Classic & Curious Podcast
Thoughtful conversations on living a well-edited lifE
NEW EPISODE
The Event Planner Behind Charleston’s Wentworth on Living Beautifully
Blake Sams founder of Gregory Blake Sams Events, an award-winning event firm, shares his thoughts on planning an event. The simplicity behind his point of view, may just surprise you!
Soon you will be creating your own entertaining capsule for your home!
Dana Lewis, Founder of Proper Table
This week, as Thanksgiving invites us to gather and give thanks, the dinner table becomes more than a place to eat—it becomes a space to connect, to listen, and to cherish the people we love. Yet in our effort to make it beautiful, we often bring stress to the surface with layers of linens and the pressure to get every detail just right. Sometimes, we simply want things elevated… yet easy. Thankfully, we have options.
Proper Table is one of them—a collection of acrylic placemats and coasters inspired by vintage fabrics with timeless appeal. Thoughtfully designed for both messy and stylish eaters, these pieces prove that style and simplicity can beautifully coexist.
In this episode, we welcome Dana Lewis, founder of Proper Table. Dana shares how the brand came to life, the effortless care behind these clever textiles, and her exciting collaboration with LA-based interior designer Nate Turner. Proper Table has been featured in House Beautiful and Vogue for its sensibility and style—and it’s no wonder the brand has become a beloved go-to for savvy entertainers who want to keep it easy and elevated.
Dana embodies the very spirit of Proper Table: her timeless taste paired with an effortless sense of ease, she creates the very feeling that you want to bring to your own home.
Alice Russotti and Francesca del Balzo, Co-Founders of Porta-NYC
In this episode, we meet Alice and Francesca, the co-founders of Porta—a beautiful Brooklyn-based brand whose ever-evolving collection of tableware and homewares invites us to discover, delight, and bring a sense of artistry to everyday living.
Blending European heritage craft with modern sensibility, each Porta piece honors the founders’ Italian roots while reflecting the spirit of their global travels and inspirations.
Alice and Francesca, childhood friends who grew up together in London and now call Brooklyn home, share their gift for storytelling, artisan collaboration, and the quiet beauty that transforms how we gather and live.
Just like the artisans who contribute to their brand, they each bring a distinct creativity and individuality that sets Porta apart. Join us as we explore their brand journey, their favorite pieces, and the holiday traditions they hold dear.