You may have read our recent article on here "Is The Cotswolds the new Hamptons for Weddings?" but here at Studio Sorores HQ our founder Jessie Westwood has noticed a huge upwards trend for private party planning and styling enquiries...
I was born in The Cotswolds, my family goes back generations locally, I went to boarding school here, I left to study at University before my first career job in London, and returned in 2010 when I set up my own business planning and designing weddings and events locally. We now operate worldwide at incredible destinations, but our local area still has a very special place in our hearts. We know every hotel, venue, vendor and specialist creative business there is to know - but our speciality is absolutely at private homes in the region.
It has always been somewhere that is a glorious mix of local farmers and the super wealthy happily living side by side in idyllic rural locations, all within close distance of thriving market towns, picturesque villages and larger bustling cities and towns with so much to offer across the area. Which is by the way is huge! From Bath to Chipping Campden, you really can find everything you need here - plus plenty of brilliant transport links to London and airports.
However in the last few years we have seen an influx of A list celebrities and high networth individuals flocking to different parts of The Cotswolds as their main home, and with that we've seen a huge increase in enquiries for fabulous private parties in what Tatler called "the rise in social supremacy".
There are definitely more fashionable parts of the region at the moment, but I'll always have a soft spot for the old
school "proper" Cotswolds set. Think Jilly Cooper and the new series based on one of her books - Rivals, currently available on Disney+. The difference between Lady Monica Badingham and Valerie Jones is stark, the latter being scoffed and ridiculed at countryside shoots, with outlandish outfits and attempts to fit in with other more seasoned local residents.
Whilst parts of the English countryside where I live have been re-fashioned to cater for more luxurious tastes - from members clubs, to fashion boutiques, restaurants and spas - there is absolutely insider knowledge which will help to ensure that any social gathering, private party or larger entertaining endeavour not only exceeds expectations but also avoids any faux pas in the community. Debretts will only get you so far when it comes to countryside etiquette!
Expectations are exceptionally high for those wishing to host or attend dinner parties to luncheons, rural pursuits to charity events, and casual gatherings with their neighbours and guests travelling here for an English countryside weekend away. The need for expert event designers, stylists, tablescapers, florists, entertainers and caterers is increasing! With a mix of ultra private celebrations alongside professionally photographed scenes or content creator images shared across social media (the fashion tribe in The Cotswolds is ever growing, with some fabulous boutiques and private sellers and stylists dressing residents in the most exclusive areas).
How on earth is one meant to tread the line between tradition and trends? How can you create something entirely original and exciting, whilst maintaining class and effortless style?
That's where we come in!
We are as discreet as required, respecting the privacy of you and your guests. We know the best people, the best places, and crucially... the best way to pull off what has become the hardest skill of all... throwing a party that is both fashion forward and timeless.
We know the rules of the Cotswolds countryside better than anyone and can help you create and curate the perfect event, big or small.
Words by Jessie Westwood, local Cotswolds resident and Founder of Studio Sorores: Experts in Entertaining.