I was raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, where a deep love for hosting and community was passed down to me—most notably by my grandmother, Edith. She embodied gracious hospitality in its truest form: warm, genuine, never contrived. She looked you in the eye when she spoke, and expected the same. My love of gardening came from her, as did an appreciation for a freshly pressed linen napkin—some stiff enough to stand on their own. And to this day, one of my favorite scents is a sun-ripened tomato, just plucked from the vine.

My grandfather taught me textiles. He ran the menswear buying department of a major department store, and paid me a penny for each square of fabric I tacked into swatch books. (Who knew Tommy Hilfiger’s nine-colorways of seersucker in 1988 would come in handy later?) My father hung wallpaper for over a decade—my love of pattern and paper runs deep. He taught me what it means to be a true craftsman. Wallpaper hanging may not be glamorous, but it is an art. If you don’t think so, just wait until your seams don’t line up.

My passion for place settings began with four inherited china collections—including one my grandmother gave me at age 20 “in case she died before I got married”—and deepened while working for one of D.C.’s premier catering companies. The patterns, the pairing, the way form meets function—it all fascinated me. It turns out, it does matter if you serve soup with a salad fork.

For over 20 years, I’ve set tables and designed experiences. I’ve been invited into homes, shared belly laughs in the kitchen with chefs, tasted from pans, and toasted with champagne in plastic cups while shucking oysters on the river. I may not be recommending plastic cups at your next dinner party—but sometimes, joy and curiosity lead the way and that’s where the best stories begin.

Danielle Couick

This is the spirit of Ghost Host: it’s not always fancy—though it can be—but it should always feel authentic. It should make sense to you and your guests, tell your story and create one. It should honor the people behind it. Perfection isn’t the goal—connection is. Sure, there are a few rules I’d suggest following along the way but only because it makes it easier for you. I realize that not everyone grew up like me and there is power in knowledge and information. I want to revive the art of hosting, celebrating the every day and gathering intentionally to lead a more purpose and joy filled life and one rich with memories for however long we are fortunate enough to share them. 

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