Setting the Table with Stephanie Nass
Whether it’s hosting a dinner party or developing delicious new recipes, Chef and culinary influencer Stephanie Nass - also known as Chefanie - knows how to entertain with elegance and style. Her brand Chefanie specializes in catering, exquisite and timeless table settings, recipes and her own line of beautiful tabletop inspired accessories.
For those reasons and more, we are so thrilled to relaunch our editorial journal Setting the Table with Stephanie Nass. She fills us in on how she entertains at home and how she is preparing for the holiday season.
What are a few of your go-to recipes for fall?
This time of year, I crave butternut squash soup and turkey breast cooked with truffles.
How are you preparing for the upcoming holiday season?
As we've all been at home for months and will remain there through the holiday season, I'm planning home decor that is especially festive, especially for the dining table. Our tableware collection includes lots of plaids and holiday colors to help our customers appreciate the magic of the season in their own homes.
How have you been finding ways to connect during this time, since hosting can’t happen in the same way right now?
For the catering side of our business, we're doing a greater number of small-scale events outside, fewer communal platters, and fewer place settings per table.
What is one thing you can’t set a table without?
I believe strongly in statement napkins - whether it is an interesting print or embroidery, a napkin is an affordable way to make the whole table setting pop.
What are some things you do, or places you go, to find new inspiration?
I constantly look through fashion magazines, museum exhibitions, films - both new and old.
How do you find ways to connect your interest in art with food?
Undergrad, I studied art history, and 6 years ago, I began hosting art-inspired dinners in my NYC apartment. Those meals led to Victory Club, my catering style, and my first product. We place a heavy emphasis on the aesthetics of food ... you eat with your eyes first.
How did you come up with the idea of having your followers send a photo of their pantry?
Last March, I noticed Millennials had stockpiled ingredients and no idea how to use them. My ability to devise recipes with specific, limited ingredients would allow people to stretch what they had on hand, avoid gratuitous trips to the grocery store, and therefore flatten the curve. I was very busy with this project at the beginning of lock down, but over the last 7 months, it feels like everyone has become a chef.
What are a few of your favorite items or accessories you have at your shop?
All of our products are thoughtfully designed and planned. Today, I'm wearing our white plaid barrette, meringue "kisses" earrings, and a basket lined with sustainable fox fur. When hosting guests for drinks this evening, I'm using LOVE cocktail napkins, blue & white ceramic straws,
