R.S.V.P.
Elegant rooms for soigné soirées
The penthouse of the Gansevoort Meatpacking hotel in New York is built for entertaining. The 1700-square-foot duplex is designed exclusively by Poliform, who collaborated with their network of international designers to feature shoppable elements throughout. The first floor serves as a communal space, anchored by a Mondrian sofa and a striking coffee table made of rare Saharan black marble with orange veining. A floor-to-ceiling fireplace is flanked by dramatic bookcases on either slide. Throughout the interior, dark wood finishes and slate floors add a modern edge to the luxurious aesthetic.
Photography by David Mitchell
Malene Djenaba Barnett realized she needed a new kitchen in her Bedford-Stuyvesant Brooklyn brownstone when she installed her Lulu and Georgia wallpaper collection. With the help of her designer friend Leyden Lewis, they created a kitchen that represented their Caribbean heritage. To add the ultimate in functionality, they installed appliances from Fisher & Paykel, including a 36-inch Integrated French Door Refrigerator/Freezer, 36-inch Gas on Steel Cooktop, the M30-inch Minimal Convection Oven, Minimal Convection Speed Oven, 30-inch Integrated Warming Drawer, and Integrated Double DishDrawer. The cooktop is one of her favorite pieces in the kitchen, with its flush fit and wok burner.
Entertaining Ideas
Malene Djenaba Barnett is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist, textile surface designer, and community builder. In her work, Barnett explores both her Caribbean heritage and surface pattern design found in African and diasporic architecture, textiles, and objects. She shares, “I love entertaining and creating opportunities to bring the community together over a good meal. It’s one of the many ways I express creativity and connect with my heritage—similar to how I explore the creative practices of Black Caribbean makers in my book, Crafted Kinship. Hosting gatherings allows me to share my love of Caribbean cuisine, craftsmanship, and culture with friends and family while creating meaningful experiences.” Here’s how she creates the perfect party.
1 The Theme I begin with a theme reflecting the African diaspora, focusing on Caribbean cuisine. I typically prepare a vegetarian meal, spotlighting plant-based dishes rooted in my culture.
2 Relaxed Ambiance I prefer a buffet-style setup, using my kitchen island. It gives guests the freedom to serve themselves and creates a communal atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the meal at their own pace.
3 Handmade Decor I love incorporating handmade dinnerware, serving pieces, and linens from Jamaica or other parts of the Caribbean. These items add a personal touch and vibrant colors, turning the meal into a celebration of creativity and culture.
4 A Self-Serve Bar A self-serve bar keeps things easy and informal. I offer signature mocktails and cocktails, with sorel (made from hibiscus flowers) being a favorite. Guests can add a splash of rum, introducing them to this refreshing Caribbean drink.
5 Something Sweet I’m a dessert lover, so I offer a range of vegan and non-vegan sweets rooted in Caribbean flavors. From rum cake to vegan sweet potato pudding, I like to provide options that allow everyone to indulge.
6 Mood Music Music is essential. I create playlists with reggae and soca legends like Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, and Alison Hinds, mixed with African artists like Youssou N’Dour and Baaba Maal. It connects the Caribbean with Africa.
7 Name Cards I enjoy creating name cards for each guest, but instead of paper, I use small photos that my guests can keep. This personal touch adds a unique and memorable element to the table and the evening.
8 Handmade Gifts I love surprising my guests with a small gift. One year, I hand-painted tiles for each guest. It’s a meaningful way to honor craftsmanship and give guests something special to remember the night.
9 Wind Down I like to close the evening with card games or conversation prompts. It’s fun to learn more about each guest and share laughs, creating a deeper sense of connection and community.
10 Comfort Meets Style I love wearing a kaftan-style dress paired with slippers. It’s a nod to my African Caribbean heritage while also keeping me comfortable, since I tend to enjoy the meal as much as my guests!
Designer Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz created the ultimate playroom for rock star and Renaissance man Lenny Kravitz in his Miami home, Villa Roxie. The interiors—designed for entertaining and inspired by the 1970s—are a tribute to Kravitz’s mother, actress Roxie Roker. The lighting over the billiard table and the lit-from-within bar and side tables are designed by Noriega-Ortiz’s partner, Steven Wine, founder of ABYU Lighting.
Photography by Antoine Bootz
Tania Bulhões founded her eponymous firm in 1989, and since that time has been creating beautiful tableware and fragrances, both in her home country of Brazil, and around the world. In 2023, the brand acquired the historic Royal Limoges factory in France. Bulhões says, “One of the greatest joys in life is gathering around the table and bringing people together. This is what enchants me the most. I like a laid-back kind of elegance. I am not into things that are only suitable for special occasions. Life is happening right now.”
Left: This palatial estate, designed by Luxxu in Calabasas, California, includes a spectacular entertainment room. In one corner, a poker table is ready for game night. The room also includes a snooker table, small card table, and comfortable lounge chairs for relaxing with a cocktail.
Center: A curated selection of Christofle’s 200-year-old catalogue is available for purchase both at the brand’s Bleecker Street boutique and online. The collection will have new selections available regularly. This Gigogne coffee pot is from the modern Fjerdingstad collection.
Right and Below: For this Sands Point, New York, kitchen, John Starck of Showcase Kitchens and interior designer Annie Mandelkern created this standout space. The coffee bar backsplash and the front of the island are decorated in matching, custom mosaics by Artistic Tile. Appliances by Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Miele. Photography by Tim Cree/ Creepwalk Media
Eggersmann presents its new cookbook, Heirloom Flavors, celebrating the family recipes and traditions of Eggersmann employees from the brand’s eight locations across the country.
Carajillo
Katsumi Martinez
The carajillo is a simple cocktail from Mexico that is traditionally made from espresso and a vanilla- forward Spanish liqueur called Licor 43, which is made from 43 different botanicals. Katsumi Martinez, from Eggersmann Los Angeles, amps up the flavor with the addition of Baileys Irish Cream.
Ingredients
1 espresso shot, cooled
1 part Licor 43
1 part Baileys Irish Cream
Ice cubes
Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
Directions
Brew a fresh shot of espresso and let it cool completely. Place ice in a high-ball glass (see tip below). Pour the Licor 43 over the ice. Slowly layer the Baileys on top, followed by the coffee (use a spoon to control pouring speed to prevent layer mixing). Serve with a swizzle stick to stir before drinking.
Serving Tips
To add a smoky aromatic flavor, carefully burn rosemary sprigs with a kitchen torch until they smoke. Once they smoke, cover the rosemary with a high-ball glass to trap the smoke. Allow to sit. When ready to serve, flip over and follow instructions above.