Debbi Covington

November 2026 Issue
Forks, Corks & Confetti 2026

Photography (top)
by Cassidy Dunn Photography

Debbi Covington

Current Residence: Beaufort, SC
Hometown: Wilson, NC
Career: Chef/Caterer (Catering by Debbi Covington)
Food Columnist/Cookbook Author

What does great hospitality mean to you?
“Here’s to our house. May it never be large enough to hold all of our friends.” That’s always been my favorite toast! Hospitality is generosity. Generosity of friendship, inclusion, and, of course, food and drink. There’s nothing better than hosting a party for your best friends and your family. Delicious food is a must! Libations are always appreciated. Photography is a big part of my parties. I take photos of everything. Who doesn’t want to remember happy occasions?

What’s one moment in your career that made you think, “This is exactly why I do this”?
I’m pretty much a sorority girl who refused to stop partying. How great is it that I could turn eating, drinking and making merry into a lucrative business? If I’m not cooking for one of my own events, I’m helping someone else with theirs.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received while working in hospitality?
When I first opened my catering company, my father-in-law (who was in the restaurant business) told me, “Don’t get greedy.” He meant for me to keep my prices fair. My daddy told me, “Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Just be concerned with what Debbi is doing.” Daddy was right. It’s not wise to compare yourself to another person in your field. Do what you do and do it well. Sage advice from both of them. I’ve held their words close to my heart for 30 years.

If guests could spend one event in your shoes, what do you think would surprise them the most? 
Ha! I think people would be surprised to know that I’m nervous before each and every event I cater. Have I prepared enough? Will we run out of food? (No, we never have.) Will the refrigerator die in the middle of the night? What if the food spoils? (So far, so good.) Will they like the food? Will the hosts be pleased with the service? After 30 years, nothing has changed. I still strive for perfection.

What cocktail, drink or dish best represents you and why?
Bourbon. Every self-respecting Southern woman should have a favorite dark liquor. I’m all about moderation with eating and drinking. You don’t need to eat the whole cake or drink the whole bottle.

What’s your favorite drink, dish or dessert? Can we have the recipe?
LOL! I love everything! My favorite foods to prepare are salads and hors d’oeuvres. I believe that you “eat with your eyes” way before the food enters your mouth. Pretty food is yummy food—and it’s usually healthy, too. I’m happy to share any recipe you’d like to have.

What are you most proud of when you look back at your journey in hospitality?
Celebrate Everything! That’s the name of my second cookbook and the title of my Lowcountry Weekly food column. Every day should be celebrated. Every holiday, every birthday. Every fun day. Every average day. It’s my mantra, and overall, it’s been an easy one to live up to. Life’s too short.

What are you currently obsessed with outside of work?
I adopted two tabby cats last November. Grace and Joi are my best friends and constant companions. Unconditional love is amazing stuff! I can’t say enough good things about my darling girls. My heart is full. That being said, my newest obsession is Mahjong. I have totally fallen in love with the game. I spend much of my spare time shopping for Mahjong tiles, mats, and racks. It’s so much fun—and it’s supposed to offer cognitive benefits. Who couldn’t use a little brain sharpening? I’ve made a bunch of new friends, too. Mahjong is great.

What is the current song that’s stuck in your head? 
Funny you should ask that. I almost always have a hymn stuck in my head. “Great is Thy Faithfulness” is a constant. Today I’ve been listening to music from the 80’s so “Material Girl” is floating around up in there, too. It’s good to be diversified. (Wink)

Are you a homebody after work or the life of the party?
After a stretch of catering events, I do love being at home. But it usually only takes a good night’s sleep for me to be ready to hang out with my friends. Spending time with the “usual suspects” sustains me. We all love to entertain and to be entertained. When I count my blessings, I count those precious people twice.

The holidays are when hospitality industry professionals work the most. What do you do to find joy in the hustle and bustle?
I don’t work on holidays. I used to. Maybe that’s wisdom I’ve acquired with age. Holidays are for celebrating, not working. Money can be made any day of the year. I cherish the holidays and find joy in being with the people I love. The hustle and bustle is part of the fun!

What is something you’d love to tell the world and have it stick?
Celebrate Everything! Celebrate every single day. Appreciate every minute of your life. Don’t skip having a birthday party. Don’t say you’ll use the good china next year. Make that phone call. Buy the shoes. Wear the boa. Do it now! And don’t forget to take photographs!