Alana Stipech is a design & hospitality enthusiast. With experience in prop styling, interiors, wine, and floral design, she has developed an eye for the best in all things lifestyle. Alana draws inspiration from travels as well as time spent living in NYC, Los Angeles, and Seattle – but now calls Nashville home along with her husband Kristopher, and tiny Australian Shepherd, Pony. Alana created and co-owns a natural wine bar, Bodega, in Los Alamos, California. She loves small details that make up a gathering, and this is a glimpse into her world of creating the most inviting space for this holiday season.
1. Where did you get your love for decorating and hosting?
I think it is something that has always been part of me. I didn’t grow up around it, or learn from anyone specifically. It’s just something that I crave, and that comes naturally to me.
2. What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving traditions?
Thanksgiving is both relaxed and lively at our home. We always start the day with breakfast and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV. The day is spent cooking, spending time with friends and family, throwing the football around, and taking a walk around the neighborhood (with a glass of whiskey or wine in hand). I try to prepare as much as I can in the week leading up to Thanksgiving so that the day is calm, enjoyable, and delicious. It doesn’t feel like Thanksgiving to me until I enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie and coffee in the evening.
3. What tasks do you complete ahead of time for hosting a stress-free Thanksgiving Day?
I set the table the day before Thanksgiving, purchase my baked goods, and make floral arrangements. Making wine selections, creating a music playlist, and pre-batching cocktails are things that can be done ahead of time. My biggest hack is putting a post-it on each serving dish with exactly which food item will go on that platter. It makes those crazy last minutes leading up to dinner feel much more seamless. I learned that trick from my friend Shannon and it’s a game changer!
4. How do you make sure your guests feel welcome in your space?
I make sure to ask about dietary restrictions ahead of time, so guests feel included no matter what their food & beverage preferences are. If someone is gluten free I make sure to offer a small gluten free dessert and bread. It’s a thoughtful way to make someone feel loved. If a guest offers to help while I’m cooking I give them a simple task like filling up the water pitcher or opening bottles of wine. Giving guests a small job helps them feel included and like they are contributing to the experience.
5. Are there any tips for setting the perfect table?
Be authentic! Linen tablecloths should be slightly wrinkly, branches from your yard make the perfect centerpiece, and kids’ handwriting makes for the sweetest place cards. Mix and match glassware if you don’t have a perfect set. Don’t use scented candles where you will be eating as the scent will interfere with the food. Have a bottle of both white and red wine open for guests to choose from.
6. Everything you create is so beautiful. Do you have any secret cheats that you incorporate?
I like to stick to a theme and color palette to keep the design elements reigned in. I am not a baker, so my desserts and rolls are always store bought. Dozen Bakery is my holiday go-to! When in doubt, add more candlelight and please turn off the overhead lights.
7. Where are your favorite places to shop in Nashville?
Hester & Cook is my favorite for seasonal cocktail napkins and small tabletop items. A friend of mine just opened a gorgeous new shop, Department, with beautiful glassware and other special pieces for the home. Reed Smythe & Company has gorgeous goods; I always find something that I can’t live without. I’m at Import Flowers every other week for fresh greenery and florals for my home; they’re open to the public and carry everything you could want!
8. What has been your most memorable Thanksgiving?
My parents, sister, brother-in-law, and nephews came to our new home for Thanksgiving in 2022. It was their first time visiting Nashville from California, and my mom’s last Thanksgiving. She passed away the following spring after battling breast cancer for three years. That Thanksgiving at our home was so memorable and special for all of us, and a real reminder that holidays aren’t about the centerpieces or perfect menu – but making memories with the people you love.
9. What sets your style and aesthetic apart?
It’s hard to feel like anything is set apart with the overwhelming amount of content on social media. I think if you can find pieces for your home that you genuinely love, that’s the important thing. I started collecting things that I was drawn to years ago – small pieces from Heath Ceramics in San Francisco, vintage art from an antique store in London, a ceramic vase from Astier de Villatte while visiting NYC – and now when I look around my house, I see all these things that mean something to me, and they are all tied to a memory. That’s when your style becomes your own, and not copy and paste from an online sale that everyone else is buying from.
10. As you look back on this year, what are you grateful for this Thanksgiving season?
I’m grateful for such a wonderful community of friends in Nashville, they all inspire me in different ways. I’m thankful for my husband Kristopher, and our best little pal Pony. They’re my favorite people to share life with. Other things that come to mind: good wine, football season, the luxury of simplicity, Forza Pilates, daily neighborhood walks, and good country music.
Draw more inspiration from Alana by following along at @alanastipech.
"...if you can find pieces for your home that you genuinely love, that’s the important thing. When I look around my house, I see all these things that mean something to me..."
"...holidays aren’t about the centerpieces or perfect menu – but making memories with the people you love."