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For decades, celebrity event designer Colin Cowie has been the party producer of choice for stars like Oprah Winfrey and Jennifer Lopez. But his go-go-go glamorous lifestyle doesn’t halt at holiday time. The idea of doing nothing holds zero appeal. “Bed rotting is the furthest idea from my mind,” he says. “I love the holidays, and I am extremely motivated to entertain, use my things, travel and see my family. I love to make plans with friends and find something interesting and fun to do.” Born in Zambia and raised in South Africa, he seeks out warm destinations off the beaten path. “I have traveled around the world, led by my curious nature and in search of something new and authentic for my clients,” he adds. When he finally does come home to Miami, New York City or Los Angeles, he loves to host an over-the-top Christmas or New Year’s party. “Watching my family and friends having fun is the best gift of all.” Here, Cowie offers tips for creating extraordinary celebrations, wherever the holidays find you.
Photography provided by Colin Cowie
On Effortless Entertaining
It’s all about being well-organized and doing as much as possible in advance. A savvy host is a resourceful host. Order what you don’t want to cook. Or order it all and serve it attractively. There are no medals for slicing, dicing, chopping and doing it all yourself.
On Compatible Colors
I like to pick a color scheme for the season that I can dress up or dress down, depending on the social occasion — and I am guided by that color. Creating a tablescape is like putting an outfit together. Pull chargers, plates, napkins and accessories to complement your color scheme. Then, just as you might try on three different blouses with a skirt, start to play with the table until all the elements come together and tell your story. Don’t be shy when it comes to candles; the more the merrier. Candles create instant ambiance, and everyone looks better in their glow.
Photography provided by Colin Cowie
On Haute Heights
If it’s a seated dinner, I always make sure that my tablescape does not exceed 12 inches in height. It’s important that guests have an uninterrupted line of vision. However, for a buffet or food station, taller arrangements always make the presentation look more appealing.
On Perfect Packaging
I make sure that my gift-wrapping paper matches my color scheme and style. While I can wrap gifts well, I prefer a good bag with some tissue paper. Make sure each gift has the name of the recipient on it. I like using small hanging cards for this. They can be attached with a ribbon or stick-on flower.
Photography provided by Diptyque
On Legendary Gifts
You can never go wrong with a fabulous fragrant candle like Baies by Diptyque. Or I love to gift a bottle of Champagne or wine. I choose Dom Perignon, the rosé or P2 if it’s a very special occasion. If I know someone well it might be a copy of my favorite new book — anything from the epic African adventure writer, Wilbur Smith. I also enjoy the amazing tomes by Ken Follett. Or a set of personalized Smythson stationery.
On Playing Hotel
I love playing hotel at home and always enjoy welcoming houseguests. In the bedroom, I print a picture of the guest and myself from a previous trip, frame it and place it prominently in the room. Next to that I have a handwritten note welcoming them. Fresh flowers in the bedroom and the bathroom are always appreciated. I’ll make sure there are clean linens, towels and an extra blanket at the foot of the bed. Next to the bed I have a small tray with a glass, cocktail napkin, carafe of water and a fragrant candle with a lighter. In the bathroom, there are new soaps and ample shampoo, conditioner, body wash and moisturizer. I have a drawer that has every conceivable amenity you might need that I have brought home from hotels. Since I receive houseguests often, I have a file with a list of services; everything from a hairdresser who will come to the house, a florist, car service, the internet code and any other vital information.
Photography provided by Mount Nelson
On Ideal Destinations
The best gift for me would be any authentic travel experience I have never enjoyed before. Having spent 25 years with New York winters, these days, I head south for the holidays. One year I was in Jose Ignacio, Uruguay, and the next year in South Africa. In Cape Town, I love the Mount Nelson she is the grand dame of luxury hotels. The style, food, service and Old World grandeur is incredible. The Mount Nelson is to Cape Town what the Beverly Hills Hotel is to Los Angeles. In Uruguay, I prefer to rent a villa with staff versus a hotel. I usually find fabulous homes for rent in the gated community of Pinar del Faro in Jose Ignacio — the homes are fabulous and walking distance to the beach. In general, I love to go anywhere warm. However, I do have a visit to the South Pole and Patagonia on my winter travel bucket list.
On Couture Cocktails
My favorite cocktail is an exceptionally cold martini, no vermouth, and a twist of orange in a fine martini glass, poured right to the top. To make it more glamorous, I secure the orange twist on a stick with a white feather!
On Rocking Resolutions
I love New Year’s. It’s a good opportunity to let go of what no longer serves you and to set healthy and hearty goals for the year ahead. I like to prepare for this and before the end of the year, I clean out my desk, my computer’s desktop and the trash. I make sure I am ready for a new year and a new me.
