Elizabeth Mollen began developing her eye for design from a young age. Inspired by her grandmother’s success as an artist and antique dealer, Elizabeth knew she was destined to pursue a career in the arts, and eventually, interiors design. Today, Elizabeth has a lot to be excited about: a thriving textile and interior design studio, a baby on the way, and a gorgeous new home in South Austin. As long time fans of Stone Textile, we were thrilled to step into Elizabeth’s home to see her personal style firsthand, and take a sneak peak at her covetable entertaining style. Click through to experience a summer dinner party at the home of one of Austin’s favorite designers, and learn a little bit about what makes her creative heart tick…
photography by chelsea fullerton
Your must-have entertaining tools:
Staying organized and good cookware.
Colored pencil favor place cards from Anthropologie; napkins from Stone Textiles
Your current favorite color palter for parties:
Since it’s summer time, I love using bright colors and bold patterns when entertaining, and I especially love mixing prints and textures. I usually like to use pieces from the Stone Textile tabletop collection mixed with vintage pieces I have collected over the years.
Elizabeth’s textile tip: When combining multiple prints, layer in order of boldness. Set more subtle patterns on larger base pieces, then layer upwards with smaller pieces and bolder prints.
Always in your refrigerator:
Greek yogurt, sparkling water, cold brew coffee, dark chocolate
Your perfect dinner party playlist:
I enlist the help of a close friend who is the master at creating playlists. I basically tell him what the vibe of a party is, and he sends over the perfect mix. You also can’t go wrong with using the dinner party playlists on Spotify.
On the menu tonight:
A gourmet taco bar including…
- Smoky Lentil Tacos
- Short Rib Tacos
- Three Bean Salad
- Chopped Kale + Brussels Sprout Salad
- Limoncello + Coconut Cupcakes
What (if anything) scares you about entertaining:
Weather! I’m always worried about rain if we are entertaining outside.
Get the recipe for Elizabeth’s favorite Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita recipe here.
Your most memorable night of entertaining:
When we had family and friends over for the first time in our new house. It was a special night.
The best meal of your life:
I absolutely love Thai food. Last year on our trip to Thailand we ate at a local lunch spot where we were the only American’s there. Everything — the Pad Thai, Mango Salad and Lettuce Cups — was so authentic and amazing.
The entertaining rule you never break:
I always make sure to have more then enough food and drink! You cannot have your guests leave hungry.
Your signature entertaining dish:
I enjoy making appetizers. A favorite is my mom’s caramelized onion and goat cheese tart.
Pictured here: Smoky Lentil Tacos — but instead of spiced squash, Elizabeth subbed with sweet potatoes.
The taste you’re always craving:
I’ve lived in Texas for almost ten years now, so I can always go for something Tex-Mex. I’ll never turn down chips and guacamole!
Your usual party guests:
We love having our friends over, and most nights turn into game nights. My new favorite dinner party game is Cards Against Humanity.
Your standard hosting outfit:
I like being comfortable, especially while entertaining at home. I often wear a long dress or a flowy top with jeans.
Your dream dinner party guests:
Kristen Wiig, Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan, and maybe Giada de Laurentiis can help me with the cooking!
Click here to see more of Chelsea’s work
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