I may have been accused of using the term “girl crush” a bit too often, but I really do have a new one: Daphne Oz is the ebullient co-host of ABC’s The Chew and author of one of the most inspiring books I’ve read in awhile, Relish. And relish she does… I think what makes Daphne so completely irresistible is the way she embraces all aspects of life – from fashion to food to relationships – with such a healthy approach and contagious zest that you just want to have fun right along with her. I was thrilled when Daphne agreed to give us a peek inside her New York City pad and share her secrets for throwing an easy breezy dinner party. Click through for the jaw-droppingly gorgeous images by Belathée Photography (and no, it’s not fair that some people are this photogenic!)
My must-have entertaining tool:
Plenty of serving trays. They’re great for everything from carrying stacks of plates and utensils to the table to doubling up as a bar tray or serving platter. And my Bose speakers…there is no party without good music.
In Relish, Daphne shares her take on achieving a healthy and happy life, reminding eaters that there’s no better time to start living well than right now.
White wine, and eggs from my grandmother’s farm.
My signature entertaining menu:
Baguette and salted butter or cheesy garlic bread; kale salad in a maple-dijon vinaigrette with serrano chiles (I’m adding fresh corn for summer, too!); sweet potato stacks with caramelized onion; roast chicken with lemon, thyme, garlic and truffle salt; for dessert (my favorite!): fudgy brownies or fruit crumble a la mode, or a perfect passion fruit sorbet with fresh raspberries and mint.
A doughy New Jersey bagel with cream cheese and a thick slice off a ripe, ugly, heirloom tomato.
What (if anything) scares you about entertaining?
I am a perpetual, pathological procrastinator, and yet I am always worried about running out of time. It’s like I manifest being late by worrying about it.
Somehow, all the dishes get made and enjoyed, even if guests have to help themselves to one more round of drinks before everything’s ready… which doesn’t seem to upset anyone all that much.
drinks are poured…
The perfect dinner party playlist includes:
alt-J, Jessie Ware, St. Lucia, Frank Ocean, Beat Connection, Haim, Lord Huron, throw a little Lana del Rey or Ella Fitzgerald or Talking Heads or DJ Snake or Kendrick Lamar in there to keep people guessing.
The restaurant meal I’ll never forget:
The birthday dinner when my husband proposed.
Blush pink and indigo blue.
My dream dinner guests:
Hubs, family, and friends. Even better: a summer Mexican fiesta outdoors with all of the above. Fish tacos and guac and margs for days…ice cream sandwiches for dessert.
The entertaining rule I rarely break:
Bare feet! Tripping over myself in high heels is no fun, and I need to be comfortable if I’m going to relax and be a guest at my own party. So bare feet it is…and a great pedicure, duh.
My standard hostess outfit:
I like a simple outfit with bold statement jewelry for entertaining. I love monochrome, especially all navy, or a structured, feminine dress that breathes, or a casual chambray shirt and white jeans. I’m trying to bring the apron back because I’m a messy cook…but I’m not sure that counts as part of the outfit.
My entertaining style in 5 words or less:
Plan for perfection, then relax.
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Beautiful shoot! Can’t wait to check out her book.
I loved reading this post. I’m fascinated by Daphne Oz!
She seems like so much fun! I love her goofy pics and that she doesn’t take herself too seriously.
Totally agree, Celine. There is something so refreshing about a woman who is this gorgeous and smart, yet manages to stay grounded and feel really approachable. I have a feeling that attending dinner at Daphne’s would be such a blast.
beautiful!
kw ladies in navy
I absolutely adore Daphne and this post! One of the best of the series yet.
Agreed! Love everything about this post!
Wonderful feature! And could so relate to her quote: “I am a perpetual, pathological procrastinator, and yet I am always worried about running out of time. It’s like I manifest being late by worrying about it.”
Agreed… story of my life!
Love Daphne! She has such an elegant confidence that makes her one of my favorite tv personalities. Very down to earth and genuine. Her new book graces my collection and I watch her on The Chew almost every day.
Absolutely love her book (Relish) too – makes me want to embrace every single moment to the very fullest!
favorite post ever, everything is perfection.
I second that!
Hands down my favorite post to date… Simply adore Daphne!
You and me both! So glad you enjoyed the feature. Isn’t she inspiring?
Love “Entertaining With” and this is of course my favorite in the series, Camille. I just adore Daphne’s energy and attitude so thanks for sharing a sneak peek into her home.
another triumph, camille. i mean, seriously, how cute is she? would love to know the details of the amazing pink plates in photo 13. gotta have them!
The table setting is so gorgeous! I love the colors! Love Daphne.
Great feature! Can’t wait to pick up her book.
I second that question re the plates. So cute.
I absolutely adore her! Loved this feature 🙂
She is so cool!! Instant girl crush for sure. I can’t wait to read her book!
I heart Daphne. The sweetest. You mirror each other!
Aaah! Best compliment ever! xo
I second your girl-crust statement because she is so adorable and gorgeous! Favorite post yet!
She is a gorgeous gal and a darling. I’m a devoted fan of the Chew but sometime she just drives me crazy with her high and mighty healthy alternatives when she is downing a fudge brownie..
Love this and LOVE Daphne! I bought her book recently and find myself thumbing through it nearly every day for inspiration, recipes or just about anything.
This is lovely – what an inspiring hostess! Daphne is so sweet and I love the advice in the last pic ~ plan for perfection, then relax. Great advice! And the part about eating Mexican outdoors is making me crave summer… (it’s winter here in Australia!) Beautiful post… thank you!
Love Nat x
Love this post and Daphne! Relish is a great summer book!
Okay, just got this from Daphne re: the pink plates that you guys are loving:
“The plates are vintage from a flea market and I sadly don’t know of a store that sells anything similar. I will of course keep my eyes out for you and your readers!!”