A Well-Set Table: Spring Entertaining with Chutz
There’s a certain magic to a well-set table—one that feels layered, personal, and just a little bit unexpected. For the founders of Chutz, that magic has long been missing from the world of Jewish holiday entertaining. What began as a casual conversation (and a shared frustration over the lack of design-forward décor) quickly evolved into a brand that brings wit, personality, and a fresh perspective to the table—without losing sight of tradition. Here, Emily Hammer and Tracy Leiman share how they built Chutz from the ground up, their approach to hosting with ease, and exactly how they’re setting the Seder table this spring.
ALL ABOUT CHUTZ
What inspired you to launch Shop Chutz, and what felt missing from the tabletop and entertaining space at the time?
Tracy: There is a lot missing from the Jewish Holiday entertaining space. For someone who likes things to be elevated, elegant yet still a little fun, there really isn’t much out there. Emily posted a quick Instagram story in December about the lack of Hanukkah décor. I casually responded (as we have back and forth for years) in agreement, asking why there isn’t a brand for this! We quickly decided to grab a drink, catch ourselves up on the past 20 years, and then we jumped right in.
Emily: I used to have a loungewear business (Edith Hour) that I closed about 2 years ago. Ever since, I bounce business ideas off my husband and friends. Each year around Hanukkah, I say to my husband, “I am rebranding Judaism - we need better decor!!!” When Tracy responded to my post and we reconnected, creating this concept became a very easy decision.
The brand has such a distinct point of view—how would you describe the Shop Chutz aesthetic?
We are sooo similar in so many ways, but then when it comes to interiors, we are opposites. The through line is in a love of vintage - a la Mad Men and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Those two shows are the perfect iconic mixes of Mid-Century Modern (Tracy) and Traditional (Emily). Chutz is for the Jewish (or not Jewish) entertainer who “gets it.” For the entertainer looking for something a little different, but still rooted in tradition, there is now a brand for you.
How has your own approach to hosting influenced the products you create?
Emily: We are creating products we wish we had in the past and want at our table now. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of design-focused Jewish decor or tabletop available. We want to be able to offer that to other women who feel similarly. We are both Team “Don’t Wait For a Special Occasion To Use The China”. We use our Plague Cocktail Napkins with our champagne, and our kids use them with milk and smoothies!!
Tracy: I LOVE people around our table. Hosting has always been a part of who I am. I love serving on pieces people have never seen before. When the idea presented itself that we could not only sell our own brand, but also create it, I was thrilled. Designing one-of-a-kind pieces for Chutz brings that element—pieces people have never seen before—to you!
What were some of the biggest lessons you learned in building Shop Chutz from the ground up?
Emily: Not all printers will print a curse word or the insinuation of a curse word! Haha! I have started a profitable business in the past (Edith Hour) that gave me the confidence to start one that I am even more passionate about.
Tracy: I am overwhelmingly surprised by others' willingness to work with us. We have reached out to a handful of artists and simply asked if they would want to collaborate. Not one person has said no (minus the printer not printing profanity)! Everyone is excited to jump in and be a part of this fresh idea. Biggest lesson learned: If you don’t ask, you’ll never know!
On Entertaining:
What, in your opinion, makes a table feel truly memorable for guests?
You have to be comfortable with the people you are sitting with! The most memorable part of evenings are of course, the people and conversations, but maybe above that, the comfort you feel sitting there. If your guests don’t have to move far to get what they need, they’re more likely to stay longer. After dinner, try adding multiple candy dishes to both sides of the table, and wine within an arm’s reach.
For someone who loves to host but wants things to feel effortless rather than overly formal, where should they start?
Emily: Collect pieces that make you happy and serve anything on them! At my annual Hanukkah party, I serve fried chicken on vintage silver trays and applesauce for latkes in cut glass bowls. I looooove serving in silver and glass, and I am not going to not use the pieces I adore because my parties are casual!
Tracy: A party that feels effortless is usually the most work! Keep things simple. Order takeout if the cooking is too much. Have people over at 2pm and serve wine and cheese. If you’re comfortable, your guests will feel at ease.
Are there any “rules” you always follow—or intentionally break—when setting a table?
Emily: No matter the occasion, there will always be linen napkins! My 2-year-old daughter even now requests one… I’m in trouble!
Tracy: Our dinner table has one rule: no phones allowed. Most nights of the week allow us to have a family dinner. My kids know it’s their job to put out the napkins, silverware, and glasses for water, and we serve the food family style. Being able to sit together, at a set table with everything in an ’s reach, gives us the gift to really enjoy each other's company.
On Passover + Spring Entertaining:
Passover is such a meaningful, gathering-centered holiday—what does a Seder table look like in your home?
Emily: My mom has always hosted. Her table is a mix of the regulars and new guests. Oftentimes, the new guests aren’t Jewish. The room is filled with singing songs loudly and fighting over the last matzah ball. I’ve always found it to be special to share this beautiful holiday with others, making the story of Passover a little deeper for me. On a design note, this is one of the few occasions my mom brings out my Mimi’s sterling silver flatware. Every year, I ask when she is going to pass it down. My brother and I get into a “bicker” when he pretends he wants it!
Tracy: Growing up, my mom always hosted, too. My parents would often invite friends who did not have family or were not Jewish to join us. Furniture was moved out of the living room, her best friend would come over to cook ahead of time, and the table was set at least a week in advance. It was the most beautiful table you have ever seen. She used her full set (like 500 pieces) of my grandmother’s green depression glass, Baccarat wine glasses from her wedding, Haggadahs passed down from generations, and sterling silver flatware from her mom. We read EVERY. SINGLE. PAGE. of the Haggadah. I swear my dad would make the Seder longer every year. He prides himself on it.
How do you balance tradition with a fresh, modern aesthetic when setting a Passover table?
Tracy: Seders are rooted in tradition. It is hard to veer away from it. Don’t be afraid to have a little fun with it, though. As kids started to pop up at our table, my dad added songs, skits, masks when they were little, and would sneak them snacks. My sister-in-law started doing a candy seder to keep the kids happy and engaged. If the kids stay engaged, the traditions will carry on! As a shock to no one, the candy is all gone before the meal is served.
Emily: With our Plague Cocktail Napkins, of course! Haha, but truly, setting your table in a mix of your Mimi’s seder plate, new Ginori plates, your MIL’s silver trays, complemented by cabbageware dipping bowls for the salt water, is the perfect way to honor tradition and stay true to yourself. I also realized I just described what was on our Passover photoshoot table….I have a theme!!
What are a few small details that can instantly elevate a Seder without overcomplicating it?
Have conversation pieces. Take out something you never use, add something borrowed, or simply put gummy frogs on the table! Our Plague Cocktail Napkins are perfect conversation starters.
As we head into spring entertaining season—from Passover to Mother’s Day—how do you like to refresh your table?
Tracy: Since my day-to-day tabletop is more modern, my table stays the same, but my flowers will change. Spring is for tulips! I buy tulips every time I pass them!
Emily: I much prefer my spring/summer pieces, so I get very excited to swap out my tablecloths for block prints and unpack my bamboo and rattan flatware.