Curated By Peggy & Willa: The Art of the Elevated Spring Gathering

A strong hosting setup isn’t about having more; it’s about choosing the right items for the way you gather. This curated edit breaks down essential pieces by moment, helping you create a gathering that feels natural, thoughtful, and easy to execute.

As the founders of Poppy Gifting, Peggy and Willa have spent years mastering the "art of the gift." But for them, gifting doesn't end at the front door. It extends into how they welcome people into their homes—blending playful details with practical elegance.

Their philosophy is simple: a host’s job is to make the occasion feel intentional but never stiff. Whether it’s a milestone Mother’s Day brunch or a "just because" spring afternoon on the patio, Peggy and Willa prioritize the items that bridge the gap between beauty and function.

With the launch of the Wrapped & Ready collection alongside Peggy & Willa's Edit, hosting for Mother’s Day, graduations, and spring soirées becomes effortless. These pieces are chosen with intention and wrapped beautifully so you can focus on the moment, not the process. 

The kind of event I’m hosting

This is the season of the "Spring Milestone." We are hosting for the women who raised us, the graduates entering their next chapter, and the friends we haven't seen since winter. It’s a Sunday afternoon gathering that feels light, airy, and celebratory. It’s for family and close friends, where the mood is elevated but the atmosphere is relaxed enough for guests to kick off their shoes.

My approach to hosting

We believe in mixing playful and practical. A hosting essential should be something you truly love and regularly use, rather than something that only gathers dust in a china cabinet. We prioritize tactile details—like the weight of a linen napkin or the scent of a fresh candle—and ignore the pressure to have a "perfect" multi-course meal. If the table looks thoughtful and the drinks are cold, the rest takes care of itself.

When guests arrive

The first five minutes dictate the energy of the entire party. We focus on immediate comfort and a sense of "readiness."

• Gris Gris Cocktail Magic (Basil Habanero): We love a signature drink that has a bit of a kick. This syrup makes a complex, professional-grade cocktail or mocktail in seconds. Just add sparkling water or your spirit of choice.
• The Ever-Entertainer Set: Handing someone a drink with one of these "Please Leave By 9" cocktail napkins immediately elevates the moment. It’s a conversation starter that says you thought of the small things (and have a sense of humor).
• b.maincharacter gloss: As a host, you're often running around until the last second. This is our go-to for a quick, polished look right as the doorbell rings.

While people gather

Once the initial arrivals are settled, the focus shifts to low-effort hosting that keeps the movement fluid and the spirits high.

• Scalloped Hand-Marbled Tray: This Florentine Pink tray is perfect for passing small bites or holding a round of drinks. Its scalloped edge adds a feminine, spring-ready touch to the living room.
• Hand-Marbled Picture Frame: We love having these tucked into bookshelves or on side tables. They are subtle conversation starters—guests always ask about the intricate patterns or the photos inside.
• The Mom Who's Ready in Five Set: We often keep this nearby for quick touch-ups. The Seaglass Peacock cosmetic bag is beautiful enough to leave out on a side table without it looking like "clutter."

At the table

The table is where the "Wrapped & Ready" mindset truly shines. We love a look that feels collected over time, but functions with modern ease.

• Seashell Serving Set: These Pearl White servers are our favorite for spring salads or pasta. They bring a subtle coastal elegance to the table that feels perfectly timed for Mother's Day brunch.
• Velvet Napkin Bows: Our "secret weapon" for making a table look professionally styled in thirty seconds. Slip these over a cloth napkin, and suddenly a simple lunch feels like an event.
• Dot Bam Crack Disposable Napkins: High-quality paper napkins are a host’s best friend for larger gatherings. These have a bold, editorial look that rivals linen but makes the post-party cleanup a breeze.
• Garden Toile Dinner Plate Set: These provide a classic, editorial backdrop for spring produce. The marigold tones feel like sunshine on the table.

The details people don’t notice—but remember

The atmosphere is built through the senses. These are the "insider" touches that make guests feel cared for.

• Petite Lettuce Leaf Vase: We keep these scattered with short-stemmed peonies or garden roses. They add pops of spring color without blocking sightlines across the room.
• The Pear Candle: It’s sculptural and unexpected. Guests might not notice it right away, but they always comment on the whimsical shape once they sit down.
• Hand-Carved Marble Tulip Candleholders: These add a heavy, luxe feel to the table. The marble stays cool while the candlelight adds warmth, creating a beautiful sensory contrast.

When I don’t have time, I do this instead

Real hosting isn't always a three-day prep. When we’re short on time, we lean on these shortcuts:

• The High-Low Mix: Use the Dot Bam Crack Disposable Napkins alongside your "good" silver. It keeps the vibe from feeling too precious and saves you an hour of laundry later.
• The "Store-to-Table" Swap: Buy a pre-made appetizer but serve it using the Seashell Serving Set. The presentation makes it feel homemade and intentional.
• One-Bottle Bar: Instead of a full bar, offer one specialty drink using the Basil Habanero syrup. It limits the mess and makes the drink feel like a "specialty of the house."

My signature move

We never let a guest leave empty-handed. Our signature move is having a few Wrapped & Ready sets stashed in the hall closet. Whether it's a "thank you" for the person who helped clean up or a last-minute Mother's Day gift you forgot you needed, having a beautifully packaged, curated gift ready to go is the ultimate hosting flex.

Shop the edit

Arrival

• The Ever-Entertainer Set (Chow Chow Napkins)
• Gris Gris Cocktail Magic (Basil Habanero)
• b.maincharacter gloss

Table

• Seashell Serving Set
• Velvet Napkin Bows
• Dot Bam Crack Disposable Napkin Set
• Garden Toile Dinner Plate Set

Atmosphere

• Scalloped Hand-Marbled Tray (Florentine Pink)
• Petite Lettuce Leaf Vase
• Hand-Carved Marble Tulip Candleholders
• Pear Candle

Bring this to life

Use this edit as a starting point, then make it your own. Whether you're planning a Mother's Day brunch or a graduation celebration, the best gatherings are the ones where the host is actually present. Start building your plan, from the menu to the music, on Partytrick.

Here are a few to get you started:

• Con-grad-ulations Cookout
• Celebrating Mom
• Tutu's and Tea