The Art of Effortless Entertaining with Sarah Barker

For our February campaign in Louisville, we were welcomed into the home of Sarah Barker—a natural hostess with an eye for beauty, ease, and flow. Her approach to entertaining mirrors everything we love: thoughtful, stylish, and never overdone. We sat down with Sarah to talk about how she creates gatherings that feel special without ever feeling staged.

J.McLaughlin: Since lighting plays such a big role in creating atmosphere, how do you approach it in your home?

Sarah: I design using multiple layers of light: minimal recessed lighting (because I can’t stand a “Swiss cheese” ceiling); chandeliers and sconces—all on dimmers to set the mood; lamps; fireplaces with gas remotes; and, of course, plenty of candles!

J.McLaughlin: How do you set the mood with music in your home?

Sarah: I installed a Sonos system throughout the house with hidden speakers behind the ceiling treatments, so they’re completely out of sight, and I have playlists for every vibe!

J.McLaughlin: What’s your approach to food and drinks when entertaining?

Sarah: A great caterer is ideal, but if it’s not in the budget, good takeout works perfectly—and I keep multiple hotplates on hand to keep everything warm. My husband is in the bourbon business, so specialty cocktails are our thing, complete with dried fruit, dry ice, and creative flavored syrups.

J.McLaughlin: Spring in Louisville is magical—how do you take advantage of it?

Sarah: Spring here is divine, especially with Derby right around the corner. I’ve created multiple outdoor spaces so guests can move around easily—a fire pit with cozy bean bag chairs, a pool area with a barbecue and dining space, a covered pergola near the bocce court, and a loggia with a wood-burning fireplace for those rainy or chilly evenings.

J.McLaughlin: Your indoor–outdoor flow feels seamless. Was that intentional?

Sarah: Very much so. I try to include French doors in all the ground-floor entertaining areas to keep the flow moving between inside and out. Good circulation is essential—especially around the bar and food—so you don’t get bottlenecks. It makes entertaining feel natural rather than crowded.

J.McLaughlin: And finally, we love that you embrace a little whimsy. Tell us about your theme parties.

Sarah: I adore costumes and themed parties. Once there’s a theme, the food and drinks naturally follow. It gives everyone permission to dress up, let loose, and have fun—which is really what entertaining is all about.

J.McLaughlin: What would your dream party be?

Sarah: “My dream winter party would be an Eastern-European-inspired rendez-vous—everyone in furs, fires roaring, vodka martinis in hand, dancing, laughing, a little decadent, a little wild.”

J.McLaughlin: When the guests leave, what’s the experience you want them to take away, what’s one word to describe how you hope that they feel?

Sarah: Connected. Walking away saying ‘that was a great night’.