Recently, a good friend called me in a near-panic: “I’m having eight friends over tomorrow night—what in the world should I make for that many people?” I’ve been there, and it can be tough to think of dinner party menu ideas that are elevated and elegant for your evening crowd. Especially if you don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen and/or lose your mind in the process.

But thanks to the fact that I started my career in catering (combined with the countless dinner parties I’ve thrown over the years), I’ve assembled quite a collection of dinner party menu ideas to feed a crowd that check all my required boxes. All of these dinner party recipes are:

• Crowd-pleasing dishes that almost everyone loves.
• Leverage large-batch cooking, like a sheet pan or grill, so that I’m not laboriously sautéing 16 individual fish fillets or frying 12 eggs to top salads.
• And most importantly, I can do almost all the prep in advance so that by the time my guests arrive, I can join the party with them.

28 Dinner Party Menu Ideas Any Crowd Will Love

I divided this post into recipes that I make for dinners with 4-6 guests (due to the cooking techniques, or the fact that they incorporate pricier ingredients), and the recipes that are really easy to double or triple to feed a true crowd. These leverage larger cuts of meat, build-your-own components that let guests adapt to their dietary needs, and less expensive ingredients so your party budget doesn’t get out of control.

The next time you find yourself hosting an evening get-together and wondering what to make, bookmark this post for easy dinner party menu ideas. Trust me: all these recipes will leave your dinner guests happy, satisfied, and waiting for when their next invite arrives in the mail.

Dinner Party Menu Ideas for 4-6 Guests

Citrus Salmon Salad With Avocado & Arugula

What makes it party-ready: I love a casual weeknight gathering. An impromptu evening inspired by the alignment of beautiful weather and everyone’s open schedule. But just because it’s laidback doesn’t mean the menu can’t be special. This vibrant citrus salmon salad is a foolproof crowd-pleaser—and comes together in just 30 minutes. The dressing features orange zest and a kick of ginger, giving the entire dish a beautiful fresh flavor that epitomizes warm-weather entertaining.

Make it a feast: Keeping with the theme of elegant ease, I’ll serve this salad alongside a cheeseboard and chilled glasses of strawberry-rosé sangria. For dessert? Mini pavlovas are so much simpler than they seem.

Vegan Tofu and Mushroom Bolognese

What makes it party-ready: Tofu isn’t just a hero ingredient reserved for those who eat vegetarian or vegan—it’s a protein-packed staple with tons of potential that also happens to be highly affordable. Our food editor, Suruchi, nailed this take on the classic spaghetti bolognese that uses mushrooms and crumbled tofu as a beef/pork replacement. The results are incredible.

Make it a feast:

• A Caprese salad of any variety is always a great starter.
• There’s no going wrong with bruschetta.

Spice-Rubbed Chicken Thighs

What makes it party-ready: There’s nothing better than an easy grilled recipe. Whether it’s chicken, beef, or fish, taking things outside can save clean-up time in the kitchen while adding an extra element of flavor to your food. Chicken thighs are an inexpensive and easy grilling option that can serve a crowd, and with this spice rub, these will be the hit of any gathering.

Make it a feast:

• These crispy smashed fingerling potatoes pair well with just about any entree.
• Serve this kale Italian chopped salad as a side, or as a part of your main meal.

Whole Roasted Fish

What makes it party-ready: Roasted fish is a low-effort, easy way to feed a large crowd. It’s also a dish that doesn’t leave everyone stuffed, meaning more room for sides and dessert. This particular recipe from Rebecca Peppler’s cookbook Le Sud, is served with a simple and delicious homemade pistou that will transport your to the French Rivera.

Make it a feast:

• Cauliflower is in, and so are these cauliflower mashed potatoes.
• Or, try out this roasted cauliflower salad.

Ratatouille-Style Roasted Vegetable Pasta

What makes it party-ready: At first glance, a pasta dish might not seem special enough for a dinner party meal. But this isn’t just any pasta recipe. While it’s easy to prep and cook, it makes the most of a few flavor-packed ingredients that’ll take your meal up a notch. Plus, the pop of green it brings to your table rivals any floral centerpiece. Major wow-factor.

Make it a feast:

• Start your meal with this flavorful eggplant spread. Perfect served with big tears of crusty bread.
• A simple salad won’t compete with the pasta’s plant-based goodness.

Roast Chicken With Tomatoes, Lemons, & Cilantro Salsa Verde

What makes it party-ready: Everyone loves roast chicken. This one has just enough interesting and surprising flavors to make it feel dinner party-worthy. Those charred lemons—yum!

Make it a feast:

• Chermoula Roasted Sweet Potatoes
• A bowl of fresh arugula with lemon juice, olive oil, and (optional) thick shavings of parmesan.

Easy Homemade Pizza

What makes it party-ready: My grilled pizza is truly made for a party. But I’ll admit, it’s a little chaotic to make for more than six people. That’s why I usually bring it out at more intimate gatherings where everyone can get involved. (This pizza party was one of my favorite gatherings ever.) The recipe above is for my homemade pizza dough. Make several dough balls in advance—I usually plan on three doughs for six people—let them rest at room temp for a couple hours before party time and proceed with your favorite pizza toppings and method of cooking.

Make it a feast:

• Roasted Cauliflower With Garlic Tahini and Chimichurri
• A good Caesar salad like this Avocado Kale Caesar or this one with grilled romaine.

Grilled New York Strip Steaks With Chimichurri

What makes it party-ready: This is probably mine and Adam’s most frequently-made meal for a dinner party. It’s incredibly easy to pull together and fun for everyone to hang out down by the grill while we make it. I usually buy one large New York Strip for every two people. Slice into 1″ pieces and serve on a big platter surrounded by grilled tomatoes. Since this is a pricier cut of meat, it feels really special and I typically reserve it for a smaller dinner party. For a bigger gathering, an affordable cut of steak like flank is a great option, too. (You’ll just want to marinate it beforehand and adjust the cooking time.)

Make it a feast: 

• Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes
• Grilled asparagus

Hot Honey Salmon With Coconut Crunch

What makes it party-ready: These salmon bowls are a great meal for a summertime gathering on a hot day. They feel so light and refreshing, but still really special. For a girls’ night, I love to set out all the toppings and let everyone build their own bowls. Not only is it a fun way to get people interacting, but it also allows guests with other dietary restrictions to pick and choose their ingredients.

Make it a feast: One of the beautiful things about this dish is that it’s truly a complete meal in a bowl. The only thing I’d add is refreshing scoops of mango sorbet (or mango-basil ice cream) for dessert!

Simple Zucchini Pasta

What makes it party-ready: Sometimes, a party just needs pasta. That said, it’s not ideal for serving a super large group since it does need a bit of last-minute attention (plus, you’d need a really big pan for tossing it all together). This streamlined zucchini pasta combines simple ingredients into one luscious and luxurious bowl that everyone loves.

Make it a feast: A loaf of crusty bread, plus a simple salad with fresh greens (and a bottle of pinot gris).

Orange-Chili Glazed Pork Tenderloin With Carrot Pesto and Grilled Carrots

What makes it party-ready: I make this one when my mother-in-law comes over since she loves pork tenderloin. This dish is perfect with a double dose of carrots. It’s a great one to make outside on the grill, but in the cooler months, you can also roast it all in the oven. Pork tenderloin is one of those cuts of meat that is made for serving a crowd. You could easily scale this recipe depending on your guest count, then slice it up and arrange on a big family-style platter.

Make it a feast: The carrots are a super satisfying side dish on their own, and the pesto adds richness and flavor, so you’re almost already in feast territory with just this recipe. For a dinner party, I’d add some herb-roasted potatoes or a simple kale salad.

Grilled Salmon with Stone Fruit Salsa

What makes it party-ready: This is one of those super satisfying recipes that feels way fancier than it is. And in my experience, salmon is one of the most universally loved fish dishes. Bonus: it’s foolproof! Grilling salmon on a cedar plank is an easy way to infuse this fish with smoky flavors while ensuring it stays tender and moist. Plus, that stone fruit salsa adds the perfect bit of sweetness to complement the charred fish.

Make it a feast:

• I like serving this salmon with a side of herbed quinoa or wild rice. The fluffy texture and nutty flavor offer a satisfying contrast.
• For a lighter side, toss together a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to add some tang to the mix.

Sheet Pan Halibut With Italian Salsa Verde and Asparagus

What makes it party-ready: Here is one of those super-impressive meals that also happens to take very little effort. Why? Because halibut is one of the best fish ever. Plus, the fact that this is made on a sheet pan allows you to easily make several fillets at once. It has a light, clean flavor and buttery, flaky texture, so it doesn’t take much for it to be delicious. I simply roast mine with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then top it with a bright Italian salsa verde.

Make it a feast: Add some potatoes that can roast right along with the fish on a separate baking sheet. Or, you can opt for a little more green and serve it with a big kale salad.

Grilled Yogurt-Marinated Chicken with All the Herbs

What makes it party-ready: If you haven’t tried marinating your chicken in Greek yogurt, this recipe will change that fast. It’s beyond easy (and inexpensive) to throw chicken thighs in a delicious marinade and grill for a crowd. Fresh herbs and honey add a bit of zest and sweetness that complement this juicy chicken.

Make it a feast: Serve this protein with a side salad or crispy roasted potatoes for an all-around simple and delicious meal that everyone will be gushing about.

Sweet & Spicy Braised Short Ribs

What makes it party-ready: Everyone always asks me for this braised short rib recipe after dinner parties, and they’re always shocked to learn how simple it is. I like to add some fresh herbs over the top along with red onion and lemon zest to brighten up the plate. Because presentation matters.

Make it a feast:

• Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes
• Your favorite dip of choice.

Spicy Tuna Tostada with Avocado and Crispy Shallots

What makes it party-ready: Toastadas are a go-to for a few reasons whenever I’m looking to impress my guests with easy dinner party menu ideas. They’re customizable, so everyone can pick and choose what they want to add. This recipe is also a winner for gluten-free guests. Simply swap in a Siete tortilla baked in the oven for a grain-free and gluten-free tostada. 

Make it a feast: This Mexican chopped salad is just hearty enough to round out your meal.

Dinner Party Recipes to Feed a Crowd

Damn That’s a Keeper Winter Vegetable Lasagna

What makes it party-ready: Lasagna can lean a little labor-intensive, but take heart: this dish can be made in advance. In my experience, all variations on the classic lasagna are winners—but this spin is my favorite take yet. It’s hearty and warming without any meat, and the filling makes the most of everyone’s favorite fall veg, butternut squash. The flavors are rich and complex—and if you’re feeling up to it, the recipe also shows you how to make the pasta yourself. It’s a dish worth bragging about.

Make it a feast: Cut the lasagna’s richness with a bitter side, like this radicchio salad. Or, if you want to send the fall flavors home, this apple and arugula salad is one of my favorites.

Danielle Walker’s Turkey Chili Verde

What makes it party-ready: When the colder months hit, I love serving dishes that evoke elevated comfort. They’re simple and warming, but just special enough. This flavor-packed chili comes courtesy of Danielle Walker, our go-to for paleo-friendly, delicious recipes. If you want to make it vegetarian, simply omit the turkey and bump up all the veggies. Danielle suggests either diced zucchini or minced portobello mushrooms. Yum!

Make it a feast: Salty tortilla chips or your favorite cornbread are ideal for dipping. Top each bowl with sour cream or Greek yogurt, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

What makes it party-ready: Even those who aren’t well-versed in Indian cuisine will love chicken tikka masala. Although I frequently make this recipe on a busy weekday for our family, it’s also perfect for a big feast. (Triple or even quadruple the recipe—your slow cooker can handle it!) Plus, the fact that you make this several hours before dinner and it cooks away while you’re free to do other stuff is pretty awesome.

Make it a feast: An Indian-inspired feast means serving one or two other dishes like Saag Paneer, Samosa Chaat Fries, or Indian Butter Cauliflower. Also required: warm naan and a big pot of rice.

Easy Mexican Chicken Tortilla Soup

What makes it party-ready: I’ve made this soup for countless book clubs, family gatherings, and friends who have just had babies. Everyone says it’s the best chicken tortilla soup they’ve had, and it’s just as easy to make a big batch by scaling the ingredients. Sure, a pot of soup may not sound like a party, but watch me make it here and see for yourself how festive all those beautiful ingredients look together. Plus, the smorgasbord of colorful toppings lets guests have fun building their own perfect bowl of soup.

Make it a feast: I usually serve this soup on its own—with all the toppings, it feels complete! But it’s never a bad idea to kick off a Mexican-style feast with really good chips, a couple of great guacamoles, and salsa.

Whole Roasted Side of Salmon With Citrus, Chiles, and Herbs

What makes it party-ready: During my catering career, I learned that one of the best ways to feed a crowd elegantly is with a big roasted side of salmon. It looks impressive coming out of the oven and is the perfect centerpiece to a buffet. If you’re intimidated by buying a side of salmon, don’t be! There’s nothing to it, you literally just ask the fishmonger for “a side of salmon”—I usually plan for five to six ounces per person. (You may even be able to convince them to remove the skin for you!) This one, with roasted citrus slices, is a great main course option for Easter or Mother’s Day. I’ve also served it with great success for cozy girls’ nights with a bottle of pinot noir.

Make it a feast:

• Rainbow Carrots with Yogurt and Pistachios
• Arugula Salad with Strawberries and Goat Cheese

Lime-y Chicken Tacos With Jicama, Avocado, and Mint

What makes it party-ready: I love a taco night-themed party. When it comes to dinner party recipes, few dishes are more festive, and this surprisingly delicious combo of chicken, jicama, avocado, and mint elevates the entire setup. For a group, I usually set out a couple of big platters on the table with all the ingredients, pass around the tortillas, and let everyone assemble their own tacos family-style.

Make it a feast: For a larger group, I like to offer a vegetarian option since there’s usually at least someone who’s not eating meat. Taco night makes it easy: you can roast some cauliflower and let guests build these delicious all-veg tacos if they so choose. I love them just as much as the chicken, so I’ll usually eat one of each.

Lamb Meatballs in Tomato Sauce With Fresh Ricotta

What makes it party-ready: A couple of years back, chef Seamus Mullen served these unbelievably delicious lamb meatballs as the centerpiece to a dinner party he hosted in Santa Monica. As someone who doesn’t cook with lamb very often, I came home feeling inspired to make this spicy lamb meatballs recipe for my next gathering. Although they feel special occasion-worthy, they couldn’t be simpler.

Make it a feast: Take a cue from Chef Mullen’s dinner party and serve with whole roasted cauliflower with salsa verde and a zesty radish, fennel, and grapefruit salad. Or, you could go more classic Italian and serve it on top of a big bowl of olive oil-tossed spaghetti.

