Take one glance at Andi Eaton’s blog, Oui We, and it’ll become instantly clear that the Nashville creative views the world around her through a dreamy, wistful lens. And when we say the world, we mean it — well, kind of. Eaton spent the last year road tripping through the US, documenting the fashionable free spirits and wanderers she met along the way. Their stories are all compiled in Eaton’s new book, Wanderful: The Modern Bohemian’s Guide to Traveling in Style, though it can be argued that none are quite as inspiring and charming as the author herself. And what do you know… she happens to be quite the hostess, too. Today, we invite you to step inside the magical home of Andi Eaton.
The entertaining rule you never break, go.
Rules shmules, I like to make my own! I suppose it’s to slow down and forget about creating perfection. My entertaining mantra is to focus on sparking connections, creating warmth and leave people with a glow when they reflect back.
What’s your must-have entertaining tool?
Music! My record player and a killer playlist. Setting the right vibe with music is always the first thing I think about.
The perfect dinner party playlist includes:
Hall & Oates.
Do you have a go-to hostess outfit?
A floor length vintage maxi and a vibrant lip color.
… and a go-to centerpiece solution?
Flowers & a few pots from my herb garden.
What’s your secret to a great dinner party?
Give guests an idea of what to wear, toss disposable and instant cameras all around and set the mood through music. Create opportunity for moments. Gift the guests the aroma blends burned during the party. Sense of smell is closely linked with memory and that’ll remind them of the feelings of the night long after it’s all done.
Who taught you how to cook?
New Orleans. I spent most of my adult life calling New Orleans home, and you can’t live in New Orleans and not pick up a thing or two.
Do you have a go-to source for recipes?
The world, I suppose! I’m not a recipe book sort of girl, once I’ve experienced something I enjoy the trial and error in learning to recreate it. I’m terrible at keeping notes on recipes though! I cook so much by memory and tasting as I go.
What scares you about entertaining?
Running out of champagne – so, I always overstock. You can’t go wrong stocking too much champagne.
Favorite tabletop item you own:
Woven coasters from a Native American trading post in Montana.
What’s always in your refrigerator?
Loads of veggies, berries & greens, coconut milk and cheese.
Do you have a signature dish for parties?
Honestly, a fancified grilled cheese. I learned that lesson early – once everyone’s boozed enough soak it all up with a good grilled cheese.
The restaurant meal you’ll never forget:
My first fancy dining experience was with my dad in Paris when I was 17. I tried whole fish for the first time, ordered everything in French, while the Eiffel Tower twinkled in the distance. My love of celebration through food truly came alive that night.
Get the recipe for Andi’s roasted root vegetable soup here!
Do you have any favorite dinner party activities… besides for eating?
Tarot cards, fortune telling and reading each others birth charts.
Buy The Golden Book of Fortune-Telling here.
Fill in the blank: “It’s not a party without ____________.”
A little mysticism and romance.
Dream dinner guests?
Ernest Hemingway (in his Paris days), Vivienne Westwood, Susan Miller.
