After nearly a decade in the luxury events industry, Stefanie Cove founded Stefanie Cove and Company in 2017 with a clear vision. Create gatherings that feel elevated but never stiff. Known for her discretion, taste, and meticulous attention to detail, Stefanie has produced weddings, private dinners, and celebrations both domestically and internationally for high-profile clients and brands.

With a background in five-star hospitality and a specialty in destination events, Stefanie is sought out for her ability to translate a client’s personality into a seamless, refined experience. When she is not designing events, she is traveling with her husband in search of exceptional food and lodging, spending time with her dogs, and hosting intimate gatherings at home where comfort always comes first.

Q: When planning a gathering at home, where do you start?

A: At home we use the menu to first define the vibe of the gathering. For example, we just recently did a 17 course omakase sushi dinner and everything else had a bit of an Asian twist but with the SCC aesthetic overall.

Rather than forcing a theme, Stefanie lets the food guide the mood. It is a strategy that works just as well for a casual dinner party as it does for a full-scale event.

Q: What are your favorite ways to break the ice or entertain guests?

A: I also think chefs working amongst the guests and unique cuisine to chat about, like our 17 course omakase, is a great way to break the ice and become something for the guests to chat about.

Shared experiences do the social work for you. When there is something happening in the room, conversation flows naturally.

Q: If you had a limited budget for a small dinner party, what would you focus on for the tablescape?

A: Less is more. Stick with candles and then another item with personality, like chocolate truffles in bowls, to save on flowers or rentals.

Atmosphere beats excess every time. Candlelight plus one thoughtful detail goes further than an overstyled table.

Q: What makes a gathering truly memorable?

A: Who is there and how comfortable they are.

It is the simplest answer and arguably the most important one. Guests remember how a night felt, not how much effort went into it.

Q: What advice would you give someone feeling overwhelmed about hosting?

A: It’s just a party. You’ve got this. Take a deep breath and try to have fun. Your friends will appreciate whatever you do.

Coming from someone who produces high-pressure events for a living, this permission slip matters.

Q: What is your signature food or drink when hosting?

A: Champagne with a dash of Aperol and skinny margaritas. We pretty much always have some kind of chocolate bite at the end. My two vices. Champagne and chocolate.

Q: What is your go-to dinner party soundtrack?

A: I actually love using the Carbone playlists from Spotify.

Moody, classic, and effortlessly cool. Exactly what you want playing in the background.

Q: What is your favorite party trick when hosting?

A: My favorite party trick is doing one activity that the guests participate in together. The other night we went around the table and all said one thing we were grateful for in 2025.

One shared moment can shift the entire energy of the night.

Q: What do you love about Partytrick?

A: I love how simple Partytrick makes everything. Truly anyone can throw a perfect sophisticated party using it.

Q: What is the most memorable gathering you have ever hosted or attended?

A: Probably my wedding. It was perfectly non-traditional yet detailed and comfortable for our guests.

Q: What products or brands do you love using when hosting?

A: Roederer Estate Brut. Delicious but doesn’t break the bank. Aesop candles in the bathroom. Sferra napkins.

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To see how Stefanie Cove brings refined, personal gatherings to life, follow her on Instagram @stefcoveco and explore her work at stefaniecove.com.

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