Meet Anne Marie

I’ve been setting the table a little too early—and a little too enthusiastically—for as long as I can remember.

My love for beauty, celebration, and old-fashioned manners began at age six, when I was enrolled in my first etiquette class: White Gloves and Party Manners. From the moment I slipped on those gloves and practiced my first curtsy, I was hooked. While other kids collected stickers or played house, I was planning luncheons for my dolls and reading Miss Manners like it was a gripping novel.

I owe my earliest lessons in grace to my mother, Louise—graceful in every sense of the word (and if I have any at all, it’s because of her). She taught me that good manners are less about rigid rules and more about thoughtfulness, warmth, and making others feel at home. That belief has stayed with me through every chapter of life.

I’m a mother of five: three daughters and two sons, including my beautiful stepdaughter. Our house is rarely quiet and never dull, and according to my youngest daughter, I’m “always making everything extra.” She’s not wrong. I live for the little details that make things special—fresh flowers on a weeknight table, handwritten place cards for pizza night, or a perfectly folded napkin at breakfast. To me, every day offers a chance to elevate the ordinary and turn a small moment into a cherished memory.

Professionally, I’ve spent years planning and hosting both intimate gatherings and large-scale corporate events, learning firsthand what makes people feel seen, celebrated, and genuinely welcomed. I’ve developed event strategies, built brand experiences, and led planning for everything from team retreats to elegant galas. But the heart of my work has always been the same: intention and joy in every detail.

Occasionally Magnificent was born from the desire to share that heart with others—to help people bring beauty and meaning into their everyday lives. Whether you’re planning your first dinner party or want to learn how to set a holiday table that wows, I’m here to inspire, guide, and gently nudge you toward the good china.

Because life isn’t perfect, but it can be polished. And every once in a while—on a Tuesday afternoon or an ordinary Sunday—we deserve to be Occasionally Magnificent.