Katherine Lewin

Meet Katherine Lewin, founder of Big Night — the one-stop hosting shop created for the definitely-not-perfect host. Inspired by the surge of creativity she witnessed in her community during the pandemic (and her own deep love of gathering people around a table), Katherine built Big Night to make hosting feel joyful again.

When did the idea for Big Night first come to you?

Peak lockdown of the pandemic, December 2020. I was struck by just how many people in my life I was watching, on social media, cook more than ever -- and cook elaborately! Baking bread, making multi-course meals, growing their own herbs. But it struck me that while we were cooking more than ever, we were also enjoying those meals mostly alone. Dinner parties, I thought, are going to feel so exciting when it's finally safe to gather again. And what if there was a place that inspired and empowered and helped people remember how to gather their friends, around a table of food, at home? That's where the one-stop-hosting-shop idea initially came from.

What does a perfect “big night” look like for you now?

It's either date night at home, with a special bottle of wine and a dinner that's been bubbling or braising on the stove for hours, or it's a casual Friday night dinner where six or eight friends come over for whatever I've managed to throw together after work -- last week, for example, it was a couple of nice cheeses for an appetizer, a big simple salad with spicy balsamic dressing, calzones (made with pizza dough picked up from my local pizza place), and brownies that one of my guests brought over. It doesn't have to be fancy to be special.

You’ve described yourself as a “definitely not perfect host.” What does that mean to you?

The most important part of hosting, to me, isn't the photo-ready tablescape of meticulously-executed multiple-course dinner. The most important thing to me is that I create an environment where everyone feels truly comfortable. So I'd rather order in takeout and make it feel fun and relaxed, than pull my hair out over making sure that everything I'm serving is as impressive as possible.

You have a night off and you’re not hosting. Where are you taking your friends and what are you ordering?

In my past life, I was a restaurant editor, and today restaurants are still my favorite hobby. My favorite restaurants either feel like an extension of my living room (like Noodle Pudding), or they feel like places that transport me worlds away (like L'Veau d'Or).

What are the 3 items you need for a perfect night of hosting?

Glassware that makes the whole meal feel like an occasion, at least one taper candle, and enough food that no one has to worry about going in for seconds.

Who are the women that inspire you?

So many, every day -- especially those who own and operate their own businesses.

What are you most excited about for Big Night this year?

We're developing more of our own products -- joyful home objects, hosting essentials, the most delightful gifts -- than ever before.

If you were a color, what color would you be and why?

Fiery red-orange, just like Big Night's signature brand color. It asserts itself without taking itself too seriously. And it's just plain FUN.

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