Making Every Gathering Effortless, Elegant, and Unforgettable
What inspired you to start Hestia Harlow? The company has gained a reputation for unique and unforgettable events. Can you share some of the most unusual and creative parties you’ve helped host?
TWC Magazine: Hestia Harlow was born out of a deep love for entertaining and a recognition that hosting—whether an intimate dinner or a grand celebration—can be overwhelming. Who has the time to curate the perfect place settings, plan a menu, mix signature cocktails, and create an unforgettable atmosphere? Over the years, this idea of simplifying hosting became central to our conversations. “We wanted to create a seamless way for people to entertain beautifully without the stress,”says Andrew Shortell, Founder of Hestia Harlow. “Hosting should be fun, not a chore.” We saw a growing need for a one-stop-shop that not only provided beautifully curated products but also offered the convenience of rental services, much like Rent the Runway has done for fashion. With that vision, Hestia Harlow was launched—to make entertaining effortless and to inspire more people to host with style and ease. From intimate family gatherings to high-profile events, we’ve been part of some truly unforgettable celebrations. One of our favorite stories is a grandmother in Minnesota who regularly hosts themed parties for her grandchildren using our half-hostings, bringing magic to their gatherings. On the other end of the spectrum, our tablescapes and décor have set the stage for exclusive dining experiences, including private chef dinners for musicians like John Legend. Whether it’s a simple at-home celebration or an extravagant soirée, our goal is always the same—to make hosting seamless, stylish, and enjoyable.
In a competitive market, what differentiates Hestia Harlow from others in the event planning and design industry? Who is your typical clientele, and how do you tailor your services to meet their specific needs?
Hestia Harlow stands apart in the event planning and design industry by reimagining the way people entertain. While many companies focus on full-scale event production, we offer a unique, hyper-curated approach that allows anyone—whether a seasoned host or a first-time entertainer—to create stunning gatherings with ease. Our rent-and-return model makes high-end tablescapes, bespoke decorations, and luxury dining experiences more accessible, eliminating the hassle of storage and ownership. “We’re not just about event design; we’re about democratizing entertaining,” says Andrew Shortell, Founder of Hestia Harlow. “We give people the tools to host effortlessly, with the kind of style and quality that was once reserved for elite planners and designers.”
Our clientele is diverse, ranging from busy professionals and families to private chefs and hospitality experts, all looking for stylish, stress-free entertaining solutions. What truly sets Hestia Harlow apart is our personalized service—our designers are always available to collaborate with customers, offering expert advice on everything from mix-and-match tablescape options to food, floral arrangements, and even cocktail pairings. Whether a host wants to fine-tune a specific theme or needs guidance on how to create the perfect ambiance, we ensure that every detail is thoughtfully considered. By combining beautifully curated products with hands-on support, we make it easy for anyone to entertain with confidence and style.
How has your journey with Hestia Harlow evolved over the years? What key moments have shaped your leadership and vision?
Hestia Harlow has grown and evolved in response to the needs of our customers. From the beginning, our goal was to make entertaining effortless, but the way we’ve shaped that experience has been deeply influenced by listening to what our customers want—whether it’s new design options, more flexible rentals, or even guidance on how to host with confidence. “One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned as CEO is that great ideas come from the people we serve,”says Andrew Shortell, Founder and CEO. “By paying close attention to what our customers love and what they need, we’ve been able to refine and expand Hestia Harlow into something truly special.”
Our leadership and vision remain rooted in our mission, but we are constantly evolving—exploring new trends, introducing fresh product lines, and seeking innovative ways to make entertaining more accessible. Most recently, we’ve expanded beyond tablescapes and decor to work with top corporate clients on elevated gifting solutions, offering thoughtfully curated packages for clients, employees, and prospects. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to reimagining hospitality, making it effortless for anyone to create beautiful, memorable experiences.
Given the dynamic nature of the event and design industry, what trends or innovations do you see on the horizon that could redefine how events are hosted in the future?
The way people entertain is constantly evolving, and we’re always keeping an eye on what’s next,” says Andrew Shortell, Founder of Hestia Harlow. “Dinner parties are officially back in style—people are leaning into curated, intimate gatherings where the table itself becomes part of the experience. We’re seeing bold monochromatic tablescapes, especially in deep reds, making a dramatic statement. There’s also this amazing revival of medieval and Rococo influences—think ornate details, antique-inspired candlesticks, and rich textiles that bring a sense of history and grandeur to the table.
At the same time, the modern host wants a balance of style and ease. “We love how cut crystal glassware, especially those deep jewel tones, is making a comeback—it instantly elevates a table. And on the flip side, grazing platters are getting more refined, focusing on a few high-quality ingredients arranged beautifully rather than overwhelming spreads. Entertaining isn’t just about serving food anymore; it’s about creating an experience, and that’s exactly what we focus on at Hestia Harlow—helping people bring these trends to life effortlessly.
As a leader, how do you ensure that your team stays creative, motivated, and aligned with the company’s vision and goals?
First off, I’m lucky—our team genuinely loves hosting and entertaining. When you’re working with people who have a real passion for what they do, creativity comes naturally,” says Andrew Shortell, Founder of Hestia Harlow. “Every week, we focus on bringing new ideas to the table—whether it’s a fresh product, a new way to approach entertaining, or an unexpected design twist. Everyone has a voice, and the best part is, they always bring incredible ideas.
In the beginning, we encouraged our designers and staff to take ownership of different collections, and you can really see their individual styles come through. That’s why our rental collection is so diverse—every tablescape has its own personality, yet they all share the same high level of curation and attention to detail. Keeping the team motivated is about trusting their instincts and giving them the freedom to experiment. When you foster that kind of creative environment, the results speak for themselves—stunning table settings that make entertaining effortless for our customers.
