Every April, golf aficionados, businesspeople, and patrons of all sorts descend on Augusta, Georgia, for Masters week. They’re there for the golf, sure, but they’re also there to eat and socialize. For forty-two years, cooking show host, cookbook author, and caterer Vera Stewart has been meeting that need, orchestrating Masters parties large and small at private houses and venues all over town.
“Living in Augusta all my adult life, I love clients who want a full golf theme that immerses their guests in the tradition of tournament week,” Stewart says. She likes to stay classic but still have fun. This year, for example, a client asked for an interactive element, so she added a putting green to the backyard of the house. Another year, at a Masters brunch that dovetailed with Easter Sunday, she surprised each guest with their own Easter basket and a petting zoo of chicks and bunnies.
“When you attend the tournament, there’s a bit of magic in the air,” Stewart says. “There’s excitement over the traditional menu items and the classic branding around every corner. There’s attention to detail in the grounds and the patrons’ outfits.” If you’re hosting your own viewing party, lean into that sense of excitement and ceremony—and follow Stewart’s other tips for creating an atmosphere second only to Augusta National.
Go classic with decor.
“Your party is in celebration of a Southern tradition known nationwide,” she says. “It’s important that you honor those ideals with your food, beverages, and decor.” Embrace the tournament’s green, yellow, and white color palette and weave it into the floral arrangements, table settings, and serveware. “Then, have a little fun with actual golf elements,” she advises. “Line a round vase with golf balls for a centerpiece, or create a miniature putting green that travels down the table.”
But there’s room for other thematic elements, too.
“We’re here for golf, but people are basketball fans too,” Stewart says. Since the Masters often coincides with the NCAA basketball tournament, clients sometimes ask for a few decor touches inspired by basketball. Mixing in a little Easter inspiration when those dates align adds another layer of fun, too.
Consider logistics.
Most importantly, where are guests going to watch the action? “Make sure you have space for people near one or two TVs,” Stewart says. “I love an indoor and outdoor setup if possible so guests can flow in and out and have two locations for watching.”
Whatever time it is, classic Southern fare always works.
“If you’re aiming for mid-morning, a brunch-inspired spread would be fitting,” Stewart says; she likes to start such affairs with Bloody Marys and Screwdrivers. “If guests arrive in the afternoon, finger foods and themed cocktails are perfect.” Either way, she runs with elements people know and love from Augusta National, like pimento cheese sandwiches and Azalea cocktails. And if she’s serving dinner, Southern standbys like pork chops and mac and cheese are often on the menu.
There’s no shame in shortcuts.
If you enjoy being in the kitchen and putting your own spin on classics, do that. But if you don’t, Augusta National has a mail-order kit with pimento cheese, egg salad, pork barbecue, and mini moon pies. Then you’re free to focus on decor or other aspects of the party.
Finish on a sweet note.
Stewart has several tried and true desserts, including peanut butter pie and lemon icebox pie, but her go-to is a carrot cake. “It’s seasonally appropriate, has a beautiful presentation, and is out-of-this-world delicious,” she says. In fact, in 2010 she beat Bobby Flay on his Food Network show with it. Below, she shares the recipe.