Pita and Kebab Board

What makes it party-ready: The last thing we want to be doing at a party is worrying about lots of different meal components coming out of the oven at exactly the right time. One solution? A dinner board that contains everything guests need to build their own perfect plate. This easy and flavor-packed pita and kebab version is not only gorgeous, but it’s also perfect for satisfying a range of dietary needs. Vegetarians on board? Make them meatless. Gluten-free friends can skip the pita. The list of variations is truly endless.

Make it a feast: This board has it all: hummus, feta, roasted tomatoes, olives, sliced cucumbers, diced veggie salad, and roasted garlic. What more could you ask for?

Carne Asada Tacos

What makes it party-ready: Oaxaca has quickly become one of my favorite places to visit. With its vibrant culture and diverse food scene, there’s so much for travelers to soak up. Alongside all the beautiful, artisan-made goods I’ve sourced for Casa Zuma, I’ve also found inspiration in the many meals I’ve happily devoured. Case in point: bold and bright carne asada tacos that benefits from a mix of herbs, garlic, and plenty of spices. These are perfect for al fresco dining season.

Make it a feast:

• Charro Beans
• Mexican Rice
• Perfect Margaritas

Chicken Fire Stew

What makes it party-ready: This stew is a stealth pick for party food. It feels like the comfort food your mama might have made, but when presented with as much style as Shelley Armistead did at her beach dinner, it’s suddenly elevated to special occasion status. What makes this dish perfect for a crowd is that you can truly throw everything in the pot and walk away. An hour later, dinner is served. Shower with herbs and edible flowers—both for flavor and a gorgeous presentation.

Make it a feast: Serve alongside spring rice with greens and peas.

Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Grapefruit-Avocado Salsa

What makes it party-ready: These shrimp have been on repeat in my kitchen this summer. Their flavor is incredible and the endless amount of toppings makes it perfect for just about everyone. Trust me, this is THE grilling recipe for all of your outdoor dinner gatherings.

Make it a feast: Guacamole, or any other Mexican-inspired dip, can be served either on your taco or as a side dish with chips. I also love serving these tacos with a Mexican chopped salad to add some extra greens to the table.

Skillet Eggplant Lasagna

What makes it party-ready: One-pan dishes that serve a crowd make dinner party hosting incredibly easy. If you’ve never tried eggplant lasagna, this recipe is a great place to start. It turns a classic dish into something both stunning and healthy. You’ll never cook your lasagna the same again.

Make it a feast: With a heavier dish, I always serve something on the lighter side as my side dish or appetizer. Perhaps an easy bruschetta or a simple salad to spruce up your table and keep guests wanting more.

This post was last updated on April 4, 2025 to include new insights.

The post Every Dish You Need for a Perfect Dinner Party appeared first on Camille Styles.

Female friendships are so special. My vision board for the year is filled with images of dinner parties, wine glasses clinking and shared hugs between friends. I’m entering my hostess era, mainly because I want to nurture my relationships and prioritize connecting with my friends. Galentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate the friendships you hold so dear to your heart, and it’s quickly approaching! In need of some Galentines party menu ideas? We’ve got you covered.

If you have plans to gather with the girls this February, or perhaps you’re not sure where to begin, read on for five Galentine’s menu ideas. I love a theme, so each party idea revolves around a concept that will make your gathering just a little more special and fun. This will create memories for you and your besties, with easy recipes to feed a group, both big and small. 

image above from our interview with Olivia Muniak by Michelle Nash.

Pajamas and Prosecco

Galentines and brunch just make sense. And a party where the dress code is pajamas? Sign me up! Being cozy with your girls is the name of the game for this gathering, and bubbly prosecco elevates the vibe in a fun, fancy way. 

Sheela Prakash’s honeyed prosecco is a must for this party. It’s a simple way to upgrade your bubbles and is sure to impress. Keep the food simple and not fussy—a  yogurt and granola breakfast board is perfect for grazing throughout your party. If you wanted something a little more substantial, a BLT brunch frittata is perfect for feeding a crowd and serves four. Have more than four guests? This asparagus frittata with goat cheese and veggies serves eight!

You also can’t have brunch without something sweet (at least in my opinion!) like a walnut cream cheese coffee cake. To play on the prosecco theme, you could also make pear and prosecco sorbet for a sweet and refreshing ending. 

Honeyed Prosecco

From Sheela Prakash’s new cookbook, this is a fun and fancy cocktail that is essential for a PJ’s and Prosecco party!

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Yogurt & Granola Breakfast Grazing Board

A colorful spread of fruit, honey, and herbs.

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BLT Brunch Frittata

A frittata is every savvy hostess’s secret weapon when it comes to serving brunch to a crowd, and is perfect for your Galentine’s Day PJ’s and Prosecco party!

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Asparagus, Potato, & Goat Cheese Frittata

Depending on how large your gathering is, you can make one or both of these frittata’s. This one is vegetarian friendly and totally delicious.

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Walnut Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Do you and your girls a favor and whip up this coffee cake for a little something sweet to go with your frittata and breakfast board.

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Pear and Prosecco Sorbet

A prosecco dessert? Say less!

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Cozy Soup Soiree

So let’s be real, a Galentine’s Day party could be a bright spot in the middle of dreary February. This is an opportunity to embrace cozy season before it’s gone, and nothing is cozier than soup. I’ve seen soup parties on social media where everyone brings their own so there’s a variety of soups to choose from—cute! But even if you don’t do pot luck, a pot of soup and a side of crusty bread is simple, comforting and nourishing. You could make Danielle Walker’s turkey chili verde with tortilla chips or cornbread on the side. Or go Mexican with chicken tortilla soup and guacamole. Camille has tons of soup recipes on the site, like Greek lemon chicken soup, tortellini soup and Zuppa toscana soup. They’re all cozy and delicious!

image courtesy of All Day Pizza

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Comfort food with a spicy kick! The girls are gonna love it.

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Guacamole

Simple, straight forward and delicious. This is truly the only guacamole recipe you need, and it’s perfectly paired with chicken tortilla soup. And tortilla chips, naturally.

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Turkey Chili Verde

Pair with tortilla chips or cornbread!

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Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

The brightness of the lemons will perk up the girls and remind them that spring is coming, while the coziness of the broth will keep them planted in February. It’s the best of both worlds, really.

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Tortellini Soup

A spoonful of comfort. Sign me up for any soup that features cheese filled pasta.

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Zuppa Toscana Soup

A little lighter than the original—and every bit as delish. Perfect with crusty bread!

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Love You To Pizzas Party

Having your girls make their own heart-shaped pizzas is what my dreams are made of. A galentine’s day pizza party would be so fun! Welcome the girls with a glass of pomegranate punch and have an Italian dinner party playlist going. While it would be easy to just order pizza in, Camille swears by homemade crust and grilling with your friends. If you assign tasks like preparing toppings, brushing the dough with oil and grilling—it will be an experience everyone will remember and cherish! 

As far as toppings, of course you can do classic cheese and pepperoni. But if you really want to impress the girls? Try Camille’s fig, prosciutto and carmelized onion pizza or bacon, apple and sweet potato pizza. A side salad is always great with pizza, and this shaved brussels sprout salad is a winner. To stick with an Italian theme pizza party, have cookie tiramisu for dessert. Yum!

Camille’s Pomegranate Punch

There’s nothing lovelier than being handed a drink as soon as you walk into a party. This pomegranate punch is also an appropriate hue—the deep reddish purple makes it a quintessential galentine’s drink!

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Fig, Prosciutto, & Caramelized Onion Pizza

Fancy pizza for fancy gals.

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Bacon, Apple, & Sweet Potato Pizza

It’s the crispy sage that does it for me. This flavor combo is to die for!

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Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

It’s the crunchy, sweet, & zesty salad you’ll crave. It’s an essential side for your pizza party!

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Cookie Tiramisù

This twist on a classic adds chocolate chip cookies. Yum! A perfect way to end a pizza party.

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Spill The Tea Party

I recently went to an estate sale to browse a huge collection of vintage teacups and saucers. I was totally inspired to host an afternoon tea party for the girls! A tea party is a fantastic option if you prefer a no-cook menu. Throwing this together couldn’t be simpler. Have a variety of different tea available and lay a spread of finger foods out on a table. Easy peasy!

Toasts like herbed goat cheese and radish tartines and avocado toast with kale pesto are perfect for afternoon tea, or you could even do smoked salmon flatbread. Tea and scones are made for each other, and you truly can’t go wrong with these orange and chocolate chip scones. If you’d like to end your tea party with cake (and who doesn’t?), this strawberry olive oil cake is festive and galentine’s approved. It’s described as being like if a coffee cake and strawberry shortcake had a baby—aka perfection. 

Herbed Goat Cheese & Radish Tartines

This goat cheese and radish tartine is like an elevated cucumber sandwich—a tea party essential!

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Avocado Toast With Kale Pesto & Crunchy Veggies

This avocado toast is so simple and delicious, you and the girls will want to make it everyday for breakfast.

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Everything Bagel Smoked Salmon Flatbread With Lemony Cream Cheese

The brunch classic has leveled up. Yum!

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Orange & Chocolate Chip Scones

Tea and scones are a match made in heaven.

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Strawberry Crumble Cake

The strawberries understand the galentine’s day party dress code, amirite?

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Galentine’s Girls Night In 

To round out the galentine’s party menu ideas, we’ll keep it simple. You know the feeling of cozying up in a robe at a hotel, ordering room service and staying in with a glass of wine and a face mask? These are totally the vibes of a galentine’s girls night in party.  Give your living room a hotel-inspired makeover by placing cocktails on a silver serving tray and playing jazz to set the mood. How fun!

A lillet spritz is a great cocktail of choice. It’s light, refreshing and perfect for girls night. Have a killer charcuterie board set out, and serve family style pesto chicken cobb salad. It’s hearty enough to serve as your main! Don face masks, throw on fuzzy slippers and invite the girls to dive into cast iron skillet chocolate chip cookies once dinner is over. This fun dessert serves 12! Sip on cocktails and have juicy convos into the night, or watch a favorite rom com on the couch to end the evening. Bonus points for throwing a sleepover!

Lillet Spritz

Aperol, who?

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Charcuterie Board

It’s an art, and Camille is Picasso.

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Family-Style Pesto Chicken Cobb Salad

This serving platter is one serving, right?

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Cast-Iron Chocolate Chip Cookies

The key to our hearts. Who doesn’t love a chocolate chip cookie?

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The post Galentine’s Day Party Ideas You’ll Obsess Over appeared first on Camille Styles.

When it comes to party games, I’m a walking contradiction. While I love a good game night and think there’s no such thing as too many episodes of Jeopardy! that can be watched in a single evening, I hesitate to jump in when I’m told there will be games at a holiday party. Not to be a Scrooge (because really, I am filled with nothing but holiday spirit), I just believe that forced fun just isn’t all that… fun. Enter: Christmas games for adults that—trust me—will actually get the party started.

15 Festive Christmas Games for Adults to Get the Party Started

When the holidays come around, I’m nostalgic for the classic Christmas party. And as such, I go all in. That means committing to Christmas cookie baking, gingerbread house making, and yes, all the games with friends, family, and every single last one of my favorite people. So with that in mind, I combed the internet for all the best Christmas games for adults.

Without further ado, here are the best Christmas games for all the adults coming to your gathering—because hey, kids can’t be the only ones having fun.

Christmas Charades

While it may take getting a few of your guests out of their comfort zone, the result is worth it. Come up with a list of Christmas-themed words, songs, phrases, or activities and write them each down on a scrap of paper. Have guests pull the cards from a bowl and act it out while the other players try to guess. I’ll go out on a limb and say you’ll definitely laugh, you’ll probably cry, and you might even turn a few of your hesitant guests into believers.

Christmas Pictionary

While the concept starts the same as charades (brainstorm a list of Christmas-themed cards and placing them in a bowl), the medium is different. Players take turns drawing what’s written on the cards, trying to get others to guess what the picture represents. While you don’t have to be an artist per se to win, it definitely can’t hurt. And if you’re not, it’ll make trying to guess your interpretation of a fruitcake all the more fun.

Christmas Cook-Off

I’m all for letting The Great British Bake Off inspire my extracurricular holiday fun. Because everyone’s in the mood already to do nothing but bake until (and after) Christmas, it shouldn’t be hard to convince your crew to come over for a little confectionery competition. Pick a recipe and get ready to go head-to-head. If you have the space, invite your friends to bake together. If not, just have everyone bring over their cakes, cookies, or whatever you’re baking up and get ready to indulge. While I can’t say my creations would be worthy of a Paul Hollywood handshake, I certainly wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to sample and judge a table full of treats.

Gift Wrap Challenge

There are people (my mom) who can wrap a million beautiful presents on Christmas Eve with impressive ease. There are others (myself) who opt for the simple and streamlined option of placing your presents in a still-aesthetically pleasing bag. Whichever of the camps you fall into, get ready to wrap your heart out. Supply the boxes, wrapping paper, and ribbons, and split up into two teams. Whoever can wrap the present the fastest wins. Bonus points if the final result is pretty, too.

Christmas Party Scavenger Hunt

If you’re the sort of host who plans out their holiday decorations months in advance, know you’re not alone. With this game, you can challenge yourself by getting a little strategic with your decor. Brainstorm a scavenger list filled with objects your guests have to hunt down. Whoever comes back with the most items checked off wins.

What’s in Your Phone?

Because we never show up anywhere without our phones, all your guests will have everything they need to play this game. These printable game cards are filled with scavenger-like clues that players have to search their phones to find. Whoever ticks off the most boxes is the winner.

Would You Rather?

You can disregard what I wrote above—I have and will always be up for playing this game at any party I go to. It’s a fast and easy way for guests to get acquainted because there’s really no better way to break the ice. You can use these pre-made cards or create your own. Distribute among the group and get players to share which holiday-themed option they’d rather choose. Here’s a sample: Eggnog or Hot Chocolate? (I’d pick the latter.) While it isn’t necessarily the goal to end up with a clear winner, there’ll be plenty of opportunities for entertainment when you hear what people choose.

Two Truths and a Lie

It’s a go-to party game for a reason. Two Truths and a Lie is the perfect blend of being simple to learn and fun to play. One person makes three statements while the other players have to guess which two are true and which one’s the lie. Add in a little Christmas flavor by making the stories holiday-specific. Perhaps you’ll share about a wild holiday dinner that never happened or divulge the truth about the strangest present you’ve ever received. Getting creative with your statements will likely bode well for your chances of winning, but the player with the best poker face will likely come out on top.

