A Peek Inside Charleston’s New Entertaining Emporium

It’s no secret that Southerners know how to throw a memorable party, and that’s particularly true of the Charleston, South Carolina–based event designer Gregory Blake Sams, who opened the doors of his first shop, Wentworth, in the city in mid-June. “I want the store to feel like an adult candy shop, but for the home, and a quality repository [of] necessities for everyday entertaining,” Sams says.

Situated on the corner of Wentworth Street and Rutledge Avenue, the shop’s mix of offerings is personal for Sams, who is known across the country for his intimate spins on all manner of life events, from intimate courtyard dinners to grand weddings and galas. “Everything in the store, I either have in my home or would place in a client’s,” he says. That includes vintage and antique items, which hold court next to pieces by some of the world’s most respected designers, such as Parisian dinnerware by Alix D. Reynis and Viennese glassware by J. & L. Lobmeyr. “Everyday items should be beautiful,” Sams continues. “After all, you use them every day.”

Those seeking Southern wedding and housewarming gifts will also find options such as covet-worthy table linens from Summerill & Bishop in England, crystal match strikers, and splatter-ware ceramics by Il Buco Vita.

Sams is already dreaming up holiday merriment for the shop. Perhaps the decor might echo the idea he shared with G&G about using real flowers as ornaments? “Expect a full and layered wonderland,” he says.