Mastering the Art of Celebrating: Why Elegance Begins with Intention
As seen on NBC 13 Hello Iowa!
By Akeshi Akinseye
Akeshi Akinseye during her NBC Hello Iowa! interview discussing the art of celebrating and intentional event design
In a world where parties are plentiful and celebrations often blur together, the true magic lies in the details — and in the intention behind them.
During my recent appearance on NBC 13’s Hello Iowa!, I had the opportunity to talk about one of my favorite topics: what it truly means to celebrate with purpose. Beyond the flowers, the lighting, and the décor, today’s most meaningful gatherings are designed with heart, connection, and authenticity at their core.
Elegance isn’t just about how things look — it’s about how they make people feel.
Photo by Amy Anaiz
Elegance with Intention
Over the years, I’ve come to see that the most beautiful celebrations are never about excess. They’re about emotion.
True elegance is intentional. It’s the handwritten menu that honors your grandmother’s recipes, the scent that fills the room and evokes a memory, the color palette that tells your love story. These thoughtful gestures are what make a celebration unforgettable.
“Luxury isn’t defined by how much you do—it’s defined by how much meaning you bring to what you do.”
— Akeshi Akinseye
Photography by Hannah Sweiss
The Heart Behind Design
When I design or host, I always start with one simple question:
How do I want people to feel?
Every decision — from the way guests are greeted to the flow of the evening — should contribute to that emotional journey. Whether it’s a wedding, a dinner for two, or a weekend retreat, the goal is always to create an experience that feels warm, inspired, and personal.
Without intention, beauty becomes hollow. A well-styled table or perfectly executed event may impress, but it won’t connect.
When we design with meaning, we shift the focus from “How does it look?” to “How does it feel?” — and that’s where the true art of celebrating lives.
The Art of Celebrating
My upcoming book, The Art of Celebrating: Inspiration and Ideas for Meaningful Gatherings, is a reflection of this philosophy. It’s an invitation to slow down, gather with purpose, and bring intention into the way we celebrate every part of life — from milestone moments to everyday joys.
It’s about crafting experiences that are not only visually stunning but deeply felt — celebrations that linger in memory long after the last toast.
Preorder your copy now:
Watch the Segment
Watch my full interview on NBC 13 Hello Iowa!
where I share insights on designing meaningful celebrations that go beyond décor — and why elegance with intention will always be timeless.
