Influencer Interview: Chris Nease of Celebrations at Home
We loved getting to know yet another of our wonderful party planners. This month we caught up with Chris Nease – creative mind behind Celebrations at Home and responsible for everything from this wine-tasting party to this adorable gender reveal craft (and plenty of moments in between).
Balloon Time: How did you come to be your current crafty self?
Celebrations at Home: Out of necessity! If I see a cute idea but don’t want to pay the price, or I don’t have time to order it online, I figure out how to re-create the look for less.
BT: Who (or what) is your biggest inspiration when it comes to what you do?
CAH: I get inspired by reading some of the larger wedding blogs with styled shoots. Wedding designers have such big ideas and I like to bring those down to the ‘home entertainer’ level. My real world inspiration comes from travel and fine dining, whether it’s a new city or just up the road.
BT: What’s the most memorable party you’ve ever been to?
CAH: There have been so many over the past 10 years, but one that we still talk and laugh about is a Mardi Gras party at our friend’s house. It became a major dance party complete with Soul Train line.
BT: What’s something about you that we might be surprised by?
CAH: I love hosting but have a healthy dose of social anxiety. I don’t necessarily have the gift for gab so I’m scared to death of conversation lulls!
BT: What do you hope shines through in your work?
CAH: I try to share ideas that are approachable and accessible to the average hostess. I feel very strongly that the DIYs I produce won’t take a team of interns, or cost an arm & a leg to re-create.
BT: Best piece of advice you ever received?
CAH: The KISS method: Keep It Simple, Stupid
BT: What is it you love most about arts and crafts?
CAH: I love the unique effect and attention to detail that it brings to a party atmosphere.
BT: What’s your favorite party occasion?
CAH: Christmas season
BT: What essentials should every craft enthusiast out there have at home?
CAH: Glue gun. Separate scissors for fabric and paper. Glue dots. A variety of ribbon (colors and sizes).
BT: What are your top five party-hosting tips?
- Remember the most important thing to a successful party is the guest list.
- Always have plenty of wine.
- Know your guests’ dietary restrictions (diabetic, vegetarian, peanut allergies, etc)
- Don’t forget, a good playlist sets the tone of the evening.
- For the week leading up, do some small task each day so you’re not scrambling on the day of the party (eg: Monday – shop for wine, Tuesday – dust, Wednesday – shop for groceries, etc).
