I sat on my floor, unemployed for the first (and currently last) time. I stared at my silver piggy bank. My dad had a rule, he only brought change in the house, he never took it out, so at 30, I favored a metallic piggy bank. And I did it. I broke her apart and carefully counted out my last $367. This is a bit of an exaggeration but it was in fact the only money I had to start my next adventure…“Magnolia Bluebird”. Thankfully, websites were straight forward and cheap, I had a graphic designer friend who created my first logo and VistaPrint was an acceptable business card. The rest of the things I needed were free. I had one hell of a rolodex (yes, I’m that old and if you don’t know what one is LMGTFU), an endless desire to succeed and almost ten years of hospitality, catering and planning experience under my belt, so off I went.
Fast forward to 23 years of experience and 13 wild and fortunate years of MB. That brings me to 300. It isn’t an exact number, but it is roughly the number of times we’ve been invited in, to celebrate, to engage, to change or create the narrative, to understand, interpret or just listen, to feel, create and dream. I’ve tried pulling photos but that is a crawl down memory lane that I can’t distill into a reasonable frame.
I was reminded many times of the incredible opportunities, the successes, the failures. The five different offices and the 1000’s of people I’ve been able to collaborate with in bringing these events to life. I was reminded of the countless number of times I’ve trusted the process and gut and how each growth opportunity was coupled with someone that also believed in me as much or more than I did on my own.
Ultimately, it all boils down to people, kindness, hospitality, feelings, emotions and care. People who sit with me to talk, to lean in, share advice, give their stories, listen to mine. It usually involves a meal or a beverage at a minimum. I’ve intentionally switched from past to present as the evolution continues but the driving force remains the same. Find your people, invite them in, invite yourself in if that is a room you want to consider. Create space, take up space, make space. I’ve learned all of this along the way and while our dreams have only gotten bigger, the table is still where they are shared. I invite you to sign up to receive our new lookbook- the HOST edit. Our quarterly inspiration and how to guide for Ghost Host, our sister company dedicated to empowering you to host on your own. We take the guess work out of designing, sourcing and styling so all that you have to focus on is living the life you deserve and memories you create.
My ask: I’ve vowed to host 13 dinner parties this year, I encourage each of you to host your own. I’m not asking to be invited, this is your table, but I am asking you to be vulnerable in a sense and share your beautiful gifts with others in whatever way feels authentic to you. Shoes or no shoes, pizza or catered, china or paper plates. The only thing that matters is that you do it in celebration of gathering, memory making and connection.
