Here’s a smattering of wisdom that party planner extraordinaire Rebecca Gardner shares in her new book, A Screaming Blast: Arrange for at least three surprises at every party to keep the rhythm and energy upbeat. Don’t serve canapes (messy) or Chardonnay (bad breath). And above all, “parties are no place for minimalism.”
The book offers up ample visual candy in the form of twenty gorgeous parties Gardner has thrown for clients, including a pink-poodle–themed holiday fete with an overflowing retro dessert table, and an “alien balloon world” at an art gallery. She also shares the essential ingredients of a killer event, sprinkles in hilarious asides (“I once hired a saxophone player to laze against a tree in Savannah’s Forsyth Park playing ‘Moon River’ and then pretended not to know him”), and provides a personal look at her own journey.
“The world I knew was hugely social, and not for show. Gathering was a ritual and a lifeline,” she writes of her upbringing in South Texas. From there, she traces her evolution as a hostess, from her first job as the director of creative initiatives at the Savannah College of Art and Design to the founding of Houses & Parties, her full-service event and interior design collective, over a decade ago.
Below, we caught up with Gardner about how her family influenced her over-the-top style, how to be a great host and guest, and the current parties she has in the works.
Where does your flair as a hostess come from? I loved learning about your grandmother’s custom pans for buckwheat blinis topped with caviar, and your godparents’ Easter celebration.
I grew up in South Texas surrounded by a gaggle of hairsprayed ladies with fashion and flair. They schooled me on how to do it. The bulk of our curriculum was learning how to party. We were taught, as toddlers, to speak to adults and garner attention by being entertaining. Teenage boys earned pocket money by taking coats at cocktail parties or parking cars as in Father of the Bride. My Saturday afternoons were often spent decorating cookies and polishing silver for my mother’s parties. I started my first business as a freshman in high school making and selling invitations for parties. They were covered in garish sequins, wired ribbons, and—once or twice—neon feathers.
Can you share a little about the influence of SCAD on your career? You write that you learned there that “you must plan fun rather than wait for it to happen.”
I studied art history at SCAD while I worked in the president’s office planning events, designing interiors, and leading other “creative initiatives.” At SCAD I learned how to work hard, really hard. I also met lots of incredibly talented artists, many of whom I still work with today. Adam Kuehl, the principal photographer of my first book and all of my work, was a student with me at SCAD. We’ve worked together for twenty years.
“If it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing!” Talk about that as your MO.
I really think that anything worth doing is worth overdoing. Maybe that is because I’m a Texan. I have ten thousand lights on my Christmas tree. I prefer dessert served with sparklers. You know, more is more fun.
Why am I so obsessed with the little ceramic snails you put on a tablescape? Where do you find things like this?
Houses & Parties is a three-ring circus. We design events, interiors, and have an online shop for marvelous unnecessaries to create memorable occasions. We make or commission almost everything in our shop, including the beloved ceramic snails.
What are a few favorite details or touches that come to mind for a recent party you’ve thrown?
I recently threw a party for a client who has a great group of good-timing friends. They dress up and show up and show out. When dessert was served with espresso martinis, she emceed an awards ceremony complete with oversized show ribbons for “most dramatic,” “best dressed,” and “party pooper.” These, too, can be yours at housesandparties.com!
What’s the key to being a great guest?
The key to being a great guest is to bring something to the table. It can be an outrageous story, a controversial opinion, an expensive bottle of wine, or a great pair of legs. Doesn’t matter. Just don’t be dull.
A great host?
I wish everyone hosting a party would dim the lights and act at ease.
Your birthday is a big thing. Dior or Du Jour was your most recent theme…what’s next?
I took a year off from my annual birthday party in preparation for this book tour. Next year will be bigger and better than ever. The theme involves melons.
Most exciting party you’re working on right now?
I am very excited to be working on ideas for a fortieth birthday that starts in the English countryside with a “Byron or Bashful” costume directive. Remember the V&A’s Anglomania exhibition? Get out the silk taffeta and lace cuffs.
What do you hope people come away with after reading A Screaming Blast?
I hope that anyone who reads my book is inspired to gather, celebrate, and make a memorable occasion. Without this effort, our memories will lean beige. I can’t think of a worse punishment.
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