Entertaining Notes is a new series in which we speak with friends of Chopin Vodka to learn about their top entertaining tips. Each of our contributors has been chosen because of their strong personal style and their penchant for throwing great parties. From signature cocktails and go-to playlists, to their favorite ways to serve Chopin Vodka, we learn about the personal touches that turn their events into memorable occasions.
Stephanie Nass is the founder of Chefanie Sheets – edible, customizable paper designs that elevate ordinary cakes into works of art in five minutes. Stephanie graduated from Columbia University, then attended culinary school at the International Culinary Center in SoHo. She also founded the Victory Club, a membership organization that brings people together over a shared passion for gastronomy and visual arts.
My mother has had the greatest influence on my entertaining style. My parents love to entertain and to collect beautiful things. My mother has collected cocktail shakers since I was a little girl and the library in my parents’ house is not only filled with books, but also sterling silver cocktail shakers. My favorite is one is a shaker in the shape of a chicken.
My work has helped me to understand how to throw great parties. Now, when I plan a cocktail party I have a foolproof checklists for all of the things that need to get done. I don’t miss any details!
I have hosted more than one hundred cocktail parties and they just keep getting better! Most recently, this month, Victory Club partnered with Katie Rodgers of
Paper Fashion on an event at 100 Barclay. What a night that was. Katie painted her famous Shadow Dancers on balloons and I created cakes inspired by her art, including a 6 foot cake. What made the party most interesting was the company. People across industries, generations and nationalities so enjoyed meeting each other that no one wanted to leave. My tip for throwing a great party is to invite the best people!
When I’m limited by how many cocktails I can serve, I always go for my signature cocktail - Vodka Soda. With good quality vodka, like Chopin, it's delicious. Also, it's colorless, so there's no need to worry about spills on clothes or light carpets. It's also relatively low in sugar, so it pleases even the skinny minis. It's a crowd pleaser.
To make my vodka soda, I add ice to a beautiful tumbler (the best way to get clear ice is to boil the water before you add it to the ice tray). Then, I add one part Chopin vodka to two parts Vintage club soda. A lemon twist adds a pop of color and citrus aroma. Make sure to really twist the lemon over the glass to release all the fragrant essential oils!
I always have music on when my guests arrive. My go-to playlist for entertaining is
St. Valentine’s Dinner Party, filled with classics like the Supremes, Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald.
