Rebecca Gardner Knows How to Party

In her debut book, A Screaming Blast, Rebecca Gardner spills her best hosting secrets. From hosting gifts (sticker jewelry) to playlist recs (90s hip hop), she lets us in on a few favorites here. Shop her brand, Houses & Parties, along with her Chairish favorites.

Shop Rebecca Gardner’s Chairish Faves >>>

What are you most excited to share about your new book, and what makes it so fabulous?

A Screaming Blast showcases 20 events across the United States. Many of them have never been seen before. I’m excited to share insight into how they were made including a comprehensive list of my best insider resources.

Tell us a little bit about your relationship with Sofia Coppola, and why you chose her to write the foreword for your book?

Can you believe it? Sofia Coppola has been an inspiration to my work from day one. It is an honor to create memorable occasions for her. I can’t wait to send a copy of my book to my 18 year old self. 

Favorite party you’ve ever 1) been to as a guest, and 2) thrown (if you can choose just one or two)?

I designed and executed an imaginative wedding for a young woman, dear friend and the Houses & Parties Director of Events. It was a tremendous, tearful joy to create something just for her…as she is often the joy-maker. 

Recipe and/or furniture arrangements for hosting a banger in a small New York City apartment?

I host bangers in my very small New York City apartment all the time. I turn my coat closet into a bar and hire a bartender for his small stature and ability to hang coats and shake martinis at the same time. I put nibbles on every possible surface and ice champagne in my bath tub. I can pack 40 into my teeny tiny one bedroom and pretend I’m Holly Golightly. The furniture arrangement stays as is, but I use lots of standing champagne buckets to make sure a refill is within an arms length.  If guests linger (they always linger) I order from nearby Simo Pizza, which is the best Neopolitan pizza in the city.

Playlist recommendations?

I always start with Pink Martini (softly) and end 90s hip hop (loudly). 

Favorite way to use vintage for place settings or party decor?

Oh, I use vintage for all kinds of party decor. I use English silver shells (likely ashtrays) for festive candy. I buy colorful & weird candy all over the world and save it for the right party.  I’ve also been mixing sets of vintage Imari with my chartreuse Mottahedeh Lexington dinner plates. I think it’s youthful. I also love to add distinctly old fashioned asparagus tongs to a place setting which entertains. Let me see that tong…you know, the tong song?

Favorite host (or thank you) gift?

I always bring Houses & Parties Ostentatious Sticker Jewelry. My favorite thing to receive, however, is a thoughtful thank you note. I also love HiNote, a texting app, which makes this kind of communication stylish. I love to send photos from my parties to guests the morning after using their photo frames.

Favorite flower?

An Icelandic poppy is my favorite flower. They’re expensive and fickle like most interesting women. I like how they twist and turn in unexpected ways. They are perfect on a dinner table because they fill the negative without blocking the view of guests. 

Favorite drink to serve?

A strong margarita with fresh lime juice. I’m a Texan.

Dream location to host a party?

I’d like to host a party at the Chinati Foundation in Marfa, Texas. It would have a languid cocktail hour and a seated dinner for 100 at long rectangular tables among the Judd sculptures. There would be mariachi music at sunset and so many candles it looked like Baz Luhrmann had just left.

Trend, product, or style you love?

I’m not into trends, but what I love is anything that Ken Fulk is doing. Especially his new store in Los Angeles. Ken is the ultimate showman, businessman and gentleman.

Trend, product, or style you hate?

I was once interviewed about a trend called fridgescaping. It has never left my nightmares. 

Lead Image: Courtesy of Houses and Parties | Photo by Adam Kuehl.