Mary Shaffer Sealey is the Director of Brand for Weezie, a design-forward luxury bath company. In this role, she oversees all things brand-related, from influencer marketing and press to partnerships, events, content and social, retail and customer experience and more. Known by many as "MS", MS is the older sister of our very own director of marketing, Margaret Gallagher.
Mary Shaffer lives in sunny Jacksonville, Florida with her husband, one year old son, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Louis. When she’s not busy enjoying towel time, Mary Shaffer enjoys gathering with friends at the table - whether it’s for a game of mahjong or Saturday night dinner (more on that below).
How do you like to entertain? What is the vibe (where, feeling, how)? As much as I love the carefully thought out, choreographed menu and tablescape, my favorite kind of gathering is the impromptu. I love a last minute gathering of friends at home, which sets the tone for approachability and ease. If Sunday night dinner on the smoker is calling our name, we find it’s best enjoyed with our closest pals - which often means an eleventh hour invite.
The right mix of friends, a great playlist, cozy lighting, and a yummy batch of cocktails will create a better atmosphere than a perfectly curated table ever will. Not that you can skimp on the latter, though - if you grew up with a mother like mine, you know to always have the linens and glassware at the ready, just in case.
What are you serving? My husband is the chef and I’m the sous. He’s a master at pulling together the perfect crowd pleaser, letting the guest list and seasonality be our guide.
What are you sipping? Said husband has also taken on a recent cocktail hobby and has become quite the mixologist (lucky me!) Negroni or gimlet, he’s your guy. You’ll find me with the wine!
What are you wearing? Just as I like all things entertaining-related: relaxed, comfortable and easy. These days, that might mean this dress paired with these earrings. Note the lack of footwear - 99% of the time I’m barefoot greeting guests (as my sister alluded to before in her HSH)!
What are you listening to? A friend of mine just told me the playlists from Hotel Costes are her go-to, and I may just have to borrow this trick!
How do you make your guests feel special? How do you make them feel at home? For close friends, having their drink of choice ready and waiting. For new friends, quickly taking note and keeping their glass full!
If you are hosting a dinner, what is your go-to centerpiece? I love nothing more than a festive floral arrangement - always sourced from my go-to, Trader Joe’s!
How do you end a celebration? One more drink and a spirited round of Code Names.
What is your favorite Half Past Seven product to entertain with? I’m a sucker for anything stars (and stripes), and believe any cocktail is made better with a hefty glass. Starry Nights Rocks Glass for me!
Favorite Weezie product? Before and after any soiree, it’s my go-to Lightweight Robe. The perfect throw-on whether you’re setting up or winding down. This holiday, it’s our new Aprons, you’ll be finding the chef and me in them all season long!
Let’s play this or that…
- Charger OR Placemat: Placemat
- Stemmed OR Stem-less: Stemmed, always
- Red OR White: Pinot or bust
- Tablecloth OR Bare: These days, bare! After years of loving a tablecloth, I’m enjoying letting my dinnerware and glassware shine.
- Votives OR Taper Candle: Both! Votives for mood lighting; tapers for a pop of color.
- Formal OR Informal: In our house, informal always.
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