19 Questions With Rebecca Gardner
Photo by Chia Chong
by The Candidly Team
This article is part of our series called "People We Like," in which we highlight interesting women, across all walks of life.
Leaders, great cooks, doctors, parents, writers; people who inspire us.
Today, we’re highlighting Rebecca Gardner, an accomplished event designer and the Founder/Creative Director of Houses & Parties, an online shop that sells a supremely eclectic, whimsical array of objets d’art.
The Candidly Questionnaire
1. What’s your most compelling quality?
I make quick, confident decisions with a smile.
2. What’s your worst quality, according to your friends?
I like to plan, down to the last detail. Did you make a booking for cocktails? I hope we can sit on the terrace. With a view. The good view on the left. Would you dim the lights? I am relentless.
3. What’s an overrated value you don’t buy into?
Everyone preaches “balance.” The truth is, you can have it all, but not all at once. “Om Shanti” yourself out, but you still have to respond to emails.
4. How do you feel about cilantro?
I’m so glad you asked. I detest cilantro. I grew up in South Texas and it was on everything.
5. Are essential oils anything?
I have a diffuser on in my office. Ylang-ylang, pink peppercorn, orange blossom…sometimes I dab peppermint on my neck for a little pick-me-up. I don’t know if they’re anything, but they smell divine.
6. What's the most effective beauty trick you know?
Catherine Deneuve once said, “at a certain age, you have to choose between your face and your ass.”
7. How do you get your self-esteem?
I have the most incredible group of girlfriends. They are generous with their time, advice, ideas, applause and critiques. I get my self-esteem from their loyalty and love.
8. What meal can you make the hell out of?
I only cook for compliments. My go-to is a roasted chicken, Etti’s Herb Salad (from Ottolenghi) and a sinful starch. I serve peppermint ice cream with homemade chocolate sauce for dessert. When I’m bored, I smear chocolate sauce on my teeth and attempt serious conversation.
9. What’s your favorite item of clothing you own?
I have a black nylon-y pleated Prada skirt that I’ve had since college. It’s comfortable, flattering and easy to pack. The little rubber tag makes me laugh.
10. How do you handle conflict?
I attack conflict with headstrong candor. My office laughs at my psycho-conflict voice. I become very calm and speak softly — it’s the right tone for getting what you want.
11. What idea has really challenged you in the last year?
As 2020 unfolded, I had a difficult time deciding who and what to trust in order to move forward with caution, empathy and tenacity. The idea of deception was unsettling and, quite frankly, new to me.
12. Who is the most interesting person in the zeitgeist right now?
I am watching women well past their 60s who continue to create, influence, and contribute to monumental change. It’s a positive and inspiring sign of the times.
13. What Insta account speaks to you deeply?
Oh, honestly, I only follow indulgent fluff on instagram. I must admit that anything from @fd_gallery touches me very deeply.
14. What’s your favorite movie from the last ten years?
My favorite movie is The Sound of Music, but Baz Luhrmann’s Gatsby was beautiful.
15. What forms of therapy have changed your relationship to yourself?
I see an herbalist and acupuncturist regularly. The holistic therapy helps me to reset and eschew compensations. I absolutely float out of acupuncture like Glenda the Good Witch.
16. What’s the most delicious bite of food you’ve ever had?
Crabmeat Sardou at Galatoire’s in New Orleans.
17. Is social media ruining our brains?
I don’t think it’s ruining our brains, but surely all that screen time is going to toast our eyeballs.
18. Describe your actual bedtime routine.
I do a full Biologique skincare dance in a quilted satin bed jacket. Then, I brush my French bulldog with a Mason & Pearson boar bristle brush. His name is Percy.
19. What’s your relationship with bangs?
I love them.
What is your single favorite:
Wellness product that *actually* works: Biologique P50 1970. Burn baby, burn.
Lip balm: Old fashioned Vaseline.
Jeans brand: I haven’t worn jeans since 1994.
Mascara: Kevyn Aucoin, The Volume Mascara. No smudge.
Sweats: I love Lake Pajamas, which are far better than sweats.
Effective “lady” product: Bright lipstick on a dreary day. You know the rest.
Last minute gift: Jaunty cocktail napkins from my new shop, House and Parties.
Bra: I wish it were a lace confection. Truth is— Bra-llelujah! from Spanx. Incredibly comfortable.
Shampoo: R+Co Cactus Texturizing Shampoo. Works.
Comfortable shoes: Chanel ballet flats.
Splurge skincare: Facials twice a month.
Drugstore skincare: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. Don’t use water.
Everyday bag: Marni Gusset Bag. I buy one every other year.
Guilty-pleasure TV show: Yellowstone with Kevin Costner. Hubba-Hubba.
Drink: Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne, so cold.
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We have to eat.
