When Emilia Fazzalari throws a holiday soiree for family and friends, it’s all about life’s little luxuries to ensure the comforts of home.
Emilia Fazzalari grew up in an Italian household where holiday meal prep was a sacred act. “We love to spend an afternoon making pasta sauce from scratch and preparing a feast we know everyone will enjoy throughout the evening,” says Fazzalari, co-founder and CEO of Cincoro Tequila. “The holidays are the best time to light a fire, throw on some great music, and fill the night with fun conversations and laughter with our closest friends and family.” The entrepreneur, who’s married to Boston Celtics lead owner Wyc Grousbeck, says gatherings have even more meaning this year. “My son is off at college now, and my daughter isn’t far behind. The perfect holiday soiree for us is really when the house is full of our kids, their cousins and their friends who might stop by for dinner or just to visit.”
The CEO also has been riding the successful wave of her tequila brand, which has sold more than 1 million bottles since its launch two years ago. “Our latest innovation is a limited, special-edition black crystal 1.75-liter extra añejo bottle we’re calling the Founders’ Series,” says Fazzalari. “The black crystal bottle is truly a work of art, but the extra añejo inside is the real showstopper.” When Fazzalari and Grousbeck host guests at their home this month, they’ll roll out the red carpet of comfort and add a few luxuries for cooking, sipping and more. We asked Fazzalari to share some of her favorites.
Sip in Style
“My favorite way to serve Cincoro is in a gorgeous crystal Baccarat glass,” says Fazzalari. “Our guests feel very special when handed one of these, and it makes for a memorable moment when everyone comes together for a big toast before the meal. The designs are the perfect complement to our delicious tequilas that we like to serve with a slice of orange, neat or on the rocks.” Baccarat Harmonie tumbler, us.baccarat.com
Coast in Gold
“Coasters are never out of reach when we entertain at home,” says Fazzalari. “We love a stylish, functional piece that our guests have fun using when they set down their glass.” Global Views Starburst Crown coasters, globalviews.com
Infuse Taste
“Good olive oil is a staple for any meal we prepare, and when the holidays come around, we like to do various infused versions depending on the meals we’re serving,” says Fazzalari. “This infuser from the MoMA Design Store is a fun and delicious way to add interesting flavor, not to mention they look beautiful on a counter or dining table.” The Port hole infuser, store.moma.org
Lean Florally
“When it comes to florals and decor, I love to have small touches around the house,” says Fazzalari. “I usually decorate with bud vases to give small, delicate pops of color to a powder room or as a linear arrangement down the dining table as part of the table setting.” Jamali Garden leaning crystal bud vase, jamaligarden.com
Evoke Home
“We love our guests to feel like they’re at home when they’re with us, and a nice hand soap and lotion provide some warmth and comfort when they come in from the cold Northeast winters,” says Fazzalari. Molton Brown lotion and soap set, moltonbrown.com
Shake It Up
“Cocktails have become popular in my household with our delicious Cincoro Tequila expressions on hand when family and friends arrive. This [handforged Italian] shaker makes cocktails come to life easily and elegantly.” Weston Table Match pewter custom-engraved cocktail shaker, westontable.com
Photography by: PORTRAIT BY LILA PHOTO; PRODUCT PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
