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If there’s anyone we’d blindly hand over our party planning needs to, it’d be Rebecca Gardner. The founder and creative director of Houses & Parties, an unapologetically maximalist events, interiors, and retail universe, Gardner has designed parties for celebs and tastemakers like Sofia Coppola, Lauren Santo Domingo, and Carolina Herrera.
To celebrate the unveiling of her collaboration with the digital invitation pros at Paperless Post—and to inaugurate the festive season—we caught up with the hostess about everything that goes into her own gatherings. Ahead, Gardner dishes on her favorite ice breakers, the centerpiece that always gets conversation flowing, and the glassware she uses to serve welcome cocktails.
The outfit in my closet I’m dying to bring out: I’m hosting a post-holiday bash right before the new year. The theme is Tinsel & Tinis and I am going to wear a Cocktail Olive Headband from Houses & Parties with a new party dress that I commissioned from ONE OF – covered in tinsel and vintage drop crystals. Perfect for a midnight shimmy.
I have a new collection with Paperless Post that includes an invitation with a giant martini olive and a retro looking frilly toothpick which will set the tone for an offbeat evening.
My go-to welcome drink: Guests walk through the door and I hit them with something strong. How about an old fashioned or a negroni or batched martinis in icy coupes?
And what you serve it in: You know what they say…“Vestis virum facit” (clothes make the man). The glass makes the drink. I use my collection of Venetian stems and tumblers for wine and martinis. I also have a ton of Marta Glassware from CB2 for a crowd. They are a classic shape, very thin, stackable and inexpensive.
My guest list formula: I like to include all different kinds of people; different ages, different backgrounds, different interests. Make thoughtful introductions and strategic seating plans. The best gift you can give someone is a new friend.
Dinner party or cocktail hour: I love all parties equally. My holiday party, Tinsel & Tinis, will be a “come one, come all” bash. Seated dinners are a lovely way to really visit.
Paper invite or digital send: Oh, easy, digital. The Houses & Parties for Paperless Post collection is toe-curling fun. They set the stage for a party that prioritizes a raucous good time.
Table linens I can’t live without: I love my set of Tablecloths With a Twist. I use the tablecloth and napkins for a seated dinner and then, after dessert is cleared, I pull them off of the table, spread them on the floor and encourage a competitive game of twisting limbs for cash prizes. Give them something to talk about!
At the top of my playlist: I always play Pink Martini during dinner and hope the night ends with 90s hip hop.
My icebreaker for new faces: I like to pin Buttons of Truth on guests as they walk in the door. There is no rhyme or reason to who gets which button and it makes for an easy ice breaker. You can also scatter them on an entry table and let guests self identify– equally hilarious.
The dishes that always make cocktail bites look good: If you don’t have a slew of polished silver trays, use your pretty dinner plates to pass canapés.
My holiday muse this year: The flamboyant free-spirited Auntie Mame! My Paperless Post collection includes a stylish approach to a potluck dinner called “You’re a Dish” in the spirit of the beloved bon vivant. It’s a lot glam and a little nostalgic like all of my favorite parties.
Where I find tablescape inspiration: I like for tables to be abundant, so I look to what is in season. This includes flowers and fruit.
Serving platter that always makes an appearance: I have a fabulous blown glass Grand Twist Caviar Service that holds a ransom’s worth of caviar on ice. It’s ideal for a crowd and also works for jumbo lump crabmeat… oooh la la.
Centerpiece you get the most questions about: I love this collection for a tablescape called “Heigh-Ho…lidays.” It centers around a chocolate Buche de Noel – a traditional Christmas dessert shaped to resemble a rustic log. I ordered mine from a local bakery and decorated it with dyed sponge cake, live sheet moss, chamomile, hellebore and a family of wooden gnomes.
Dessert theory: big batch or individual? A monumental dessert is an important ingredient for a festive party. Here are some ideas: a towering croquembouche, an extra large sheet cake with tacky pink piping and rainbow sprinkles or a sinful Caroline’s Caramel Cake with a giant silver Revere bowl of whipped cream.
Lighting scheme for a party: Avoid overhead lights like the plague. Turn off the ceiling cans (mon dieu) and chandeliers, dim the table lamps and add masses of candles. Watch with delight as every guest becomes their most confident and flirty self.
When it’s time to move from the dining table to the sofa: Oh please, not the sofa! Turn up the music, pass espresso martinis and start the dance party.
If I’m not hosting at home, I’m hosting at: I love to invite friends for dinner at a restaurant. Even better if it’s close to a karaoke bar. There is a very specific invitation for this endeavor in my Paperless Post collection called “Sing for Your Supper.” Is this thing on?
Favorite entertaining tip: If you want your guests to relax, you have to relax. Pass cocktails and compliments with equal abandon.
Sign of a successful evening: A sing along or a dance party. If you can accomplish both in one evening, you’re hired!