favorite! The pretty flowers are starting to show, the weather is perfect, and everyone is excited for the fabulous season.
Company: My ideal size is eight to 10 people. I love to have place cards and be intentional about the seating arrangements. I think it makes for an even lovelier evening.
Table: I love a colorful and patterned table with a mix of textures and materials. Throw in a theme, a few pieces of Herend that coordinate, and flowers; it will be the statement of the night!
As a Nashville native, how has the city’s culture and style influenced the aesthetic of Hostess & Home?
I grew up watching my parents and their friends entertain often — especially at dinner parties. Seeing the beauty in that, I hope to source and provide the tools and items needed to set a gorgeous table or celebrate with friends. I feel the culture of the Southern Nashville I grew up with is still present and thriving!
When you’re not running your business, where do you like to spend time in Nashville? Any favorite spots or hidden gems?
I love to visit my friends’ stores. Supporting small, local businesses is so important. Even just stopping in to say “hi” means the world. When weather permits, you can find our family outside playing or on a neighborhood walk. After school, we love to stop by The Picnic Cafe for a cookie or a slushy at the neighborhood gas station.
We are creatures of habit when it comes to dinner. We love Agave, Sam’s, Ginza, and El Palenque. I’m not sure if they are hidden gems, but they are our go-to spots.
What’s one decorating tip or philosophy you live by when it comes to making a house feel like a home?
Rugs and wallpaper! I love having fresh flowers, too.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Surround yourself with people who appreciate your authentic self.
Outside of faith, family, and friends, what three things can’t you live without?
I’m addicted to the Roze Latte from Roze Pony, books, and music.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Go-to hostess gift to give? A tea towel or a small orchid in a pretty cachepot.
Self-care item you can’t live without? Moisturizer
Most memorable recent local meal? (Where were you, and what did you have?) We ate at answer. with a few friends, and it was so fun and cozy! I had the panzanella, and it was DELICIOUS.
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Jenna von Oy Bratcher
Jenna von Oy Bratcher is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor and Lead Nashville Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville almost two decades years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.