Jumpstart January with an After-the-Holidays Party

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6 years ago

Laura Umansky, Founder and Creative Director of **Laura U Interior Design**

By Elizabeth Bonner Czapski
Photography by Leah Wilson and Hannah Swiggard

As the flourish of holiday festivities draws to an end, resist winter’s drear and throw a party! You can borrow from the lingering magic of the celebratory season. Find inspiration in this simple yet sophisticated soirée hosted by Houston-based interior designer Laura Umansky with the help of a team of local talents.

“A wintry cocktail party with good friends is a great way to extend the joy after the holidays have ended,” Laura says. “This year, I hosted a group of exceptional Houston ladies for a glamorous late-afternoon fête at my home. I always want my guests to feel special and, to me, that means the party must be beautiful yet effortless.”

Laura enlisted Elizabeth Whitehead, founder of Your Butler’s Pantry, for unique table wares sourced from estate sales and antique shops. Layla Asgari of Joy Box Flowers fashioned the floral arrangements and Kelli Bunch of KB Table developed the delectable menu. These complementary collaborations resulted in a gracious gathering that welcomes the new year.

TABLESCAPE

Laura (left) and Blair Usnick (right) of **Laura U Interior Design**

The hand-painted Gracie wallpaper that cloaks Laura’s dining room inspired the table setting: “heirloom quality, romantic, and timeless,” Laura says. “To achieve that enduring look on the table, my design team and I assembled a collection of traditional and modern pieces.”

Incorporating three distinctive settings, the spread showcases harmonious elements. All provided by Your Butler’s Pantry, pieces include intricately etched mid-century glasses, sterling silver Champagne coupes, Art Deco Vista Alegre plates, contemporary Kelly Wearstler for Pickard dishes, Caskata serveware, Calaisio place mats, and an abundance of gilded candelabras.

FLORALS

“Nothing is complete without the final touch: an exceptional floral display,” Laura says. Layla embarked on a stunning 6-foot garland of eucalyptus and bay leaves dotted with richly hued blooms. For an added statement, she also selected terrines with a lovely patina, filling them with a bountiful mix of radiant peach garden roses, burgundy peonies, dahlias, ranunculus, and assorted berries.

FARE

Kelli Bunch of KB Table (left) and Laura Umansky (right) of **Laura U Interior Design**

Food is the soul of every Southern party, and Kelli’s thoughtful catering proves that here. “Kelli crafted a menu focused on shareable bites that are a feast for the eyes, including a caviar bar with all the accoutrements,” Laura says. “It’s simple, but undeniably luxe.”

A satisfying array of sippers—Apple Cider Sangria Spritzers, Blackberry Coulis & Sage Mojitos, and Mulled Wine—kicked off the get-together with a fresh twist. Savory hors d’oeuvres like Baked Brie and Moroccan Meatballs keep company with a fanciful Caviar & Smoked Salmon Presentation set on a vintage bar cart with an etched bamboo design.