The Magic of Truman Capote’s Black & White Ball
Hosting lessons from the most legendary party
I’ve been trying to find some good stories or historical references about hosting that could inspire me, but nothing was really clicking. So, I decided to switch gears and look into history’s most legendary parties. As I started digging, I realized that looking into the best parties in history can help pull lessons from different eras and that’s when Truman Capote’s Black & White Ball popped up!
I know what you might say: JOSI is not about parties, it’s about staying in but JOSI is also about hosting. And hosting could be anything from a small, cozy dinner at home to a lavish party. Both have their own set of rules.
Truman Capote’s Black & White Ball is a party that people still rave about decades later, and I couldn’t help but wonder—what made it so unforgettable?
The Black & White Ball took place on the 28th of November 1966 at the Plaza in NYC.
The guest list
A well-curated guest list is undeniably a key factor in the success of any event. For his Black & White Ball, Capote didn’t just rely on the star power of Hollywood or the high society. His guest list was eclectic, yet carefully crafted, with a mix of movie stars, artists, royalty, and everyday people.
Alongside famous names like Andy Warhol and Gloria Vanderbilt were unexpected guests—people from the small Kansas town where Capote had researched his novel In Cold Blood, the hotel’s doorman and the secretary of The Washington Post’s publisher, Katharine Graham.
Keep in mind that unlikely encounters lead to memorable conversations, and unexpected pairings create a lively atmosphere. In other words, mix it up!
The dress code & party rules
Having a clear but easy theme for the dress code is a game-changer (see above invite for exact dress code details). It helps make sure your guests feel comfortable and dressed appropriately, without stressing over what to wear.
Capote’s Black & White Ball nailed this with its simple black-and-white theme, which still left room for guests to play with their outfits if they wanted to. Some went all out with fun and crazy masks, while others kept it classic and elegant.
I’m all for a theme that gives people freedom to have fun, but I also think it should let them dress up and feel fabulous. A good dress code brings it all together, keeps things stylish, and still lets people add their own personal touch.
And then there was Capote’s final touch—the rule of the masks. Everyone had to keep theirs on until midnight, adding a bit of mystery. When the clock struck twelve, the masks came off, signaling the start of the second part of the night. A simple twist that kept the excitement going!
Note to self: keep that theme in mind for the very unlikely event that I ever throw such a ball at some point in my life :)
Fun facts of the evening
Simple, nostalgic dishes were served, like the Plaza’s famous chicken hash and spaghetti and meatballs. Nothing fancy, yet delicious and makes everybody comfortable. Though, if I had been at that ball, knowing my legendary clumsiness, I would have stayed away from the spaghetti. White dress and tomato sauce? Not the best combination…
Capote final and possibly best personal touch was to greet all 400 guests personally. For information, that took nearly 2h…
Stay cosy until next time!
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