HOSTS AT HEART
THE ART OF HOSTING
BY CONWAY LIAO
GARDENSPRITAPERITIF
In this edition, Conway Liao of Hudson Wilder, the homegoods brand and design showroom in Brooklyn’s iconic Dumbo neighborhood, shares his secrets to always-on hosting and embodying the ‘art of casual living.’ During his recent launch party, Hudson Wilder founder Conway Liao focused on putting guests at ease, elevating ordinary moments into special details that friends will remember, and sharing how comfort really is the ultimate luxury.
BE GRACIOUS IN HOSTING
BE GRACIOUS IN HOSTING
In Taiwanese culture, food and drink are the centerpieces of life. A simple question—“Have you eaten yet?”—is both a greeting and a gesture of care. Be attentive and fill empty glasses and plates, remembering that the way you serve is as important as what you serve. At our event, CHANDON Brut and CHANDON Brut Rosé proved to be perfect complements to our menu, which featured local oysters, clams, steak tartare, and potato chips topped with crème fraîche and caviar. Together, they offered a crowd-pleasing duo for hosts and guests alike—because attentiveness is the unspoken language of care.
LET MUSIC SET THE MOOD
LET MUSIC SET THE MOOD
Hosting is a sensory experience, and music sets the tone. Create a playlist that matches your theme, starting with upbeat tracks to energize guests, then transitioning to softer tunes as the evening winds down. You can almost never go wrong with a jazz playlist. Here’s the playlist we played—perfect for creating a welcoming and dynamic atmosphere for the night ahead.
EMBODY THE ART OF CASUAL LIVING
EMBODY THE ART OF CASUAL LIVING
Hosting means finding joy in the act of bringing people together. It’s about creating experiences that are thoughtful and—most importantly — comfortable. Being a good host isn’t difficult; it’s being intentional and mindful of small details that true hospitality gives.
RECOGNIZE THE LUXURY OF COMFORT + THOUGHFULNESS
RECOGNIZE THE LUXURY OF COMFORT + THOUGHFULNESS
Hosting is defined by comfort and comfort is the ultimate luxury. When guests feel they’re taken care of and at ease, they can fully enjoy the moment. Think about the last time you felt taken care of at a nice hotel or restaurant and their attentive gestures: the temperature of the room when you arrive, helping you with your coat, pulling out the chair so you can easily sit.
CREATE EFFORTLESS BEAUTY
CREATE EFFORTLESS BEAUTY
Elevate an everyday store-bought condiment, such as mustard, by serving it in a ceramic ramekin. This small gesture transforms the ordinary into something special. It’s a quiet signal that you’ve thought of every detail—proof that beauty is found in mindfulness, not extravagance. CHANDON embodies effortless elegance. At the event, every detail, from each glass of sparkling to the mindful presentation, was a quiet nod to this philosophy: The best hosts make everything look and feel effortless, even if there’s careful thought behind it.