Spring Street Social Society's Patrick Janelle

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Patrick Janelle's Instagram tagline is "Man about town."

We'd add to that: Dapper guy who's not trying too hard. Impeccable host. And insanely talented iPhone photographer.

Janelle, who's got 200,000 followers and counting, won the CFDA's first-ever Fashion Instagrammer of the Year award—yes, that's an actual thing—for his gorgeous fashion, travel and food snaps (all shot on his iPhone).

A former graphic designer for Bon Appétit, Janelle runs the Spring Street Social Society in New York City, which throws one-of-a-kind dinners and performances with the likes of chefs Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson, and Navy's Camille Becerra. Guests are only told the location the morning of the day of the meal, adding an element of drama and surprise to each event.

"As a host and entertainer, I love to bring people together and create experiences that are unique and valuable," he says. "Great entertaining is in the details—you want everyone to feel like the experience they're having is exceptional, so you need to have a hawk eye to make sure all of the right elements are executed."

Clockwise: Berkshire bourbon, cake stand, bottle opener, notebook, power station, burlap runner | Photo: Tasting Table

On the eve of NYC's Fashion Week, Janelle sat down with us in his Nolita backyard—scene of the Spring Street Social Society's innagural event—and shared a few of his favorite things.

Ben Minkoff Heath Tote ($350)

"I'm always on the go and need to set up shop, so I go everywhere with a bag. This is surprisingly roomy but has a thin profile. The outside pocket is great for easy access to my iPhone. If I'm inspired by something as I walk down the street, I can just reach in and grab it."

Iacoli & McAllister Hex Bottle Opener ($48)

"I really love an object that feels like a strong piece, or when an object looks more important than its simple task. I use this as a tabletop piece, too."

Miansai Leather Journal ($68)

"Despite the fact that my life is so electronic, I will always remember something if I write it down. I don't get as much done from the notes in my phone."

Berkshire Bourbon Whiskey ($48)

"Whiskey on the rocks is my go-to drink for after dinner—or an early evening reward if I'm working from home. This is a great sipping whiskey. I visited them in the Berkshires this summer, and I liked that the distiller is really interested in using hyper-local ingredients in his spirits."

Cabanaz Napkin Holder ($27)

"Napkin dispensers are cute and vintage-looking—and they're a great way to keep napkins on the table. I lived in Germany for two and a half years and bought this one at a little store in Frankfurt. It's one of my few reminders of living abroad."

Birdkage Monterey apron, Janelle tending bar | Tasting Table

Birdkage Monterey Apron ($80)

"They provide all of the aprons for our servers at Spring Street Social Society. The aprons are really simple but lovely, and I love the fabrics they use, like this linen one. If I'm grilling, I always wear one of their aprons."

Mophie Battery Power Station ($130)

"Because I'm using my phone all the time for email and Instagram, it's necessary to have a charger. It has two ports so two people can charge at once."

Cake Stand

"When laying out a table, it's nice to vary the height of things. If you want to put toasts or flatbreads or an appetizer on a cake stand like this one, the elevation gives that dish a special presence. For one party, we piled gummy bears in it." Find a similar one at Pottery Barn.

Runner

"I got this burlap runner at Brimfield. It's a traditional grain sack from Hungary. I just cut the sides open and laid it out. I use it whenever I have a party outside." Find similar ones on Etsy.

Pipe Cutting Cart

"This is from Brimfield, too. It was the perfect size to use as a bar cart in my backyard, but also has a cool, industrial, vintage-feeling look to it."