Everyday Chic Author Molly Sims. Photo by Amy Neusinger.
In her book, Everyday Chic, Molly Sims offers pages of helpful suggestions for stress-free parties and having more ease and organization at home. She says this about drinks, “Always have a signature bevvie. It’s fun and festive and adds a little personality to the party.”
Signature Beverage Photo by Erica Hampton
You know when you talk about someone being a supermodel? Well, Molly Sims is an actual supermodel whose work includes appearing in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She’s representing CoverGirl, hosted MTV’s House of Style, and starred in the NBC comedy Las Vegas. These days you can add words like supermom and best-selling author (Everyday Supermodel and Everyday Chic) to her resume. The road from single girl and supermodel to supermomma and elegant hostess. doesn’t necessarily come with a roadmap. Until now.
Molly is gracious in her words, generous with her ideas and credit to her collaborators, and humble in her storytelling. She shared some of her secrets with us. They include: Set up your Thanksgiving table in advance, leave politics off the menu, use baskets for organizing, and plan ahead. While Molly does all of this in her own unique style, her suggestions offer simple solutions for all of us who are navigating the holiday season. Whether you’re setting a table for one or for your entire family, choose a color scheme, brighten with candles, and celebrate!
Molly Sims on Everyday Chic
LA YOGA: First, congratulations on your latest book!
Molly Sims: Thank you! You know when you work on a project for so long you’re sick of it? Well, I can tell you this … I’ve been working on this book for five years and I’m still not sick of it. It’s a really good book and I’m not just saying that … I mean it. I was able to take everything that I’ve learned from all of the experts that I’ve worked with and put their tips and tricks in one place.
LA YOGA: If a person were to just scan through your Instagram and read your blog, your everyday entertaining looks, well, effortless! Although in the beginning of the book, you speak about how you weren’t necessarily born this way when it comes to setting what seems like a perfect family table. Yet one of your gifts, which you also share in your first book, is your willingness to share your secrets with the world.
MS: Well first off, thank you but believe me … perfection is a unicorn. It doesn’t exist. My Instagram may appear like my life is perfect but it’s far from that. What you guys don’t see are the 40 other photos that I take of my kids where I look disheveled, am sweaty, and I possibly have throw up on various parts of my body. Scratch that—I for sure have throw up on various parts of my body.
I was that girl who stored cashmere sweaters in her oven and only had rose and skim milk in my refrigerator. I got pregnant on my honeymoon and had to instantly figure out how to be a wife and a mom at the same time. I’m not one of those people who hides things from her friends. I love to share my tips with whoever needs them. And since I get to work with amazing chefs, decorators, nutritionists, party planners… you name it, I decided to share it with those who can’t.
Everyday Chic Author Molly Sims and her family. Photo by Amy Neusinger.
Holiday Hosting Hints from Molly Sims
LA YOGA: Since we’re coming up to the holidays, which the season of parties, parties, and more parties, we’d love to hear some of your tips and tricks.
MS: I just love the holidays. The other day I took out our Halloween décor and the kids and I went to town. But as for parties, no matter what the occasion is, always have a theme and then go from there. You don’t HAVE to cook the most lavish meal… order takeout and put it on really great china. Or serve sparkling water in beautiful glasses—it’s about making the things in life that take a lot of effort, look effortless.
LA YOGA: What do you love most about entertaining? Is there anything that you’re looking forward to this year?
MS: I love entertaining because I get to bring together all of the people in my life who I love. We all enjoy an evening together just to celebrate.
LA YOGA: What inspires you when decorating during the holidays?
MS: As for my inspiration during the holiday season, I like to stick to a color palette. Whether it’s making a winter white tablescape or finding the most beautiful Christmas tree. I love a Christmas tree. The holidays are the best time to get together with your family and form traditions. This year, we’re going to Florida for Thanksgiving which we’re all excited about since it’s totally new.
LA YOGA: If you have family coming from different places and with different views, do you have any ideas for maintaining the peace across the table?
MS: The best way is to avoid that conversation at all cost. We’re not here for that; we’re here to enjoy each other’s company. I’ve learned from experience… do not discuss politics at the dinner table, EVER.
Everyday Chic Author Molly Sims shares ideas for entertaining. Photo by Braedon Flynn
LA YOGA: You talk about entertaining in your book and you have include some suggestions for party prep including your day before do-ahead list.
MS: Yes! There’s so much that goes into throwing a good party, which is why I have lists on lists. For the day before the party you need to:
- Set the table, and add candles and décor pieces like flowers.
- Make any dishes that simply need to be heated up later.
- Cut up garnishes for cocktails and beverages.
- Program music playlists.
- Get excited, and get your guests excited about your event. Send them an email or give them a call to let them know how much you are looking forward to them coming!
