About

The Girl

Hi, my name is Katie Sweeney and I love bringing people together – plain and simple. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from 15 years of event planning and cooking, it’s that parties are about people as much as they are about delectable appetizers, an unforgettable cocktail, or a stunning tablescape.

I grew up in California’s beautiful Sonoma County where my father taught me everything I know about cooking. After graduating from UC Berkeley (Go Bears!), I moved to southern Spain where I learned the language, worked as a bartender, and mastered the perfect gin and tonic and gambas al ajilo. The Spanish culture taught me the importance of slowing down and enjoying the people around you.

When I returned to San Francisco, PopSugar Inc. hired me to launch YumSugar, a website devoted to food, beverages, and entertaining. For 5 years, I curated recipes and created content for the foodie site and its 700,000 readers, interviewing chefs like Tom Colicchio, Marcus Samuelsson, and Michael Chairello, as well as culinary personalities like Gail Simmons and Ina Garten.  Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to write for major publications like Forbes Travel Guide, Grub Street, Eater, and CitySearch. And I’ve traveled the nation to profile some pretty amazing events like the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen and the Food Network’s South Beach Wine and Food Festival.

Today, I’m a writer, recipe developer, hostess, and party planner living in San Francisco.

The Blog

Launched in 2011, this website highlights what I am most passionate about in the moment, whether it’s an authentic Spanish sangria or a gorgeous pink ranunculus arrangement. Six Twists is a place to share my passion for all things party: food, drink, décor, and of course, the people at the heart of it all. My goal for you is simple: make party planning easy, approachable, and most of all, fun! With uncomplicated tips, helpful inspiration, and creative ideas, Six Twists can help make your next party a stress-free and memorable success.

The Name

You know that wire cage that comes twisted onto the top of every champagne bottle? That’s called a “muselet” and it keeps your champagne cork from popping out before you’re ready to drink it. (Thank god!) Here’s the interesting part: every single muselet, on any champagne bottle in the world, is twisted exactly six times. So next time you’re having a great party and are ready to pop the bubbly, try counting…I guarantee you’ll arrive at Six Twists.