At the TableWith Courtney Whitmore of Pizzazzerie
At TableWith, we’re always inspired by women who bring people together through food, creativity, and connection and few do that with as much sparkle as Courtney Whitmore, the Charleston-based entertaining expert and founder behind Pizzazzerie.
Since 2010, Courtney has built a career out of celebrating life’s beautiful details. From her signature tablescapes to her bestselling cookbooks, Courtney has inspired endless hosts to embrace the joy of gathering. With her signature Southern charm and impeccable eye for color and design, Courtney turns every occasion into something special.
We sat down with Courtney to talk about her journey, her inspiration, and what’s next on the horizon (spoiler: it’s something festive!).
At the TableWith Courtney Whitmore of Pizzazzerie
Q: What first inspired you to start Pizzazzerie — did you ever imagine it becoming what it is today?
I’ve always loved the magic of gathering people around the table. Back in 2010, I started Pizzazzerie as a little creative outlet, never imagining it would grow into a full-time career with brands, books, and an entire business built around food and entertaining. What started as a side project truly became my life’s work.
Q: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your love for food and entertaining?
My mom, without question. She has an incredible gift for creating beauty in the everyday, from her table settings to her knack for making guests feel so welcomed. I grew up watching her host and learned that entertaining isn’t about perfection; it’s about joy, creativity, and connection.
Q: What’s been the most rewarding part of creating your cookbooks?
It’s hearing from readers who actually use them and seeing photos of families cooking my recipes together or recreating a tablescape from the book. That’s when it feels real — when what I created in my kitchen and dining room becomes part of someone else’s memories.
Q: Do you have a “pinch-me” moment from your journey that you’ll never forget?
Seeing my work on the shelves of bookstores for the first time. Also being able to attend the Golden Globes to help Lindt as a sponsor a couple of years in a row was pretty neat too!
Q: When you’re dreaming up recipes or tablescapes, where do you usually find your inspiration?
I love celebrating what’s blooming in the garden, what’s at the farmer’s market, or what holiday is just around the corner. I also find so much inspiration in Charleston — the colors, the gardens, the architecture, it all works its way into my styling. I also love interior design trends, especially in fabrics to use as table linens.
Q: When working on a cookbook, what has been your favorite part of the process and what are you most excited for readers to discover in your new one next year?
I love the food and tabletop styling — it’s where the recipes and visuals come together. Styling the imagery is where it all comes to life. My upcoming book is all about Christmas entertaining with a few twists — I can't wait for everyone to see it!
Q: Is there a dream project or idea you’d still love to bring to life someday?
The Christmas book is that dream project. My mom dreamed up the idea for it over 20 years ago. I even made her a simple little Shutterfly book when I was in my early 20s so she could have all her Christmas recipes and tips together. We are excited to finally publish this dream book!
Q: Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self when you were just getting started?
Don’t be afraid to carve your own path. There wasn’t a blueprint for “food and entertaining influencer” back in 2010, so I often second-guessed myself. I’d tell her to trust that the little passions add up to something bigger.
Rapid-Fire Q&A
Q: Signature dish when hosting:
A big seasonal salad and something bubbly to drink. Both are easy, beautiful, and crowd-pleasing. I also adore pimento cheese cups (the recipe is in The Southern Entertainer's Cookbook). They’re a staple at my parties!
Q: Sweet or savory:
Sweet! I can’t resist dessert!
Q: Hosting tip that always saves the day:
Prep everything you can ahead of time. The more you can do early, the more relaxed (and fun) you’ll be when guests arrive.
Q: If you could only set a table with three items:
Beautiful china, fresh florals, and candlelight.
Q: Dream dinner guest:
My grandmother, who we affectionately called “Sweet.” She passed away after I started my blog but before my first book came out, so she never got to see how it all grew. I do believe she’s been watching from above, but I’d love nothing more than to share a beautiful dinner with her now.
Q: Cookbook you reach for most (aside from your own):
I love anything from Southern Living — classic, timeless, and always reliable. Currently loving Ivy Odom’s cookbook!
Q: Favorite way to unwind after a big gathering:
I love sharing pictures of the gathering with friends who came — it’s all about those special memories!
Follow Courtney
For more entertaining inspiration, follow Courtney on Instagram at @pizzazzerie and explore her recipes, tablescapes, and party ideas on pizzazzerie.com. Browse Courtney’s cookbooks too - our favorite is The Southern Entertainer's Cookbook: Heirloom Recipes for Modern Gatherings!
A KITCHEN MUST-HAVE
A cookbook packed with inspiration for hosting and recipes!