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Event Planner Extraordinaire Chris Hessney Shares His Father’s Day Gift List

The creative behind exceptional events for Chopard and Valentino, as well as glamorous weddings from Lake Como to Necker Island selects some dapper items for discerning dads

By Jill Sieracki
Collage of a drink, snake plate, villa, trees, decanter, cocktail set, and classical architectural drawing.

There’s no question that event planner and designer Chris Hessney knows how to celebrate. The fêtes he’s crafted for fashionable clients like Chopard, Valentino, Ferragamo, and Ferrari become immersive wonderland-like experiences with fantastical food, florals, and spectacle, attracting a chic crowd of celebrities and power-players. Drawing from past roles working for major talents like restaurateur Stephen Starr, Chef Morimoto, and hotelier Andre Balazs, he creates theatrical moments around the globe that immerse guests in dreamy surroundings.

And while his Instagram feed is robust with fabulous photos of heady tablescapes and sexy party people, it also features sweet snaps of his partner and child. Here, he plans the perfect list for toasting cool dads everywhere.

Man in pinstripe suit standing on rooftop with cityscape background
Chris Hessney. Photo: Nicolas Gerardin
Clear glass whiskey decanter with silver base and stopper, half-filled with amber liquid, isolated on white background.
Spirits decanter by Match. Photo: Courtesy of Match
Glass of whiskey with large ice cubes on a metal coaster with engraved initials.
Double Old Fashioned glass by Match. Photo: Courtesy of Match

1. Match Engraved Decanter and Old Fashioned Glass

“I’ve been collecting Match items for years. Every piece is so deeply considered and instantly elevates the space in which it’s placed.”

Bathtub filled with lush green plants and orchids, surrounded by marble walls and decorative jars.
Orchids from Foliage Garden. Photo: Courtesy of Foliage Garden

2. Orchids from Foliage Garden

“Foliage Garden and its wonderful owner, Maryann, is my only stop for specialty plants and rare orchids—my gift of choice for those with the most discerning, impeccable eye. Admittedly, I often end up gifting them to myself.”

Black and white ceramic candle jar with architectural design and domed lid.
Architettura scented candle by Fornasetti from Aedes Perfumery. Photo: Courtesy of Aedes Perfumery

3. Fornasetti Candle

“For Fornasetti candles, Aedes is the place. Here you’ll find a beautifully curated and thoughtfully selected collection of scents.”

Luxury villa with modern design, outdoor lounge area, and sunset view, surrounded by trees and ambient lighting.
Seven-bedroom residence at Six Senses Ibiza. Courtesy of Six Senses

4. Trip to Six Senses Ibiza

“A stay at Six Senses Ibiza is the kind of family holiday that feels like a gift to everyone. There’s plenty of space for our son to roam and play, alongside thoughtfully designed spots where dads can enjoy a little well-deserved fun.”

Luxury travel grooming set with rich burgundy case, featuring various personal care items neatly organized inside.
The Great Traveler’s Beauty Kit by Officine Universelle Buly. Photo: Courtesy of Officine Universelle Buly

5. Officine Universelle Buly Shaving Kit

“Buly has a way of making absolutely anything feel sumptuous. I love gifting their pieces so friends can indulge—or just display them in the bathroom as a little piece of art.”

Lush garden with vibrant greenery and flowers surrounding a white house on a sunny day.
Garden makeover. Photo: Courtesy of Grace Fuller Design

6. Back Garden Makeover by Grace Fuller

“For a gift that truly transforms, I would offer a garden refresh by Grace Fuller Design—a magnificent New York-based landscape design firm that specializes in luxury residential projects all over.”

Four metallic textured rectangular lighters standing in a row, two silver and two gold, on a plain white background.
Asawa lighter cover by Amitha. Photo: Courtesy of Amitha

7. Asawa Cigarette & Lighter Cover by Amitha

“My friend Amitha makes incredible smoking accessories. These ones are based on the designs of artist Ruth Asawa.”

Art supplies on a desk with a colorful painting, dried flowers in a vase, candles, and a birdcage near a window.
Custom tattoo work. Photo: Courtesy of Jess Mascetti
Plate with intricate snake illustration and yellow flowers, featuring a gold rim against a white background.
Serpi 09 plates by Laboratorio Paravicini. Photo: Courtesy of Laboratorio Paravicini

8. Tattoo by Galleria Stregheria

“My husband and I got matching snake tattoos from the wonderful Jess Mascetti—founder of Galleria Stregheria in East Williamsburg—as an homage to the Paravicini plates we used at our wedding. In this most peaceful, ritual-like setting, Jess invites clients to co-create custom, personal tattoos.”

Elegant restaurant interior with neatly set tables, white tablecloths, wooden chairs, and tropical plants decorating the space.
Indochine restaurant in New York. Photo: Courtesy of Indochine

9. Dinner at Indochine

“Indochine has been a longtime favorite of ours—timeless and consistently delicious, with an atmosphere that never fails to charm. It’s where my husband and I often find ourselves gathering to mark something special.”

Four minimalistic designs featuring envelopes and abstract text, showcasing creative typography and textured backgrounds.
Custom stationery from The Drawing Room. Photo: Courtesy of Claire Olshan
Four artistic designs featuring turtles and text in different styles and colors.
Custom stationery from The Drawing Room. Photo: Courtesy of Claire Olshan

10. Stationery from The Drawing Room

“For a truly personal gift, I love custom stationery from The Drawing Room—founded by visionary designer Claire Olshan. An intimate, handmade approach to branding, The Drawing Room specializes in creating personal designs for properties, families, and businesses.”