
Growing up on a family farm in Tuckerman, Arkansas, where the nearest neighbors—his grandparents—lived miles away, Bronson van Wyck learned the art of entertaining as a way to endure the ennui of life “in the middle of nowhere.” That early coping mechanism now sends the Yale grad all over the world—often between New York and Palm Beach—to design and produce high-end events. His recent book, Born to Party, Forced to Work: Twenty-First Century Hospitality, highlights his greatest hits and demonstrates how his personal narrative led to his current profession. When he’s not planning private parties through Van Wyck & Van Wyck or experiential corporate events via his sister company, Workshop, van Wyck busies himself by supporting Alice Waters’ Edible Schoolyard and serving on the board of The East Harlem School. His niece, nephew, dog named Cat, and “an army of godchildren” keep him young.
Top event-planning tips: Keep the pours heavy and the conversation light.
Advice for attendees: Come armed with anecdotes.
Style icons: Baron de Redé, the Duke of Beaufort, and Gianni Agnelli
Wardrobe essentials: I’ve never met a cape I didn’t like.
Favorite local culinary experience: The Sunday brunch Bloody Mary bar at The Breakers
Indulgence worth every calorie: The jumbo lump crab with Dijon sauce at the Bath & Tennis Club
Signature drink: A spicy margarita in the summer and a Dark and Stormy in the winter
Ideal last meal: Fried chicken
Favorite place to shop locally: Kemble Interiors
Most memorable Palm Beach party moment: Choreographing the fireworks show for The Coconuts.
Karaokes in the car to: “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
Book he wishes he’d written: Edie: American Girl by Jean Stein
Collects: Comic books—my bookshelves are overflowing. Also salt cellars and old decanters.
Board game he dominates: Axis & Allies
Signature accessory: An endless rotation of sunglasses, which I lose as fast as I buy them.
Go-to icebreaker at a party: A shot of tequila
His idea of R&R: Turning off my phone, rosé at sunset, and no dinner plans.
His happy place: My cottage in the Hamptons on Big Fresh Pond
Next travel destinations: Chicago, Rome, Mykonos, Cap d’Antibes, and Marfa, Texas
Best advice he’s received Never complain, never explain.
Bing watches: Game of Thrones
Last great reads: Appeasement: Chamberlain, Hitler, Churchill, and The Road to War by Tim Bouverie, and Less by Andrew Sean Greer
Favorite vista: Sunset on the family farm in Tuckerman, Arkansas
Guilty pleasure junk rood: Ben & Jerry’s peanut butter cup ice cream
Historical figure he identifies with: Voltaire
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