Watch Classy Ladies
- 2011
Classy Ladies is a Cooking Channel series that celebrates the art of entertaining, showcasing dynamic, sophisticated women who know how to throw a party. Each episode follows a different lady host as she plans and executes a themed event that is sure to inspire viewers to up their own party-giving game.
In the premiere episode, viewers meet Debi Mazar, an actress and cookbook author whose Italian heritage informs her food and entertaining style. Debi welcomes friends and family to her home for an elegant Tuscan-inspired dinner party, featuring dishes like grilled octopus and homemade pasta. Along the way, she shares tips and tricks for creating a beautiful, stress-free event, from setting the table to making a signature cocktail.
Other hosts featured in the series include Grace Mitchell, a chef and food blogger who specializes in innovative, playful cuisine; Camille Styles, a lifestyle expert and blogger whose aesthetic is bright, modern, and feminine; and Eden Grinshpan, a chef and TV personality whose global travels inspire her menus. Each episode is a mini-masterclass in entertaining, with the hosts offering valuable insights into everything from menu planning to decorating to pacing an event.
What sets Classy Ladies apart from other cooking and lifestyle shows is the emphasis on the hosts' personalities and backgrounds. These are not just generic, interchangeable hosts who happen to know how to cook - each woman brings her own unique perspective and voice to the show. Viewers get to learn about the hosts' histories, passions, and philosophies, and how these inform their approach to food and entertaining.
For example, in one episode, Grace Mitchell hosts a "Galentine's Day" brunch for her girlfriends, featuring a menu of savory waffles, bacon-wrapped dates, and champagne cocktails. As she preps in the kitchen, she opens up about her experiences as a biracial woman in the food industry, and how she incorporates elements of her Jamaican and Filipino heritage into her cooking. This personal touch adds depth and richness to the show, making it feel like viewers are getting to know not just how to throw a party, but the person behind the party.
Another standout aspect of Classy Ladies is the production value. Each episode is beautifully shot and edited, with attention paid to the small details that make a party truly special. Close-ups of food being cooked and plated, shots of table settings and floral arrangements, and glimpses of guests mingling and enjoying themselves all contribute to the feeling that viewers are part of the event. The hosts' charisma and warmth only enhance this sense of intimacy and connection.
One thing that may surprise viewers about Classy Ladies is the range of styles and themes covered. While the show's title and branding may suggest a very specific type of high-end, traditional entertaining, the actual events and hosts are refreshingly diverse. From Grace Mitchell's colorful, playful aesthetic to Camille Styles' minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired vibe, there is something for everyone in terms of taste and sensibility.
Likewise, the types of events range from classic dinner parties to more casual gatherings like picnics and backyard BBQs. While each host brings her own spin to the festivities, there is always an underlying sense of elegance and sophistication - this is not a show about keggers or kebabs. That said, there is a welcoming, accessible quality to the hosts that makes even the most elaborate affair feel within reach.
In the end, Classy Ladies is a show that delivers on its promise of celebrating the art of entertaining. From the food and decor to the hosts and guests, every aspect of each event is thoughtfully curated and executed. Yet there is also a sense of fun and spontaneity throughout, as the hosts riff off one another, crack jokes, and generally seem to be having a blast. Whether you're a seasoned hostess looking for fresh inspiration or a newbie looking to dip your toe into the world of entertaining, Classy Ladies is sure to delight and inspire.