Oprah’s Vintage Quilt

Feb 4

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Alyce Alston is no stranger to giving at the highest level. As the first publisher of O Magazine, she was charged with giving a gift to Oprah herself more than once. She wanted to send a thank you to Ms. Winfrey after she and her team had been given lunch and were entertained in Oprah’s home. Alyce reports, “I mean really the best thing you can do is listen, and while we were there, I heard Oprah talk about her love of quilts.” She was in the process of decorating one of her homes. Alyce listened intently about the style and what it was she loved about the old quilts. It was with this knowledge that she researched and learned that Tommy Hilfiger was coming out with a line of quilts, at that time, and she went to him seeking the antiques and vintage blankets that would inform his home collection. She was able to procure and deliver.

Alyce explains that Oprah herself is a creator; she supports writers, artists, and creatives, so it was important to give her something that had artisanal quality.

Alyce knows that Oprah isn’t the type to make a big deal with thank you notes; however, in both cases she put these hand-selected thoughtful gifts in the magazine as her Favorite Things, which is the ultimate way to say I love what you gave me. You know when someone has a passion, you don’t want to give more of the same; you want to add to their inspiration or more excitement or more joy. Alyce gleefully reports when you hit the nail on the head it feels so good because you know it is about them and you made them feel good.