11 minute read
Entertain with Style
Entertaining With Style
BY KAMALA KIRK
SUZELLE SMITH
Entertaining is truly an art — and maybe a little science. However it happens, Suzelle Smith has found a successful, warm, vibrant formula.
“My style of entertaining is to bring together a diverse group of people who are talented, creative, smart, fun, and inspirational, and give them good food and wonderful wine in a beautiful setting to entertain one another through the almost lost art of conversation,” Smith said.
Originally from the South and now in Malibu for 30 years, she hasn’t lost the roots of her Southern hospitality. Though she hosts events of all types, including parties and dinners, she said that her approach for planning each event is similar.
“Putting people together who would not ordinarily socialize and watching them cross pollenate is extremely satisfying,” Smith said. “I want my friends — old and new — to feel appreciated and special.”
Smith is a trial lawyer, partner and co-founder of the Los Angeles law firm Howarth & Smith with her husband. When she’s not representing friends and neighbors who lost their Malibu homes in the Woolsey fire, she just might be found planning her next party.
Suzelle shared some of her special secrets as we all start to plan our holiday seasons.
MTM: You said that having a diverse mix of people is important. What else makes a party memorable?
SS: Ambience. The atmosphere should be scripted to fit the event. For example, a sandy beach has a fabulous atmosphere, but it would be the wrong match for a black-tie dance. I pick the theme first, then try to create an atmosphere most conducive to what I am trying to achieve with the gathering.
MTM: Should you always have a theme?
SS: I define theme very loosely, but I always have one. “Dinner,” for example, can be considered a theme, as can “lunch” or “brunch.” But if you think of it more narrowly, such as “Halloween,” “Christmas,” or BFF cocktails, you don’t always need one. But if you do have a theme, guests always need to know.
MTM: Do you have a favorite time of day for parties?
SS: My favorite parties are at night. A well-known portrait artist, Jamie Wyeth, once told me that “everyone, absolutely everyone, looks better by candlelight!” But more important than time of day is just paying attention to the details of the setting.
MTM: What are some other important details?
SS: Most guests notice when you take the time to dress up the space. I love flowers; if you have beautiful fresh flowers, any kind of arrangement will look wonderful. And it can be as simple as getting gorgeous cut flowers at the local grocery stores, like Ralph’s and Whole Foods.
MTM: Is there anything you recommend as a ‘don’t’ as part of the ambience?
SS: Scents are dangerous because so many people are allergic. I avoid them because they can also affect the aroma of the food.
MTM: For sit-down parties, how do you ensure people mix it up in seating arrangements?
SS: I usually have assigned seating, and I follow a very old rule of etiquette: you cannot sit next to your significant other or date—you have to mix. I also take time trying to place people who I think will be interesting next to each other. A good idea is to seat older people next to younger ones — it sparks a lively conversation on both sides. For example, my neighbor, Dick
Van Dyke, can fascinate a 20-something who only vaguely remembers “Mary Poppins.” And Dick loves to hear what someone seven decades younger than him thinks about current world issues.
MTM: How else do you make sure the conversation continues to flow?
SS: Invite someone who can talk to anyone — and enlist their help. I never have a party without one or two “go-to” guests. These are the people who can draw anyone out — or at least deliver a monologue to the really shy ones.
MTM: How important is food and drink?
SS: Well, first, when it comes to food and drink, have a schedule and follow it as best you can. For example, drinks should never last more than an hour. People get really hungry and can drink too much before the meal, so be organized. Parties circulate around the food and drink, so that has to be a prime objective.
MTM: What do you consider when planning the menu?
SS: The first thing I do is call Trudi Reynolds and Valerie Parker of Godmother of Malibu. My dark secret is that I don’t cook well enough to do a party myself alone. Val and Trudi are amazing, reasonable and can do anything you want on any budget. A great party truly does not have to be expensive — good quality bread and cheese with raw fresh vegetables, and a great slow cooked soup can make for a great and chic party. Do remember to ask your guests in advance who has food preferences and allergies, and be ready to accommodate.
Also, a good quality wine adds to the overall ambiance. I always serve Champagne (or sparkling cider for those who don’t drink), no matter what time of day — and always in a Champagne flute. Parties really are based on offering food and drink as the foundation, so the details are important.
MTM: Other top tips for entertaining?
SS: It is important to set a firm end time for the event so that guests understand how the party will flow and hosts will be able to pace the time throughout the night. But most important — truly trust your instincts and remember to relax and enjoy the evening with your guests.
MTM: And final thoughts for planning a wonderful party?
SS: COVID kept us all in our isolation bubbles for so long, that now is the time to open our homes and reconnect again. People are so thrilled to be back together that whatever you do is going to be appreciated and enjoyed.
BECOMING
INVINCIBLE
BY BRIDGET GRAHAM AND MELONIE MAGRUDER
Pat and Neil Giraldo balance touring and the debut T of a new play, but always with family at the forefront. heirs is a partnership that has lasted both professionally and personally to defy the odds of a “showbiz” relationship. With more than 43 years together, close to 30 tours, two children, three grandchildren, two multi-platinum, five platinum, and three gold records, and 19 Top 40 singles, Pat and Neil Giraldo have built a legacy.
