You can set your table―or you can ’scape it.When Bugsy Drake stepped onboard the yacht as Second Stew on Bravo’s Below Deck Med, she showed the world the magic of tablescaping. With the help of some unconventional centerpieces, a few artfully folded napkins, well-placed lighting, and a generous sprinkling of décor, tablescaping is the art of transforming a meal into an adventure that your guests will never forget. Bugsy’s gorgeous, over-the-top themes have captivated guests and earned her legions of devoted fans. Now she’s ready to share her passion and talent for creating unforgettable dining experiences, honed during nearly a decade working on the world’s most exclusive yachts and private islands.
Featuring step-by-step instructions for building your own enchanting events, The Art of Tablescaping is packed full of inventive ideas and design hacks, on-the-job stories and lessons learned. Get inspired by some of Bugsy’s most iconic tablescapes, from rustic outdoor gatherings to glam-as-all-get-out soirees, then follow her tips for getting your own party started.
You don’t need to have the superpowers of a Chief Stew to make a simple dinner party into a lasting memory―just your creativity, a sense of fun, and a few tips from the Queen of Theme herself.
This is a great gift!
The self-professed Queen of Theme, Christine “Bugsy” Drake is widely known for her role as a stew on Bravo’s Below Deck Mediterranean, Seasons 2 and 5, where her gorgeous signature tablescapes and over-the-top theme parties are often the star of the show. Born and raised in South Africa, she is a seasoned yachtie who began her career in floating hospitality in 2013. She has since worked on a private island in the Bahamas and sailed the seas on some of the world’s most exclusive luxury yachts. Called “perhaps the greatest tablescape artist who has ever lived” by the New York Times, Bugsy always brings her passion and talent for stunning décor to the table.
A Fort Lauderdale native with over three decades of yachting experience under her belt, Captain Sandy is one of the most respected captains in the industry. Sandy knew she wanted her career to revolve around the ocean from a very young age and was not discouraged when she discovered yachting to be a male-dominated field. Knowing the difficulties that come with leading an entire team while providing 5-star service, she makes it her mission to know everything and every department on the boat.
