E N T E R TA I N I N G
The Gift of GATHERING A LOCAL CATERER AND HOSTESS SHARES HER INSIGHT INTO ENTERTAINING WITH EASE. WRITTEN BY CATHERINE RUTH KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIE WILLIAMS
TOP RIGHT: A portrait of Wrenn's grandmother hangs above her dining room table. TOP MIDDLE: Wrenn’s grandmother’s entertaining journal sits next to fresh flowers and a bowl of homemade pickled shrimp. BOTTOM MIDDLE: Wrenn’s signature salted vanilla cake with ombre layers is sliced and ready to serve. LEFT: Wrenn’s collection of spinning tops, handmade by a North Carolina artisan, are always a hit with guests. Mottahedeh plates from Wrenn’s grandmother rest atop straw placemats. 22
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“Entertaining is really about being generous with your spirit,” says Sarah Wrenn, creative director of Noble Food and Pursuits. “It doesn’t matter if you’re serving caviar on fine china or chicken salad on paper plates; the gift of hospitality is priceless.” Wrenn does have certain standards when she is hosting friends and family. Fresh flowers, burning candles, and a couple of family recipes ready to serve are always a must. “Cooking is a great skill to have in your back pocket, but there is nothing wrong with picking up prepared food from somewhere,” Wrenn avers. “Make it easy on yourself to enjoy your guests because that is the greater purpose of sharing a meal.” Wrenn’s experience in the food industry began in 2008 when she was hired as general manager for a restaurant group in London. After returning home to Charlotte six years later, she briefly worked at Reid’s before starting her own catering business, Wrennhouse.
