My standard hostess outfit:
I spend so many of my days in pajamas and yoga pants, that when I entertain I tend to go all out! I’m big on comfort though, so nothing too fussy. My closet is a sea of ivory, grey and black, and I mostly prefer dresses. For holidays such as this one, I love to wear my late grandmother’s lace apron — if only I could cook like she did!
My dream dinner guests:
My family from generations past. There are many questions I’d ask, and so many stories I’d love to hear.
*Stockings from Palomas Nest
My entertaining style in 5 words or less:
Classic, nostalgic, and chic.
*Florals by Sullivan Owen
Current favorite color palette for parties:
Currently and always: neutrals with gold accents! I enjoyed infusing this party with orange + copper.
*Wish balls from TOPS Malibu
What scares you about entertaining?
I’m a perfectionist, so I always worry that I’ve forgotten something. Details are very important to me, and I love it when guests take notice!
*Calligraphy by LindseyBee
The restaurant meal I’ll never forget:
The most memorable meal I’ve ever had was (coincidentally) in Alsace-Lorraine, with my husband during our travels in 2010. We casually wandered into a small, cozy place in Colmar for dinner, and had the most delicious, “homecooked” comfort food. It was my first experience with “baeckoffe”, an Alsatian meat and potato stew, and it remains fresh in my mind!
*Click here to download the recipe for Susan’s Asparagus, Orange and Crab Salad
*Click here to download the recipe for Susan’s Chicken in Riesling with Cabbage and Prunes
My signature entertaining dish:
In all honesty, my husband does the majority of cooking… my signature addition is usually a cheese plate and/or dessert. I love to bake!
The perfect dinner party playlist includes:
It depends on the party, but since so many of mine have a francophile twist, I’m usually shuffling French tunes! They range from classics like Piaf and Gainsbourg to modern day, such as Camille and Ben L’Oncle, and French bands who sing in English like Hey Hey My My and Phoenix.
The taste I’m always craving:
Sweets! A meal isn’t complete unless I’ve had dessert.
*Click here to download the recipe for Susan’s Kougolf Alsatien
Always in my refrigerator:
Champagne… you never know when the need to celebrate will arise!
*Click here to download Susan’s recipe for her French 75
My must-have entertaining tool:
Music!
The entertaining rule I rarely break:
No cleaning before guests leave.
*Star sparkler candles from TOPS Malibu