Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1366501
pieces at The Conservatory — especially a bright-orange Marina Moscone dress I've had my eye on. Post-vaccination, what type of events are you planning? I'm working on a destination birthday, several retailer events in Highland Park Village, and a French-themed outdoor family event for a special friend moving to Dallas. A tipsy round of Twister might not be the best ice-breaker for now. Alternatives? If anything, I learned over the last year how important it is to keep events personalized. A game of trivia at the dinner table about everyone in attendance is always a hit. Socially distanced party pointers. Before any of this happened, Todd Fiscus and I worked on a dinner at Mirador where we made a 40-foot table with small and large rectangle tables. We alternated each, so no one was sitting directly next to each other but you could still have conversations with everyone. I've thought about bringing it back but haven't had a 40-person dinner event yet. Favorite flowers for spring/summer. Nothing too stuffy. I'm feeling organic arrangements with bright color. I found some double-petal tulips recently that in bloom resemble the It girl of the flower world, peonies. They were divine! Signature 2021 cocktail. Casa Dragones tequila with Topo Chico and fresh lime. Most call it a ranch water or "the usual"; I call it COVID water. Mad Libs time: When I feel like lowering my [DESIGNER NAME] party-ready mask to drink a [COCKTAIL], expect me to [ACTION]. When I feel like slipping on my Miron Crosby Marisa boots and lowering my Hermès mask to drink a cold dirty martini, expect me to come up with some fun haikus with Lucy Wrubel. Special party touches in the months ahead. I invested in multiple sets of pretty linens during lockdown for the small garden-party Saturdays we had with our small pod of friends and family. There are some amazing sources out there now. Cult favorite Leontine Linens is always perfect, but also newcomers Fenwick Fields. Of course, all embroidered by my sister's company, The Monogram Club. NATHAN JOHNSON Dashing party planner Nathan Johnson started GRO Designs with his wife, Krisi, 15 years ago. As the company name implies, it continues to GRO. They view each venue as a blank canvas on which to create a living work of art — which they've accomplished for David Yurman, Roberto Cavalli, and Michael Jordan. What lockdown changed. Our pivot was more internal. The most important thing we committed to during lockdown was not chasing business outside of our brand and expertise. Instead, we invested back into our team and vendors that we love working with. Special events you've planned that were especially meaningful. We designed and planned a wedding for a documentary released on Netflix called 7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story that was incredibly special to be part of. The film tells an wonderful story of hope and perseverance and was released near the end of the pandemic. It's the perfect shot of optimism we all need to move forward and start celebrating life again. Dress code. I think people, more than ever, want to dress up and leave the pajama party in 2020. Socially distanced design. The larger-style circular tables that are often seen in lavish Dubai weddings are going to be a great addition to the Texas wedding scene. They're not only eight feet across and COVID friendly, but they're absolutely next-level tables for a lavish affair. Flowers for spring/summer. Can you ever argue with the peony? June and July are the height of peony season, and they're the perfect touch for any soirée. Signature 2021 cocktail. I can't take the credit for this one, as it was created by Dan Saltzstein and named by Michael Y. Park: The Witty Comeback 2 oz rye whiskey 1/2 oz ginger simple syrup 1/2 oz Averna Amaro 1/2 oz lemon juice Shake with ice and serve in a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with flamed orange peel, if you're feeling fancy. Mad Libs time: When I feel like lowering my [DESIGNER NAME] party-ready mask to drink a [COCKTAIL], expect me to [ACTION]. When I feel like lowering my Hermès party-ready mask to drink a huge glass of Philippe Melka wine, expect me to high-five you. Yes, I'm bringing it back. How to make a small dinner or cocktail party feel special. Great dinners always have on-point decor and food but, most importantly, amazing conversations. One of the easiest and most effective ways is to write down serious and cheeky questions, fold them creatively, and put them in your most bougie shoebox to pass around the table. Note: A few cocktails get the best results. Missy Peck Nathan Johnson STEVE WRUBEL STEVE VISNEAU 40