The Hostess, the Guest of Honor, and the Caftan That Made the Night Easy

Dec 2

A little candlelight, a lovely crowd, and a caftan that made the whole evening feel effortless. #LiveBeautifully

Hosting a cocktail party for Holly Holden at The Truitt House could have felt intimidating. Holly is not just a speaker and designer—she is a woman with a signature style so distinctive you can spot it at a glance. Chic, elegant, and always touched with her iconic pink, her look is both unmistakable and entirely her own. Her fashion journey includes her collaboration with Gramercy Atelier, a line that reflects her love of timeless silhouettes and beautifully crafted pieces.

But from the moment she stepped through the door as our guest of honor, all the intimidation melted away. She arrived not as “the designer,” but as every hostess’s dream guest—warm, funny, gracious, and genuinely enjoyable to spend time with. The evening lifted because she lifted it.

Lisa Amos, Kristy McCormally, Catherine Wass, Holly Holden, Paige Jessee, Terry Yates, Kris Brown and Marcella Brummett (Nansemond River Garden Club)

My own style is different, quieter, still evolving. Over time, I’ve settled into what makes me feel most beautiful and most myself when I host: a long dress, usually a caftan.

I’ve worn caftans for years and especially love the thoughtful designs from Ocean + Main. Their fabrics move the way you hope an evening will—softly, intentionally, without rushing. Their silhouettes manage to feel both modern and deeply rooted in tradition. And this kimono-sleeve tunic style has quickly become one of my favorites. There’s something about the way it drapes that feels instantly elegant without trying too hard.

For Holly’s cocktail party, I chose a green caftan—intentional in both color and mood, because green always complements her signature pink. It was simple, graceful, and quietly confident. The kind of dress that doesn’t demand fussing or adjusting. The kind of dress that lets you move through the night with ease.

That’s why I return to caftans again and again: they make a lovely statement without stealing the show.
They let me feel taller, more elegant, and comfortably grounded. They honor this old house, which always seems to reward effort with that soft, generous light it saves for the best evenings.

And when you feel beautiful—and appropriately dressed for your space—you slip into that steady hostess rhythm that makes guests feel cared for. The conversations stretch. The laughter warms. You stop thinking about yourself and start paying attention to the people in front of you.

Holly may have been the guest of honor, and rightly so, but the night worked because we both showed up in styles that were true to who we are. Distinct, gracious, confident.

That’s one of the hostess’ secrets to hospitality: when you feel like your best self, you make room for everyone else to feel like theirs.