My Favorite Things

“In time for end-of-summer celebrations, I’ve put the drinks we serve at the best parties in the world into a can. DIO cocktails are mixologist-level quality, the kind you’d pay $24 for at a NY hotspot, and all you have to do is pop the tab and pour over ice.”

“Malachite with a little gilt detail is a showstopper for dinner parties. Use them for gourmet meals or – more likely at my house – take-out fried chicken. Everything tastes better when it arrives on a nice plate.”

“This was a labor of love – and humility! – a celebration of a life in hospitality, with lots and lots of photos, and the lessons I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!).”

“Being a great guest means thoughtful, handwritten thank you notes. I’m particularly a fan of these illustrated stationery cards by Ira Udaipur featuring my favorite predator: leopards.”

“Italians know their shoes – these Berluti loafers are beautifully crafted and are unstructured so they mold exactly to the feet.”

“Globe-Trotter cases are as old school as it gets. Travel is rough enough these days without having ugly luggage.”

“These gilded swizzler sticks will be in heavy rotation for all my DIO tastings for friends and family!”

“Colored glasses turn a functional item into something beautiful, and this Murano set is perfect for sunset cocktails.”

“Brutalism is definitely a mixed bag (have you seen the old Whitney building?), but these sculptural candlesticks get it just right: maybe because their heaviness combines so dramatically with the ephemeral warmth and romance of candlelight, an absolute essential for any nighttime partying.”

“Party Planning 101: Never. Ever. Run out of ice.”