Life of the Party

Carrie Stevens parlays a Playmate career into an event planner business–with a twist.

Growing up on a small, Massachusetts farm where she and her family milked goats and made applesauce from scratch, Carrie Stevens always had stars in her eyes. At age 19, she moved to Los Angeles and beat industry odds—eventually making a name for herself and building a career as a model, actress and Playboy Playmate.

Realizing that jobs in this industry can be unsteady and short-lived, the Sherman Oaks resident combined her great looks with her passion for cooking and created her own business: Centerfold Chefs. Named in honor of Carrie’s June 1997 Playboy centerfold, the event-planning business offers not just catering services but what Carrie describes as “a total party experience” with “elegant entertainment.”

With Carrie at the helm of each party, her gorgeous team dresses in theme for the occasion—whether the client requests sequined gowns for an evening event or a team jersey for a Super Bowl party. They’ll do everything from answering the door to hiring the chef to ensuring that guests enjoy themselves. “We not only provide the food and drinks,” Carrie explains, “we also provide the atmosphere.”

But don’t get the wrong idea, this single mom warns. “We have had men inquire about events as an excuse to talk to a Playmate—when they’re not serious about hiring us. I politely tell them that this is a catering and event business—not a dating service!”

Over the years, Carrie has continued to act—snagging roles on hit TV shows and major motion pictures (Rock Star). She has also appeared in commercial ad campaigns for companies like Lexus, Starwood Resorts and Killian’s beer, as well as in national magazines.

So what does the founder of Playboy magazine think of Centerfold Chefs? “Hef gave us a full-page story in the October issue of Playmate News,” Carrie says. “When I told him about it, he congratulated me.”

The accomplishment Carrie is most proud of has nothing to do with glamour or parties. It’s her 11-year-old son, Jaxon. “He thinks I’m the best cook in the world!” she shares. “He’s very proud of me and my business.”