By Sarah Hickner, Staff Writer
In a world that often feels like it’s ripping at the seams, Noelle Sharbaugh and her husband, Andy Hoyle, are stitching it back together–one dinner party at a time. “My husband and I are passionate about entertaining and creating events that bring people together around the dinner table,” Sharbaugh said. “Our dinner parties are extravagant, themed, and meticulously planned, leaving our guests in awe of the experience.”
A little pandemic magic (or perhaps the combination of extra time and endless scrolling) propelled them to local fame in the Facebook group Northern Virginia Foodies. During the shutdown, Hoyle, with time on his hands, began crafting “a menu a day.” He posted photos of these daily creations, showcasing his culinary artistry and Sharbaugh’s stunning tablescapes, and the group quickly became captivated.
These daily menus were just a preview of the couple’s unique dinner experiences, which aim to delight all five senses. Hoyle starts planning months in advance for special gatherings like Thanksgiving, Mother’s Day, or themed parties. From cocktails to dessert, he meticulously prepares each dish. Sharbaugh’s canvas is the table itself. “To me, the table is a blank canvas,” she explained. “It’s about crafting special moments, and the right place settings are essential to making that experience unforgettable.”
Sharbaugh credits her love of hosting to her Italian heritage, where family meals are cherished traditions. She and Hoyle aim to create lasting memories with two simple rules: put phones away (after snapping photos of the food, of course) and steer clear of work or politics. They are onto something; a University of Oxford article notes that “the more often people eat with others, the more likely they are to feel happy and satisfied with their lives.”
For those intimidated by the thought of months-long planning, Sharbaugh and Hoyle have made it easier with a website inspired by the Northern Virginia Foodies community’s requests for advice (and leftovers). HighHeeledHostess.com empowers aspiring hosts to elevate their gatherings, offering a range of resources—from free guides to premium digital tools.
Their Thanksgiving Playbook is a comprehensive resource, complete with recipes, shopping lists, a detailed timeline from the Saturday before Thanksgiving through the big day, templates for menus and place cards, and checklists to ensure every detail is covered.
In addition, High Heeled Hostess offers seasonal tablescape ideas, delicious recipes, a blog, product recommendations, and practical tools to make hosting a joy. Sharbaugh hopes to equip others with everything they need to create beautiful, memorable gatherings, just as she does for family and friends.
As the holidays approach, many of us will be welcoming loved ones into our homes. Inspired by Sharbaugh and Hoyle, let’s bring people together, one extraordinary dinner party at a time. Learn more on their website: http://www.highheeledhostess.com
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