MOVERS AND SHAKERS: Mary Giuliani, Celebrity Caterer and Event Stylist
Celebrity caterer and event stylist Mary Giuliani continues to expand her presence among high profile stars and the fashion elite. On any given night, she can be spotted pleasing the palettes of clients ranging from Bulgari, Cartier and Zac Posen to Sheryl Crow and Gwen Stefani, among many others. Mary has quickly gained a loyal cult-like following for her signature “minis,” creative pairing menus and innovative tray design.
Mary’s entertaining roots stem from spending time with her family, especially her Grandmother, who owned an oceanside resort in Montauk, NY. It was there that Mary learned how to be the consummate hostess and acquired her fascination for culinary display.
During her time at Georgetown University, Mary pursued her love of food and spent a year in Florence, Italy studying wine and cuisine. After a brief stint Off-Broadway and small roles on television, Mary realized that she could translate her love of food and theater by producing beautiful events. She accepted a job with the Make-A-Wish Foundation in 1998 and created extraordinary events while raising more than one million dollars for the foundation.
After working with some of the most distinguished NY caterers and entertainers, Mary was able to fine-tune her skills in the culinary arts. With an entrepreneurial spirit, Mary and her husband Ryan founded Mary Giuliani Catering & Events in 2004. Quickly, she became one of the most sought-after caterers and event planners in New York. Known for their creativity with food and décor, the company has hosted events for the elite of the fashion, entertainment, art and corporate worlds.
Mary looks at every event as an opportunity to light up the stage. “It is important that my guests feel like integral players in the show. I like to feel the room and when there is a change in the energy, it is up to me to make sure that something positive happens.”
Mary Giuliani has been featured in Hamptons Magazine, People Style Watch, Manhattan Magazine, Elegant Bride, Page Six Magazine, Glamour, The NY Daily News, and BizBash, among other high profile media outlets. In May 2005, she was recognized by New York Moves as one of the top 25 “Woman on the Rise” in New York City. Now she is a Mover and Shaker on Whom You Know!
Peachy Deegan interviewed Mary Giuliani for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: How did you successfully transition into catering?
Mary Giuliani: It was a very natural transition, having grown up in a house where my mother and father cooked and entertained all the time.
What did your grandmother teach you?
The customer is always right
Who is the most fun to work with as a client and why?
I love our film studio clients especially doing movie Premieres, it is a great way to express creativity through food and drink
What events are you proudest of and why?
Any event that I do for the Make a Wish Foundation and the G&P Foundation...cause it just feels so good!
What culinary items are most successful for the summer season?
Bringing your garden into your cocktails... basil, mint, cucumber with fresh juices...delicious.
What creations are unique to your catering business?
Our custom designed trays and whimisical fun appraoch to serving hors d’oeuvres
What is your favorite place to be in NYC?
Chelsea Market
What is your favorite shop?
Murray’s Cheese
What is your favorite drink?
Minted Grapefruit & Vodka (our best seller)
What is your favorite restaurant?
Anything Batali, I am a groupie.
What is your favorite NYC book?
Eloise
What is your favorite thing to do in NYC that you can do nowhere else?
Order a grilled cheese and fries at 4am
What do you think is most underrated and overrated here?
Underrated (Upright Citizens Brigade Comedy Shows; Overrated (velvet rope nightclubs)
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
I had a band in the second grade named “Mary and the Recorders”
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers? info@marygiuliani.com
