The Ultimate Holiday Dinner Party From A Chic Brooklyn Couple

Forced dinner parties can be contrived, and stuffy at best. But when Brooklyn-based designer Caron Callahan, and her husband, Marlow & Sons executive chef, Sean Rembold, host a festive fête, it's absolutely delicious, stimulating, and, in a word, cool. So, of course, we had to know how they entertain, and the chatter that goes along with the beautiful place-settings and memorable fare. Throwing on one of her impeccable frocks (her own creation, of course), Caron greets guests while Sean mixes up a unique and savory plate (his own recipe, of course) in the kitchen, and we just try to soak it all in. The result? A comprehensive Brooklyn at-home entertaining guide from two absolute masters—playlists and cheap wine recs, included—and an interview that beats any stale dinner conversation.

"It's definitely a creative process for both of us, but the concept and creativity have to be grounded in reality. We both have to question how something is going to be reproduced over and over, or how we are going to cost/make it so people can buy it. I think we both have the potential to be wildly creative, but really like making approachable and accessible clothes/food. Outside of our relationship, I think curious people are drawn to fashion and food similarly. A person's choice of food or fashion says something about his/her individuality."

"I'm a bit in love with the new Williamsburg boutique, Beautiful Dreamers; it's almost nomadic in there which is difficult to do in Brooklyn. I think Bogart & Moore in Bushwick and the Brooklyn Flea have great vintage finds with an eye for design. I love Mast Books in the East Village for a cool edit of vintage books, and they stay open 'til 10 p.m.!"

"For sure, most of our grocery money goes to Marlow & Daughters, and as much as possible, the farmers market at Fort Greene Park in the spring."

"We recently had a lovely meal at our friend Nate Smith's new place in Brooklyn, Allswell. For a special night out, we go to 1 or 8 for the sushi tasting menu and sake pairings. We are also fans of New York classics like Gramecy Tavery and Minetta Tavern."

"Oh, YES. But dressing him is a waste of time because he likes what he likes and I love him for having an opinion. Bright crimson University of Alabama football tees have become a mainstay since my mother got Sean addicted to Alabama football. He is definitely aware of interesting fashion trends, but probably more from the customers and staff at Marlow & Sons and Diner than me!"

"Definitely, although I like a clean aesthetic. The cliched Brooklyn vibe is lots of layers, clogs, more quirky than classic. I'm partial to the more pared down, elegant vibe of Brooklyn, which I usually see on women over 35, with kids and careers. I always think about how my clothes will look with flat shoes, that's very Brooklyn! I try to make clothes that are easy to wear but also special."

"For sure my friends and neighbors, but they are all chic in their own way! An ideal woman is just comfortable in her skin and relaxed about how she dresses. I think my customer is less involved with fashion trends and more conscious of quality and the ethics behind her choices, while knowing what works for her. I love when a woman can take a beautiful dress and wear it with flats and little make-up. The idea that fashion dominates how we view some women is a little disturbing to me. I love fashion but I don't want to be the center of attention solely because of my outfit, and I think my ideal woman would say the same. She would rather impress someone with her words and her attitude instead of a fashion statement."

"Not totally. My personal, everyday wardrobe is largely based on comfort as the physical demands of running around the Garment District can be disastrous for beautiful clothes. I think the two are closer when I go out. I tend to make my clothes look a little tomboy-ish compared to how they are typically styled."

"The smaller the better, so you can be engaged with everyone. "

"The evening of the party we were listening to Big Star, Enon, and The Country Teasers, with a little '90s hip hop to round things out. A healthy mix of the strange and familiar is good way to go."

"Most of my friends can talk to the trees and they drink like fish so no, no need."

"I have pair of ivory chinos from J.Crew that look great year round. I love them cuffed with winter boots as well as sandals. I'm also have a few Saint James stripe tricot tops and think classic sailor stripes look unexpected in the winter and iconic in the summer."

"I love gifts that I wouldn't buy for myself. I honestly don't want for very much. I have an amazing husband and family and couldn't ask for much more."

"We don't really exchange gifts. We are always trying to do or buy nice things for each other year round, so buying something just for Christmas doesn't really make sense for us."

"Simple, seasonal, seasoned."

"I think the worst fashion mistake is not wearing clothes that fit properly or do not flatter your body type. It definitely took me a little bit of time to figure that out when I first started to care about clothes. It's really heartbreaking to fall in love with a dress, then to try it on, and it looks awful on you. It definitely takes willpower to refrain."

"Sean has had some soul-crushing evenings in his career but tries to have fun and keeps his sense of humor. Two years ago, he accidentally put the ticket spindle entirely through his knuckle as he tried to 'punch' a ticket."

"We love chill weekends. Renting movies, going to brunch, going to a pub in the afternoon to read and drink Guinness. With our hectic schedules, we love to just be at home together. "

"I think buying 1 or 2 bouquets of flowers and splitting them into 5-6 bud vases around the apartment is a cheap way to spruce up an apartment (how nice is it to see flowers in the bathroom?). I'm also a sucker for cheap Chinatown lanterns, garland, string lights, etc. Frankly, finding clever ways to hide the clutter and a really good clean goes a long way."

"Rene Mosse and Thierry Puzelat are amazing producers that try to have some bottles under $20."

"For me, fall 2012, I'm getting excited about the new collection as there is definitely more color and a much more relaxed silhouette. Sean is working on a new project slated for this spring."