The Art of a Feast

What are the key ingredients for throwing a wonderful feast?

Music and candlelight are essential, because creating a feast starts with putting yourself in a joyful, generous mindset. Once things begin here, I always make sure someone is ahead of the party (usually me), someone is in the party, and someone is behind the party. It keeps the evening flowing, effortless, and full of life.

How do you deal with a perfectionist mindset before a gathering?

I don’t love when a party feels too perfect the moment you walk in. It’s lovely to have the ingredients for a cake measured out on the counter, but not yet mixed or baking—saving that warm, intoxicating aroma for the right moment. Let go of perfection and let everyone play a part in how the evening unfolds. Let it get a little messy, while still feeling unabashedly beautiful. That’s when gatherings become truly memorable.

What makes Stissing House such a special place to host a feast

The wood beams, the low light, the broth cauldron suspended over the fireplace—it has always been my intention to create a world you never want to leave. Our whole-house feasts offer guests the chance to shape their own elegant chaos within that world. It’s a place we steward nightly, but one we love sharing with others.

The best hospitality advice you’ve ever been given:

Lead with grace.