When I received an invite from friend Michael Devine, asking if I would be his guest at his speaking engagement, it was an instant yes! Michael Devine -Hand painted bespoke Textile Designer -Hand painted dinnerware -Home Accessory designer -Interior designer -Author -Entertainer Extraordinaire -Gardener A memorable weekend in upstate New York, years ago, was spent at the home of Eddie Ross and Jaithan Kochar. As we were decorating for the party they clued me in on who was coming, who I might enjoy in particular, and a few, maybe not as much. At the top of the list was Michael Devine and his partner Thomas Burak, himself a renown Interior Designer. They had it right, an instant click, I FELL IN LOVE WITH THEM! The next day I was invited to their country home for lunch. This pavilion had a tented interior fabric, Michael's of course. Great cooks the luncheon was beautifully presented and delicious. I felt like a princess. Michael "poo poos" that, to me however it remains a magical day in my memories. ALLESANDRA BRANCA -Rome born, world renown interior Designer -House Beautiful's, A List Masterclass -Renown Entertainer -Product Developer -Textile Designer - Home and Fashion Designer Isn't she gorgeous! Living in Chicago, she seemed so friendly and approachable From MICHAEL ....... - Set the table & elsewhere with a single color flower en masse -Never allow guests to clean unless it's an "All Participate" party -Never try a new recipe -Vintage Damask napkins are plentiful and inexpensive. Dye them a fun color -January is a great month to entertain -Ignore the trend of placing napkins under plates, dangerous! -Make certain your place settings are correct, often magazines are incorrect, for instance the teaspoon only comes out with the coffee service -Host a garden party Allesandra..... -Feed all the senses -Creates a play list starting slow & building. Favorites include Rap, Earth Wind & Fire, and Ella Fitzgerald.....always unexpected -Never sets a buffet, not in her Italian heritage -Loves to provide gifts at her place settings, Books and Salt Cellars are favorites -Tuesday, Wednesday & Sunday parties are ideal, no one stays too long -At desert, every man moves 3 seats to the right to mix up the conversations -The best parties have a mix of people; the graffiti artist next to the banker....... -Play a game, placing questions in a bowl that passes around the table. Examples include; how did you meet your significant other, tell us about your first kiss....... -Host parties frequently, even pizza, wine & candlelight makes for a great time -Edits her rooms seasonally. Removes all accessories, and ads back a select few and seasonal favorites. Alessandra's party hosted at a private Chicago Club. See the figures? She always adds a touch of whimsy! BEST DINNERWARE Nantucket Basket by Wedgewood Vienne by Baccarat Tahiti by Buccellati BEST SOAP FOR THE POWDER ROOM Of course....... Other thoughts in their conversations........ *Try a Progressive Dinner, each house representing a different country (love this!) *As a guest, know when to leave *If hosting a large party, and instead of a buffet, set up tables thru-out the house, even the master bedroom. (I went to such a party once and was seated in the Master, it was interesting & intimate.) *Place cards are always appreciated by your guests Speaking of which is this enchanting company........every seating at the event had a packet of place cards. I fell in love, yes, again, and contacted this small family business to see if they would like to participate in this post. Being a small family based business myself, I discovered that 'Mr P's' was likewise. Meet Karen Suen-Cooper and Martin Cooper. Graduates of the Parsons School of Design they each entered the world of design via Burberry & luxury brand Kieselstein-Cord, now residing in NYC Seeking respite in their Hudson River Valley 1790's farmhouse, where they love to entertain in their black-lacquer dining room. They co-founded Mr. P's to facilitate the "goodness of gathering-joy" derived from the shared ritual of the meal. What better way to make your guests center stage than to make a place for every name? Karen and Martin invented the illustrated place card with a curio image becoming the theatre of the dining table and sparking conversation. The option of digital calligraphy on the back completes the set. I invite you to enjoy their website Mr. P's place cards. View the many options and come back to comment on your favorite. Randomly one person will receive a set of your choice. Place an order and receive a 10% discount with the code WELCOME 2018 ps.....those lovely little stands are available too! Enjoy the entertaining season! xo Debra