DINNER Theater

WITH THE MARIGOLD CLUB IN HOUSTON AS HER STAGE, REBECCA GARDNER WHIPS UP A MASTERPIECE FEAST—AND A LIVELY COURSE IN MAKING PARTIES ACTUALLY ENTERTAINING.

- REBECCA GARDNER

The chic revelry on display in the Pauline de Roussy de Sales mural inspired Gardner to host her soiree at The Marigold Club, opened in 2024 by Bailey and Pete McCarthy, June Rodil, Felipe Riccio, and Austin Waiter.

Rebecca Gardner is the founder of Houses & Parties, the acclaimed events, interior design, and retail collective based in Savannah, Georgia, and New York City. Her first book, A Screaming Blast: Exceptional Entertaining (Rizzoli), was released in September.

Act One

SPIRITED COCKTAILS: The guests arrive, dressed to the nines. Upbeat music plays, and an attractive waiter in a jaunty uniform presents a tray of drinks (tequila or martinis, to ease small talk). Marigold Club chef Austin Waiter whispers to the barman, "Open the Paul Bara brut rosé 'Spécial Club' grand cru, Montagne de Reims." Glasses clink.

TOP LEFT: Sidecar bucket with carafe, Cigarette lamp, and D'Art dessert plate, Houses & Parties. * TOP RIGHT: Hussar bartender jacket, Houses & Parties.. Puiforcat Sterling champagne tumbler, Houses & Parties. Vintage English silver passing tray and Foliage cocktail napkins, Houses & Parties. PREVIOUS PAGE: Cirque Chinois tablecloth, Brunschwig & Fils. Tracy Glover Twist tumbler, Houses & Parties. * Table lamp with silk fringed lampshade, Houses & Parties.