Gianna, her husband, John, and her business partner Darren Calkins share a charming 1920s cottage in Newport Beach, California. John is an engineer in the television industry; Darren also owns a gift boutique called Paris to the Moon.

Parties chez Majzler and Calkins are relaxed affairs. “Keep it casual, and decorate with your favorite collectibles,” she advises. “Position refreshments throughout the house, to encourage everyone to circulate. Break the ice by playing parlor games, and always supply take-home treats for your guests, to remind them of what a good time they had.”

She draws inspiration from the Victorian era. “They didn’t have TV or Xbox. When they wanted to have fun, they socialized. That’s what we do at my parties.” Old-fashioned amusements like fortune-telling cards are refreshingly low-tech. “Modern devices and games are isolating, but cards and charades turn strangers into instant friends.”

(f) The dining room is party-ready with antique game boards and reproduction card decks. Gianna tucks favors into festive paper cones on chair backs. Icebreaking refreshments include warm cherry cider in an absinthe server. Paintings by artist Raphael Di Luzio, one of Gianna’s brothers.

(g) The Victorian era was known as the Golden Age of Games. “Printing and manufacturing became more popular, and a lot of energy went into producing amusements,“ Gianna explains. (h) Her worktable and inspiration station. (i) “My flea-market fairy godmother.”

(j) “My studio retreat.” Luna the Wonderdog, Gianna’s plucky Chihuahua, perches on an antique hotel desk. A rhinestone tree atwitter with glittery birds shades a French flea-market mannequin. Atop the cabinet is her favorite childhood toy, a tiny showboat theater.

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