Spoon-and-Ornament Race

This game always makes me think of when I was a kid and I looked forward to field days with a five-year-old’s fervor. I loved racing across the school lawn trying to balance a spoon in my mouth with an egg on top (despite rarely being successful). Incorporate some holiday flair into the grown-up version and replace the egg with an ornament. Set up a course and have players race to the finish line. Whoever’s the first to cross without dropping their ornament is crowned the winner.

Guess That Christmas Movie

Is there anything better than bonding over your favorite Christmas movies? I think not. Get ready to put your guests’ knowledge of the classics to the test. Make up the questions ahead of time and host your own live trivia game. Just be prepared for things to get a little heated—the competition will be sure to get fierce with players’ reputation for holiday movie expertise on the line.

Ugly Sweater Contest

Perhaps I’m in the minority of folks who think that ugly Christmas sweaters are pretty cute. Regardless of whether or not you think they’re tacky or tasteful, everyone will want to join in on the fun. It’s simple: Hit up your favorite consignment store and don your festive find. The uglier, the better.

Gingerbread House Competition

There’s no better way to show your creative side during the Christmas season than by constructing your own gingerbread house. While it’s endlessly entertaining to do with kids, making this an adults-only competition means you can concentrate on making a masterpiece. Set everyone up with a premade house for simplicity’s sake and divide decorations into bowls. Put on a timer and build away. At the end, everyone can vote for their favorite. Side note: This game pairs perfectly with a little boozy hot chocolate.

“Chubby Snowball”

You don’t need much to make this game happen at your next holiday party. Load up on a few bags of marshmallows the next time you’re at the store and get ready to play. Each guest fills their mouth with as many marshmallows as they can while still being able to say, here comes the twist, ”snowball.” Of course, always be sure that you don’t take the competition too far—marshmallows can be a choking hazard.

Christmas Scattergories

Ah, Scattergories. The original, category-based, creative thinking game has been a favorite since the 80s. Now, it’s high time it got a Christmas makeover. Print out a holiday Scattergories template. Have a timer on hand, buy or DIY a 26-sided letter die, and get ready to go. Players have 2-3 minutes to complete the card using Christmas-themed words starting only with the letter that’s rolled. Honestly, it’s a bit addicting, so be sure to set aside enough time for at least several rounds.

Guess How Many Ornaments

Upon greeting your guests, hand them a piece of paper and have them write down how many ornaments they think are on your tree. Toward the end of the evening, announce whose guess was the closest. Their prize can simply be the proof that they’re an expert estimator—or you can pick up something small like a candle to congratulate your winner. Pro tip: If you’re playing this game, just don’t forget to count the ornaments as you’re decorating your tree.

The post 15 Christmas Party Games Everyone Will Love appeared first on Camille Styles.

When it comes to answering the “What should I bake, decorate, DIY, or do today?” question, there’s no shortage of inspiration to spark creativity. As the holidays approach and I dive into food prepping, gift wrapping, and making the house feel warm and inviting, I find myself most excited about setting the table for the big Christmas day meal. With the season in full swing, I’m gathering all the Christmas table setting ideas to make this year’s celebration extra special.

8 Christmas Table Setting Ideas to Elevate Your Holiday Meal

I’m sure many of you agree that there’s nothing better than pairing delicious food with a stunning setting (plus, all the loved ones you can fit around your table). When all is said and done, the real reason we go to the effort of dressing up our homes for the holidays is to get cozy with friends and family. While presence is key, I love to document all the fun to be had in the form of way too many photos. An aesthetically pleasing backdrop to all that merrymaking is just the icing on the cake.

Whether you’re going for minimalist, whimsical, or farmhouse-chic, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for here. I’ve rounded up my favorite Christmas table setting ideas for all the inspo you need.

Neutral & Natural

If you want to make your guests feel like they just stepped into the chicest Christmas-themed fairytale possible, here’s your answer. I love the balance of a neutral palette mixed with a tangle of fresh and varied greenery for natural vibrancy. Everyone at your table is guaranteed to feel right at home (while simultaneously wondering if they were magically transported to Denmark for dinner).

Handmade-Chic

I can certainly get on board with a picture-perfect holiday home. Satisfying symmetry and coordinated colors are a balm for my Type A soul, but as I learn to embrace the principles of wabi-sabi, I’m all about finding the magic in the inexact, impermanent, and incomplete. While I appreciate the beauty of aesthetically-pleasing decor, nothing comes close to the pleasure of embracing a perfectly imperfect vibe.

Scandinavian-Inspired

There’s a reason we’re all a little more than obsessed with Scandinavian design, food, and philosophy. With comfort and consolation at the center of this way of being, it’s no wonder the approach to decor puts you immediately at ease. The incorporation of unexpected florals, a monochromatic place setting, and a few small taper lights dotted across the table is pure low-key holiday dinner magic. Warm hues are the driving forces of this color palette, helping you drift off to a Danish-inspired dreamland.

Farmhouse Christmas

Looking at this picture alone transports me immediately to the New England countryside, with idyllic images of a snow-white holiday, carolers, and a Christmas Kringle for breakfast dancing about in my head. If that sentence alone perfectly encapsulates your ideal Christmas, let this table be your guide. This table is all about streamlined, easy-to-recreate simplicity. Simple florals in a white pitcher, rattan accents, and texture is key to making it happen.

Whimsically Woodland

Here, the interplay of textures and aesthetics feels wonderfully classic and cohesive. This table evokes a harmonious sense of peace by weaving green into the garland and place settings. I love the woven chairs to accent the natural vibe and the linen tablecloth to tie everything together.

Minimalist & Monochromatic

While black and white can seem a little stark, this table does an impressive job of weaving a little whimsy into its composition. Wine glasses in an unexpected shape and modern taper holders offer a dynamic display and set the stage for a beautiful meal. And remember: when the food looks this good, you’re more than welcome to have it double as a centerpiece.

A Not-So-White Christmas

If you’re not waking up to snow on Christmas morning this year, why not keep the dream alive indoors? A winter white table gets a little interest and festive flair from pomegranates and a runner of greenery (with a little more woven into the place setting just because). How’s the song go again? I’m dreaming of a white Christmas…

Forest Vibes

This year, Camille’s Christmas decor is all about pairing a neutral color palette with a natural, from-the-forest aesthetic. While artificial accents can sometimes be a necessity, this look achieved a woodsy vibe with all the real greenery, long tapered candles, and natural DIY place settings for good measure. With a fire quietly crackling in the background, you might just think you’re in the middle of the forest yourself.

The post 8 Christmas Table Setting Ideas We’re Obsessed With—And How to Recreate the Look appeared first on Camille Styles.

If there’s one thing we love at Camille Styles HQ, it’s a beautifully set table. The holiday season is a time for gathering, and it begs for a lush garland, twinkly lights and drippy candles amid heartfelt conversations and mouthfuls of delicious food. If you’re in search of Christmas day table decoration ideas, look no further. Ahead, we’ll dive into Camille’s own holiday tables through the years and break down each look so you can create it yourself this December. Read on and prepare to be inspired!

Layer in Lots of Texture

Camille’s spaces are always full of cozy textures, and the same goes for her tablescapes. Here, she layers lots of nature-inspired pieces to give her table the iconic rustic elegance she’s known for. To create the look yourself, add garland down the center of your table and opt for woven placemats. Gold flatware, neutral ceramics, and linen napkins all radiate warmth, creating an inviting table that looks sophisticated, yet casual. To top it off, add a few taper candles to make your table glow. The flickering candlelight will be especially cozy if you dim the lights in your kitchen.

Read more: Camille’s Scandi-Inspired Table

Shop the Look

Threshold

Water Hyacinth Charger Placemat

$6 at Target

Room Essentials

4pk Small Taper Candle Holder

$9 at Target

Hearth and Hand

Faux Needle Pine and Snowberry Christmas Garland

$29.99 at Target

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Keep it Minimal

While some might say the holiday season is far from simple, Christmas day table decoration ideas don’t have to be complicated. Greenery is abundant during this time of year, and you really don’t have to do much to make it beautiful. For a chic and minimal holiday table, start with a linen table throw and don’t worry about the wrinkles—they’re perfectly imperfect. Next, add real garland in lieu of a table runner. Nothing beats the smell and feel of fresh greenery, and it will last all season long. Plus, you won’t have to peek around a large centerpiece to talk to your loved one across the table. Keep your place settings simple with neutral dinnerware, and don’t forget to add place cards and a sprig from the garland for extra elegance.

Read more: Camille’s Minimalist, Nature-Inspired Table

Shop the Look

Casa Zuma

Holiday Garland

$175 at Casa Zuma

Room Essentials

12pk White Taper Candles

$7 at Target

Casa Zuma

Recycled Glass Petite Goblets, Set of 4

$78 at Casa Zuma

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Make it Glow

Christmas day table decoration ideas absolutely include lighting, and there’s nothing cozier than dining at a table lined with candles. Not to mention a roaring fire close by! Camille opted for tall, dark candle holders for her holiday table this year with white taper candles. Be sure to use candle holders with varying heights to create some asymmetry, and add small votive candles for even more glow. Candlelight makes any dinner party special, but I’d say they’re a necessity for the holiday season. Who doesn’t want more twinkly lights on Christmas?

Read more: Camille’s Modern Holiday Table

Shop the Look

Casa Zuma

Linen Table Throw

$80.00 at Casa Zuma

Casa Zuma

Oversized Frayed Linen Napkins, Set of 4

$58 at Casa Zuma

Crate and Barrel

Megs Black Taper Candle Holders by Leanne Ford, Set of 2

$44.72 (reg. $52.90) at Crate and Barrel

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Add Pops of Color

Camille loves neutrals, but that doesn’t mean she shies away from color. For this tablescape, she incorporates ruby red pomegranates that look beautiful tied in with the greenery. It’s the perfect pop of something unexpected, yet totally charming. Looking to nature is always the best place for inspiration, and Camille incorporated cinnamon sticks to this tablescape as well.  You can see them in the garland and in the place settings! If you like this look, don’t be afraid to use other in-season fruit for your own holiday table. Let yourself be inspired by winter citrus, cranberries or pears—they all would look stunning.

Read more: Camille’s Cozy Table Inspired By Hygge

Shop the Look

Sabre Paris

Sabre Teak Flatware

$76 at Casa Zuma

Casa Zuma

Playa Dinner Plate, Set of 4

$192 at Casa Zuma

L.L. Bean

Winter White Centerpiece

$49.95 at L.L. Bean

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Simple Is Best

There’s usually enough stress to go around once you’ve hit the final month of the year, and setting your holiday table shouldn’t add to it. This tablescape by Devon Liedtke is the perfect example of beautiful simplicity. She lets the natural colors and textures of her table shine—from the table itself to the food on the plates. No need to fret if you don’t have linens or garland, this table proves you can do without. A gorgeous floral arrangement graces the center of her table, along with simple place settings. The food looks delicious and unfussy. To create this look yourself, simply use what you have, embrace simplicity and take a deep exhale. The magic of the season, afterall, is in the gathering.

Read more: Devon Liedtke’s Neutral, Streamlined Table

Shop the Look

Casa Zuma

Las Flores Vase

$148.00 at Casa Zuma

Casa Zuma

Recycled Stemless Wine Glass, Set of 4

$66.00 at Casa Zuma

LA Clay

Sharing Platter

$74.00 at Casa Zuma

The post 5 Gorgeous Holiday Tablescapes To Inspire This Year’s Christmas Dinner appeared first on Camille Styles.

I’m always inspired by those who break away from conventional paths and carve out a creative journey uniquely their own—like Tieghan Gerard, the creator of Half-Baked Harvest. I first met Tieghan in 2017, and in the years since, she’s created a brand and business that truly reflects her passions. From her converted barn in the Colorado mountains, Tieghan crafts the kind of recipes that feel like a warm hug—homey, comforting, and impossibly delicious. She wears many hats, playing the role of recipe developer, stylist, photographer, and storyteller, sharing new recipes almost daily. This hands-on approach has earned her a devoted audience of millions who turn to Half-Baked Harvest and her bestselling cookbooks for daily dinner inspo.

Just before the launch of her fourth cookbook, Quick & Cozy, Tieghan came to Austin, where we co-hosted a holiday dinner party in my backyard. The evening was magic—friends gathered around a candlelit table, sharing dishes from her upcoming book that felt both festive and effortless.

In the holiday issue of Camille Styles EDIT, we shared my heartfelt conversation with Tieghan about her journey—from building her career to facing social media drama. Be sure to check out the full piece if you haven’t yet, and read on for all of Tieghan’s tips for cozy holiday hosting.

Handcrafted Wood Salad Bowls – Ash

$115 at Casa Zuma

Essential Wood Salad Servers, Set of 2

$42 at Casa Zuma

At Home in Colorado

First things first: what informs your approach to food? 

Simplicity is key—but make it beautiful and delicious.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

It depends. When I’m traveling, I’m doing interviews, photo shoots, and meet-and-greets. I’m multitasking, taking phone calls while I’m getting hair and makeup done for an event. It’s great, it’s exciting, it’s busy. It’s a totally different side of the business. 

When I’m home, my day couldn’t be more opposite. I’m in the kitchen sunup to sundown. I’m cooking, testing, photographing, and shooting video. I’m very focused on creating content, so I try not to book calls during this time so I can stay really focused on the creating. At night, I’m doing emails, writing blog posts, and editing photos.

What’s your must-have cooking tool and why?

This is kind of funny, but a cookie scoop is really great. I use it for a lot of things—scooping meatballs, cookies, muffin batter and cupcake batter.

Everyone also needs a good cast iron skillet. It’s easy to clean and it’s better for you. 

Staub Enameled Cast Iron Traditional Deep Skillet

$170 at Williams Sonoma

Tell us a few things we’ll always find in your refrigerator? 

Goat milk, different cheeses, jalapeños, avocados, and lots of fresh produce.

Your go-to weeknight meal to eat at home? 

I’m a crispy taco girl. Like, I just love a taco, beef, crispy taco that’s so simple, nothing fancy with cheddar cheese. So good, you guys. It’s so good.

Fair Isle Sweater in Camel

$578 at Frame

Organic Cotton Polo Sweater

$128 at Haven Well Within

Linen Table Throw

$80 at Casa Zuma

Playa “Essentials” Dinnerware, Set of 12

$498 at Casa Zuma

Recycled Glass Petite Goblets, Set of 4

$78 at Casa Zuma

How Tieghan Hosts a Party

What are three products you love for the table?

1. Candles. Every single table is made better with candles—they create such a comforting environment. If you’re doing tall taper candles, use just a few of them, and if you’re doing low candles, you can use lots. 
2. A pretty bowl for a centerpiece. Fill it with seasonal produce, like pomegranates and persimmons in the fall, or even collect some acorns from outside, whatever you have access to. 
3. A food item. I love to use food as decor—typically I set a table really minimally, but I love to set out a beautiful cheese board or serving platter with food to make it feel abundant. 

