Stefanie Cove sets a table like no other. She plans parties all around the world, each having one thing in common, they are breathtakingly beautiful. Her mix of plates, glassware, linens, vases, flowers, and unique personal touches make for some serious eye candy. Her specialty is the relationships she’s forged with her clients, taking time to truly know their personal style and using that to make their parties special and memorable occasions.
My favorite aspect of Stef’s work is her attention to every detail. There are always little surprise elements on the table that put a smile on her clients' face. Stef always goes the extra mile to make her parties a time to remember, and her creativity is astounding. I look forward to collaborating with her on something beautiful in the future, as she is my entertaining guru, and a true icon in her industry.
How many years have you been in business in LA?
After nearly a decade in the industry, I founded Stefanie Cove and Company in 2017.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
My first job was in the front office at The Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. I studied hospitality (and more importantly psychology!) at Syracuse University. Then, I worked in the restaurant and hotel business (The Little Nell) before moving over fully to social events. My initial inspiration, believe it or not, was people - and forming relationships with them.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
I think my interpersonal relationships are what makes our business. I (and our team) use personal details from our clients to put the event they are dreaming of together. I spend time with our clients - go to dinner, go to their homes, hang out with their pets, to really understand who they are. Not only do we focus on a perfect design, but we also have a pretty stellar guest management program.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
I really try to always be available and involved with the client’s decisions to help guide them every step of the way from start to finish. I think it’s always about going the extra mile in this business.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
I think our clientele knows that we truly care about them and making their event memorable and perfect in every way (from first contact to the end of the party).
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love not only traveling, but finding under the radar or even historic spots to create brand new concepts in.
What is your favorite secret LA spot?
There is little park on Kings Road in between Santa Monica and Melrose that I try to escape to with my pups whenever I have a free moment. And this is no secret, but I love going to the oyster bar down the street from there, Connie and Teds, for oysters, fries and a skinny margarita.
How do you benefit mamas?
I may not be a mom but I would like to think I take some of the pressure off my clients who are by handling the party elements they don’t have time for.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
To try and find some time for myself…haha, that is never happening!
Can you pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field?
There are so many! Lisa Vorce, Lynn Easton, Marcy Blum, Mindy Weiss I could go on forever!
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
My words to live by would be that everything happens for a reason. There is no reason to obsess over things you can’t control. Just try and make the situation better and move on. And have confidence in yourself and of your abilities and talent. I’m a big fan of forward motion.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
Get up early and stay up late. No, seriously - I think the trick I have had to learn and am still working on is realizing that everything can’t be done in one day. Take your time, do it right and you won’t miss the details.