‘Dress up, show up and never give up’: Stylist Grace Cahill on tablescaping and throwing parties for the Beckhams

What's it like to throw a party for the Beckhams and Charlotte Tilbury? Eve Kelliher finds out

Sat, 20 Apr, 2024 - 06:29

Eve Kelliher - Home Editor

She was just getting used to life outside the newsroom when Grace Cahill got a Friday evening email. One with a deadline. A VIP party was flying into town and wanted the Guinness Storehouse styled for an 18th birthday party by Monday.

The former journalist and fashion editor was weeks away from the official launch of her new bespoke service, Styled with Grace.

Suddenly Grace found herself booked for a major event. “The brief was ‘cool and slick’,” recalls Grace. “There would be six guys at the party.”

No stranger to celebs, she had styled and directed catwalk shoots in London, Paris and LA during her 12 years as a fashion editor. “I didn’t even consider who the party might be for, I was more concerned about the logistics,” she says. “You’d think if you’re going into business you’ll know who your customer will be!”

But she focused on the task and contacted suppliers, only later wondering again about the attendees. “I said to my husband, 18th birthday, who has turned 18 recently? So, I googled 18th birthday and sure enough, everything that came up was about how Cruz Beckham had turned 18,” she adds.

Detail on Grace's table at her home in Cellbridge, Co Kildare.

The morning before the big event, Grace realised she required a guest list for the place cards and when a message came through with the names, she saw it in black and white. “Honestly, when I look back now, I think it was something to do with the universe telling me something — just the way it came in: It was a Friday evening. I didn’t know who it was initially and that was kind of lovely. Just six guys and I was thinking, I can definitely turn this around, I know loads of suppliers, and I can get a mood board together.”

Although her business merges her passion for homewares and design, funnily enough, Grace admits she “wasn’t always into interiors”. “My mom loved interiors and my dad was a builder and I just remember being dragged into every furniture shop as a child!” she says.

“But for me, it all started off when I renovated my first house.”

For this, we must rewind seven years — and relocate from Grace’s current perch in Cellbridge, Co Kildare, to Dublin 8. “In 2017, I didn’t have a lot of money so I had to get very creative,” she says.

Creativity was something that has stood her in good stead throughout her life and career, which started with the glossy magazine Marie Claire.

“I’m styling now, not just for one thing — for fashion — but it’s my whole life,” she says. “Styling comes organically to me, it’s like a therapy or a way of life for me,” she adds.

Mum to Margot, four, Grace started tablescaping and working on interior design in earnest while on maternity leave. “We had just put our first house up for sale and I was so bored at home. I was going mad,” she says. “I had gone from this really busy job to maternity leave and we’d gone into lockdown.”

Like so many of us, the four walls and how they make us feel became all-important. “I always wanted a home that feels inviting, nothing beats the hug of a room,” says Grace.

“I started an interiors Instagram at home and redecorated and then I started tablescaping.”

When Adam would return from work, he would find an elaborately set up table for dinner.

The family decided to upsize in 2020 and after the house move, in 2021, following their renovations, the couple began hosting friends. “We were still dining outside [because of pandemic restrictions] but I wanted the surroundings and the tables to look wonderful,” she says.

Styled with Grace was launched last year by Elevate PR and word-of-mouth has also been key to business, adds Grace.

“Last year was super-busy,” she says. “It was a total whirlwind and I do feel really grateful.”

Grace Cahill will be chatting with Jo Linehan on the DFS Interiors Theatre at the PTSB Ideal Home Show on Friday, April 26, where she will be sharing all of her top tablescaping styling tips to bring your home into spring. The PTSB Ideal Home Show runs from April 26-28 at the RDS.

Q&A

Where is your happy space at home at home?

I move between the armchair in our bedroom in winter with a book to the sitting room two-seater in spring. The whole room changes come 5pm and I usually have our French double door flung open as soon as there’s a stretch in the evening — magic hour with a view, it’s very uplifting. In summer, I’m usually near our big window to keep an eye on the terrace and my busy, mischievous dogs and four-year-old.

How would you describe your home/interiors?