The pandemic forced many businesses to rethink their strategies. How did Hestia Harlow turn challenges into opportunities during COVID-19? Can you share a specific moment or innovation that emerged from this period that you’re particularly proud of?
As a strange turn of events, we launched Hestia Harlow right before COVID—completely unaware of what was coming,” says Andrew Shortell, Founder of Hestia Harlow. “In a way, it gave us an unexpected advantage. The run-up to launch gave us plenty of time to refine every detail, and when the world shifted, we had the benefit of additional team members from our live events group jumping in to help. It was a challenging time, but it forced us to think creatively and find new ways to bring people together—even when they couldn’t physically gather.”
One moment that really stands out was when the Hallmark Channel approached us to create an in-home experience for TV critics who couldn’t attend their annual press tour. They wanted a ‘dinner and a movie’ experience, where over 300 critics would receive a gourmet three-course meal delivered straight to their doorsteps to enjoy while screening Hallmark’s newest movies. It was a logistical beast—coordinating nationwide meal deliveries, packaging, branding, and making sure it all arrived flawlessly—but we pulled it off. The client was thrilled, the critics loved it, and it proved that even in a time when live events weren’t possible, we could still create meaningful, high-end experiences at home. That challenge really reinforced our mission—entertaining should be effortless, no matter the circumstances.
Who would you say is the ideal client for Hestia Harlow, and what makes working with them a rewarding experience?
Our ideal client? Honestly, it’s anyone who loves to entertain—whether they’re throwing an over-the-top dinner party or just hosting a casual family gathering,” says Andrew Shortell, Founder of Hestia Harlow. “As more and more people start entertaining at home, we want to be their go-to source for everything they need. Whether they’re looking for a beautifully curated tablescape, advice on what cocktails to serve, or just some inspiration to pull it all together, we’re here to make it effortless.
I always joke that we’re the new Martha Stewart—if you have a question about entertaining or need ideas on how to do something, you come to us. The best part about working with our customers is seeing their creativity come to life. We provide the tools, the designs, and the inspiration, but at the end of the day, it’s about helping people create meaningful, memorable moments with the people they love. That’s what makes it all so rewarding.
Collaboration is key to growth. How can other companies or brands collaborate with Hestia Harlow to elevate their own events or projects?
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. We’ve built some incredible partnerships already—from our amazing florist to our talented calligrapher and our fine table linen partner—but we’re always looking to expand our community,” says Andrew Shortell, Founder of Hestia Harlow. “That’s really what this is all about—building a strong network of home entertainers, creatives, and brands that can come together to inspire more people to entertain at home.
We love working with like-minded companies and individuals who share our passion for design, hospitality, and effortless entertaining. Whether it’s a chef looking to create a unique dining experience, a brand wanting to showcase their products in a beautifully curated setting, or creatives who can bring fresh ideas to the table, we’re always open to new collaborations. Our goal is to make Hestia Harlow not just a resource but a thriving community where people can share their stories, ideas, and inspiration to make entertaining more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Can you tell us about a time when you took a bold risk that paid off? What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs looking to take risks in their own businesses?
One of the boldest risks we took was when we signed on to produce a high-profile dinner for Aston Martin and Bentley to announce the launch of their new luxury showroom in DC,” says Andrew Shortell, Founder of Hestia Harlow. “It was a big swing for us—this wasn’t just any dinner. The guest list included top-tier press, car enthusiasts, and even a few well-known F1 drivers and commentators. We knew this was a moment to show exactly what Hestia Harlow could do on a grand scale.
“But taking that leap paid off in a big way. The event was a huge success, and it reinforced our belief that when you take smart, calculated risks, they can lead to game-changing opportunities. My advice to budding entrepreneurs? Bet on yourself. If an opportunity excites you but feels slightly out of reach, that’s usually a sign you should go for it. Push your limits, trust your instincts, and make sure you have a team around you that can rise to the challenge. The best moments in business come from stepping outside your comfort zone.
Hestia Harlow always seems to have something exciting in the pipeline. What’s next for the company? Are there any new projects or ideas you’re especially excited about?
We always have something exciting in the works, but right now, corporate gifting is a major priority for us,” says Andrew Shortell, Founder of Hestia Harlow. “We’re going all in on revolutionizing corporate gifting—moving beyond the typical ‘stuff in a box’ to create an elevated, experience-driven approach. Gifting should feel personal, thoughtful, and meaningful, not just transactional.”
“We see huge opportunities in areas like wellness, travel, and adventure, where we can curate gifts that truly connect with the recipient. One of the ways we’re doing that is by incorporating personalized touches, like QR code content delivery. Imagine opening a wellness box and being guided through a meditation by one of our wellness ambassadors, or receiving a travel-themed gift that links to an exclusive destination guide. These are the details that make a difference, transforming a simple gift into something memorable and impactful. That’s where we’re headed—making gifting an experience, not just a product.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to break into the event planning or design industry?
My biggest piece of advice? Be true to yourself—your style, your approach, your vision. The event planning and design industry is all about authenticity and storytelling, and the people who stand out are the ones who bring something unique to the table,” says Andrew Shortell, Founder of Hestia Harlow. “Don’t try to fit into a mold or do what everyone else is doing. Find what makes you different and lean into it.”
And take risks! There are so many opportunities right now—it’s an exciting time to be in this industry because people are constantly pushing the boundaries of what events and experiences can be. Some of the best ideas come from those who are willing to take a leap. And don’t be afraid to fail—some of the biggest lessons and breakthroughs come from the moments that didn’t go exactly as planned. Learn from them, pivot, and keep going. That’s how you grow, and that’s how you build something truly great.