Casa Zuma Daybreak Candle

$54 at Casa Zuma

Half Baked Pumpkin Smash Candle

$129 at snif

Sharing Bowl

$65 at Casa Zuma

Harvester Board

$84 at Casa Zuma

The Dinner Party Menu: Get the Recipes

Apple Vanilla Chai Hot Toddy

Baked Honeyed Brie

Garlic Mushroom Chicken Skillet

Winter Salad with Maple Candied Walnuts

Lemon Pesto Orzo

Classic Tiramisu

What does a great gathering look like for you?

There’s a fire roaring and there’s light music playing in the background. There are candles lit everywhere, there are flowers, and there’s the smell of really good food slow cooking in the oven. Just really relaxing and comforting—and you gotta have candles.

The perfect dinner party playlist includes:

Very mellow and relaxing music. Classical is pretty. My grandma always used to play Frank Sinatra, and I love turning on his music at Christmas.

Your signature dishes for gatherings?

There are lots of great recipes for gathering in my new cookbook, Quick & Cozy. The brisket recipe is incredible for gathering and would be perfect for a Christmas Eve dinner. Also, the meatballs on the cover. If you don’t eat red meat, you can swap in ground chicken—I provided those substitutions in the book, so people can adapt the recipes easily for their needs or their taste buds. Everything in the book is super simple, cozy, and quick. 

What is your no-stress party rule to live by? 

Set the dinner table the night before. Create a menu that you can make in advance—a crock pot or slow cooker recipe is the best. Keep it simple.

Dream dinner guests?

Victoria Beckham—right now I’m just loving her designs. And then, you might as well invite David, right? I also want to meet their son Brooklyn—he just launched a new hot sauce brand which is so interesting. So I guess I’m just inviting the entire Beckham family!

Fill in the blanks:

A perfect meal should: feel comforting to everyone.

It’s not a dinner party without: candles.

Every cook should know how to: make a cheeseboard.

The post Half-Baked Harvest at Home: How Tieghan Gerard Hosts a Dinner Party appeared first on Camille Styles.

It feels like some people are born with great style, and that’s certainly the case for Betsy Sadler. From her well-edited wardrobe to her collection of handmade dishes and serving pieces, she’s that friend who inspires you to level up your aesthetic—while somehow making it feel completely effortless.

Betsy and her husband Greg live high in the hills above West Hollywood. Just a stone’s throw away from Sunset Boulevard’s nightlife, their charming home feels like a rural escape from the city. On the day of our shoot, we slowly drove up the winding road to their home and were rewarded with a breathtaking view of the canyons.

The couple shares the inherent thoughtfulness and attunement to the needs of others that (in my opinion) is the trademark of a great host. Betsy is a brand strategist and co-founder of MARCHÉ, a holiday marketplace created to uplift women-owned small businesses. Greg is a musician, and together they’ve created a life that feels incredibly heartfelt and aligned with their values. We bonded over our love of handmade ceramics and good olive oil. She gushed over the Casa Zuma salad bowl that I brought along to our shoot, and our team swooned over the leopard print coat she gamely donned despite the 100 degree heat. “We’re channeling fall!”

During the pandemic, Betsy began hosting outdoor dinner parties that tapped into a collective craving for in-person experiences. Her canyon home was the perfect setting for these gatherings, and we couldn’t wait to get an inside look at how Betsy entertains—and she fully delivered. Read on for Betsy and Greg’s cozy fall dinner in the canyon.

The Notepad No. 01

$175 at Jaymes Paper

At home in Los Angeles

Betsy, tell us about your home—what’s the story behind this magical spot?

My husband and I were torn between the desire to be in nature and the need to be close to the city. A friend moved out of this cozy canyon home, and voilà! Now we wake up every morning to a view of the mountains. My favorite time of day is the beginning of the sunrise when the birds just start chirping and pockets of light start to peek through the trees and valleys—it’s pure magic.

How did Marshell come to be?

About a decade ago, I took a step back to notice what truly makes me happy. Turns out, it’s working with companies that resonate with me personally—they value community, make wellbeing and the planet a priority, and are primarily women-owned. I followed my gut (again!) and now I’m surrounded by brands, ladies, and people I absolutely adore.

Walk us through a typical day for you:

I wake up with the sun around 5:00 or 6:00am, brush my teeth, grab a fresh water, cuddle into my very sleepy husband, and…. grab my phone. I know I know—it’s so horrible. I look at emails and slack first thing. 

My husband is an absolute dream and hand grinds beans for a perfect almond milk cortado (that he also makes) every day. I start the day with a walk or pilates — a dream day would be both.

On weekdays, I either work from home or head over to my “office” aka Neuehouse. And am on zoom/ in front of my computer most of the day. I break up the day with little walks. My weekdays are full, but I rarely work on weekends. I don’t even want to touch my computer. I want to see my friends and husband, be a bit lazy, self-care, spend time in nature, and reset. 

I definitely have a uniform of sorts. Most days you’ll find me in a Frank & Eileen Shirley button up or Sister Katie top/sweater with comfy pants—either slouchy OZMA field pants, AGOLDE 90s pinch waist high rise, or “cute” sweatpants— and a Sezane coat or trench.

Shoes are either FREDA SALVADOR Jada, LoQ Daria, or Jamie Haller Loafers. Jewelry—almost entirely Starling. And, of course, a slouchy Parker Thatch purse. I’ll break the uniform with an Ulla Johnson dress for date night.

Recycled Glass Petite Goblets, Set of 4

$78 at Casa Zuma

In the kitchen

What informs your approach to food? 

My gut (literally)—primarily my allium intolerance aka no garlic, shallots, onions for me. So, we use a lot of fresh herbs and spices. And we buy really nice meat and fish, which doesn’t need much to shine.

What’s your must-have cooking tool?

Chef’s knife — I don’t think there’s a single thing we eat that doesn’t require it. 

What are your favorite cookbooks and why?

Gjelina: Cooking from Venice, California.

The tomatillo harissa (modified for my allium intolerance) is a staple in our house. It’s also one of our favorite restaurants in LA but it’s not close so we try to recreate the magic at home (impossible, but we try).

Gjelina – by Travis Lett

$25.90 at Target

Foodwise: A Fresh Approach to Nutrition by Mia Rigden

Part nutrition education and part recipes, this is one of my favorite all around books for wellness. Our weekly staple recipes come from this cookbook and from Mia’s substack (which is amazing and has weekly recipes and grocery lists).

Foodwise – by Mia Rigden

$16.59 at Target

The Four Horsemen: Food and Wine for Good Times from the Brooklyn Restaurant

My absolutely favorite restaurant in the US is launching a cookbook on October 22nd and I know it will be a future favorite cookbook. I dream about their burrata with grilled peaches and speck (from Alto Adige in northern Italy where my husband and I were married).

The Four Horsemen: Food and Wine for Good Times from the Brooklyn Restaurant

$40 at Barnes & Noble

Sharing Platter

$74 at Casa Zuma

Reclaimed Wood Pedestal Tray

$76 at Casa Zuma

Mango Wood Serving Spoons, Set of 2

$24 at Casa Zuma

Tell us a few things we’ll always find in your refrigerator:

Eggs, greens (arugula, kale, spinach, little gems), zucchini, cucumbers, carrots, avocados, limes, almond milk, chicken, salmon, and almond flour tortillas. This is basically our weekly shopping list (plus a bar of chocolate and some sourdough).

Your go-to weeknight meal to eat at home? 

Greg makes an amazing chicken and I make a good salmon— we always have some concoction of either. I prefer warm/cooked meals, so we’ll add the protein to a mix sautéd veggies with basmati rice, seasoned one of three ways: herbs, tamari, or hot honey.

Handcrafted Wood Salad Bowls – Whitewash

$115 at Casa Zuma

How Betsy hosts a party

What does a great gathering look like for you?

A great gathering is one filled with laughter. So often we think the prettier and more “instagrammable” a gathering the more successful, but I think the ones where people are laughing, connecting, and truly enjoying themselves – seeing old friends and meeting new – those are the best. I’ll take a good time over a pretty tablescape any day.

Your signature dishes for gatherings?

Always a leafy, herby green salad and a loaf of Bub and Grandma’s bread—breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.

Scroll to the bottom of this post for Betsy’s recipe for her Little Gem Salad with Apple and Dates.

The perfect dinner party playlist includes:

My husband will be in charge of records or well through on Spotify playlists — Wonder Valley has some of the best playlists (Spotify). So does my friend Berry’s company, Art Life Practice (Spotify).

What is your no-stress party rule to live by? 

For a casual get together there should be no stress. Anything that starts to stress you out — don’t do it. You don’t have to do anything fancy to host. Order food. Eat on the couch. It’s about the people. 

Dream dinner guests?

Just my friends! That’s who I want to spend my time with. Well, and my husband—my best friend

2021 Pinot Noir

$65 at Bricoleur Vineyards

What’s a tip for someone who wants to host a gathering on a budget?

It’s all about the people, so get a good group and no one will care about the rest! 

A bagel brunch is a really easy (and affordable) — bagels, a few toppings, some fruit, and sparkling wine with orange juice. A carafe of cold brew or a french press (we love the YIELD French Press) with hot coffee is always nice in the morning too. 

You also can host without serving a full meal. Drinks and snacks!

What are 3 products you love for the table?

Gjusta Goods linen napkins wash so well, we’ve literally have had the same for 5-6 years and we use them on a daily basis (but we only iron them for guests lol). 

The Casa Zuma Reclaimed Wood Pedestal Tray is a new favorite. We use it in the kitchen as an elevated little home for random accessories like the hand coffee grinder and tissues. It’s also the perfect serving tray to bring together little bowls and bites. 

Year & Day ceramic dishes are the best. They are dishwasher safe and haven’t cracked in the many years we’ve had them. And they’re a great price point.

What scares you about entertaining and why?

People staying past my bedtime — kidding (kind of). I love waking up to a clean house, so I clean everything at night — put on music or an audiobook and knock out all the dishes. And I wake up early, so.. if you’re staying chances are you are sitting at the counter and I’ll make you a martini or an amaro to sip and chat while I tackle the dishes.

Woven Tenganan Placemat

$28 at Saffron + Poe

Sentence finishers:

A perfect meal should …

…have something everyone can eat — and drink. We always make sure all our guests have something to enjoy (besides water) whether they drink alcohol or not. Oddbird and De Soi are great non-alcoholic options to have on hand. 

It’s not a dinner party without …

…laughter, olives, and a great loaf of sourdough. 

Little Gem Salad with Apples & Dates

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• Author: Betsy Sadler

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Description

This simple fall salad is a crowd-pleaser. Mix up the dressing in advance so it’s simple to toss together when guests arrive.

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Ingredients

Units USM

• 1 – 2 heads Little Gem lettuce
• 1 Apple sliced or chopped
• 3 Celery stalks cut on the bias
• 2–3 Dates, chopped
• 1/4 cup Hazelnuts, roasted and rough chopped
• 1/2 cup Midnight Moon, chopped

Honey Dijon Dressing

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dijon
• splash of apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• flaky salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Make the dressing: add the dijon, apple cider vinegar, and honey to a bowl. Whisk together, then stream in the olive oil while whisking until combined. Add flaky salt to taste.
2. Add all the salad ingredients to a large salad bowl. Toss with dressing and season to taste with more flaky salt. Eat!

The post A Fall Dinner Party in Laurel Canyon With Betsy Sadler appeared first on Camille Styles.

There’s never been a better time to gather, though it often feels counterintuitive to our schedules. Our lives are full and our attention is in a deficit, so we look for things to remove from the calendar. For invitations to decline. The problem is, we RSVP “yes” to what we think will give us rest but “no” to what truly fills us up.

And it makes sense. Social events can feel overwhelming—like the effort isn’t worth the payoff. But I have found time and time again, in these moments of unrest and near exhaustion, that nothing fills your soul like gathering people around the table for a meal. If you’re wondering how to host your first dinner party, this guide will walk you through each step to ensure your gathering is memorable and stress-free.

Why Dinner Parties Matter

Hosting a dinner party is an opportunity to serve and be served. Your body might be tired, sure. But it’s the conversation and laughs, the warm food, and relationships we cultivate around a table. These things can’t be replicated with a Netflix binge. If you’re a first-time host, I’ve got good news for you—it’s much simpler than it sounds. Forget the Pinterest boards and TikTok re-caps for a second.

The heart of a dinner party is simply this: to create a warm space for people to connect.

Of course, we can’t help but love some aesthetics along the way. But remember Maya Angelou’s insightful words—for life and, perhaps, dinner parties: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

To help you host your first dinner party, I’ve created this easy-to-follow beginner’s guide to hosting so you can bring people together, serve them great food, host meaningful conversations, and leave your guests feeling full in every type of way.

Set the Date and Send Invitations Early

The first step in hosting a dinner party is to choose a date that works for you and your potential guests and commit. If your life is anything like mine, it can be hard to pin people down on a whim. But that’s where we get into the trap of, “We should get together soon!”—and then we never do. Even if you have to plan a month in advance to secure a spot on your guests’ calendar, do it. And when you gather RSVPs, ask about dietary restrictions and preferences so you can build a menu everyone will enjoy.

Plan Your Menu Thoughtfully

When it comes to planning the dinner party menu, simplicity is key. Select dishes you’re comfortable making and ideally, ones can prepare in advance. The reason is twofold: not only does it reduce stress, but it also allows you to enjoy the party with your guests. These dinner party menu ideas are tried and true—all crowdpleasers and easy to prep before people arrive.

Prep Ahead and Stay Organized

Preparation is the key to a stress-free dinner party. Do as much as you can in advance—chop vegetables, set out the dishes for the table, and organize your serving dishes. I love “the magic question” as coined by Kendra Adachi: What can I do now to make things easier later? Even the simplest tasks add up: wash your fruit after breakfast, mix up a marinade the night before, and write down a list of conversation starters on your lunch break. Then, on the day of the event, give yourself at least a couple of hours before guests arrive to handle any last-minute tasks.

Here’s one of my favorite dinner party tips: purposefully leave tasks for guests who are eager to help. It gives them a stake in the game and something to do if they arrive and feel nervous or awkward. A few ideas: put out a stack of plates and flatware for a guest to set the table, ask them to fill up water glasses, or pass them a matchbook to light candles.

