Today we welcome award-winning entertaining guru Kathy Mezrano of Kathy G. & Co. With creative cuisine and show-stopping floral and event decor, Kathy and her talented team deliver spectacular first-rate affairs — everything from weddings, black tie events to casual cocktail parties. With her unique flair for style and taste, it’s no wonder Kathy has been in business for over twenty years!

Has cooking and entertaining always been a passion or is it something you fell into later in life?

Have always loved it, “came by it honestly,” as they say. I remember welcoming my roommates when they got in from work with the a pineapple, frill picked with cube cheese and olives!

When did you know catering could become a career?

After doing a surprise birthday party for a friend’s wife at my home with décor and food, a guest suggested that I should go into catering. I didn’t even know that existed since I grew up with a mother who did all her own entertaining.

What is your favorite food trend right now?

I love farm-to-table dining. My father was in wholesale produce for over 50 years, so we always had fresh, local seasonal produce growing up. I love to have an herb garden at home and step right outside and pick fresh herbs when home cooking.

What did your bedroom look like as a teenage girl?

My closet was lined with 8 x 10 head shots of movie stars that I’d torn out of movie magazines. Of course, as a lifelong cheerleader, I always had lots of memorabilia from the games.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

My dad always said “work hard, there’s no easy street.”

What advice would you give to others?

Do what you love and you’ll not only be successful, but happy. Find your passion.

What upcoming local event are you most looking forward to?

The Zoo Gala.

What fashion item would you never be caught dead wearing?

Tacky holiday sweaters.

What is your must-have purchase for this season?

I love black and white in fashion, especially mixing it with strong colors. I’ve already bought two pairs of black and white shoes this season, so far!

Favorite thing to do on a Saturday night?

If I’m not at an event, I love dinner at home with a movie.

Favorite local restaurant?

We have so many favorites and I’m so proud of our local culinary scene. We do Bistro V a lot on the way home from work. Also, The Gardens Café for lunch and Bottega Café.

What are you listening to these days?

A mix ranging from Andrea Bocelli to John Legend.

What books are you currently reading?

Under Magnolia by Frances Mayes, who also wrote Under the Tuscan Sun. Loved Zelda and anything in the Hemingway/Fitzgerald period.

Do you have any personality quirks or irrational fears?

I like things in order. There’s method in my madness!

If your house was on fire what’s the one non living thing you would grab?

Jewelry from my mother.

Name three things you can’t live without, excluding friends, family and God.

My iPad, blue eyeliner and good wine!

Thanks for sharing Kathy!

And thank you to Alisha Crossley for today’s fabulous photos! www.alishacrossleyphotography.com.