In the same way I love scouring glossy photos of how interior designers live in their own personal spaces, I find it equally compelling to know how event and floral designers create magic when hosting own small fetes for friends and family (versus, say, a giant wedding). Why? Because a creative person’s home, in my view, is where the true originality and spontaneity happens. And where the best takeaway ideas (for the rest of us) live. Here, some of the South’s shining talents divulge their favorite products and secret signatures for entertaining.
Blake Sams
Event Designer, Gregory Blake Sams Events
Charleston, South Carolina, and New York, New York
An Antique or Vintage Ice Bucket
“I keep one tucked in every room of the house and a few on our terrace,” Sams says. “Before guests arrive, I make sure each bucket has ample ice in which to tuck a bottle of wine, or a carafe of batched cocktails. They make it so much more enjoyable to serve and host.” $375–$850; krbnyc.com
Chic Glassware (that Isn’t Precious Cargo)
“The Bach collection from Luigi Bormioli works with traditional or modern anything, and all the pieces are easy and affordable to replace.” From $30 for a set of four; luigibormioliusa.com
For an elegant but casual touch: “I serve every drink in my house with these oblong white cocktail napkins.” $67 for a set of six; sferra.com
And to keep everything looking crisp, “Kershaw’s traditional heavy starch will change your linen game,” Sams says. $14; amazon.com
Floral Designer, Shean Strong
Atlanta, Georgia
“Nothing ruins an outdoor summer party like black flies,” Strong says, “and I love these minimalist, handmade covers.” $30 each; food52.com
“These are my favorite snips for clipping things from my garden for parties,” Strong says. $26–$28; food52.com
“Whatever I clip, I add to bud vases like these to display on the table, the bar, guest bathrooms, and the kitchen island,” he says. “It makes the party feel meaningful and brings life to it.” $4; cb2.com
Rebecca Gardner
Event Designer, Houses & Parties
Savannah, Georgia
“I put one in the living room for cocktails and one at the dining table,” Gardner says. “That way I can enjoy my guests and keep glasses full.” $398; housesandparties.com
“This is a great trick in the summer,” Gardner says. “I can serve the first course right at the table and whisk it away.” $198; housesandparties.com
“I hate fussy canapés, and anything involving a dip makes me faint,” she says with a laugh. “I much prefer to serve Lay’s potato chips, salted nuts, and cheese straws.” $21; ggfieldshop.com
Paper Lanterns Hung on String Lights, for Ambience
“If outside, create a little environment and hang dozens—low so your guests duck into the magical world.” $38; housesandparties.com
“I always pick up a few things from my farm…Pepperidge Farm,” Gardner says with a laugh. “Their frozen corn soufflé is delicious with roasted tomatoes, and sometimes I stack two of their coconut cakes and cover with toasted coconut. No one knows, and I just accept the compliments.” $4; pepperridgefarm.com
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