Casa Zuma

Playa “Essentials” Dinnerware Set of 12

$480 at Casa Zuma

Casa Zuma

Sabre Ivory Flatware

$68 at Casa Zuma

Set the Scene With a Welcoming Ambiance

It doesn’t take much to set the scene. Make it part of the fun by beginning the day with a trip to your local flower shop—or Trader Joe’s. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, you could even forage branches from the yard and recreate some of our favorite tablescape ideas. Set flowers or branches in vessels on the table, in the kitchen, and in the bathroom. Bringing natural elements like fresh flowers, greenery, and candles creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Keep the sensory experience going with music on low—the Casa Zuma Daybreak playlist is dinner party perfection.

Casa Zuma

Terracotta Urn Vessel

$78 at Casa Zuma

Casa Zuma

Las Flores Vase

$148 at Casa Zuma

Greet Your Guests With a Drink

Your guests are confirmed, menu is planned, food is prepped, and the stage is set. Now it’s time to host. Welcome guests with a drink offering—anything from a cocktail to wine to sparkling water to still water and lemon works. It’s less about what’s in the glass and more about giving your guests an immediate signal to relax, setting the mood for the party.

Casa Zuma

Recycled Glass Petite Goblets

$78 at Casa Zuma

Casa Zuma

Recycled Stemless Wine Glasses

$64 at Casa Zuma

Casa Zuma

Recycled Glass Tumbler

$65 at Casa Zuma

How to Keep Guests Engaged at Your First Dinner Party

Now for the fun part! The best dinner parties are about more than just food—they’re about connection. Prepare a few conversation starters ahead of time to get things rolling. Here are a few favorites:

• If you were going to open a restaurant, what would the concept be?
• What’s the strangest thing you believed as a child?
• When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
• If a movie was made of your life, who would play you?
• Who is the most famous person you’ve ever met?
• What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
• What was your favorite birthday? What made it special?
• What do you most want to accomplish on your bucket list?

You can even go so far as to write them down on index cards and hide them under guests’ plates—a little “surprise and delight,” if you will. Encourage everyone to participate, and be ready with a story or two to get things rolling.

Serve a Crowd-Pleasing Dessert

A dinner party isn’t complete without dessert. You can prep treats like cookies and cakes ahead of time, or just pick up a gallon of ice cream—no one will complain. Here’s a list of desserts to feed a crowd if you need a few ideas (may I suggest this gluten-free chocolate cake for a simple make-ahead recipe or these salted caramel pots de creme for an indulgent ending).

Be Present and Enjoy the Moment

Finally, remember that the purpose of a dinner party is to enjoy the company of your guests. Don’t get too caught up in perfection—focus on having fun and creating memories. Resist the pull to tidy up while guests are still enjoying themselves. The table will clear and the kitchen will get clean—all in good time. Your guests will appreciate the effort you’ve put into the evening and will remember the warmth and hospitality you’ve shown.

Practice “Closing Ceremonies”

Just as you started the evening with intention, it’s important to end the evening well. Look guests in the eye and thank them for coming before they go on their way. You could even send them home with leftovers or a small bundle of flowers as a token for the night.

Now that you know what to do, here are a few common mistakes to learn from to ensure your first hosting experience is enjoyable for everyone involved:

• Overcomplicating the menu. We tend to go above our means when guests come over, leading to more time in the kitchen, not to mention money and stress. Keep it simple and impress guests with your ability to be present (and your time management!) instead of fancy dishes.
• Forgetting about diet restrictions. It’s good practice to ask guests ahead of time—the last thing you want is to serve a meal that makes guests feel uncomfortable at best or sick at worst.
• Doing everything yourself. If a dinner party is about connection, remember it’s okay to ask (or accept) help. Guests generally enjoy having a job so don’t be afraid to delegate.
• Letting the flow get too relaxed—or too structured. As the first-time host, your job is to keep things flowing. Strike a balance between structure and spontaneity. You can plan the general flow of the evening but remember to read the room—be flexible enough to adapt to the mood of your guests.
• Not engaging with guests and/or forgetting to have fun. Your place is at the table, not in the kitchen. Oddly enough, when you spend too much time in the kitchen or trying to make things perfect, it has the opposite effect and makes guests feel neglected. Remember that your attitude sets the tone for the evening. Relax, smile, and have fun—your guests will follow your lead.

In conclusion, you got this! By following these steps, you’ll master how to host your first dinner party with ease and confidence. Remember that hosting is first and foremost about people—put connection and hospitality over perfection. If you wait until the house is perfect, the weather is perfect, or the timing is perfect then it’s never gonna happen. And chances are, no one will notice those things anyway. What matters is your willingness to open your home and pass a plate of food. Because after all is said and done, it’s how you make them feel that counts the most.

The post How to Host Your First Dinner Party: A Step-by-Step Guide appeared first on Camille Styles.

Alison and Jay Carroll split their time between the high desert of Joshua Tree and a small island in Maine. Though a study in contrasts, the locations suit them perfectly, fostering a deep connection with nature that allows them to cook with the abundance of the seasons, as well as provide endless inspiration for their wildly popular olive oil and skincare brand, Wonder Valley. It’s clear that the couple has built a beautiful life all on their own terms—one that enables them to live aligned with their values and freely follow their curiosity, wherever it may lead. 

When we showed up at the Carroll’s Joshua Tree home for a mid-week dinner party, Alison was in the midst of butterflying a chicken. Though her vibe said “laid-back host,” the menu itself revealed a deep knowledge of cooking—she moved about the kitchen with the intuitive approach that only happens when you know what you’re doing. (Picasso’s “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist” sprung to mind.) The Carroll’s close friends Ryan and Calley Belli had driven in from Los Angeles for a visit, and we spent a peaceful afternoon pitching in around the kitchen island, playing with 6-month-old Bo, and finally, gathering around the table just as the desert sun set over the mountains. 

We all left feeling nourished, body and soul, inspired by Alison’s thoughtful approach to hosting and gathering. Read on for our interview and of course, all the recipes for the insanely delicious feast she prepared.

At home in Joshua Tree

A typical day in the life…

What informs your approach to food?

A small stack of go-to cookbooks. Weekly trips to the local farmers market. A lot of intuition and winging it! Cooking is one of the few areas I don’t overthink. I start yanking stuff out of the fridge without much of a game plan, and meals just sort of come together. I sometimes go deep in learning a new technique like gluten-free baking, cooking over a fire, or using a Japanese donabe.

When I think of our culinary life in Joshua Tree, it involves a cornucopia of incredible citrus, dates, pomegranates, and Persian cucumbers—all from the local farmers’ market during California’s winter months. During our summers in Maine, we live on a working waterfront, so it’s a lot of lobsters and fresh catch from our fisherman neighbors , oysters from good friends who harvest them, wild blueberries and peak season tomatoes. We just built a new wood-fired oven in the backyard, so this coming summer will be the season of wood-fired oven experiments. 

We’re major Wonder Valley fans. How did the brand come to be?

Jay and I started Wonder Valley in 2014 out of a spare bedroom. I had previously worked as the marketing director for the California Olive Oil Council, an incredible role that involved overseeing our professional olive oil taste panel for the annual certification of all 400+ California extra-virgin olive oils. The role exposed me to the absolute best authorities and resources on domestic olive oil, and we still work with mentors I had from that time.  

We saw an opportunity to bring olive oil to a new audience and start a conversation about “extra virgin,” celebrating the quality of oil we produce here in California. We launched the brand and sold out of our first harvest within a month. We have a really unique approach to olive oil in that we pick our fruit rather green which gives us this really wonderful, robust oil that is just brimming with antioxidants and omega-rich fatty acids. A few years after launching the brand we started to use our olive oil in homemade face oils. It was absolutely transformative to the quality, radiance, and health of our skin, particularly living in this high and dry desert. That lit the match for our growing skincare line, all formulated with our olive oil as a hero ingredient.  We feel lucky to be in this unique position to talk about the importance of internal health for external beauty, and to offer products that support a more holistic approach to wellness. 

Tell us about your Joshua Tree home. How did you find it and what’s your favorite part of the space?

Jay and I bought this home in 2015 after about a year of looking. This neighborhood is where we wanted to land due to its proximity to the national park and 360 degree views of boulders and mountains. While driving around we noticed this small homestead with crumbling pink stucco and some boarded up windows. We heard it hadn’t been occupied for some time, so we tracked down the owner’s address and wrote a letter asking if they would be interested in selling, knowing it was likely a long shot. A few months later we closed on the house! 

At the time, we were living in LA and thought this would be our weekend home, but quickly became enamored by the expansive views of our new home and the process of fixing it up. With an optimistic DIY attitude that overshadowed our steep learning curve, we renovated it over the next couple years while living on site in our 1950’s blue Vagabond trailer.  

My favorite part of the house is our dining room, which was previously boarded up and divided into two small shag carpeted bedrooms. It feels like you’re hugged by the mountains on all sides with a little slice of snow-capped San Gorgonio mountain in the distance. 

We launched Wonder Valley just a few months before moving here. This home has given us the space— physically, mentally, and financially—to grow a business with a lot of care and without compromise. 

Walk us through a typical day at home.

The day usually involves some calls and working with our team, which is based between LA and Joshua Tree. Sometimes we’ll work together in person out of our VW HQ studio here on the property. It always involves some time outside—ideally a walk with our dog, Lefty, into the trails behind our house.

This time of year, I usually end my day with an outdoor shower when the stars are just starting to come out. It’s absolutely beautiful to stargaze from a hot shower out in the open desert, and I’ll bring one of our candles out to illuminate it.

We have an outdoor tub too, and I’ve been bringing Bo in for a bath time during the afternoons. We cook most of our meals at home: simple, healthful meals, made quickly, mostly with produce from the farmers market. Sometimes at night we’ll screen a movie, sometimes we’ll  have friends over, staying in our vintage trailer which now serves as the guest house. I always read in bed until I fall asleep. 

Right now, we have a 6-month-old baby girl named Bo, so our days are a bit unpredictable. Mornings usually start with a shot of olive oil and a pot of tea and a big breakfast for me. Sleeping next to a baby is new. Often I need a little extra time in the morning to come into the day.

Bo seems to really enjoy watching me do my routine in the morning and which is at a delightfully unhurried pace. That routine starts with  Oil Cleansing, perhaps a face mask or some gentle exfoliation, always a Gua Sha. I finish the routine with a dropper of our Wonder Serum which makes me instantly feel refreshed – my skin plumped, well-hydrated and glowing.  I transition from my robe and usually wear a jumpsuit (from my line alsbigdeal.com), which is easy to zip on, comfy to wear while working from home, and easy to breastfeed in. 

Casa Zuma Sharing Platter

Handmade in Los Angeles by our friends at LA Clay, this high temperature glazed stoneware platter is made by hand and versatile for salads, grilled chicken (and chocolate chip cookies!)

Get on the waitlist.

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Madre Linen + Wonder Valley Napkins

Napkins made in collaboration with our friends at Madre Linen. They source the most beautiful linen fabric with such a perfect color palette, it feels like an instantaneous heirloom.

Set of 4 Linen Napkins, $90

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Casa Zuma Salad Bowl

This beautiful handmade wood salad bowl is on our dinner table almost every night, filled with whatever leaves and veggies are in season topped with a drizzle of quality olive oil.

Handcrafted Wood Salad Bowl, $92

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On hosting and gathering

How Alison and Jay bring people together…

What does a great gathering look like for you?

We like to host. I think this was something we both had in common when we came together. I love the trips to the market, coming up with menus and spending a long day cooking. Jay makes our home feel great with floral arrangements, a great playlist he’s made, and a beautiful table setting with incense and candles burning. We both like to grill, sometimes on our small yakitori grill or sometimes on the big outdoor wood-burning grill. There are great trails beyond our home, so we usually take a walk before the meal with a cocktail in hand. 

Get Alison’s recipe for Carrot, Kumquat, and Golden Beet Salad.

What are some products you love for the table?

Our new napkins made in collaboration with our friends at Madre Linen. They source the most beautiful linen fabric with such a perfect color palette, it feels like an instantaneous heirloom.

Kevin Willis for Commune Votive Holders. Our friend and desert neighbor Kevin Willis makes these fantastic perforated ceramic votives and lanterns for candles.

La Soufflerie Glassware. Any glassware by La Soufflerie. It’s all beautiful. We have a pair of the Verre Tete glasses that are shaped like heads

 What’s your must-have cooking tool?

A sharp knife. It’s the most used and essential item, and it should be sharp and feel good in your hand. I personally use a 9” Japanese chefs knife. When my knife is sharp, I feel like I can do anything in the kitchen. Working with a dull knife is like dancing with two left feet. 

Get the recipe for Alison’s Simple Potato Salad with Smoked Chile Aioli.

What are your favorite cookbooks?

The Canal House books. They have a few books out and they were some of my first cookbooks that I bought for myself when I was 20. They are written by two women who have a restaurant and studio not far from where I grew up in New Jersey. I find their food exciting, timeless, honest and delicious. 

The Cannelle et Vanille cookbooks. Aran has given me the ability to bake gluten-free. It’s absolutely empowering to turn out beautiful sourdough loaves, perfect tarts, homemade bagels, and baguettes, all gluten-free. 

Nancy Singleton Hachisu’s books for Japanese cooking, particularly Japan by Phaidon. 

Tell us a few things we’ll always find in your refrigerator? 

Miso, preserved lemons, capers, spicy mustard, yuzu kosho, a kraut or kimchi. 

What scares you about entertaining and why?

Doing the dishes! 

Your signature dishes for gatherings?

Grilled avocado with yuzu kosho to start, and vanilla ice cream with Wonder Valley Olive Oil and sea salt to finish. Both are extremely simple and incredibly crowd-pleasing. 

Your go-to weeknight meal to eat at home?

Roast chicken is a staple here—it’s the gift that keeps on giving. This usually starts with a whole chicken roasted with some herbs, lemons and garlic. I’ll make a pan sauce with it over vegetables and rice. Then we stretch it out with some leftover salads, sandwiches and a stock from the bones. 

What’s one tip for someone who wants to host a gathering on a budget?

Taco night is pretty fantastic on a budget, and no one’s ever mad about it. It’s easy to stretch braised meat and go heavy with beans and vegetables. Everyone gets to make their own plate, which is helpful if they have dietary issues. It’s also a condiment game; make a chili oil, salsa, guacamole, salsa verde. We buy a big bag of Maseca corn flour (available at most food stores) and make tortillas by hand with a little press. It really elevates taco night and also gets all your guests involved rolling, pressing and frying tortillas. 

Get the recipe for Alison’s Italian Salsa Verde.

The perfect dinner party playlist includes:

Good music! Our music tastes encompass a lot of styles, genres, and eras. Here’s a favorite we use a lot. It was made for the opening of our bar La Reina, in Santa Fe, a few years ago.

Go-to centerpiece:

A bottle of Wonder Valley olive oil. An empty bottle makes a great candlestick or flower vase. 

What is your no-stress party rule to live by? 

