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Friday Five with Bryan Rafanelli

Event planner and tastemaker Bryan Rafanelli hails from a party-loving family from Rhode Island. He founded his operation, Rafanelli Events, in Boston in 1996, and soon became the darling of the Boston party throwing set. (Well-deserved, I might add; I’ve been to several of his events). He’s since handled Chelsea Clinton’s wedding (imagine falling short for the mother-of that bride?) and a Washington inauguration bash for Obama. His full-service event design, strategy, planning, and production company handles over 100 events annually, and he has offices in Boston, New York City, Washington DC, and Palm Beach. Not only are the settings superb, Rafanelli is the perfect gentleman, which is apparent in his Friday Five picks.

1. Laces
A little trick from me – use vibrant laces to change up your favorite pair of shoes. I stumbled on these great laces (in colors like orange, camo, maroon) at Sault New England in my Boston neighborhood.

2. Buckles
I am a sucker for a great belt buckle as a little pop of personality. I found myself in Jackson Hole, WY, this year and had to snatch up these two glass buckles. They’re from a little local shop called MADE.

3. It’s All In The Wrist
I like watches. So much so that I literally collect them. A favorite of mine is from WeWOOD. My obsession extends past watches to other pieces that can be worn around your wrist — like a collection of compasses I’ve amassed from my travels throughout the years.

4. Glasses
You won’t see me without them. It’s an accessory that every person you interact with is going to see, so it’s best to have a pair you feel comfortable and confident in. I’m in a two-pair rotation right now, both of which are from Silver Lining Opticians in Soho in NYC.

5. Around the Office
I love scattering little pieces of my personality throughout the Rafanelli offices. Whether it’s a piece of art, a piece of furniture, or a little bit of whimsy like this piece from PATCH NYC. I like to think my office is a place where clients, staff, and anyone walking in will immediately feel welcome and at home.

Marni Elyse Katz is a Contributing Editor at Design Milk. She lives in Boston where she contributes regularly to local publications and writes her own interior design blog, StyleCarrot.