They raised their family, two now grown daughters, Hana and Haley, in Malibu. Both attended Our Lady of Malibu and Malibu High School. And the couple shared they have many favorite spots in Malibu where they have always felt part of the community.
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo first became a musical pair when Pat, with a three-and-a-half octave range, met the established, respected musician — Neil, aka “Spyder” — when he came on board not only as the new guitarist but also as arranger for her band. Their first album together, "In the Heat of the Night," in 1979, included some of their biggest hits including "Heartbreaker" and "We Live for Love." Neil has gone on to produce their subsequent multi-platinum albums. The couple, as musicians, are so intertwined, they view "Pat Benatar" as a misnomer.
“It’s kind of like Jethro Tull,” Pat said of the ’70s progressive rock band named not for an actual band member, but for an 18th-century agriculturist. “It’s not really ‘Pat Benatar.’ It was me and Neil.”
Married in 1982, they have worked on every album together since they met — 11 studio, nine live, 39 singles, and 34 music videos. They achieved an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November. Plus, they’re now adding into the mix, a new musical live theater experience, “Invincible — The Musical.”
“Invincible” is a reimagined telling of the Shakespearian “Romeo and Juliet” set in a modern, war-torn metropolis of Verona — battle of survival between love and equality — in times of great transformation. “Invincible — The Musical” imagines peace in a divided world. MTM: It’s exciting that Invincible is being introduced to audiences — how does it feel to open up to live audiences? staged readings, so this is an exciting, giant leap forward for us. Invincible performances are November 22 to December 18 at the Wallis Annenberg Theater. MTM: What was the process and experience like to put your work — already beloved songs plus new ones — together to tell a story? P&N: Joyful. We’re five years in now, and we’re having a blast! We joined forces with Bradley Bredeweg, our book writer, in 2017, and the magic began. He was directing and producing a smaller version of the idea, incorporating our music. We were working on a bio-musical with our lead producer Jamie Cesa. We heard about Bradley’s production and sent someone to see it. They came back and told us that it was quite good and an interesting idea. He had laid out our catalogue of songs to tell the story of Romeo and Juliet. We loved the idea and contacted him to see if he was interested in collaborating, and he was. We’ve been a partnership ever since. Cody Lassen has joined Jamie Cesa as lead producers, Jesse Vargas and Neil are handling music, Galen Hooks is our choreographer, and we’re thrilled to have Tiffany Nicole Greene as our director. MTM: How long did 'Invincible' take to finally all come together? P&N: Five years and counting; nine if you add in the scrapped bio-musical idea. MTM: What do you hope the audiences walk away with from the story? P&N: We want them to travel with us on this journey of hope. The music and book are woven together to create a story that is timely and timeless. MTM: You both are still actively touring — what’s it like to be on the road still performing to audiences who love your songs?
P&N: We’re thrilled to be bringing the fully realized production of ‘Invincible’ to the Los Angeles audience. We’ve had four P&N: We’re grateful to be out there, doing what we love, playing to old and new friends. The audiences are so devoted and generous. We’re happy to say it’s still gratifying and fun.
Pat and Neil (center) with the cast of Invincible—The Musical. Photo by Hannah Burnett | courtesy of Wallis Annenberg Theater
MTM: What happens during your down time? How do you spend it? What are your favorite down time activities?
P&N: What’s downtime? We always make time to be with our friends and family, especially our two darling granddaughters. They are our hearts. We’re over the moon to welcome a new baby grandson in November. We’re blessed with our two amazing daughters, our dear son-in-law, and our youngest’s sweet significant other.
MTM: We saw that you recently adopted a beautiful little dog, so you now have another new addition to the family, too?
P&N: We are huge supporters of animal rescues. We’re good friends with Foxy and the Hounds and Barks and Bitches. These people are earth angels who are doing amazing work. We’re dog obsessed and are happy to have two adorable fur babies at home right now.
MTM: Do have any plans for the holidays, holiday traditions?
P&N: The holidays will be a little crazy this year. 'Invincible' runs from November 22 to December 18; the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony is November 5, and our new grandbaby is due the first week of November. We’re planning for a fabulously chaotic Thanksgiving and Christmas. Blessings abound. MTM: You've been together for 40 years, any secrets to share?
P: Ha. This is a whole other interview. The short answer, love each other. Commit and mean it. Enjoy each other. Don’t expect perfect…expect honesty, trust, and respect. This is where love blooms and flourishes. N: If I tell you the secret, it won’t be a secret anymore.
MTM: Congratulations on your induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. What was it like to learn of the inclusion?
P&N: Finding out that we were going to be inducted was a mix of emotions. We’re not people who spend much time thinking about accolades or past achievements. There’s too much fun in the present and excitement for the future. That being said, we’re thrilled and humbled to be joining the illustrious group in the Rock Hall.
MTM: Anything else you want to share with our readers?
P: Just thanks to everyone for allowing us into your lives and for sharing this incredible journey with us. We’re forever grateful for all the love and support you’ve given us these past 43 years. Come join us on this next adventure, 'Invincible.' N: Yes, in 2016, I started a spirits company called Three Chord Bourbon. This gratifying experience continues to exceed my expectations. Visit threechordbourbon.com and learn about our award-winning products and the many give-back programs we are proud to be part of.
