I am a wife of 23 years to Randy Carnes, and mother to four outstanding and amazingly beautiful children. For years, my favorite thing to do was planning parties, and styling my home for the all the holidays. I love being creative and making the space I am in feel beautiful, welcoming and place to enjoy.  

I grew up watching my Mother, Aunt and Grandmother make delicious dinners and create beautiful homes for hosting. I knew I wanted to have the same environment for my own home. Once my children started school, I would be in their classrooms, organizing the parties, or the fun after school events. 

Once I started working at the high school as the registrar ( just followed my kids and this allowed me to put my organizational skills to use while be available to my children with the hours and location) I became the Girl Reserves sponsor. This opportunity allowed me to support all the amazing young women in the club and do what I do best- throw a great party! 

Every year the Girl Reserves has a formal dinner dance, and I always looked forward to taking their theme and making it a reality! We had over 200 girls, and each were able to bring a date, so these events were never small! From signature mocktails when they walked in, to fireworks to end the night, I loved providing them with an amazing experience!  During this time, more people kept saying you need to do this for a living, you love planning parties- small or large- and you love making it the best for all. 

So last year, I took a small step and left the school to work for a local restaurant as their event manager. Unfortunately, due to the times, that was short lived but I truly believe it was God’s way of saying I need to trust my abilities and get out there! Styled and Gathered Events was born!   I stepped right in and planned four graduation parties while trying to get my business together. I was so grateful for the opportunity to start doing what I love to do! 

I love anything entertaining, but what I love the most are the dinner parties. I would describe myself that growing up with Martha Stewart and Ina Garten ; along with my mother, aunt and Grandmother- I am mix of all. I love to have beautiful dinners, but they are not perfect, they are fun but I will have cloth napkins because they are just better, and  we will have a lively dinner talk with laughter but also bring out paper plates because it is an easy clean up. 

My goal is always for my guests to leave happy, full and look forward to coming back! This is for my family as well. Family dinners are cherished in my house as we can sit around the dinner table for hours enjoying the experience.  The experience is also in what is used. I love to shop, especially vintage shopping. I will always look for a unique dinner plate or cloth napkins or gorgeous candle sticks or a beautiful wine carafe! 

I love going to Goodwill and finding crystal pieces to use around the house. I recently purchased a beautiful crystal bowl that I use in the bathroom for the napkins to dry your hands as well as a beautiful cake platter that I used for a flower centerpiece. That is the fun part- you don’t have to use it for what it may have been intended for. I can assure – I am fun to shop with!  Curated with style and grace- that is me!