Page 32 - The Hunt Winter 2021

Cosgrove is an advocate for snapping up pieces that strike her fancy and worrying about the details later.
“If it’s something
I know will work with what I have,
I don’t want to be ruminating about it a month later, when it’s gone,” she says.
Luscious Layers
Cosgrove starts with a foundation as crisp and smooth as new-fallen snow—a linen tablecloth she found at Terrain in Glen Mills. “I iron things until they’re so stiff they can stand up on their own,” she says.
The next layer is a runner of Royal Stewart tartan—“very casual and relaxed”—topped with woven wicker chargers from Pottery
Barn. On top of that, she places a more formal charger, ruby glass circles from Villeroy & Boch. The next layer is something unexpected—a Christmas wreath slightly larger than a dinner plate, reflecting her philosophy of infusing formality with whimsy. “I thought about putting the wreaths on the backs of the chairs,” she says. “But when I laid one on top of the charger, I thought, ‘Wow, that looks fun.’”
The plates that rest atop the wreaths are Waterford Holiday Ribbons. Her good silver is flatware by Reed and Barton. The crystal wine glasses are Waterford Crosshaven, a retired pattern that features lattice-like facets.
Three
Must-Haves
for Your
Holiday Table
TIPS FROM HOSTESS EXTRAORDINAIRE MARIE COSGROVE.
1.
The perfect guest list. Blend
tried and true friends with new acquaintances for a delicious and diverse social cocktail. Consider their individual preferences—a favorite mixer, a love of jazz, an affinity for board games—and incorporate them into the event to make each guest feel special. “You want your guests to want for nothing,” says Cosgrove.
2.
High-end stemware. It levels up the shimmer and shine of any table. And since you’re splurging for the holidays, it makes sense to set out your best crystal. “A friend once told me a fine wine needs a fine crystal glass,” she says. “Anything else is a jar.”
3.
Real linens. Save the paper napkins for your next barbecue. If your freshly ironed white tablecloth has a gravy stain or two, don’t fret. “Just layer something over it,” Cosgrove says. Have an odd-sized table? Ensure
a good fit by ordering a custom tablecloth through a specialty retailer like Loom & Table.
30 THE HUNT MAGAZINE winter 2021-22