DEE DEE: Dressing a plate with sumptuous food and putting yourself together require a similar approach. Having a sense of style that is true to who you are goes a long way to boosting your appeal and making you happy.
Paul is the traditionalist and I am the adventurer. Just as he is a steady, strong cook, he is conservative about fashion. He wears elegant handmade suits, and I throw together whatever I like.
PAUL: You can say that again! Dee Dee had the confidence to wear a $49.99 sequin camouflage mini-dress to the Vanity Fair Oscar party because she wanted American Sniper to win at the Oscars that year. She could have had any dress she wanted, but that was the only one for her! She looked terrific.
DEE DEE: It takes flair to have memorable parties. From the menu to the guest list, from the flowers to the table settings, orchestrating a fun event takes planning. The atmosphere you create adds to the charm of a party. Even if you are planning a casual meal, aesthetics do matter. Your guests will respond to the environment you fashion.
I like to have themed parties which makes the decor, dishes, food all come together whether it’s movies, TV, fashion, politics, or music. Themes are fun and helpful in planning parties. I love a vibrant table and collect serving bowls, spoons, forks, platters, and napkins so that I can change it up easily. Plain white plates show off your food, and you can buy them anywhere. I have stacks of them for buffets. You can go for a pristine look—all white with white napkins and white flowers or add contrast with bright, textured napkins and bursts of color in flowers around the house.
Sometimes the dishes on my table match, and sometimes I mix them up—different plates for each course or even different plates within a course. You can find so many inexpensive things for the table at flea markets, consignment shops, and home goods stores. The vintage linens, glasses, antique platters, hand-painted porcelain dessert plates, pottery of all sorts, imported table wear, and great vases you find on your treasure hunts will add a distinctive note to your table.
Make it fun so that you can shine at your own party. The more you entertain, the easier it becomes.