As we welcome in the season of holiday soirées, Dallas’ dazzling influencer Kenzie Elizabeth shares her must-haves for hosting at home.
For Kenzie Elizabeth—longtime Dallas influencer, House Guest podcast host and founder of Friend of Mine—it’s all about aesthetics. From a buzzy Instagram profile to a selection of carefully curated lifestyle products for the homebody, her effortlessly chic style can be seen everywhere. “Growing up, my mom and grandma had a bedding and drapery company,” shares Kenzie on the inspiration behind her brand, Friend of Mine. “I loved going into their shops in Downtown McKinney and “working” as a kid. Turns out, you really do become your mother. As I got older, I started to love the home more and more.”
As for her favorite Friend of Mind product of the season? “The family cards, by far, are the most meaningful product to me. They are a generational conversation card game with questions to ask your parents, siblings and grandparents,” she explains. “I made them in honor of my late brother, Kody, who loved to ask questions. Losing my little brother earlier this year has made me place even more importance on spending quality time with my own family, so my hope is that they inspire others to do the same.”
Whether you’re throwing a family game night or gathering the girls, Kenzie has it covered. Her haute tip: prep and primp with plenty of time in advance. “When hosting during the holidays, I stick to my classic recipes for ease. These are all crowd favorites that I know my guests will love, and I feel more than confident about making them. That alone puts me at ease.” She continues, “I try to do everything I can in advance, in advance. My table is set even a week in advance. I prep every part of the recipe as early as I can. I have a schedule made for the day at least a week in advance so I feel good and in control of my time. That way, I am able to be fully present when the guests arrive!” Here, we tapped the posh entertainer for her top party picks.
Baublebar That’s A Wrap bottle opener, baublebar.com
“This is the perfect holiday wine opener and a sweet smaller gift depending on budget!”
Martha Stewart’s Martha: The Cookbook: 100 Favorite Recipes with Lessons and Stories from My Kitchen, Williams Sonoma, williams-sonoma.com
“Martha Stewart is obviously the queen of hosting. Her cookbooks have revolutionized the way people host today, and this just so happens to be her recently debuted 100th book.”
Friend of Mine recipe journal, shopfriendofmine.com
“A recipe journal is the perfect gift for a host. It’s such a great journal to have, keep and eventually pass down one day with all your favorite recipes in one place.”
Framebridge beaded small tabletop frame, framebridge.com
“I love the idea of gifting the host a framed photo from a night they hosted. This is such a sweet and thoughtful gift. I personally am a big fan of Framebridge. I love their new store in Dallas with all their framing and mat options.”
Anthropologie Icon glass, anthropologie.com
“I love the festive icon juice glasses from Anthropologie. Everyone loves a good, nice, festive glass!”
Graza Duo gift set, graza.co
“I love using Graza when cooking! You can never have too much olive oil—and it’s a useful gift most hosts love to receive.”
Friend of Mine Family cards, shopfriendofmine.com
“Family cards are the perfect gift for the host. These are a generational conversation card game that will bring the family together and make memories to last a lifetime while finding out a thing or two about your family members you might not have before.”
Photography by: FRIEND OF MINE PHOTOS BY HEATHER JOHNSON; ALL OTHER PRODUCT SHOTS COURTESY OF BRANDS
