If there was an Ann Edgerton fan club, I’d be a charter member. This creative gal-about-town is so multitalented that you’d almost hate her… if she wasn’t so darn sweet and lovable. She’s an interior designer, prop stylist and culinary artiste, and no doubt has a few other hidden talents of which I’m not even aware. I first met Ann when she was co-owner of a boutique catering company, and a few years later, I now get to work with her on-set as the food stylist for many of the photo shoots for my book. She always nails that effortless, chic-without-trying look that I’m after, so when Ann invited us to peek into a weekend gathering at her family’s river house to see her at-home entertaining style, we jumped at the chance. Take it away, m’dear!
*photos by molly winters
The taste I’m always craving:
I love tons of herbs — so good pestos and salsa verdes always do it for me.
My entertaining style in 5 words or less:
Unfussy, seasonal, natural, well-lit, inviting.
My must-have entertaining tool:
A hand-held mandolin and my Fog Linen apron.
The entertaining rule I rarely break:
No packaging should ever be seen.
My standard hostess outfit:
A loose fitting dress that is not too frumpy. It’s got to have a bit of sass.
Always in my refrigerator:
Olives, tahini, celery, Dijon, fresh herbs, a good chocolate bar.
The restaurant meal I’ll never forget:
Right after college, some friends and I traveled around France working on farms. We hitchhiked and ate just cheese and bread the entire time just so that, in the end, we could take ourselves out to one really nice meal. It was perfection… long, rich, in a tiny stone-walled restaurant, amazing wine and my closest friends.
My dream dinner guests:
All my best friends! And family! And Tina Fey!
My signature entertaining dish:
You can never go wrong with a roasted chicken and simple seasonal veggies. But I have a hard time doing the same thing twice… so I can’t say I have a signature.
Current favorite color palette for parties:
Black, white and natural tones (wood, wicker, brass).
A favorite recipe you’d like to share?
I knew I would not have very much time to prepare dinner for this party so I decided to go with Pozole. I like serving things that are interactive, like spring rolls or pizza. This is full of flavor but also very light. It’s a great family holiday dish to serve once everyone has gotten tired of rich and creamy foods.
Click here for Ann’s Pozole recipe.
What scares you about entertaining?
I am so scared of not having enough food, which leaves me with leftovers for days (which I never complain about). I’m also scared of the music not matching the mood — when food, friends and the music are all just right, then it’s MAGIC!
The perfect dinner party playlist includes:
Fleetwood Mac, John Prine, Arthur Russel, Francoise Hardy, Nina Simon.
