HIP HOST ESS
Monica Epstein has earned kudos for her chic yet casual
parties. With themes ranging from “Vinyl & Velvet” to “Inferno & Frittata,” she trades the established for the sublimely innovative. Utilizing found, repurposed, and rediscovered items for inspiration and decor, she has a rustic, sophisticated style unique to Santa Barbara. Here are her quintessential necessities for entertaining and living.
5
A quality cutting bo ard will serve its purpose and then some. Look for ones (from $120) from Stormy Monday Goods, stormymondaygoods.tumblr.com, made from reclaimed wood and felled trees. • Never underestimate the decorative factor of fir e’s warm, embracing glow. Try a burning log as a backdrop during a brunch or choose an outdoor fire pit for you backyard shindig. • Imbue your affair with the organic element of a suc cul ent and driftw ood c ent er piec e (from $30) from Plantatopia by Aaron Ware, 310-592-5968, plantatopia.com • Add a dash of panache to your kitchen and hostess attire with Lithuanian linen and leather aprons (from $68) from Epstein’s own line, F in er y (available at Upstairs at Pierre Lafond, 805-565-1502, upstairsatpierrelafond.com). • Invest in a Pasquini espr es so ma chin e (from $865), pasquini.com, and sip cafeworthy cappuccinos in the comfort of your own home.
THE TOP
LEFT:
Stephanie Sanders. Mazama tumblers.
ABOVE:
SCENE SETTER
Since the launch of Shindig—her boutique design firm—ju t one year ago, designer and coordinator S tephanie S anders has rapidly risen in Santa Barbara’s highly competitive wedding and event scene. Recognized for her less-is-more approach, Sanders favors mixing genres, relying on Sanders adds her the vivid Southern California landscape for a beautiful setting, and utilizing natural light signature touch to a festive occasion. to create a sense of low-key elegance. Between events, Sanders—a self-proclaimed curator of all things beautiful—spends her time scouring markets and vintage stores for classical and artisanal pieces.
Stephanie’s Black Book Choose locally based T abletop Made, tabletopmade.com, for invitations and out-of-the-box stationary to add a personal touch to your event. Source modern and one-of-a-kind handstamped linens, tablecloths, runners, and napkins from textile designer R achel C raven, rachelcraven.com. Los Olivos and Ojai are teeming with new restaurants and boutiques. I recently discovered S ummer C amp, 805861-7109, shopsummercamp.com, in Ojai for midcentury collectables and repurposed home accessories. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT:
Stormy Monday Goods cutting boards; rustic linen and leather aprons from Finery; Epstein in her element; an organic Plantatopia succulent and driftwood centerpiece.
Count on local flo al designer F lora Vida, 805-708-9459, for exceptional fl wer, succulent, and greenery arrangements. Swap china and crystal for hip, handmade ceramic drinking vessels from Mazama, shopmazama.com. Satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth with decadent and delicious desserts from local pastry chef Elizabeth C olling, 310-270-5272, elizabethcolling.com.
B E S T O F 20 1 4
BESTOF14.entertaining.indd 85
85
1/31/14 4:46 PM