Hostess How-To

From Stephanie Hill, @thestylebungalow, featuring VB x Juliska

11/07/2022

“Oprah, Melinda Gates, Nelson Mandela, Audrey Hepburn and Mother Teresa,” Stephanie Hill says, ticking off members of her dream dinner party. “And, my husband of course!”

Hill—or as she’s known on Instagram @thestylebungalow—is no stranger to guest list-making. She and her husband host gatherings at their home in Palm Beach on a near-weekly basis. “My husband jokingly says we’re ‘professional hosters’ at this point,” she laughs. “We entertain practically every weekend.”

Here, Hill gives us her hostessing tips while setting her table with Bohemian Vine, our tabletop collection with Juliska, for yet another dinner party. Designed to be mixed and matched, Hill shows us how she makes the collection her own. (And don’t forget: order Veronica Beard x Juliska by November 10 to receive in time for Thanksgiving!)

q&a

What are the key ingredients to a successful dinner party?
Great drinks, a fun seating plan (I like to break up couples so they sit next to someone new) and great lighting.

What’s your overall table aesthetic?
Classic and elegant, yet informal and inviting. Vintage and eclectic. I’m a maximalist, through and through.

Thanksgiving is around the corner. What are you thankful for?
I'm thankful for all the learning I did these past two-and-a-half years. We all went through a rough patch with the pandemic and there were certainly points where I struggled to keep my head above the water. I came out with more compassion, empathy and gratitude. So, I guess I'm thankful for the hard times because they led me to better times...

What’s your family’s Thanksgiving specialty dish?
My family isn’t known for cooking but we can whip up a great takeout order and a beautiful tablescape!

What are your top table setting tips and tricks ahead of Thanksgiving?

1. Fake it till you make it. Remove the pressure of having a "perfect" table or home! The experience of gathering with loved ones is more important than the details.

2. Create a signature cocktail! And have a fun playlist on hand. If you need help, I put together a great one here.