Athena Calderone Shares Her Dinner Party Rules and Pet Peeves

Interior designer, author, and lifestyle brand founder Athena Calderone recently hosted an intimate dinner party at her new Atelier in celebration of her first wallpaper collection, “Cadence,” created in collaboration with Calico Wallpaper. The event offered a glimpse into Calderone’s design philosophy and entertaining style, revealing key principles for creating memorable gatherings.

A Celebration of Texture and History

Calderone’s “Cadence” collection was inspired by the textures of aged parchment and natural hides, resulting in six colors – Alabaster, Fawn, Jasper, Oxblood, Porcelain, and Tobacco – designed to create softly glowing walls. The collection debuted at the dinner party, showcased on the dining table itself, reflecting Calderone’s belief in the interplay between beauty and history.

Did You Know? Calderone enlisted a French artisan to hand-render layers that were then digitized and combined with scans of authentic materials to create the “Cadence” wallpaper collection.

The Art of Hosting: Calderone’s Rules

According to Calderone, successful hosting centers around creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Her key recommendations include dimmed lighting to foster a more intimate mood and ensuring guests always have water readily available. She emphasizes the importance of preparation, suggesting hosts minimize laborious meal preparation to allow themselves to be present and engaged with their guests.

Dinner vs. Cocktails

While Calderone prefers hosting dinner parties due to her love of cooking, she acknowledges that cocktail parties are a suitable alternative for those less inclined to spend time in the kitchen. The choice, she suggests, should align with the host’s personal preferences.

Expert Insight: Calderone’s emphasis on preparation and presence highlights a shift in modern entertaining, prioritizing connection and enjoyment over elaborate displays of culinary skill. This approach suggests a desire to create authentic experiences where guests feel truly welcomed and relaxed.

Dream Guests and Pet Peeves

If given the opportunity, Calderone would invite Audrey Hepburn, Diana Vreeland, Sigmund Freud, and her husband to a dinner party. Her biggest hosting pet peeve is bright lighting, believing it detracts from the relaxed and intimate atmosphere she strives to create.

Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere

Calderone suggests creating a welcoming atmosphere by offering guests a drink immediately upon arrival. She also favors family-style dining, as it encourages interaction and mingling throughout the evening. When setting the table, she recommends focusing on seasonality, using a single color to tie together tablecloths, linens, and floral arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are Athena Calderone’s dream dinner party guests?

Audrey Hepburn, Diana Vreeland, Sigmund Freud, and her husband.

What is Athena Calderone’s top hosting tip?

To be present with your guests by prepping as much as possible in advance so you can relax and enjoy the company.

What does Athena Calderone consider the worst dinner party faux pas?

Not putting water out for guests.

What elements do you prioritize when creating a welcoming atmosphere for your own gatherings?