A constantly evolving mishmash. When we moved in we spent almost six months stripping the entire house of dated prints so I definitely leaned into calming neutrals as a base. I’m really inspired by laidback Californian style so there is lots of natural wood, stone, ceramics and warm earthy tones in fabrics and furnishings. Now three years on I’m slowly adding my own stamp with pattern and paint which leans into the English countryside a little.

Who do you share your home with?

My partner Adam, four-year-old daughter Sofia and two dogs, Boogie, seven, and Trixie, five, who still think they are puppies.

Boogie is a terrier poodle and collie mix and Trixie is a cavachon. You’ll usually find them on the hall rug, windowsill or under the bed hiding from their little sister — who loves to play dress up /hair salon/hide-and-seek (and terrorise) them.

Where is home?

We live in Castletown Estate in Celbridge, Kildare. The manor house and grounds were built in the early 19th century — an adjoining estate followed in the 50s down to the Noughties. There are no walls and every house is a different colour and shape which definitely sold the location to me.

We moved from D8 so it was a gamble I guess but I had a really good feeling about it. I remember taking Sofia for walks during covid and always feeling at ease in the surroundings. There’s a local market on a Sunday and endless acres to walk with rivers lapping through and a little beach — lots to appreciate on our doorstep.

Best bargain ever for you?

Our bedroom chest, discovered in a second-hand store in Glasnevin. I still can’t believe what I paid for it. My husband sanded it and I had every plan to paint it but the finish was so beautifully raw. The lady who sold it told me it was one of the few things she kept from her parents’ old home. Some pieces are keepers for a reason.

Biggest extravagance in your home?

Our OKA wicker stools which cost the same in delivery to Ireland but are worth every cent. They have a really unique curved back and finish our island off beautifully.

Favourite household chore?

Hoovering. Mess follows me everywhere no matter how much I clean so the vacuum cleaner is never far from my reach. I find it quite therapeutic which is very much a blessing.

Least favourite task?

Laundry. As soon as I have one load folded and ironed there’s another five at my feet. It’s never-ending!

Are you a DIY whizz?

I come up with the ideas and my husband executes them.

I definitely need help when it comes to manual labour but am a sucker for detail so will usually tackle the finishing touches. We have just panelled, coved and wallpapered our hallway and shared each task along the way.

Fridge or kitchen cupboard must-have?

Cheese, Ballymaloe relish and oat milk are in the fridge — always.

Do you like cooking and if so, what’s your signature dish?

My husband is the full-time cook. I love to host! My signature dish is a charcuterie board which I love to lay out and serve for guests.

Who would be your ideal dinner-party guests?

Lana Del Ray for a sing-song. Or Russell Brand for conversation and craic.

What two things would you save from your house in a fire?

I have to think long and hard about this. My engagement ring and my daughter’s memory box along with her blankie (can they count as one)?

What is the best advice you ever got?

My Auntie Kate always comes up trumps with advice. Whenever I’m down or doubting myself she reminds me to ‘dress up, show up and never give up’.

What’s your key party-hosting advice?

I think if you are hosting a party it’s really about making your guests feel at home, in your home. Whether that’s a warm hug on arrival, music and scented flowers or a candle to welcome them. A freshly brewed coffee with fresh bread or a cold, crisp glass of prosecco. I always think about how I love (and remember) being greeted and those little details that make such a difference. There is nothing more heartwarming than seeing your friends and family together enjoying time in your home.

Favourite-ever project?

The Cruz Beckham party is up there with my favourites. It was my first job after pivoting careers so it feels sentimental for that reason.

Grace Cahill's table design for Cruz Beckham's 18th birthday party.

I also had the pleasure of designing a table in The Ivy for Charlotte Tilbury Christmas which was such a joy to bring to life — a beautiful brief and evening.

What would your superpower be?

I would love to be able to see into the future and in doing so help people. I’m very superstitious and absolutely believe in the power of the universe, time and things coming to fruition when they are meant to be.

What are you working on now?

Life is a bit of a whirlwind at the moment juggling projects and events here and overseas. Eventually, I would love to branch out into more home/interior styling alongside events. A tablescaping book is also on the bucket list. A girl can dream! If you can hope for and visualise it, then you’re halfway there.

Instagram gracie_cahill
Website: styledwithgrace.ie
The PTSB Ideal Home Show is at the RDS Simmonscourt from Friday, April 26, until Sunday, April 28; www.idealhome.ie