Get to Know Our Team at Home for Entertaining in Cary, NC

Our Story

Vicky Serany of Southern Studio Interior Design prides herself on building beautiful homes for her treasured clients. Oftentimes at the end of the project, her clients are thrilled to begin hosting in their homes, but have questions about the best way to do so. The Serany family – whose love of hosting and joy of collecting pieces with unique stories – began brainstorming ways to share their passion and expertise with others. From there, the idea for Home for Entertaining was born.

Jackie Serany

DIRECTOR OF RETAIL

Jackie has spent her career focused on customer success. After graduating from Elon University with a degree in mathematics education, her first customers were 13-year-old algebra students. And later, after transitioning into the educational technology industry, she enjoyed seeing customers engage with their investments and become on-going partners with a product. Throughout the years, Jackie always had a passion for retail – working at various boutiques as a fun way to engage with customers (and fund her shopping habits). Today, Jackie brings her passion for retail and customer success – along with her love of baking and cookbooks – to Home for Entertaining. When she’s not working, you can find her reading by any body of water or listening to live music.

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Best hosting advice you’ve received

Music can set the tone for an event. Too loud and you can't make conversation, too soft and you lose the meaning. The playlist you select can set the vibe of the entire event.

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Go-to meal when guests come to dinner

Tacos! Everyone loves a taco and it's a great meal that can be customized, cooked together or elevated for a special occasion.

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Cocktail (or mocktail!) order

The Stipe from RBF, Your Authentic Champagne Bar! Muddled blackberries, freshly squeezed lemon juice and rosemary topped with ginger beer.

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Favorite current hosting trend

Cookbook Clubs! Hosting a gathering where everyone brings a recipe made from the same cookbook.

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Seated dinner or cocktail reception?

Seated dinners are always my favorite. They allow for more community in conversation, creativity in the table setting and transitioning into dessert and board games.

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Dream event

Tailgating for Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals in Raleigh, N.C. There’ssomething special about taking a casual activity like tailgating and elevating it to a fancy cocktail gathering. Knowing you get to leave the tailgate for a hockey game? Nothing better.

$45.00

from $45.00

Bobbin Salt + Pepper Grinder Addison Ross

from $96.00

$5.50

$112.00

from $52.00

$65.00

Mosaic Scalloped Dinner Napkins Laura Park

$50.00

Megan Bradley

DIRECTOR OF EXPERIENCES

Originally from Raleigh, N.C., Megan spent the past 10 years living in coastal North Carolina before returning to the Triangle area. Since graduating with a degree in education from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, Megan has worked as an elementary school teacher focused on creating learning environments where students felt safe and inspired. When she wasn't in the classroom, you could find her at the beach, swimming with friends or drawing the coastline. These days, Megan spends her free time catching up on her reading for book club and soaking up the sun while hiking at Umstead State Park. Megan is happiest when hosting get-togethers and connecting with friends and family. She’s excited to bring her creative spirit and passion for meaningful experiences to Home for Entertaining!

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Best hosting advice you’ve received

Don’t be afraid to take a friend up on their offer to help because it actually highlights the whole point of hosting – bringing people together to appreciate one another. I love a friend that comes early to lend a hand, prep a dish or pour a cocktail!

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Go-to meal when guests come to dinner

Tapas & Pizza Bar! On pizza night, I cover the island with an assortment of toppings and we all take turns rolling out the dough by hand. And I find that it’s best to have a few premade sides and grazing plates sprinkled throughout the kitchen to snack on while guests are working on their pies.

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Cocktail (or mocktail!) order

My preferred cocktails rotate through the seasons, but one of my go-to beverages – snow or sunshine – is any variation of a spicy mango margarita.

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Favorite current hosting trend

Finding ways to incorporate your treasured family heirlooms in your tablescape and utilizing conversation pieces to highlight your individual style.

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Seated dinner or cocktail reception?

I prefer a seated dinner with an intimate group of guests around one table. It’s so much fun to meet friends-of-friends at a dinner and have meaningful conversation over a meal.

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Dream event

An outdoor party on an early summer evening. Tables set, drinks flowing, lounge seating in an open garden and a live band playing. I’m a sucker for live music, so add in my favorite people, delicious food and some warm weather outdoors…sounds dreamy!