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When you’re juggling a luxury real estate career and filming a hit Netflix show, entertaining isn’t just about throwing a party – it’s about creating an experience. After years of hosting everything from impromptu cast gatherings to holiday celebrations with Romain, I’ve learned that the secret to memorable entertaining is treating it like a luxury property showing: every detail matters.
Holiday Party Foundation
Just like in real estate, preparation is everything. Having a solid plan means you can handle whatever surprises come your way – whether it’s an unexpected client call or Netflix cameras showing up at your door.
Pre-Party Essentials:
• Deep clean the day before (cameras catch everything!)
• Set up multiple seating areas for natural conversation flow
• Create a dedicated workspace away from guest areas
• Stock backup supplies
• Prep an emergency kit
“The best parties, like the best homes, make everyone feel both impressed and completely comfortable at the same time.”
Creating the Holiday Party Experience
Remember my bartending days at Katana? They taught me that good hospitality is about anticipating needs before they arise. When hosting at home, I apply the same principles I use when showing a luxury property – engage all the senses and guide the experience.
The Bar Setup
Nothing brings people together like a beautiful bar setup. After years of entertaining the Selling Sunset crew, I’ve mastered the art of the perfect beverage station.
Must-Have Bar Elements:
• Signature cocktails (my tequila collection is always front and center!)
• Champagne station (separate from main bar)
• Fresh garnishes
• Filtered water setup
• Non-alcoholic options
Holiday Party Food
Just like staging a luxury home, presentation is everything. But unlike those perfect TV moments, your food actually needs to be eaten! After countless gatherings with the cast and crew, I’ve learned that the key is offering beautiful food that’s also practical to eat while networking – or in my case, potentially being filmed.
Creating the Perfect Atmosphere:
• Layered lighting at different heights
• Fresh flowers in key areas
• Subtle background music
• Signature home scent
• Temperature control
“The best parties have the same quality as the best luxury homes – they make you want to stay longer than you planned.”
The Holiday Party Flow
Years of hosting open houses has taught me the importance of good traffic flow. When entertaining at home, I apply the same principles:
Space Planning Essentials:
• Clear paths between food stations
• Multiple conversation areas
• Easy access to bathrooms
• Quiet zones for breaks
• Indoor-outdoor flow
Holiday Party Guest Management
Just like in luxury real estate, it’s all about understanding your audience. Whether I’m hosting the Selling Sunset crew or intimate family gatherings, these principles always apply:
Key Hosting Tips:
• Create conversation groups
• Mix different social circles
• Provide comfortable seating
• Ensure good sight lines
• Keep energy flowing
Creating Holiday Magic
Being on Selling Sunset has taught me that sometimes the most memorable moments are the ones that seem the most effortless. During the holidays, I love creating what I call “Instagram moments” throughout the house – those special vignettes that make everyone want to capture the memory.
Holiday Decor Strategy:
• Layer textures and metallics
• Mix fresh and faux greenery
• Create height variation
• Add unexpected elements
• Keep it elegant, not overwhelming
“The holidays are like luxury real estate – it’s all about creating emotional connections through beautiful spaces.”
Holiday Soiree Timeline Management
When you’re balancing a real estate empire with reality TV, timing is everything. Here’s how I break down party prep:
Two Days Before:
• Confirm all deliveries
• Deep clean house
• Prep guest rooms
• Stock bar essentials
• Final guest count
Day Before:
• Set up decor elements
• Arrange furniture
• Prep food stations
• Create playlists
• Test lighting
Morning Of:
• Fresh flowers arrive
• Ice delivery
• Final temperature check
• Light candles
• Staff arrival
“A successful party is like a successful property listing – it’s all in the preparation.”
Managing the Unexpected
After years of filming Selling Sunset, I’ve learned to expect the unexpected. Whether it’s surprise cameras showing up or last-minute guest additions, having a solid backup plan is essential.
