Just as I love browsing through glossy photos showing how interior designers live in their own personal spaces, I find it just as fascinating to know how event and floral designers create magic when hosting their own little celebrations for friends and family (im as opposed to, say, a giant wedding). Why? Because the home of a creative person is, in my opinion, 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 brightest talents share their favorite entertainment products and secret signatures.
Blake Sams
event designer, Gregory Blake Sams Events
Charleston, South Carolina; and New York, New York
An antique or antique ice bucket
“I kept one in every room in the house and a few on our patio,” says Sams. “Before guests arrive, I make sure there is enough ice in each bucket to fit a bottle of wine or a carafe of stacked cocktails. They make it so much more enjoyable to serve and entertain.” $375-850; krbnyc.com
Fancy glassware (that’s not precious cargo)
“Luigi Bormioli’s Bach Collection works with anything traditional or modern, and all pieces are easy and inexpensive to replace.” From $30 for a set of four; luigibormioliusa.com
Real linen cocktail napkins
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
Strength. Lots of it.
And to keep everything looking crisp, “Kershaw’s traditional heavy gauge will change your line game,” says Sams. $14; amazon.com
Shean Stark
flower designer, Shean Stark
Atlanta, Georgia
food tents
“Nothing ruins an outdoor summer party quite like blackflies,” says Strong, “and I love these minimalist, handcrafted cases.” $30 each; food52.com
Japanese secateurs
“These are my favorite shears for trimming things from my yard for parties,” says Strong. $26-$28; food52.com
Many by Bud Vases
“Whatever I cut, I add flower vases like this one to display on the table, bar, powder room and kitchen island,” he says. “It gives the party a meaningful feel and brings it to life.” $4; cb2.com
Rebecca Gardner
event designer, Houses & Parties
Savannah, Georgia
A standing champagne bucket
“I put one in the living room for cocktails and one at the dining table,” says Gardner. “That way I can enjoy my guests and Keep glasses full.” $398; houses and parties. com
A salad bowl on a stand
“It’s a great summer trick,” says Gardner. “I can serve the first course right at the table and wipe it away.” $198; houses and parties. com
Relaxed nibbles
“I hate tricky canapés and anything that involves a dip makes me swoon,” she says, laughing. “My favorite way to serve Lay’s is potato chips, salted nuts, and cheese straws.” $21; ggfieldshop.com
Paper lanterns suspended from fairy lights for ambiance
“When you’re outside, create a small environment and hang dozens –low so that your guests can immerse themselves in the magical world.” $38; houses and parties. com
Frozen food failed
“I always buy a few things from my farm… Peperidge Farm,” Gardner says, laughing. “Their frozen corn soufflé is delicious with toasted tomatoes, and sometimes I’ll stack two of their coconut cakes and top them with toasted coconut. Nobody knows, and I just take the compliments.” $4; pepperridgefarm.com
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