> Story by Kirsten Rue
> Photography by David Agnello
You’ve just left a fabulous party. What do you remember most? Is it the wine? The décor? The appetizers? Chances are, it is none of these, but rather the conversations that stick with you—the jokes told and the pleasure of meeting new friends.
This is exactly what Janet Munro emphasizes in her approach to entertaining. As the founder of Simplify, she works with clients to help them organize, stage, and design spaces to unlock a stylish, organic simplicity. “Throwing a party in your home doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming,” she says. “The point of having a party is to get together with your friends and have a memorable time together. Let’s focus on what’s most important: creating a welcoming atmosphere for all your guests to enjoy.”
Follow her simple tips to throw a warm and beautiful gathering of your own.
Getting Started
Prepare a few things ahead of time, whether it’s organizing flowers and candles, or throwing together the ingredients for a great appetizer so it’s oven-ready.
Décor
Less is definitely more! If things are too busy, your guests won’t be able to set down their drinks or take a breather. “For me, candles are a must. Harsh ceiling lights make us feel like we’re still at the office, whereas the toasty glow of lamps and candles are very mood-inspiring.”
The Food – Put together your own classy spread full of variety.
Choose food options that are easy to prepare, taste great, and satisfy any dietary restrictions. “Gone are the ‘Mad Men’ party days of cigarettes, ashtrays, and martinis during the work day! This is the era of vegetarian, vegan, and paleo diets. Make your menu inclusive so no one is stuck with an empty plate.”
Charcuterie Platter
3 CHEESES
Manchego
a mellow and slightly nutty sheep’s milk cheese
Hard cheese
aged cheddar or Gouda
Soft cheese
Brie, chèvre, or crumbled blue For wine pairings: Drunken Goat, Midnight Moon, or Humboldt Fog
Hard salami
chirizo, a bit on the spicy side
Prosciutto
Thinly-sliced sausages, easy to grill the day before
Select your accouterments:
Sweet or spicy mustard
3 meats
Hard salami
or chorizo
(a bit on the spicy side)
Prosciutto
thinly sliced
Sausages
grilled beforehand
ACCOUTREMENTS
Sweet or spicy mustard,
fig or quince jam, honey
Crackers, flatbreads
Sliced pears or apples,
grapes, figs
Walnuts, marcona almonds
Olives
The Bar
Keep the bar streamlined—offer two types of wine, beer, and a signature cocktail. Fewer options mean less stress for guests, and work well with space limitations. The signature cocktail pictured to the right is a paloma, a refreshing combination of tequila, lime, and grapefruit.
Flowers
Flowers bring immediate comfort to social settings, and are a lovely and affordable way to add a splash of refinement to the home. Arrange your flowers around different seating areas. “I always recommend flowers and a candle in the entryway and guest bathroom. This welcomes your friends into the home.”
Munro recommends the Jackson Hole Flower Co. in Wilson or Jackson Whole Grocer for great quality flowers. Once more: Don’t overwhelm your spaces. Keep flowers and candles low so that guests can see over them while they converse. The single stems pictured in this kitchen and on the bar cart are pretty and vibrant on their own.
Other ideas? Bud vases with one graceful stem, or embrace the current trend for a small succulent in a quirky container, such as a teacup or under a glass bowl.
Mingling Space
Facilitate relaxing areas for a large group by moving furniture around and creating small seating areas that encourage conversation. “The kitchen always has a buzz of activity around it, so make some other comfortable areas for groups to chat. At this party, I created seating arrangements around the fireplace, at the kitchen bar, and at the dining table.”
About Simplify
Janet Munro: “I started Simplify in 2011 after I had a series of life event changes and subsequently downsized my living space. I enjoyed it so much more! Since then, I’ve made the personal decision to live a more simple life all around. After all, you are not your stuff. If you’re at a point where too many materials are weighing you down, Simplify your life. It’s not about getting rid of your treasured possessions, but rather accessing what is important to you and keeping only those things. I love combining cherished heirlooms with modern pieces: This expresses my clients’ personalities and makes their environments so much more comfortable.”
For luxury rentals and real estate in Teton Village, as seen here, contact Meredith Landino at 307-690-8028 or meredith.landino@jhsir.com
