Here, There, Everywhere

I hope this email finds you enjoying a late morning coffee in your pajamas, or on your way to church, or getting ready for brunch, or out on a stroll.

Now I realize this “Thursday” email is quite tardy to the party. I’ve been a bit all over the place between book tour events, work events, and general summer shenanigans. This week, I made a round up of the places I’ve been and the places I’m headed. Perhaps I will see you there!

Cheers!

Sonoma County

Last month, I hosted a To Be Hosted luncheon in partnership with La Crema at their beautiful vineyard in Sonoma County, California. The event welcomed women who shared a love of food, gathering, and wine. And everyone walked away with a signed copy of my new book, Your Turn to Host. A few images for inspiration for your next gathering:

The Highlights:

• color play: deep red + soft blue for a balance of passion and peace

• details: unconventional menu ideas and wine tag conversation starters

• menu: in honor of stone fruit season, all salads should have peaches and tomato

New York

This weekend I saw Shifters starring Heather Agyepong and Daniel Ezra at Cherry Lane Theater. It’s described as “a romance about the enduring power of memory and young love. Dre and Des are young, gifted, Black. He stayed. She left. Years later they come crashing back into each other’s lives, carrying new secrets and old scars. Caught in the space between memory and reality, they struggle to navigate the shifting borders that threaten to rewrite their past and reshape their future.”

I laughed, I cried, and I reflected a lot about the emotions we prescribe to the memories of a first love. Was it really that deep or was it just the thrill of the first time?

Martha’s Vineyard

I’m headed to Martha’s Vineyard for the Black Book Festival. I wrote Your Turn to Host to inspire more people to open their doors and host. My hope is for this book to be a centerpiece for gathering for generations to come. I hear there is no place more magical than Black folks convening in Martha’s Vineyard. I am excited to see what inspiration comes from this trip. It will be a quick one, but if you have some food recommendations, let me know!

Detroit

The last stop off my summer book tour: Detroit! In partnership with the Culinary Arts & Letters Literary Society, I will be doing an author talk followed by a cake decorating class on Sunday, August 30th. You can sign up for either the talk or cake decorating or both! You can find more information and tickets HERE.

Italy

You, Me & Tuscany reminded me how much I loved honeymooning in Italy. Previously, I shared tips for hosting a pizza party inspired by the lessons I learned at a pizza making class during this honeymoon. Finally circling back to share a few highlights from that special trip. If you find yourself dreaming about a trip to Florence or Rome, here are a few places I’ve remembered years later:

• Il Salviatino in Florence. Spending my career in hospitality, I always appreciate a hotel experience that is completely indulgent. The rooms were stunning and well decorated. The staff was incredibly attentive. The breakfast options were plentiful; the grounds were perfectly manicured; and the spa was rejuvenating. Watching the sunset across the hills of Tuscany from the infinity pool is something I can still picture when I close my eyes.

• Trattoria Sergio Gozzi in Florence: Go to lunch here for a no frills, cozy retreat from the tourist hot spots.

• Ristorante Alla Vecchia Bettola Firenze. Recommended by the Il Salviatino concierge for having the best Florentine steak. The recommendation did not disappoint.

• Antica Trattoria Trilussa in Rome. Located in the Trastevere area, this restaurant serves up classic roman cuisine. The pasta was my favorite during our trip. It came to me by recommendation form a local and approved by Oprah.

• Sant’ Eustachio Il Caffè. A storied cafe with very good espresso and sweet treats.

Somewhere Else

At the end of last year, I was completely burnt out and needed to take what would become a months-long break from event production. It was during this time I picked up watching a few TV shows that I now call my small town collection. I wanted my TV screen to take me somewhere that wouldn’t take me back to my work, hustle, bustle, New York, or the state of the world. The list includes: Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Sullivan’s Crossing, Ransom Canyon, and My Life with the Walter Boys.

I was certainly not the target audience for these shows. I was fully prepared to be unable to relate, but the storylines would tug at my heart strings with exactly what I needed to hear. Hope from Virgin River said, “if you focus on protecting your heart, you can avoid a lot of pain, but you can end up living half a life.” And Cole from My Life With the Walter Boys reminded me that “you can’t win until you learn how to lose.” These little moments were gently encouraging me to keep going.

All of these shows have new seasons released over the past few weeks. If you find yourself in need of small town drama and far from the city scenery, throw one of these on in the background while you make Sunday dinner. You never know where inspiration might find you.

YOUR TURN TO HOST is packed with hosting ideas, tips, lists, timelines, playlists, conversation starters, and fuss-free recipes, bringing you a complete party playbook for casual gatherings, festive holidays, and every gathering in between. Get Signed Copies at: Kitchen Arts & Letters (NY), BEM Brooklyn, Mahogany Books (DC) & Reparations Club LA!