Take a Seat at Michèle Ouellet Benson’s Table
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Entertaining
Take a Seat at Michèle Ouellet Benson’s Table
April 16, 2025
If there’s one thing you should know about Model and Vintner Michèle Ouellet Benson, it’s that she knows how to set the stage for a special spring occasion. In the season of outdoor dinner parties, there’s an ever-present pressure to create a mood board-worthy tablescape and entertain with ease—thus, we enlisted Michèle to share her expertise. Read on, take notes, and save for endless seasonal gathering inspiration.

Take a Seat at Michèle Ouellet Benson’s Table
Rip & Tan: What was your approach in putting together this tablescape?
Michèle Ouellet Benson: I loved the idea of doing a pared-back table and letting the surrounding nature be the star. The neutral tablecloth and plates were a nice base, with my mother-in-law’s sterling silver flatware adding a bit of shine. I was inspired by the produce at the farmer’s market to create a fun crudité centerpiece rather than doing flowers. I was really glad to use a low-profile bodega glass rather than stemware because it was breezy!
Rip & Tan: How do you make tablescapes feel tailored to the season?
Michèle Ouellet Benson: I like to use seasonal produce to decorate the table as a fresh take on a centerpiece or place cards. Artichokes would be really cute for spring! Plus you can tell your guests to take it home as a sustainable parting gift!
"I love the Pacific Soup Bowls! The low, shallow shape is really elegant and looks so chic layered on top of the matching dinner plates."
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Rip & Tan: What do you think is the most important aspect of hosting a successful spring event—the aesthetics, the ambiance, or something else?
Michèle Ouellet Benson: Of course, you want a stunning tablescape and delicious food, but I would say, the most important thing is the guest list! Be thoughtful about inviting a group that would enjoy each other. This doesn’t mean everyone needs to know each other—more so that there is some type of shared interest or commonality. When having a dinner party at home, I like to keep it to 6 people. Any larger and the conversations begin to splinter off. If you’re hosting a larger party, be sure to encourage musical chairs, so everyone has the chance to mix and mingle.
Rip & Tan: Can you share some hosting tips that help make events feel more effortless?
Michèle Ouellet Benson: Setting up a drink and snack station before your guests arrive is key! I want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable asap, so I put out a big ice bucket with Lorenza Rosé, our Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine, and San Pellegrino, along with glassware for everyone to help themselves.
Rip & Tan: How does your personal style influence how you host and entertain?
Michèle Ouellet Benson: Entertaining and hosting is an extension of my personal style. It’s a way to be creative and express love and care for my guests. I’m a big fan of a high-low moment both in how I dress and how I entertain. My style is pretty laid back, but every once in a while I like to go all out!



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Photos by Bliss Kaufman