Eccentricities for the table
and other fun things for hosting this holiday season
Last week, I was added to a nightmare family group chat about Thanksgiving dinner. It sent me into a full holiday spiral ham, rehearsing fake conversations with relatives for days. It got me thinking about how bad some people are at hosting. Perhaps its generational, or just a personal problem, but I’d rather stay home than go to a poorly hosted party.
A good host builds a world for you to step into and enjoy. My friend Alexis Gordon is the #1 hostest with the mostest (hi Alexis!). She throws dinner parties at least once a month, and does it with precision, personality, and style. She has an armoire, and actually uses it to store multiple sets of plates and glasses! I still only have 3 plates.
Alexis understands the art of hosting. There are always snacks upon entry, drinks chilling, and food perfectly timed for eating. She will tell you to bring something if she needs it, if not, bring yourself and extra beverages. She’s got music playing, but the aux is always open for guests to share. She’ll delegate in the kitchen if it makes sense, otherwise you are free to just be a guest.
A night at Alexis’s is always an experience. She turns out incredible food, keeps the drinks flowing, and builds a space that feels distinctly hers. The table looks considered, the glassware always has a backstory, and the art often rotates between gatherings. She’s thoughtful about the guest list and loves to facilitate new connections.
Hosting is a talent, and she’s got it. I don’t know if it’s learned or instinctive, but I love being in the hands of someone who knows how to do it well. As a guest, you feel looked after, understood, and welcomed in a special way. And truly, if you’re not thinking about your guests, why even throw a party?
Today’s roundup is inspired by Alexis, her eclectic style, and her amazing dinner parties. This is an invitation to slow down and think about what world you want to build for your guests, or how you can sneak some personality into a lifeless party. If all you bring to your family holiday dinners this year is some extra flare for the table, I shall consider that a win.
You’re gonna need some big spoons to serve all that sass at the table, sister. No I won’t be bringing a side, but I do have spoons.
Resin Serving Spoon Set — $16
My teenage nephew works at an Italian specialty shop so we use his employee discount to buy loads of caviar at xmas. Get yourself a teen discount and caviar so you can feel fancy in even the most depressing suburban settings.
Covered Caviar Dish — $28
Oysters Salt Spoons — $10
black caviar tin cans — $45
I suggest that we introduce a family competition to distract from the other frictions with a gravy contest! Obviously the vessel will count for half of the points.
Belleek Swan Gravy boat — $28
MCM Gravy Sauce Boat — $28
Russel Wright Gravy Boat — $35
I don’t smoke anymore, but if there was ever a time that makes me want to start again, its the holidays. Plus, it’s really fun sneaking cigs at family functions. If you’re hosting, it’s fun to have looseys out for anyone who may want to enjoy a puff or two.
CIGARETTE LIGHTER CASE — $40
Copper Match Holder — $31
Vintage Match Box Holder — $13
Vintage Onyx Table Lighter — $118
Amber Cigarette Holder — $40
MCM Ashtray Stone — $33
Obviously you must light your table by candle if you’re throwing a dinner party! Candle holders are a very fun way to add some personality to the table.
Wooden Candle Holder — $15
Sterling Silver Candelabra — $105
Salt and pepper shakers feel controversial to me for obvious reasons — like don’t ruin my perfectly seasoned food. But there are so many fun vessels to add to your table. I propose we fill them with some more interesting spices like sumac, schezuan peppers, dried lime, paprika, old bay, or harissa.
I’m going to guess barware is the gateway to fun hosting accessories because its so plentiful secondhand. Plus, its really easy to find novelties in the space. Have fun with your drink accessories, have fun for life.
Brass Swan Bottle Opener — $45
midcentury glass carafe — $22
lucite bottle opener — $13
Libbey JUICE GLASSES — $24
Green Glass Wine Carafe — $12
4 Red Coupe Glasses — $20
I guess I never understood the tablecloth, but I do love textiles and putting a look together. The cloth is the rug of the table, it can really help tie everything in. I highly recommend buying used though, can’t imagine being worried about staining a nice tablecloth.
Blue Floral Tablecloth — $12
Uzbek Embroidery Suzani Table Cloth — $78.59
Happy holidays y’all, may peace be with you. Hope you get hosted hard this year.
XO — Kellyn (a.k.a. Best Friends 🍗)























I am crying. The caviar section! The number of swans and horses. My decorate s&p collection that has never touched s or p. For the record, I learned it all from my aunt Susan.
Such a great roundup! It's the swan lighter for me :).