We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
Jenna Lyons might joke that she’s not a host, but we know better. One of the most requested designers on The Expert, the entrepreneur, media personality, and executive creative director for Fundamentalco has clear-cut opinions on the dishes that make meals look good, go-to platters, and the only welcome drink she serves. But she’s also regularly roving for fresh ideas—and travel happens to be one of her biggest inspirations.
She most recently teamed up with Capital One and bespoke travel company Prior to plan a stylish insider’s trip to Milan, which included stops at Ratti’s silk archive, rattan heaven at Bonacina near Lake Como, and a private lunch at the sumptuous apartment of Dimorestudio’s co-founder Emiliano Salci (just one of the incredible homes that the Prior and Capital One trips offer access to).
These are the kinds of immersive experiences that she draws on for her own tablescapes and general mood-setting. Recapping her trip on Instagram, she quipped: “Milan always does this thing where it reminds you that the best spaces, objects, and meals are really just the result of obsession disguised as ease. Nothing is overdone, nothing is accidental.” We asked the multihyphenate to share how to get on her level when it comes to having people over.
My never-fails outfit: The perfect blazer, a classic white shirt, vintage Levis, a heel or a loafer and a red lip.
My go-to welcome drink: White negroni.
My guest list formula: This implies I’m a host, I’m a hermit.
Table linens I can’t live without: Anything from Cabana.
At the top of my playlist: Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Miguel, The National, and Gil Scott-Heron.
My icebreaker for new faces: What’s a trait that you find attractive that you have no business finding attractive? From @Kwabbie.k.
Casual bites vs. seated dinner: Devils on horseback.
The dishes that always make meals look good: Mud.
My current favorite ingredient: Ginger.
How I get ahead on prep: I don’t. I’m always late.
Where I find tablescape inspiration: Traveling is honestly the best way. I had an incredible experience in Como on my last trip with Prior and Capital One.
Serving platter that always makes an appearance: Astier De Villatte.
The flowers I always use in arrangements: Whatever is in season.
Dessert theory: big batch or individual? I love pavlova but it’s also the only thing I really know how to make.
Candle tapers that set the tone: 24-inch tapers from Creative Candles.
When it’s time to move from the dining table to the sofa: Immediately, I’m tired.
If I’m not hosting at home, I’m hosting at: Indochine.
Favorite entertaining tip: Dogs and children are welcome. I prefer chaos.