My Emergency Party Kit:
• Extra serving pieces
• Backup candles
• Additional ice
• Basic tools
• Stain removal supplies
Personal Elements:
• Handwritten place cards
• Custom cocktail names
• Family recipes
• Personal photos
• Meaningful traditions
Special Touches
The Reality TV Factor
Let’s talk about what it’s really like entertaining when cameras might show up at any moment. After seven seasons of Selling Sunset, I’ve learned a few things about keeping it real while looking perfect:
Camera-Ready Tips:
• Keep lighting flattering but natural
• Create multiple conversation areas
• Maintain clear sight lines
• Consider background noise
• Have quiet spaces for breaks
“The secret to great entertaining is the same as the secret to great real estate – make everyone feel like they belong in luxury.”
Making Memories
At the end of the day, whether you’re selling luxury real estate or hosting a holiday gathering, it’s all about creating moments that people remember. Romain and I love combining our cultures – his French sophistication with my Midwestern warmth – to create gatherings that feel both elevated and welcoming.
The Final Touches:
• Welcome drinks ready
• Music playing
• Candles lit
• Fresh air flowing
• Positive energy
Holiday Traditions with a Twist
“Blending cultures isn’t just something I do in luxury real estate – it’s how Romain and I approach every holiday celebration.”
When you marry a French man and live in LA while filming a hit Netflix show, holiday traditions take on a whole new meaning. What I love most about our gatherings is how we’ve managed to blend Romain’s European sophistication with my Midwestern hospitality, creating something entirely unique.
The French Connection
Our holiday menu always reflects this cultural fusion. While I still make my mom’s famous holiday recipes (you’ll find some of them in “Selling Sunshine”), Romain insists on adding his French touch to everything.
Traditional Meets Modern:
• French champagne welcome
• Midwestern comfort foods
• European cheese course
• California wine pairings
• Late-night French pastries
“Just like in real estate, sometimes the most unexpected combinations create the most magical results.”
Holiday Party Menu Planning
After years of entertaining both on and off camera, I’ve learned that the key to a successful holiday menu is balance. You want dishes that are:
• Beautiful enough for impromptu filming
• Easy to eat while networking
• Make-ahead friendly
• Adaptable for dietary restrictions
• Meaningful to your guests
Our Signature Holiday Menu
Let me take you through how we structure our holiday gatherings, combining the best of both worlds:
The Main Event:
• Family-style service
• Mix of traditional and modern
• Fresh, seasonal ingredients
• Interactive elements
• Show-stopping presentation
Cocktail Hour (Le Début):
• Champagne service
• Passed canapés
• Fresh oysters (Romain’s influence!)
• Artisanal cheese board
• Small bites at the bar
Conversation Starters:
• Custom place cards with personal messages
• Family photos displayed thoughtfully
• Meaningful table decorations
• Interactive food stations
• Signature cocktails with stories
Creating Moments
“The best parties, like the best properties, tell a story through every detail.”
Throughout the evening, I love creating what I call “memory moments” – special touches that make each gathering unique:
The Entertainment Factor
Just like showing a luxury property, entertaining is about creating an experience. Here’s how we keep the energy flowing:
Music Progression:
• Subtle background during arrival
• Energy building through dinner
• Late-night dancing
• Quiet moments for conversation
• Special holiday selections
Late Night Magic
As the evening progresses, the ambiance shifts. This is something I learned from years of luxury real estate – different times of day need different moods:
Evening Transition:
• Dimmed lighting
• Fresh candles lit
• Dessert stations revealed
• Coffee service prepared
• Cozy areas highlighted
The Morning After
The best hosts think beyond the party – it’s about the entire experience.”
For overnight guests, we create what I call “hotel moments”:
Guest Room Essentials:
• Fresh water carafes
• Holiday treats
• Luxury linens
• Morning necessities
• Personal touches
Capturing Memories
Being on Selling Sunset has taught me the importance of documenting beautiful moments. Throughout our home, I create what we call “photo moments”:
Picture Perfect Spots:
• The grand entrance
• Tree corner
• Dessert display
• Outdoor lights
• Intimate group areas
Holidays - Your Way
The holidays are my favorite time of the year. I love entertaining and celebrating and enjoying every moment with my family and friends.
Wishing you and your family and your friends the most wonderful holiday season this year.
Love, Mary xo