Don’t swim upstream. If something’s not working (someone bailed last minute, a dish burned, everything is taking an hour longer), just roll with it. No one will remember or notice it anyway, but everyone will feel the stress radiating off of their host if you let it. 

Get Alison’s recipe for Gluten-Free Citrus Cake with Strawberries and Cardamom Coconut Cream.

Dream dinner guests?

John Waters, Ramdane Touhami, Helen Nearing, John Prine, Dolly Parton, and Sade. 

Fill in the blank:

A perfect meal should …

Leave room for spontaneity and improvising. And unique condiments! 

It’s not a dinner party without …

Music! 

Every cook should know how to…

Make a balanced vinaigrette for a perfect, simple salad.

The post A Desert Dinner Party with Wonder Valley Founder, Alison Carroll appeared first on Camille Styles.

For many of us, the holidays are synonymous with stacks of dishes, saucepans on the stove, and a sink full of cutlery. Although a testament to joyful gatherings, the quiet aftermath of wine-stained countertops (and overflowing dishwashers!) is a headache for the next day. Fortunately, there’s an alternative: no-cook finger foods for parties, gatherings, or a weeknight when you can’t cook another thing. Okay, minimal-cook. With that in mind, leave the bubbling pots of mashed potatoes for another day. Instead, bring loved ones together over antipasto spreads, artisanal meat boards, and artful displays of dips. ‘Tis the season to work smarter, not harder.

Edie Horstman

Edie is the founder of nutrition coaching business, Wellness with Edie. With her background and expertise, she specializes in women’s health, including fertility, hormone balance, and postpartum wellness.

Think Beyond the Oven

Imagine a holiday gathering where you can actually mingle—idyly—with your guests, rather than being tethered to the oven. Sound too good to be true? It’s time to think outside the box. Bid farewell to constantly monitoring cooking times while juggling multiple pots and pans. By embracing a no-cook holiday feast, you’re (mostly) liberated from the kitchen. Hooray! Cured delicacies, charcuterie, and no-fuss appetizers is the stress-free simplicity we all need.

A Cleaner Kitchen, a Happier Host

One of the primary advantages of emphasizing no-cook finger foods for parties? The blissful absence of a chaotic kitchen. With minimal cooking and virtually no need for elaborate cleanup, you’ll find yourself with more time to enjoy your home’s ambiance (and your loved ones in it). This approach is two-pronged: it reduces stress and also allows you to be a more relaxed host. In turn, everyone can savor the true spirit of the season.

Yes, Your Guests Will Be Satiated

Gone are the days of worrying if you’ve overfed (or underfed) your guests. By serving a no-cook holiday feast, they’re free to graze at their own pace. They’ll be thrilled. Trust. Plus, your friends and family will be totally satisfied—thanks to the variety of dips, charcuterie, and appetizers. Best of all, you’re catering to diverse tastes, leaving your guests impressed with the thoughtfulness of your menu! It’s a win-win.

Redefining Traditions

Ultimately, this strategy isn’t just about convenience. No-cook finger foods for parties is a bold move toward redefining traditions. You’re embracing a more modern approach to celebration. As you venture beyond the oven and the conventional Christmas dishes, you open the door to a world of culinary possibilities. This holiday season, let innovation be your guide.

The Art of No-Cook: Dips, Charcuterie, and Appetizers

Ready to start planning your feast? Here’s everything you need to know.

Dips: A Little Bit of This, a Little Bit of That

Dips are the unsung heroes of the holiday table. From this smoky eggplant spread to our go-to carrot turmeric hummus, these add a touch of sophistication (and fiber!) to your spread. Arrange an assortment of dippable delights—pita chips, veggies, and crackers—and watch as your guests gather around to savor the communal experience.

Charcuterie: An Elegant Affair

Everyone loves a centerpiece charcuterie board. A carefully-curated selection of cheeses, meats, and olives is a stunning alternative to the predictable main course. Plus, assembling a charcuterie board is a work of art. Showcase your creativity and culinary flair with this beginner’s guide.

Appetizers: Bite-Sized Bliss

Small bites, big impact. That’s the magic of hors d’oeuvres. From our burrata, fig, and pesto appetizer to this addicting ricotta board with pears and honey, there’s no more last-minute kitchen chaos. Instead, revel in the joy of sharing savory and sweet bites with your loved ones.

How to Create a Delightful and Nutritious Spread

Offering satisfying appetizers isn’t rocket science. But it does involve a thoughtful selection of ingredients, balanced flavors, and a variety of textures. Below is our step-by-step guide to help you check all the boxes.

1. Start with fresh and colorful veggies

Include a variety of fresh veggies—jicama, cucumber slices, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, and snap peas. Arrange them near your dips and cheeses.

2. Add wholesome dips

Craft healthier dip options, like hummus, tzatziki, or guacamole. These can easily be made homemade! Additionally, incorporating Greek yogurt-based dips add a protein boost.

3. Opt for wholegrain crackers and gluten-free bread

Choose whole grain or multigrain crackers/bread for slower-digesting carbs. And don’t forget gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.

4. Select lean protein

High-quality proteins, like store-bought rotisserie chicken, nitrate-free salami, and smoked salmon are fabulous charcuterie options. Additionally, consider lighter cheeses—goat cheese, cottage cheese, or feta—for unique flavors.

5. Integrate fresh fruit

Fresh fruit slices (figs, apples, and pears) balance the savory elements and add natural sweetness. Berries can also be a delightful addition, providing antioxidants and vibrant colors.

6. Sprinkle on nuts and seeds

Include a mix of nuts and seeds. We gravitate to almonds, walnuts, and pistachios for added crunch and healthy fats. Roast them with a touch of spices for extra flavor.

7. Elevate with herbs

Fresh herbs elevate any spread. Our favorites? Basil, cilantro, and mint.

8. Include pickled and fermented options

Opt for pickles, olives, or pickled vegetables to introduce tangy and probiotic-rich elements.

9. Remember, presentation matters

Arrange your spread aesthetically, considering different heights and textures. Keep in mind that labeling cheeses is helpful for guests as well!

10. Set up a hydration station

Last but not least, set up a hydration station. Think: infused water, herbal teas, or sparkling water to keep your guests refreshed. Holiday mocktails are the new holiday cocktails.

5 No-Cook Finger Foods for All Your Parties

Need more inspo? We have you covered.

1. Bruschetta Board

This rustic (but elegant) bruschetta board will wow every guest. Dinner is served.

2. Radicchio Citrus Prosciutto Salad

A total stunner, this prosciutto salad is sweet, salty, savory, and seasonal.

3. Ricotta with Pears and Honeyed Pistachios

Any recipe with ricotta and fresh fruit is bound to be a hit, and nothing is simpler than this delicious board. The flavor and texture are unmatched.

4. Burrata Toasts With Caramelized Walnuts and Mint-Pomegranate Pesto

Consider this appetizer a love letter to burrata. Simply toast your favorite loaf, spread over the burrata, drizzle with pesto, and top with figs, walnuts, and pomegranate seeds. The only remaining challenge? Not indulging before your guests arrive.

5. Smoked Salmon Flatbread

Everything Bagel seasoning meets lemony cream cheese, smoked salmon, and flavorful flatbread. It’s essentially salmon lox—in appetizer form. This protein-forward nibble is as mouthwatering as it looks.

The post Dip, Savor, Celebrate: The Art of a No-Cook Holiday Feast appeared first on Camille Styles.

One of my favorite holiday traditions is the annual dinner party that Adam and I host for a few friends the weekend before Christmas. It’s become a tradition we all look forward to, and I cook up a feast—usually some version of my sweet and spicy glazed short ribs, pesto parmesan potatoes, and my holiday jewels kale salad. We drink champagne by the fire, and soak up one more great night of conversation before the year comes to a close.

It always reminds me how much I love hosting intimate dinner parties at home. Cozy nights with our closest friends around the table is my happy place, and sharing food and great conversation during this season forges deep connections.

It’s no secret that I always love the chance to set a simple Christmas dinner table with place cards, greenery, and candlelight, so I thought it would be fun to share with you guys exactly how I’m setting the table this year. Handmade ceramic dishes and recycled glassware from Casa Zuma are most definitely making an appearance, as is a stunning evergreen garland that takes center stage.

First, watch the video below to see how I decked the halls this year—then scroll on for my tips on keeping it simple but special—so you can enjoy the party as much as your guests.

Hacienda Dining Chair

$895 at Casa Zuma

Casa Zuma Holiday Wreath

$99-239 at Casa Zuma

The Scandi inspiration

As I shared in our Holiday Decor tour earlier this week, I’ve got evergreen branches, twinkling fairy lights, birch bark candles, kraft paper gifts, and bowls of pine cones on my mind. It all came together for a Scandinavian woodland vibe, especially against a minimalist backdrop of neutrals. Lush textiles and twinkling candlelight made the table feel like it was its own little cozy world, and my goal was to capture that warm sense of hygge throughout the space.

The perfect linen tablecloth

Throughout most of the year, I embrace the natural look of our unfinished teak dining table. But for a dinner party, I always dress it up with our casual linen table throw that doesn’t fully cover the table—I love to let the beauty of the natural wood show a bit. Don’t stress about getting every last wrinkle out—the beauty of linen is that it’s casually rumpled. This simple white palette adds to the Scandinavian feel, especially when topped with our natural evergreen runner that’s low enough to not get in the way of dinnertime conversation.

Linen Table Throw

$80 at Casa Zuma

Sabre Teak Flatware

$76 at Casa Zuma

A lush, evergreen runner

My friend Elle Worsham owns Gracious Garlands, and her team creates the most beautiful evergreen garlands to hang on the mantel or lay simply down the center of the table. This one is super lush and textured, acting as a sort of “runner,” that doesn’t block conversation the way that a taller floral centerpiece would. Plus, it lasts for weeks, which means that I get to enjoy it throughout the entire holiday season (not just on party night!)

It also coordinates so beautifully with our Casa Zuma Holiday Wreaths hung above the mantel and on the window near the table. Handcrafted from a California-inspired mix of Fraser Fir, Leyland Cypress, Gold Tipped Cedar, and Seeded Eucalyptus, it brings so much warmth and natural beauty to the space.

Maxence Shirt

$145 at Sezane

Georgio Trousers

$175 at Sezane

Cast a warm glow

Once I’d laid the foundation with my white linen tablecloth and evergreen runner, I was ready to pop in the twinkling candlelight that makes every dinner party setup feel special. Out of all my holiday table setting tips, candlelight is the quickest, most affordable way to give any gathering a magical glow.

When adding tall, sculptural elements like candlesticks to the table, I like to keep things a bit asymmetrical—and for added twinkle, feel free to tuck a few votives in among the greenery.

Recycled Glass Petite Goblets, Set of 4

$78 at Casa Zuma

Unscented Taper Candles

$7 at Target

Raise a glass

I set this Christmas table with our Playa Dinnerware from Casa Zuma. I love that these feel elevated for a dinner party, but they’re also rustic and durable enough to use every night for our casual weeknight dinners. I paired them with our new Recycled Glass Goblets, which add a beautifully wabi-sabi touch that elevates whatever you’re drinking. Made by artisans in Guatemala of locally-sourced recycled glass, these glasses are incredibly durable, and lend a relaxed, organic vibe to the table. Sized just right for water, wine, or cocktails, I use them for literally every dinner party I host.

Oversized Linen Napkin, Set of 2

$40 at Casa Zuma

Deckled Edge Placards

$3.99

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A place for everyone

Taking a few minutes to handwrite simple place cards is one of those simple touches that really elevates a table and makes it feel special occasion-worthy. I used simple rectangles of recycled paper, handwrote each guest’s name, and then tucked in a sprig of cedar and a dried orange slice. Don’t worry about perfect penmanship—the imperfect nature of these cards is what makes them feel personal and special.

The post Raise a Glass—My Scandi-Inspired Holiday Party Table is Here appeared first on Camille Styles.

Growing up, we gathered with family over dinners served on paper plates with plastic utensils. Parties were casual and relaxed (plus, no one wanted to do the dishes). But on holidays, our dinner party table settings were complete with seasonal plates, napkins, and cutlery—and my grandmother always insisted on eating at the formal dining table. It felt special—and it was.

Now, when I host a small group of friends or family, I love to pull out the good plates. I’m one of those old-fashioned gals who actually registered for wedding china, but mine isn’t gathering dust in a cabinet. It’s right there next to our everyday dinner plates. Now, whenever I set the table with those cherished pieces, the whole experience feels elevated—and just as special as my grandma’s table.

Featured image of Brian and Jessie De Lowe’s magic hour dinner party by Michelle Nash.

Image of Rebekah Peller’s Parisian dinner party by Joann Pai

And sure, the menu is where a dinner party begins—but the table setting is where it shines. A table is a blank slate. It’s an opportunity to get creative, bring in elements to complement the food, and truly delight your guests. Right about now you’re either feeling inspired or stressed, but I’ve got good news either way: we’re no strangers to dinner party table settings around here.

From Camille’s own hosting expertise to the tips we’ve collected from tastemakers along the way, you’re in the right place for a huge dose of dinner party inspiration. Gather ’round to spark your creativity (or just outright steal your favorite looks)—our best ideas are just ahead.

How do I set the table for a dinner party?

When it comes to dinner party table settings, you’ll likely want to opt for either a basic table setting or a casual table setting, depending on the scope of the meal. The biggest difference between the two is that a casual table often calls for more dishes than basic to account for the menu (a soup bowl or salad plate, for example). If you need a refresher, here’s exactly how to set the table, from basic gatherings all the way to formal affairs. But if you’ve got plates, flatware, and glasses, you’ve got a solid foundation for any dinner party. Now, let’s head into the inspiration.

1. Use a Linen Table Throw

Keep it casual by opting for a square throw over a more traditional tablecloth. Linen is naturally a bit wrinkly (so skip the ironing) and you can even ruffle it up a bit for a table that’s both rustic and stylish.

Casa Zuma Linen Table Throw

An easy-breezy fabric like linen keeps your table casually cool. There’s nothing fussy about it, but the look is fully elevated and design-forward. Let the wabi-sabi, perfectly imperfect feel guide your way.

Linen Table Throw, $80

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2. Put Out Place Cards

You don’t have to be a world-class caligrapher to create a worthy place card. Even the simplest place cards can make guests feel special and considered. I’ve used the backside of an index card or even cut-up cardstock envelopes in a pinch

More inspiration: A Barcelona dinner party with Devon Liedtke

3. Light Candles

It doesn’t get any simpler than this. Lighting candles is truly the easiest way to add instant ambiance. Dot the table runner with tea lights sitting in glasses or make a statement with tall candlesticks—you truly can’t go wrong.