LA YOGA: Do you have a preparation timeline that helps you organize for Thanksgiving week or the Thanksgiving season?
MS: I’m not hosting Thanksgiving this year, believe it or not. However, when I do host I start out with a list. I’m a huge list maker. Get your menu, flowers, color scheme, china, and utensils together so you don’t have to worry about it when it’s time to cook. Once you have that all set, start grocery shopping. Do NOT be that person who’s in line at 11am on Thanksgiving Day. Plan ahead. That’s the best advice I can give.
LA YOGA: What do you set up in advance?
MS: I always set my Thanksgiving table weeks in advance. It’s the one thing that can be set up for weeks and can’t go bad. You can even start putting your floral arrangements together about five days out and they’ll still look good come Thanksgiving.
Molly Sims’ Holiday Table Setting. Photo by Jean Randazzo.
LA YOGA: Do you have a favorite method of table setting?
MS: I always love to have a floral arrangement on my table to go with the theme of the night. For example, during the holidays I love using rich burgundy colors mixed with metallic. One tip is to make sure your arrangement isn’t higher than your guest’s eyesight and if you add candles to your table, make sure they’re different heights to create depth on your table.
LA YOGA: Do you have any supermomma secrets for fun appetizers for fussy kids (or adults)?
MS: You bet I do! I have a section in my book on how to feed picky eaters. Kids will eat anything that’s on a stick. You can turn anything into a kabob. The kids love the fruit and berry kabobs, which include strawberries, grapes, blueberries and cantaloupe. For adults, you can make a kabob with prosciutto, melon and mint. They’re always a crowd pleaser.
LA YOGA: When you’re invited to someone else’s potluck, do you have favorite dishes that you bring?
MS: I make a mean Moroccan chicken. It’s a rich, flavorful chicken dish that I serve over couscous. I believe that everyone needs to have one signature dish and this one is mine.
LA YOGA: What are some of the things you do to make clean-up easier, either while you’re organizing your event, or after everyone has gone home?
MS: Don’t be that person who is cleaning up after others as they’re walking around the house. It’s a party and you should enjoy it too. The clean-up can wait until everyone’s gone.
Beyond the Holidays–Organizing Hints for the Home
LA YOGA: Are there methods you’ve used maintain a sense of style when it comes to living with a family?
MS: My biggest tip I can give mommas is to reupholster your couches with outdoor fabric. ALL of my furniture has outdoor fabric and it has changed my life.
LA YOGA: What are few things you’ve learned that help you stay organized?
MS: Use baskets. Ever since the Home Edit came into my life, they’ve changed my life. Each of my kids have baskets for everything… toys, snacks, shoes; you name it.
They also taught me to keep my drawers 80% full and 20% empty. Never have a clutter drawer… you don’t need it! Also, when you’re going through your closet, have three baskets: Donate, Keep, Ditch. If there’s something that you really can’t get rid of but you haven’t worn it in a while, put it in a separate section and if it you don’t wear it in six months…then give it away.
Finding Balance while Hosting Holiday Gathering
LA YOGA: What do you do in order to maintain your own balance when you’re being pulled in multiple directions by friends and family during the holidays?
MS: I’m not gonna lie, there are times where I run into the pantry to escape it all. I’m a big believer of taking a big breath to deal with the stress. It’s all about how you handle it. Take a few deep breaths… think about what you need to accomplish and then do that. Take everything one step at a time.
Everyday Chic Author Molly Sims. Photo by Amy Neusinger
LA YOGA: Do you have a non-negotiable daily routine or ritual to maintain your own energy level and commitment to happiness?
MS: Every morning I drink organic coffee with coconut milk. I’ve noticed that the more kids I have, the more I need my coffee.
More information about Molly Sims and Everyday Chic
For more information about Molly Sims and her books and to check out a variety of lifestyle tips, visit: mollysims.com
All photos from Everyday Chic. Used with permission of Dey Street. Copyright 2017 by Molly Sims.
Felicia Tomasko has spent more of her life practicing Yoga and Ayurveda than not. She first became introduced to the teachings through the writings of the Transcendentalists, through meditation, and using asana to cross-train for her practice of cross-country running. Between beginning her commitment to Yoga and Ayurveda and today, she earned degrees in environmental biology and anthropology and nursing, and certifications in the practice and teaching of yoga, yoga therapy, and Ayurveda while working in fields including cognitive neuroscience and plant biochemistry. Her commitment to writing is at least as long as her commitment to yoga. Working on everything related to the written word from newspapers to magazines to websites to books, Felicia has been writing and editing professionally since college. In order to feel like a teenager again, Felicia has pulled out her running shoes for regular interval sessions throughout Southern California. Since the very first issue of LA YOGA, Felicia has been part of the team and the growth and development of the Bliss Network.