October 30, 2026
The Art of Entertaining: What I Learned from My Mom, Bill, and Andy
At Nantucket Looms, entertaining has always been at the heart of who we are. We love the act of hosting as much as we enjoy the art of it. That is why, when we go on seasonal trips to discover new merchandise, we keep our eyes open for things that are as beautiful as they are practical. Pieces that are special enough to bring out on a Saturday night, but useful enough to enjoy on a Wednesday. Classic glasses that work just as well for morning juice as they do for an evening glass of wine. Flatware that might remind you of a little Paris bistro. A breadboard that you can cut on and serve from. And, of course, our handwoven runners, placemats, and napkins, which we insist you use every day, not tuck away for special occasions. That philosophy of entertaining is something I grew up with.
My earliest memories of attending a party weren’t of childhood birthday parties, but of the dinner parties my mom hosted at our house. She is a great cook and always made the house feel inviting. The table was set with Looms napkins and placemats, the lighting was just right, the food was delicious, and her warm personality made everyone feel at home.
I also remember gatherings at the home of Nantucket Looms founders Bill Euler and Andy Oates—on Bear Street in the winter and out at the Shack in the summer. Andy was a talented cook and had been the head cook at the Woodbox Inn before Nantucket Looms began. Over coffee one evening in 1962, a conversation with Walter and Mary Ann Beinecke helped set in motion the idea that would eventually become Nantucket Looms.
What I remember most about Bill and Andy was that nothing ever seemed overly complicated. The food was simple and delicious, often with a French influence, and the setting was understated but elegant. People simply wanted to be there.
The summer gatherings at the Shack were especially memorable. After an afternoon swim, some good cheese and crackers might be all that was needed. And, of course, a martini. But the real guest of honor was Mother Nature herself, providing some of the most beautiful sunsets on Nantucket.
Over the years, those early experiences have stayed with me. Keep the food simple, the lights low, and the playlist great. I love setting the table and getting the house ready, but I’ve also found that cutting a couple of corners—like ordering the cheese board from Brix—helps lighten the load.
Perhaps what I’ve learned most from my mom, Bill, and Andy is that entertaining is less about what you serve and more about how people feel when they are in your home. Good entertaining isn’t about impressing anyone. It’s about creating a place where people feel comfortable, enjoy each other’s company, and want to stay awhile. And sometimes Mother Nature takes care of the decorating.
