Athena Calderone Reveals the Secrets to Effortless Entertaining and a New Wallpaper Collection
A designer’s approach to hosting, centered on preparation and ambiance, offers valuable insights into creating memorable gatherings, alongside the debut of her new wallpaper line, Cadence.
Athena Calderone, the celebrated designer, James Beard Award-winning author, and founder of Studio Athena Calderone and EyeSwoon, recently unveiled her first wallpaper collection, Cadence, at a gathering held in her new Atelier. The collection, a collaboration with Brooklyn-based Calico Wallpaper, draws inspiration from the subtle textures of aged parchment and natural hides, reflecting Calderone’s design philosophy of honoring history while embracing the future.
The creation of Cadence involved a unique process. Calderone partnered with Rachel Cope, co-founder and creative director of Calico, and engaged a French artisan to meticulously hand-render delicate layers. These layers were then digitized and combined with scans of authentic materials, resulting in a wallpaper that feels both ancient and strikingly modern. “Design, for me, is at its most powerful when it honors history while acknowledging the future,” Calderone explained. “I love to view the modern world through this nostalgic lens.”
The collection features six distinct colors – Alabaster, Fawn, Jasper, Oxblood, Porcelain, and Tobacco – designed to transform walls into softly glowing surfaces. The celebratory dinner served as the perfect introduction to Cadence, with the wallpaper prominently displayed on the dining table, underscoring Calderone’s belief in the interplay between beauty and history.
Beyond the launch of her wallpaper collection, Calderone shared her personal rules for hosting, offering practical advice for creating welcoming and relaxed atmospheres.
The Art of the Dinner Party: Calderone’s Hosting Philosophy
Calderone’s approach to entertaining prioritizes connection and presence. When asked about her dream dinner party guests, she envisioned a gathering including the graceful Audrey Hepburn, the vibrant Diana Vreeland, and the insightful Sigmund Freud, alongside her husband.
Her top hosting tip is deceptively simple: be present with your guests. This, she emphasizes, requires diligent preparation. “Prep, prep, prep in advance so you can be there, be present, and be relaxed,” she advises, suggesting avoiding overly complex meals that will keep the host confined to the kitchen.
While versatile, Calderone leans towards dinner parties, acknowledging that those less inclined to cook can easily adapt her principles to a cocktail party format. A key element of a successful gathering, according to Calderone, is the atmosphere.
Creating the Perfect Ambiance
Calderone is a firm believer in the power of dimmed lighting. “Everyone just feels sexier and more chill and relaxed in a dimly lit room,” she stated. “A bright dinner party just is no fun.”
Creating a welcoming atmosphere also hinges on immediate hospitality. “The best way to make guests feel welcome is to give them a drink the second they walk in,” Calderone suggests, fostering a relaxed and convivial mood. She advocates for family-style dining as a means of breaking the ice and encouraging interaction throughout the evening.
Attention to detail extends to the table setting. Calderone recommends embracing seasonality, using a single hue to tie together the tablecloth, linens, and floral arrangements, creating a visually cohesive and impactful tablescape.
Essential Etiquette and Thoughtful Gestures
Calderone identified one crucial dinner party faux pas: failing to provide water. She explained that guests should not have to ask for water, and a readily available pitcher with glasses is essential for comfort and hydration.
When considering hostess gifts, Calderone offered suggestions tailored to the occasion. For a weekend stay, she favors a high-quality olive oil or coffee. For a simple dinner party, an elegantly unique wine key is a thoughtful choice. For particularly close friends, she’s been gravitating towards sterling silver coasters, reflecting a renewed appreciation for the formality of entertaining.
The insights shared by Calderone offer a compelling blend of design sensibility and practical advice, demonstrating that effortless entertaining is rooted in thoughtful preparation and a genuine desire to create a welcoming and memorable experience for guests.
