Karen Bussen

KAREN BUSSEN is one of America’s most exciting entertaining experts, and the author of the wildly successful “Simple Stunning” series of entertaining books (Stewart, Tabori & Chang). Karen creates one-of-a-kind celebrations for luminary hosts in the worlds of business, media and society as well as A-listers such as Robert Downey Jr., Julian Schnabel, and Martha Stewart. 

A quintuple-threat expert in food, wine, hospitality, flowers and design, Karen believes a truly great party is filled with unique, well-chosen details and inimitable personal touches. 

The newest book, “Simple Stunning Parties at Home” (May 2009), features 80 recipes by this talented home cook along with numerous ideas and inspiration for creative entertaining. 

Growing up in Cincinnati by way of Dayton, Karen was inspired by her mother’s love of décor, art, and painting and her father’s joie de vivre.  This balance is something that Karen feels heavily influenced her sense of color and her passion for entertaining.  Karen’s love of a well-edited aesthetic became the foundation for the “simple stunning” approach.  

Karen’s practical advice and inspired ideas for all facets of home entertaining, weddings, and party design are illustrated in her distinctive “less waste/more taste” approach.  Says Karen; “My goal is to help everyone in America celebrate more often, with more style, without sacrificing quality or over spending.” 

Karen got her start in the entertainment world when she left Ohio at 18 and became a magician’s assistant on a cruise ship.  Karen then made her home in New York City, where, under the tutelage of some of Manhattan’s top chefs and restaurateurs, she fine-tuned her knowledge of food, wine and high-end hospitality. The restaurant business was also where she styled flowers and décor for Celebrity Chef Rocco DiSpirito.  In 2000 she opened her design company for social, corporate, and wedding clients.  Today, they have grown to produce all the elements for their parties – from lighting, fabrics and furniture to logistics and etiquette. 

Karen never imagines the same party twice.  Instead, she works closely with clients to discover and distill a unique and personal vision for each event.  In addition to her mission to make the world a more festive and beautiful place, Karen mentors at the Young Women’s Leadership School of Harlem, donates leftover party décor to schools and art organizations via Materials for the Arts, and volunteers with New York Cares.