Alpine Affair: Create a Tyrolean “forest floor” tablescape using pinecones and greenery—with hearty winter soups and German sweets to complete the cozy scene.
Photo: Courtesy of Rizzoli
The Art of the Party: Stephanie Nass Shares Tips for Setting the Perfect Table
From luxurious to playful, these entertaining ideas perfectly set the tone for any holiday event
Swing by! Entertaining Recipes and the New Art of Gathering by Stephanie Nass. Photo: Courtesy of Rizzoli
Stylemaker, chef, and author Stephanie Nass has elevated the craft of the dinner party through her thriving lifestyle brand, Chefanie, where she oversees delectable events for fashion brands, corporations and groups of friends and family. Ever the consummate host, Nass has a clear point of view on what makes a great party—whether it be a seated supper or a standing soiree—and delights in sharing the essential elements for celebrations full of good cheer.
Here, she shares with Galerie her tips for hosting the ultimate gathering.
Gilded Feast: Gingertinis, caviar and a gold-flecked carrot cake make for a celebratory holiday feast. Photo: Courtesy of Rizzoli
The Perfect Set Up
“A party must have all the elements: good food and drink, music—but not at the expense of conversation!— and interesting guests,” she says of the necessary basics. “When these elements are cohesive and there’s good energy, the party flows best. A perfect gathering is greater than the sum of its parts.”
Blue and White Chinoiserie Dinner: Crisp blue and white linens, with matching hydrangeas and fine crystal, set the stage for a classically elegant party. Photo: Courtesy of Rizzoli
Nass is adamant about place cards. Photo: Courtesy of Rizzoli
Tabletops with Taste
For any seated affair, Nass is adamant about place cards and not leaving guests to fend for themselves. The next focus should be on the height of the table as “it adds complexity and interest. Height should foster the conversation, not hinder it. And taper candles are a great source of height as they are thin and unobtrusive,” she says. Similarly, flowers shouldn’t block the conversation so “below shoulder height or sparse works best.” The last, crucial element for any setting is the tableware. “Boring implements, glassware, etc. make a boring table, so start collecting the good stuff. I use a mix of our Chefanie line and older antique pieces that I’ve collected over time.”
A Surrealist Lunch: Make like Magritte with an imaginative tableau that is guaranteed to spark lively conversation. Photo: Courtesy of Stephanie Nass
Leopard Christmas: More is more for this holiday table full of graphic prints and bold Christmas colors. Photo: Courtesy of Stephanie Nass
The Element(s) of Surprise
To add unique flourishes—and a bit of theater—to any table Nass is a fan of “sassy embroidered linens, guests’s names scripted in unusual ways, and miniature or jumbo-sized desserts.” Foods presented in unexpected ways—inside a birdcage that’s been transformed into a centerpiece— or quirky canapes and candies…basically, go for newness!”
Faux Bois Thanksgiving: Channel nature with a tablescape that celebrates autumn and is an ideal setting for turkey with all the trimmings. Photo: Courtesy of Stephanie Nass
Anything to Avoid at all Costs?
Plastic.
For tips on everything from menus to venues, Nass’s Swing by! Entertaining Recipes and the New Art of Gathering (Rizzoli) is an excellent festive season resource—with many more ideas for warmer spring and summer settings, too. In the interim, here are just a few creative tablescapes to kickstart your party planning…
Cover: Alpine Affair: Create a Tyrolean “forest floor” tablescape using pinecones and greenery—with hearty winter soups and German sweets to complete the cozy scene.
Photo: Courtesy of Rizzoli
More from Galerie