More inspiration: A Greek-inspired bridal shower

4. Knot Oversized Napkins

When in doubt, grab a large square napkin and knot it loosely at the center. Place the napkin either directly on the plate or arrange it around the upper edge if there’s room on the table.

Casa Zuma Oversized Linen Napkin, Set of 2

Woven of heavyweight linen, these napkins are as stunning as they are functional. Place a simple herb or floral sprig atop your napkin for an organic nod to the natural world.

Oversized Linen Napkins (Set of 2), $40

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5. Choose Recycled Glassware

There’s something so perfect about recycled glassware for a less formal event. Perfect for water or even as wine glasses. Recycled glasses are unique and special—and decidedly unfussy.

Casa Zuma Recycled Glass Tumblers

Adding the tiniest pop of texture to your everyday setting lends a little casual elegance to your table. Mix and match a set of these drinking glasses with their shorter wine glass pairings for varied height and the perfect vessel if you want to break out the rosé on a Thursday.

Recycled Glass Tumblers (Set of 4), $64

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6. Forage for a Seasonal Centerpiece

If you’ve got a yard, you’ve got a centerpiece waiting for you. Snip wildflowers for a group of small vases or grab some branches for a centerpiece that’s more elaborate. It’s an easy way to ground your dinner party in the season and bring in those natural elements that pair so well with a lovely meal.

More inspiration: A backyard brunch with Chef Camilla Marcus

7. Take it Outside

When the weather is right, a dinner party al fresco is a near-perfect option. And take it from us, it doesn’t have to be hard. Camille laid out all her tips to plan a stress-free outdoor party—décor included.

More inspiration: A Santa Barbara dinner party

8. Let Food Be the Décor

If you’re stuck on centerpiece ideas, let the food do the talking. No one will complain about a beautiful cheese board smack dab in the center of the table (and nothing to block their line of sight, at that).

More inspiration: A Beginner’s Guide to Building a Charcuterie Board

Casa Zuma Gathering Board

The perfect wood board that’s as hardworking as it is beautiful. Grab it for cheese boards, charcuteries, and even chopping. Comes in large (walnut) or small (oak).

Gathering Board, $86-$186

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9. Use Fruit as a Centerpiece

Persimmons as a table runner? There’s something genuinely striking when an item is repeated over and over again—it just works. Opt for seasonal fruit and either line it down the table, dot them throughout or fill a bowl or two.

More inspiration: Brunch with the co-founder and CEO of Sweet Laurel Bakery

10. Add Cozy Throws or Blankets to the Chairs

Whether you suspect a draft or just want to up the cozy factor, drop some throws along the back of your guests’ chairs or add a wool rug to the bench.

More inspiration: A cozy girls’ gathering at home

11. Make it a Chic Buffet

Truth be told, you don’t always need a dinner party table setting to make it special. Stack the plates and lay out a drool-worthy buffet—it’s décor in and of itself.

More inspiration: This delightful Italian dinner party

12. Decorate with Complementary Colors

It’s a classic tip in the styling world for a reason. For a dinner party, we love choosing a main color and throwing in accents that complement from natural elements. Try it with oranges and limes on a blue linen throw or a pale green table topped with ripe strawberries or red peonies.

More inspiration: A Spain-inspired summer dinner party

13. Match the Flowers to the Food

Delight your guests with an understated color theme. Choose foliage that pairs with the menu and get ready to snap all the photos.

More inspiration: An outdoor afternoon lunch with cookbook author, Aran Goyoaga

14. Mix and Match the Tablecloths

There really are no rules when it comes to styling the table for a dinner party. Grab more than one tablecloth if the length of the table is too long—you can even use sheets or light blankets.

More inspiration: A magic hour gathering in Santa Barbara

15. Embrace Your Surroundings

The first step in planning a dinner party is the where. Maybe there’s a rooftop available or a patio, backyard, or cute tucked-away alley. Think outside the dining room!

More inspiration: An NYC rooftop dinner party

16. Play With Color

We’re known neutral lovers around here, but even we know that a little color can be downright fun. Up the playful vibes with mismatched furniture and bright tabletop pieces.

More inspiration: An Italian-themed dinner party, at a farm in Malibu

17. Use a Picnic Table

The humble picnic table can do a lot of things if styled well. Pop in a few pillows or blankets for texture and fill vessels with fresh blooms for the perfect mix of rustic and modern.

Now that the table is styled, time to plan the menu. Here are some recipes to feed a crowd for your next dinner party. Happy hosting!

The post 17 Ways to Style the Table for Your Next Dinner Party appeared first on Camille Styles.

Abstract art has a way of eliciting the inevitable: That looks easy, I could paint that. The untrained eye only sees haphazard strokes and seemingly random splotches of paint. What it doesn’t capture is the years it took to hone in this style and to develop the confidence to explore the boundaries of art. This truth extends across most creative disciplines, particularly within the evolving world of food. We assume minimal-ingredient recipes imply ease, but the best chefs know: simplicity has a place at the table.

That’s certainly the case for Margarita Kallas-Lee and Phillip Frankland Lee, co-founders of the Scratch Restaurants group. We can appreciate the stunning complexity of the omakase at their nationwide Sushi by Scratch Restaurants locations and the thoughtfully curated 12-course tasting menu at Pasta|Bar. And of course, Margarita’s turning out edible art (re: visually stunning and flavorfully innovative treats) at her most recent, Austin-based venture, Wolf and Wheat. But Margarita and Phillip are also in on the truth: good ingredients deserve to taste exactly as they are.

On the Perfect Gathering

This humility and respect for quality ingredients play a key role in the duo’s success. It’s fancy, but approachable, cueing guests into the novelty of the experience while also welcoming them in. The response? An immediate cult following. Phillip and Margarita have experienced explosive growth over the past two years, now owning and running nearly 20 restaurant establishments across the country.

Because it’s not only their food, but the narrative the couple weaves into their work and dishes that has us captivated, we stopped by for a dinnertime gathering. What’s on the menu? Steak, of course, tomato salad, and to finish it off, Margarita’s strawberry cake with mascarpone creme. Come step behind the scenes with us of this Michelin star-studded couple’s success.

What informs your approach to food?

Phillip: At home, we have friends over to hang out. We love to cook, and so when we bring friends over, we want to cook and share with them. But it’s really about hanging out. At the restaurant, it’s about providing a service, an escape, and a great experience. We do that through the food.

Tell us about your home. What’s your favorite part of the space?

Margarita: Phillip found it. We weren’t looking to move from downtown Austin, but Philip saw the home and we just kind of just fell in love with it. I was seven months pregnant. It was important for us to have an escape, and this property is just that.

Phillip: When we first moved here, we lived downtown on Fifth and Brazos, but our life is very hectic working in the restaurant industry, so we wanted somewhere with some land and a bit outside of town. We found an area where we had friends that offered a very peaceful and nice reprieve from the hustle and bustle of downtown, which is where we spend most of our days working.

Margarita: My favorite part and what made me fall in love with the house is the kitchen. It ties the whole house together, and it’s great for when we have family over. It just feels very open and comfortable, and we love to entertain.

Phillip: It’s a recent build so we didn’t do much to it. It was ready for us to live in. The way the house is arranged, it’s all spread out around one big living room, with an open floor plan. We have a big backyard, an at-home gym. a Morozko Forge cold plunge, a SISU sauna, a barbecue, and a pool.

What does a great gathering look like for you?

Phillip: Usually, we open a bottle of wine, cook a great piece of meat from Iron Table Wagyu (the same 100% full-blooded wagyu that we use in our burgers at NADC) and just hang out.

Margarita: For us, it’s fun to have another couple over or a group of friends and hang out, enjoy the jacuzzi, enjoy the fire pit on the back patio, and have a good conversation.

We also love hosting Friendsgiving, so for three years in a row, we literally have about 60 people attend. It’s fun for us because everyone gets involved, and everyone’s cooking and helping set everything up all together. We call it Transplant Thanksgiving because it’s every one of our friends we know who moved out here from another part of the country who can’t go back home for whatever reason so we make that place for them here in our home. It’s great to give that holiday experience to everybody.

Walk us through a typical day for you.

Phillip: Every single day is different. When I’m not traveling, I wake up around 8, start my day with grounding for 10 minutes, a 3-minute ice bath, run a mile barefoot on the treadmill when it’s cold or outside when it’s warm, then I work out, then start with emails.

I haven’t had more than 30 consecutive days at home since living in this house so being home is like being on vacation. That is my time off, even though it’s not really time off. I’m always trying to exercise, eat well, and work from the minute I wake up to when I go to sleep. Work can be anything from writing menus, finding new purveyors to work with, thinking over new restaurant concepts, doing interviews, negotiating new contracts, looking at potential spaces, to training new staff.

Margarita: My perfect, balanced day starts with waking up with our daughter, having coffee, hanging with her in the morning and hopefully working out. Since we have a gym at home, it’s so much easier. I like to do the ice bath and then get ready. Our daughter goes to nature school then I go to Wolf and Wheat, prep recipes, work with the team, handle 1,000 other things (haha!), make dinner at home, and take a family walk in the evening. Once she goes down for the night, when we have time, we chill in the sauna.

Las Flores Vase

$148 at Casa Zuma

Sabre Teak Flatware

$76 at Casa Zuma

Recycled Glass Petite Goblets, Set of 4

$78 at Casa Zuma

What products you love for the table?

Phillip: We’re not fancy at all. When we have people over, we put out plates, and we just put out the food. We don’t do crazy settings or anything like that.

Margarita: I love Our Place glassware, but other than that, we’re not that fancy! And ORNA makes my dream candles that I would for sure put in candle holders in the middle of the table. I love Flamingo Estate, they have the most beautiful candles that are great to light in the restroom when you have company. I feel like it’s always a nice touch, and I also like to have little hand towels set aside specifically for company.

What’s your must-have cooking tool and why? 

Margarita: A pot because you can make so many different things in it, like pasta or stew. We use all restaurant-grade pots and pans purchased from restaurant supply websites/stores.

Phillip: At home, my grill is my favorite cooking tool because I don’t have to clean much, it’s easy, and I can cook everything on the grill.

What are your favorite cookbooks?

Phillip: I do collect them, but I’ve never deeply read a cookbook because I don’t want to read other people’s recipes and be overly influenced. I have a book that I do like about sushi called The Sushi Economy. It’s the story of the economics of the sushi boom and more about the history and business side. I’m re-reading it right now actually.

Margarita: I’m on the same page, reading more educational things like The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother.

Tell us a few things we’ll always find in your refrigerator? 

Phillip: Sauerkraut, tabasco, butter, and I always have a 50% avocado, 50% olive oil blend that I use.  

Margarita: Buckwheat, eggs, and venison in the freezer. For the buckwheat, I like to boil whole buckwheat with a little bit of salt as a side for dinner, finished with either butter or a little bit of sunflower oil. At the restaurant, we use buckwheat flour for our almond and buckwheat brownies. I also like to use buckwheat flour at home to make pancakes for our daughter.

What scares you about entertaining and why?

Margarita: I feel like people often, including me, stress out about not having all the little things because you feel self-conscious after seeing things on Instagram, where everything looks perfect. But who cares? As long as you have good company and good food, nothing else matters. It’s all about the atmosphere and who you’re with.

Your signature dishes for gatherings?

Phillip: Some kind of protein, a salad, and a grain. For the meat, it’s just salt and pepper because it’s the simplest, purest, most delicious way to eat meat. I don’t do any marinade unless I’m doing a whole animal. We use good quality meat and fish, and we keep it simple since we do enough fancy stuff for the restaurants.

Margarita: I like to do amaranth. I actually made it last night and I put a little bit of almond oil on it. It’s really delicious and so versatile. It’s great for fish and anything, honestly. We had lamb with it last night. My favorite way to dress a salad is with almond oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. It’s super simple! I normally use that on a tomato cucumber salad with onions and herbs, maybe parsley or dill. I also like to use that dressing on a chopped cabbage slaw with parsley. This is my most-used almond oil.

Margarita: We have my sourdough, and for dessert, I’ve made Brown Butter Apple Bars and a Cobbler. I make things that are very, very simple yet still satisfy a dessert craving because I’m making dessert all day long at Wolf and Wheat.

Phillip: At our last dinner party, we had lobster tails, lamb, bread, roasted veggies, salads, butter.

Margarita: We always get a variety of drinks, especially N/A options like Topo Chico, Olipop (my new favorite), or any other flavored sparkling water is great! And for our friends who like to imbibe in wine, it’s important to get a variety of wines. We always get bubbles, an orange wine, and a red.

Your go-to weeknight meal to eat at home?

Margarita: We are cooking a lot at home because we cook everything for Aurelia. I mean, when we’re traveling it’s a bit harder, but I feel like we cook a lot. I make a lot of stew, and then when Phillips’s in town, he always does stuff on the grill like lamb or venison. Our daughter loves venison!

What’s one tip for someone who wants to host a gathering on a budget?

Phillip: You don’t need a big budget or to be fancy to host a great dinner. Grab some chicken thighs, and some vegetables, and make a salad to go along with it. People like to eat something yummy and simple at home, and you don’t need to spend a ton of money to make that happen.

Favorite question to get to know someone?

Margarita: Whenever we have people over, we go around in a circle and answer a question like, “What was the craziest thing you’ve ever done?” to get the conversation going and people end up telling funny or crazy stories! There’s a lot of wine happening during these dinners.

The perfect dinner party playlist includes:

Margarita: I either do Lofi Beats or Khruangbin radio. Jungle is also a good one.

Go-to centerpiece solution:

Phillip: A big-ass Iron steak. Food is the centerpiece for us.

What is your no-stress party rule to live by? 

Margarita: When we have a ton of people, it can feel stressful, but I think you have to remember that people just want to hang out, eat, and enjoy their time. They’re not looking to judge you. Definitely having your mise en place ready before people arrive! Sometimes, you can get behind or forget things, so it’s always important to remember to get what you need a couple days before so you’re not stressed out.

Dream dinner guests?

Phillip: I would’ve liked to have cooked for Anthony Bourdain. That’d be my dinner guest.

Margarita: Dream guest for me is Quentin Tarantino.

Fill in the blank:

A perfect meal should: be yummy.

It’s not a dinner party without: wine. 

Every cook should know how to: season their food.

The post “Good Company and Good Food”—The Couple Behind Scratch Restaurants Hosts a Backyard Dinner Party at Home appeared first on Camille Styles.

Emily Post’s presence was felt throughout my childhood home (my mom displayed her etiquette bible proudly on our bookshelf). From how we set the table to dinner party etiquette to the respect we showed one another—these “rules” guided much of my younger life. They’ve also played a key role in who I’ve grown up to be. Yes, while you might be rolling your eyes at the idea of etiquette—and an elementary-age girl taking so much interest in the subject—it’s back in a big way. And because we’re all craving more gatherings, connection, and togetherness in 2023, knowing your dinner party etiquette is more important now than ever.

