The Lowcountry’s Gray Benko, star of Magnolia Network’s “Anything But Gray,” gets the chance to show off our inland towns to coastal communities and everything in between. Benko tells CHStoday it’s special to have the opportunity to show off the beauty of this part of the country with so many people.

Keep reading for our conversation about hosting, holiday decor, and all things 843.

How soon is too soon to start decorating for the holidays?
There are no rules here. I know some people are "day after Halloween” people, and more power to them, but I am definitely a day after Thanksgiving person. This is mainly because I am staunchly a “real tree” person, and Christmas trees will sadly not stay alive for two months. I just can’t do the plastic trees.

It’s not Christmas to me without the smell of a tree and having to vacuum up tree needles every other day. Furthermore, I love to keep the Christmas spirit alive as long as possible, but I also don’t like keeping my Christmas decor out for so long that it loses its magic.

What are your top three tips for holiday hosting?

Focus on creating a warm and festive environment that doesn’t feel overly formal. Lighting is key here — favor Christmas lights, lamps, and even candles over ceiling lights (unless they are on a dimmer). This will make your space feel magical and inviting.
Cook as much as possible ahead of time (it’s so hard to host when you are running around trying to prep all of the food last-minute).
Offer a signature festive cocktail. I try to do this for any holiday that I host. It is such a fun and special thing that people always remember.

Do you have a don’t for hosting?
Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare. The most stressful thing you can do when hosting is being stuck, having to run around cooking, and doing other last-minute things. Your party is just as much for you as it is for everyone else, so make sure to prep everything well ahead of time so that you are able to enjoy your time with your guests.

Do you have a favorite Lowcountry shop you go to for decor?
I love shopping at Celadon in Mount Pleasant. They always have the cutest holiday decor, as well as great gift options. Elizabeth Stuart is always a must as well.

Do you have a favorite Charleston restaurant?
Oh gosh, that is so hard because we have so many amazing restaurants here. One of my favorite lunch spots will always be Leon’s for their Siam Salad with fried chicken and their frozen gin and tonics.

During the summertime, Little Palm is also a great place to sit and have lunch (you can even go for a swim while you’re there, if you want).

By dinner time, I am typically closer to home, and my new favorite restaurant in Summerville is hands-down La Chev. Delicious food and located in a cute little historic home.

Afterwards (or before), it’s always Azalea Bar for drinks. They have the best atmosphere.

What's your favorite way to spend a day in the Lowcountry?

This is also a hard question because there are so many fun things to do here. During the summer, I guess it would be heading to Sullivan’s for a beach day and then grabbing a bite at one of their amazing restaurants (Obstinate Daughter is my fave). During the cooler months, I love perusing King Street and popping in for a fun lunch somewhere.

Want to get to know Gray a little better? Tune into the six-episode series “Anything But Gray” as it follows her around the Lowcountry as she transforms homes.