People We Love | Nicole Cataffo

When it comes to party planning, there's no doubt that it can be a stressful situation. Luckily, known personal event stylist Nicole Cataffo makes these musings a reality. She curates her clients’ homes, reimagining their own space to create an elegant and unique event and environment. Her keen, artistic eye for colors and placement, as well as her close attention to detail to make sure every event runs smoothly are just a few qualities of why we chose Nicole Cataffo to help turn Lindsey's birthday into a fiesta and is this month’s People We Love.

The first thing I ask a client when styling their event is…
Before I ask my clients anything, I look at the environment we’re meeting in, which is typically their home. I gain so much from seeing their lifestyle, their sensibility in such a personal, real space. It’s important to me to represent and enhance my client’s aesthetic while putting my own personal twist on it.

The best DIY tip that makes the biggest difference is…
Be organic. Make it personal. Use whatever materials you love (paper, spray paint, flowers, food--just not all at once) to make it feel like your own. I’ve always have loved paper, put me in front of a high quality photo copy machine with a stack of beautiful papers and the possibilities are endless.

The most clever trick I’ve used for event styling is…
Visiting bodegas at 3am.

My favorite Laundress product is…
Scented Vinegar, Crease Release, Wool Dryer Balls*

All of these products have rescued me in more ways than one, in both work and pleasure.

Crease Release Is my go to super star. When I am short on time and don’t have time to press napkins, this spray saves me every time. Throw in the dryer with some Wool Dryer Balls* and you are saved from tireless ironing. Hallelujah!

*Call our SoHo store at 212-564-6788 to shop Wool Dryer Balls.

When styling an event, I always try to…
Because most of work revolves around intimate entertaining mostly in my client’s home. It is important for me to stay calm. No one has any fun when the vibe isn’t relaxed. A stressed out host is no fun. It gives me joy when I see my client showered, lipstick applied, calm and ready to go with a drink in hand of course.

The 3 things I always have on hand is…
Help. Water… And Childcare. A Laundress if Possible. ;)

I find inspiration from…
My Suburban Childhood On Long Island, People’s Stories, Music, My Brother’s (@Gotham_Enthusiast) Street Photography, The Streets of Anywhere. Art, The Ugly and The Messy

The biggest challenge I’ve encountered is…
Throwing birthday parties for my daughter, who since the age of six, has insisted on a fabulous “after party.” Thanks to my aforementioned brother.

I would love to style an event for…
A client who wants Christmas in July, A baby elephant’s first birthday or A hot air balloon ride to a proper poolside Lunch. And always a quiet Intimate dinner party at home or on the beaches of eastern Long Island.

My favorite thing about my job is…
Using my creativity to take media and materiality and flip it on its head for a new and different lens…And of course, The Food!