I can’t tell you how excited I am to be sharing an interview with Montreal’s own Martha Stuart, Gabby Musacchio. Having shared her love of entertaining, cooking, and home design through her Instagram account, Gabby quickly distinguished herself as a warm and approachable source of inspiration to her dedicated followers. With a background in journalism (Gabby isn’t just about beauty and style), she holds a Masters in Journalism from Harvard. So it only seems natural that she would create a platform with more in-depth coverage related to living, entertaining, and cooking in style. Enter, Home with Gabby {you can check it out here!}
As one would expect, Home with Gabby is gem of a website where Gabby is curating the delicious recipes she has come to be known for, inspiring DIY tutorials (there’s even one for an adorable knotted headband), and tips and tricks for living in style.
For those of you who are still organizing your Thanksgiving holiday or those needing a little extra inspiration you might be interested in the Home with Gabby Thanksgiving Hosting Handbook. This downloadable e-book is perfect for prepping and hosting a beautiful, stress-free Thanksgiving. Covering everything from appetizers to desserts, Gabby has even included ideas for table concepts and an adorable DIY that will take your cocktail hour to the next level.
And without further ado, I’m so thrilled to share with you my interview with Gabby. Enjoy!
What inspired your love of entertaining?
I grew up around women who always entertained flawlessly. Between my mom and my grandmother, I learned very early on that the smallest details make the biggest impact when entertaining. When I moved out on my own, I developed my own taste for decor, and relished in bringing those small details to life. Coming from a very large family, I always understood the value of people gathered around a table over good food and better conversation. Now, I am so grateful that my home became the spot where everyone gets together – even an impromptu pizza takeout dinner is an excuse for me to entertain!
What is your go-to hostess gift?
I come from a cheese-making family, so naturally, I love bringing some cheese with a nice marble plate and matching cheese knives. Another one of my go-to hostess gifts is a beautiful potted phalaenopsis orchid – it suits every style and, if cared for properly, it’s the gift that keeps on giving!
All of your recipes on Home With Gabby look delicious but what’s your go-to meal to make for dinner?
Oh this is a tough one! I can’t say I have a go-to meal per-se, as I am constantly creating and testing new things. But, if I had to pinpoint one recipe that’s often on heavy rotation, it would be my Asian glazed salmon on a bed of my peanut butter udon noodles!
What are your favourite design tips that you love for making a house a “home”?
Personalize your walls and let them tell the story of your home. You can do this by putting up photos, or get a piece of art that has some type of meaning to the people who live in your house. For example, I commissioned a gallery wall that has framed photos that span the entire history of our families, dating back to when our grandparents were children, up until today. It is by far the wall that brings the most conversation when we host, because every single photo we selected tells a different story, and each one of those stories ultimately led to who we are as a couple. A house becomes a home when it carries the character of the people living in it, and I so happen to believe that one of the best and easiest ways to achieve that is through art, personal mementos, and photographs. Another tip that I swear by is to have fresh flowers, always.
You have a beautiful classic style but are there any home design and decor trends you’re loving at the moment?
Thank you! Because I have a penchant for timeless design, I am not a huge fan of “trends” unless they lend to classic elegance. So I think my answer to this won’t be very shocking. I love that patina & vintage accents are having a moment. There’s something about the age of these accents that brings a warmth that appeals to the senses – be it through earth-tone colour trends, natural material decorative items & ceramics, statement vintage pieces, or vintage-inspired design. But, only incorporated in a way that elevates a space and doesn’t take it over. As they say: what’s old is new again, but less is more (or something like that…)!
What are your top 5 kitchen item must-haves?
1- A Le Creuset cast-iron round french oven
2- A good set of knives
3- A Kitchenaid stand mixer
4- A set of quality wine glasses
5- Stainless steel cooking utensils
Do you mind sharing your favourite home design and decor shops?
Let’s focus locally, specially during times like these:
– Beige
Are there any items that you find worthy of splurging on for the home and kitchen?
Definitely. For the home: seating options (like a good couch, comfortable kitchen & dining room chairs), quality bedding, and one statement piece (furniture, or art, doesn’t matter, but make it worth talking about!). For the kitchen: Le Creuset cast-iron cookware, quality appliances, and cooking utensils.
Any top dinner party tips or tricks?
Light candles, lots of them; they set the mood (Amazon and Walmart sell votives in cases and they’re a staple in my home) – I place them a little bit everywhere, including in my powder room. Use cloth dinner napkins – they are an affordable way to elevate your table in a major way. Personalize your tablescape to your guests – this can be achieved with place cards, notes, or any other detail that will make each guest feel like you paid special attention. Don’t underestimate the power of grocery store flowers; rearrange them to make pretty and inexpensive centerpieces (ps.: Costco has the best hydrangeas ever!).
You have 48 hours in Montreal, how do you spend it?
I head straight for Little Italy & the Jean Talon Market. While I am in that area, I take in the flavours of the neighborhood, including a coffee at San Simeon (I always order a Perfect Storm – trust me on this), a burger or poutine at Chez Tousignant and a taste of all the seasonal and delectable offerings of the market. If it’s a nice summer day, I’d pick up a basket of food from Dinette Triple Crown to picnic in the park! I would probably hike Mount Royal (especially beautiful this time of year with the changing leaves), visit St-Joseph’s Oratory, light some candles for a moment of zen, take a walking tour of the Old Port and end the day off with dinner at either Bremner (if you don’t order the pancakes for dessert, you’re wrong), Da Emma (funghi porcini pasta or trippa, always), or Bocata (sit at the bar and let the bartender & sommelier decide your drinks – order everything). Is it normal that my time would almost entirely revolve around food?
To check out more lifestyle articles, click {here}
Photography: House of Stills
