Two native Texans elevate party-in-a-box to an art form
Now that the state is opening up, are you planning a party anytime soon? Jessica Latham and Amy Griffin, childhood friends from Amarillo and the co-founders of Social Studies, want to help you entertain safely and with confidence. Their startup delivers complete, no-contact table settings and decoration kits directly to your doorstep — including fresh flowers.
The service, dubbed the “Rent the Runway of Parties,” couldn’t be more timely. Houstonians love to celebrate, though for now, many hosts are reimagining their events as virtual or socially distanced gatherings.
Social Studies was designed as an elegant, approachable solution for entertaining small to mediumsized groups at home, says Latham, former special events director of Vanity Fair. Think baby showers or birthday dinners — occasions that need to feel festive but wouldn’t necessarily require an event planner.
Instead, prospective hosts can click their way to #partygoals.
There are 16 tablescape “looks” to choose from. For daytime gettogethers, Ladies Who Lunch features afternoon tea-set essentials, including MacKenzie-Childs’ checkered creamers and saucers. Or, Prep Rally is all-American and ideal for al fresco dining, as shown by Tory Burch’s popular lettuce plates. Evening themes include Blanc de Noir’s black-and-white décor or Dutch Floral’s dark and moody marble prints and jewel tones.
Prices range from $30-$50 per person and can be delivered to multiple homes/locations. Kits arrive in custom-designed cases and include a full table setting for each guest, flowers for DIY centerpieces, menu and place cards, cocktail recipes, conversation topics and a suggested playlist.
Decoration boxes are also available to add on. Nothing says “Congrats” or “Happy Anniversary” like balloons, confetti and a customizable foil banner.
Social Studies’ co-founders know that these days, having a photo or Pinterest-worthy party is essential. Griffin, managing partner of G9 Ventures, and Latham secured Gwyneth Paltrow, Reese Witherspoon and Whitney Herd as investors, so a celebrity-approved shindig is practically guaranteed.
Houston women-about-town share the big events on their calendars and which Social Studies kits they’re adding to their cart.
Kimberly Falgout Scheele, Stay at Home Gala Houston
“Tennis week at River Oaks Country Club is always one of my favorite weeks of the year, especially the Clay Court Fashion Show and Luncheon. This year’s theme was Paradiso Tropical, and the Prep Rally tablescape would’ve been right on the mark. The rattan placemats coupled with the Tory Burch lettuce plates have me wishing I was doing some pre-match lunching with good friends, but now that the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship is rallying behind the Stay at Home Gala benefiting the Greater Houston COVID-19 Recovery Fund instead, I’m inspired to up my table game.”
Lia Vallone, virtual baby-shower hostess
“Throwing a baby shower is so special — you get to celebrate precious, new life entering the world. Since we aren’t able to gather at the moment, we’ll be bringing the baby shower to our mommy-to-be! Our virtual plans include registry presents sent by mail, recorded gift openings for friends and family to see, and video messages of baby advice and well wishes to the new parents. The gold baby box is the perfect way to bring extra merriment and make gift opening even more festive. Virtual is the next-best way to spread love from afar and have surprises ready for when baby arrives.”
Dr. Ishwaria Subbiah, Houston Grand Opera Ball auction chair
“Now, more than ever, when our city’s organizations need our support, we have to think outside of the box and come up with creative ways to support causes and come together, even though we’re apart. The vibrant colors and gold-accented flatware of Doppio brought back all the Moroccan vibes, the wouldbe theme of Opera Ball. It’s the perfect setting for a virtual, Opera Ball-inspired dinner in support of Houston Grand Opera artists.”
Alison Robertson, bride-to-be
“Our wedding may have been indefinitely postponed, but my fiance and I have every intention to still celebrate our special day. We ordered dinner from one of our favorite neighborhood spots and didn’t dare serve it on everyday plates! The White Out setting is a big breath of bridal vibes. It can turn a meal into one you’ll always remember.”