We’ve always known that great style runs in the family, but these days, it truly feels like every great trendsetter has an equally chic sister counterpart. Think about it: Cara and Poppy, Zooey and Emily, Mary Kate and Ashley, Bey and Solange… the list goes on. Well today, we’re adding Kate and Meg to their ranks.
As one of our favorite photographers about town, we’ve known Kate LeSueur for years, and have always had an admiration for her laid back, menswear-inspired style. So when Kate told us that her sister, Meg Lonergan, ran an eponymous interior design studio in Houston, we didn’t need any convincing that she’d be perfect for a feature on the blog. Sure enough, Meg didn’t disappoint. That she has an eye for design is undeniable (that backyard! those earrings!), that she’s a foodie is obvious (because we’re drooling over the menu) and her southern roots make her all the more lovable (those pewter plates are everything.) Keep scrolling to let Meg‘s entertaining style totally get you in a spring state of mind, and at the very end of the post, find out how you can bring the Meg Lonergan look in your home!
photos by Kate LeSueur
Your must-have entertaining tool:
Cute paper napkins. I always have them on hand. My latest favorites say “hot damn” in gold foil. Even take out pizza looks good when you’re using a chic napkin.
The entertaining rule you rarely break:
Flowers. Even if I don’t have time to go to the store, I clip from the yard or from around the neighborhood. Magnolia leaves always work.
The perfect dinner party playlist includes:
Thievery Corporation and Billy Joel late night. Everyone loves to sign along when they’re tipsy.
Your signature entertaining dish:
Booze. Rosé in the summer, milk punch at our annual Christmas party, margaritas on Fridays, aperol spritz in the spring, and champagne year round (always Veuve rosé)! Our friends count on there being something good to drink at our house.
The taste you’re always craving:
Tortilla chips, so salty.
The restaurant meal you’ll never forget:
French Laundry with the wine pairing, or Del Posto.
Item always in your refrigerator:
Guacamole.
What scares you about entertaining?
Running out of anything, especially ice and alcohol.
Get the recipe for Meg’s margarita here!
Secret to a great dinner party:
Lighting – never overhead, lots of candles to create a mood.
Current favorite color palette for parties:
Pewter, blue, linen.
Click through to get Meg’s recipes:
Your standard hostess outfit:
Something casual. I like to look less dressed up than my guests, always barefoot.
Your dream dinner guests:
Lee Radziwell, Michelle Obama, Carine Roitfeld, Jerry Seinfeld, Beyoncé, Hunt Slonem.
Your entertaining style in 5 words or less:
Last minute, casual, more the merrier. (Sorry that was 6!)
Be sure to head over to MegLonergan.com for more info on this inspiring lady! And for all you Houston-based homeowners with expensive taste and tight budgets, Meg now offers a design package called Mail by ML – with a set room-by-room fee, you can hire Meg for smaller projects, or single rooms.
