Pearls, Parisian charm, and timeless style for your next gathering
There are few names in fashion as instantly recognizable as Coco Chanel. Her signature palette of black and white, love of pearls, and timeless approach to dressing continue to influence closets more than a century later.
But you don’t need designer handbags—or even a tweed suit—to borrow a little of that effortless Parisian style.
Inspired by a beautiful gathering hosted by Janet Crowder of Tuscaloosa, AL, for her century-old women’s study club, we’ve rounded up simple ideas for creating your own Chanel-inspired afternoon with friends.
Read the original feature from the Summer 2026 issue of Pretty below, then keep scrolling for additional entertaining ideas and our favorite shopping finds.
Start with a Classic Color Palette
One of the easiest ways to capture the Chanel aesthetic is to keep your colors simple.
Think:
- Black
- White
- Cream
- Soft blush pink
- Touches of gold or silver
Pearls instantly evoke Chanel’s timeless style, whether they’re draped across a stack of fashion books, woven through a centerpiece, or looped around serving pieces.
A Clever DIY
Wondering about the dramatic oversized “pearls” featured in our magazine photos? They weren’t expensive event décor at all.
Crowder created them herself by stringing white ping pong balls onto fishing line—a simple, budget-friendly DIY that captured Chanel’s signature look for just a fraction of the cost.
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Decorate with Fashion
Instead of buying lots of themed decorations, let fashion become part of the décor.
Stack fashion books on the table, add fresh flowers, light a few candles, and scatter pearl strands throughout the display.
If you happen to own a tweed jacket or quilted handbag, display it as part of the décor—but don’t feel like you need authentic designer pieces. The atmosphere comes from thoughtful styling, not luxury labels.
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Add a Few Parisian Touches
One detail from Crowder’s gathering we especially loved? Camellias.
“The only flowers Coco Chanel actually liked were camellias,” Crowder says.
If camellias aren’t in season where you live, white peonies, garden roses, or quality faux stems create a similar romantic feel.
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Keep the Menu Simple
A Chanel-inspired gathering doesn’t call for an elaborate meal.
Think afternoon luncheon instead:
- Cucumber sandwiches
- Assorted cheeses
- Fresh fruit
- Crackers
- Macarons
- Sparkling lemonade
- Iced tea
- Coffee
One playful touch from Crowder’s party? Cookies decorated with Chanel’s iconic double-C logo.
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Dress the Part
If you’re hosting, have fun leaning into the theme yourself. A black-and-white dress, pearls, a tweed jacket, ballet flats, or classic red lipstick capture Chanel’s signature style without feeling like a costume.
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A Little Something Très Chic
Send guests home with a couple of macarons tucked into a pretty black-and-white box or ribbon-tied bag. For one lucky guest, let a fashion-inspired coffee table book double as the afternoon’s door prize.
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Three Ways to Use This Theme
A Chanel-inspired gathering works beautifully for more than just girls’ night.
Book Club: Read a biography of Coco Chanel or another fashion memoir.
Movie Night: Watch a film inspired by Chanel’s life while serving French-inspired treats.
Birthday Lunch or Bridal Shower: Pearls, flowers, candles, and black-and-white décor create a timeless backdrop for celebrating.
Entertaining with Timeless Style
The most memorable part of Janet Crowder’s gathering wasn’t the designer labels. It was the atmosphere: a few strands of pearls, fresh flowers, candlelight, beautiful food, and good conversation.
Those timeless details remind us that entertaining with style has never really been about extravagance. It’s about creating a beautiful space where friends feel welcome.
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