Maxwell's House

Brini shows Philly how it's done.

by Natalie Hope McDonald

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With her colorful frocks, perky 1950s candor and fondness for fondue, TV star and author Brini Maxwell (played by real-life guy Ben Sander) is a natural hostess. At Style Your Life, a preview for MANNA's A Show of Hands benefit auction, the domestic diva will be right at home in Foster's Apartment 399 sharing creative tips for swell entertaining.

City Paper: You've been to Philadelphia several times. Where can people expect to find Brini kicking up her heels?

Brini Maxwell: I'm a New York girl, but Philly has been so good to me. I always enjoy my trips down. One of my favorite places in Philly is Jones. The chef there, Steven Petrecca, is a doll!

CP: Tell us a little about your duties as Style Your Life hostess.

BM: I'll be extolling the virtues of gracious living by helping Steven from Jones demonstrate their mac 'n' cheese recipe. It's one of the best that I've had! I'll also be talking about my new line of products for the home. It should prove to be a fun evening.

CP: That mac 'n' cheese is legendary. What's your favorite form of comfort food?

BM: Cheese is such a great comfort food. It can be high-brow, like a good cheese fondue, or low-brow, like mac 'n' cheese. And all of it makes you feel safe and warm.

CP: You'll also be a guest auctioneer at MANNA's art auction at Moore. What advice can you give people on how to start collecting art?

BM: The most important thing about collecting art for the beginner is to collect what you love. Buying art for its future value is best left to the investors. If you buy something you love and it doesn't increase in monetary value, you still have something that you love.

CP: Do you collect anything special?

BM: I collect lots of things: fondue pots, vintage phones, clothing. I'm a very thing-oriented person. It's fun to find objects that you appreciate.

CP: Speaking of things, you've launched your own line of home products this year. How did this get started?

BM: I'm very excited about our new product line! We're all about accessorizing your home. Accessories are the spice in the stew of your room. Right now, we mostly have soft goods. Our line includes pillows, tabletop items, dish towels, napkins, place mats and fabulous new wool felt coasters. We also have T-shirts and my book, Brini Maxwell's Guide to Gracious Living.

CP: Since you'll be getting back to your TV roots by playing hostess here in Philly, what's one thing every lady should know about throwing a party the right way?

BM: Relax and have fun. If you can do that, your guests will be able to, as well!

Style Your Life May 15, 6-8 p.m., $25, Foster's Homeware, Apartment 399, 399 Market St., 215-496-2662, mannapa.org