Featured image by Michelle Nash.

Dinner Party Etiquette: Everything You Need to Know for 2023

In the words of etiquette expert Heather Wiese, etiquette “is a path to compassion, consideration, and even empathy.” When posited that way, how could you not see the need for more etiquette in our world today?

To get a better idea of what’s expected of us (both as guests and as hosts), I chatted with Heather about all things etiquette. We spoke about what the concept means in 2023, how to navigate hostess gifts for every occasion, and the complex matter of dietary preferences. Be sure to read to the end—Heather’s sharing what’s in and what’s out for perfecting your dinner party etiquette.

Heather Wiese

Heather Wiese is the Founder and Creative Director of Bell’INVITO Stationers. As a former fashion art director for Neiman Marcus, Heather sought to create products that showcase her love of travel and different cultures she has experienced. Heather developed an artisan’s eye for quality and an appreciation for responsible and skilled workmanship. Heather is also an etiquette expert, speaking on panels, and featured on numerous talk shows and in publications, about all-things modern etiquette tips and tricks. From wedding invitations, to what to bring a party host, Heather lays out the do’s and don’ts of proper etiquette in a modern and approachable manner.

“Etiquette” in this day and age can seem outdated. What does it mean for you in 2023?

This is a great question. What’s outdated about etiquette is the idea that etiquette is outdated. I love that there’s a new buzz around reformatting our ideas and ideals of protocol. Behavior is the elephant in the room no one can avoid. We all might as well harness it and learn to handle it well. Modern etiquette guidelines are the tools you need to realize what isn’t typically obvious to you. Frankly, these revelations make the difference between being perceived as gracious and impressive or possibly lacking in an ability to relate or conduct yourself well in a given situation.

How can etiquette be used as a tool to help us act more respectfully and thoughtfully toward others?

Reprogram your idea of etiquette. It’s a word many of us need to reconsider and redefine in our minds in order to see its real value. If you use etiquette to feel more elite or one-up someone, you’ve missed the boat completely (and you can assume everyone saw the big splash into a self-absorbed abyss). Etiquette is a path to compassion, consideration, and even empathy when used as intended.

Reprogram your idea of etiquette. It’s a word many of us need to reconsider and redefine in our minds in order to see its real value.

What are some good examples of host gifts to bring to a dinner party? Do you always have to bring a gift?

The key phrase here was “dinner party.” Yes—always contribute. If you’re helping with the dinner itself, there might be something small in addition you can bring that says, “I appreciate you hosting.” However, when you’re arriving as a carefree guest being served, a modest but thoughtful gift is a big YES.

I’ll give you a few scenarios from my past few weeks. Over the holiday, I was invited to my parents’ friends for a casual dinner and football-watching. They made dinner. He has a wine collection I’d be intimidated to grace with my last-minute local purchase. Instead, I brought a pretty desk calendar from my collection.

There really are only two rules: consider the host, contribute something material in some way.

I’ve picked up some funny cocktail napkins, a nice candle, and some gourmet chocolates on different occasions for similar parties. Last week I was invited to the home of someone I don’t know well. I had no idea of their style. I grabbed a gift tag from my stash and a fresh orchid on the way to the dinner party. Last night I headed out last-minute to a friend’s house for an impromptu dinner. I grabbed a bottle of wine from my stash so I didn’t show up empty-handed. There really are only two rules: consider the host, contribute something material in some way.

Dietary preferences are so common these days. What are some ways to navigate this as a guest? What about if you’re the host?

If you’re the guest and you have true dietary restrictions, you’ve been doing this dance far longer than any of us have been commenting on the subject. I commend you for showing up and doing what you can to be social and relatively discrete with a difficult situation. Everyone I’ve encountered with these issues has always handled it so well. They contact the host ahead, sometimes bring their own food, and put everyone at ease as they navigate their critical musts. Seeing this done graciously is truly impressive.

Hosts, it’s always good to ask if anyone has any dietary limitations and if you’re feeling accommodating if anyone has any preferences—although the latter is not necessary. If you do have someone who requires special food handling, ask their advice and take it. Take it as a chance to learn from someone’s experiences.

It’s 2023—what’s in and what’s out in the world of dinner party etiquette?

What’s in:

1. Good manners and thoughtfulness. Knowing how to set the table isn’t out of style by any means. If you’re truly into entertaining, knowing some modern trends to offer up is always good.
2. Know the source. Growing sustainably, responsibly, locally—these are all growing in popularity and they are great dinner party conversation. Be ready for interesting meals that bring conversation to the table.
3. Mocktails. That’s right! They aren’t just for moms-to-be anymore. Creative juices and flavor are flowing and so fun to make. There’s now a trendy take on being healthier, pacing yourself better, or simply avoiding alcohol altogether.
4. Mushrooms, roots, and foraging. Unique fruits aren’t out altogether, but the earthy elements and backwoods fare are having their day.
5. Experiences. Maybe it’s because we’re all out of our cages with a new view on life and friends and celebrating. Whatever the reason, planning out themes, bringing in a pro, or creating an experiential environment is definitely having a moment.
6. Etiquette! No, really. People are arming themselves with civility and modern manners for no other reason, just to have an enjoyable night away from the norm. Come looking educated in this little movement with questions to make conversation like: How do you know the host? How do you like to spend your free time? Do you get to travel or if you could, where would you love to go? Are you watching a good series or reading a good book?

What’s out:

In general, a dinner party is about people gathering and having a great time. These are the buzz-kills you should always avoid, especially now.

1. Bringing bought food when everyone else has contributed a homemade dish.
2. Bringing your complaints or divisive conversations to the party.
3. Cooking with canned, preservative-loaded foods.
4. Talking to only the people you know and not asking questions to learn about new subjects or people (it’s just a few hours, you can do it!).
5. Bringing up how much something costs or how much someone, including yourself, makes.
6. Arriving early. Give your hosts time to do their thing. Don’t show up early and cut their timeline short.
7. Arriving fashionably rudely late. Let’s be real, dinner parties aren’t business meetings—unless they sort-of are. A good guideline is 5-10 min grace from the host’s recommended start time.

The post The New Dinner Party Rules: An Etiquette Expert Shares What’s Outdated and What’s Here to Stay appeared first on Camille Styles.

The holidays are arguably the most celebratory time of the year. Gifts are purchased, parties are thrown, and we cherish these precious moments in the company of loved ones. But when you’ve just moved halfway across the world from Houston to Barcelona, you’re likely tempted to take a step back. For Devon Liedtke, that couldn’t be more true.

“Less is more this year,” she says. But for the designer and creative, there’s endless beauty to be found in a minimalist approach. In her case, the saying rings true: what you focus on absolutely does grow. Her centerpiece is awe-inspiring, the tree is a natural wonder, and with warmth and welcome, Devon brings friends near and far into her apartment that already feels like home.

Naturally, we were overjoyed when Devon invited us (virtually) into her Barcelona home for an intimate gathering with her family, dear friends, and a few well-behaved pups. We spoke to Devon all about her pivot from the finance world to design, what it’s really like to pack up your life and move to Europe, and the traditions she’s keeping close to her heart—all while exploring this new adventure.

Sweater from COS.

On Making Pivots and Finding Professional Joy

Tell us about your career trajectory. You started off in finance—what brought you to the design world?

Ultimately, trusting in my heart rather than my head. I have always been a very aesthetic-driven person. I have always appreciated the beauty in things, the beauty in life. My five-year-old daughter said to me yesterday, “Mom, isn’t the brick just so beautiful on this building?” and I couldn’t help but laugh (definitely a moment of déjà vu).

I studied business in college and got my CPA not because I loved it, but because it was what one did to get a job. With time, trial and error, more self-awareness, and a husband that has endlessly encouraged me to find my “thing,” I got into design. I went to design school in Europe nearly a decade ago. And, closer to a decade later, I still feel lit up by the design world and I am still pivoting and honing “my thing.” 

I have always appreciated the beauty in things, the beauty in life.

How did your business come to be?

It started as a place for me to just share the things I love and my point of view, whether through my services, my stories, photos, and recipes on my blog, or the products I curate. From there, it has evolved as life does. The business has evolved and is evolving as we speak, and I am grateful for that. I am learning what I love to do and what I don’t. What lights me up and just as importantly, what dims that light. Moving to Barcelona has also made me pivot a lot. It has opened new doors and has closed others. 

Round Marble Bowl from Zara Home. Borosilicate Glass Jug with Lid from Zara Home.

Honoring the Creativity Inherent in Food

How did you learn to cook? 

With my family growing up. Some of my fondest memories are in the kitchen. No doubt, I’ve made my presence known by spilling everything in sight. 

What informs your approach to food?

A few words come to mind. Relaxed, inspired, playful. Relaxed and playful because I think of recipes as suggestions, which my rule-following husband literally can’t stand. A pinch of this and a squeeze of that. We just moved to Barcelona and the markets here are so inspiring. I absolutely love feeling inspired, trying local ingredients and learning along the way. 

Devon Liedtke Shares Her Entertaining Wisdom

You recently moved to Barcelona. How will celebrating the holidays look different for your family this year?

They will look simple! Less is more this year. We have a tree up and we just got a little tree for the kids and gave them full creative freedom. (Surely, you can see the flashing rainbow lights they picked from wherever you are.) Barcelona decorates for the holidays, so it has been fun to walk around and see the lights and it just feels so festive. As for new traditions, I am hoping to host a cookie exchange for my daughter’s new school friends and their parents to meet new friends and celebrate the holidays. 

Tell us about your new home. What’s your favorite part of the space?

We moved to Barcelona about three months ago [from Houston]. More on that story here!

The apartment felt like kismet. Favorite parts are all the century old Catalonian details, the carved ceilings and the encaustic floors. It is perfect for this time and place in our life. 

What does a great gathering look like for you?

Relaxed, creative, beautiful and feeling connected to one another. 

What are you serving at this gathering?

I hosted a few of my new friends in Barcelona for a Christmas party at my apartment. They are from all over the world, two of my closest friends are from Ireland and South Africa. We always talk about “home” for us, so I wanted the party to have a bit of home from Texas and Spain. So, naturally for a nod to my home in Texas, I made a margarita bar for cocktails. As for a taste of Spain, one of my favorite tapas here is tomato bread. I love its simplicity and how DIY it is.

In Spain, they give you some bread, whole tomatoes, salt and olive oil and you make it yourself at the table. So, for this party, I did my own spin. I toasted a baguette split in half in the toaster and cut it into pieces. In a serving bowl, I added garlic cloves and tomatoes on the vine. Flaky sea salt and high quality olive oil. The intention is for each person to build their own. All you do is grab a piece of grilled bread, rub with raw garlic clove to taste, rub with raw tomato to taste, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. 

What’s your must-have cooking tool and why? 

Microplane. Zest for this, nutmeg in that, cheese on the pasta… I churn out for my kiddos like the short-order cook they think I am. 

What are your favorite cookbooks?

Anything Ottolenghi. 

Ottolenghi: The Cookbook

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What are a few things we’ll always find in your refrigerator? 

All the condiments—capers, miso, dijon, tomato paste, curry paste, sriracha, and my husband’s not-so-secret mistress, Tabasco. 

What tip would you share with someone who wants to host a gathering on a budget?

Keep it simple and think outside of the box. 

Favorite conversation starter or question to get to know someone?

Definitely, “What’s your sign?” and followed by “What time were you born?” Those that get it, buyer beware, we are about to go deep. 

The perfect dinner party playlist includes:

A little of everything. Some of my favorites, some that everyone knows, some to start a convo, and some to groove to. I got a Spotify email today that my number one streamed song of 2022 was from my twin daughter’s favorite movie Tangled. This isn’t making the dinner playlist, at least not intentionally, but will be played seven times the next morning on repeat in the carpool line.

Your go-to centerpiece solution:

I always do different things for centerpieces. Sometimes, I love one large arrangement like this, or low and lush down the table or simple and sparse. I have loved plants and flowers since I can remember, so this is my very favorite part to think about. As a kid, I would ask my dad to take me to the flower shop on Saturdays. So, let the record show I have always been a dorky old soul, this is not a new revelation. 

But, when in doubt about what to do for the centerpiece, use a lot of stems of one type of flower in a vase with votives around it. Easy and sophisticated. 

What is your no-stress party rule to live by? 

Outsource. Make a few things and buy the rest. As a mom of three littles, I realized early on that I can’t do it all and I definitely can’t do it all well. 

Dream dinner guests?

Now that we are abroad, my answer is definitely my family and close friends from home in Texas. 

Fill in the blank:

“A perfect meal should …” leave you feeling full! It isn’t just about the food. It’s about the connection with people. Feeling full of life. 

“It’s not a dinner party without …”  laughing so hard it hurts.

“Every cook should know how to …” pivot.

The post Simple and Celebratory—How This Designer Hosts the Holidays in Spain appeared first on Camille Styles.

Every year, Adam and I host one holiday dinner party for a handful of our closest friends—we’ve invited the same group for the past 5 years, and it’s become a tradition we all look forward to. I cook—usually some version of my sweet and spicy glazed short ribs, pesto parmesan potatoes, and my holiday jewels kale salad—and we drink champagne by the fire and soak up one more great night of conversation before the year comes to a close.

I always love the chance to set a simple Christmas dinner table with place cards, greenery, and candlelight, so I thought it would be fun to share with you guys exactly how I’m setting the table this year. Spoiler: my favorite handmade ceramic dishes and recycled glassware from Casa Zuma are most definitely making an appearance. Scroll on for my tips on how to design a modern Christmas table setting, and my thoughts on keeping it simple so you can enjoy the party as much as your guests.

Set the table the night before

My top priority with any holiday tablescape is that it’s simple enough to be totally stress-free on the day of the gathering. So, my absolute, number one tip is to set the table completely the night before. That way, the morning of the party you can just enjoy how gorgeous it looks and focus on all the other day-of details.

Lay the foundation with linen

Gone are the days of perfectly-starched linen tablecloths. When I design a modern Christmas table setting, I almost always opt for a casual linen table throw that doesn’t fully cover the table—I love to let the beauty of the natural wood show a bit. 

A heavy, oversized linen napkin feels organic and a bit luxurious, but I could never find the perfect one—that is, until I created my own as one of the first pieces I designed for our Casa Zuma launch collection. And trust me when I say—it’s absolutely perfect.

Linen Table Throw

This square throw is the right size for any table—since it’s made to reveal the edges of what’s underneath, you can use it on square, round, and rectangular shaped-tables. We embrace a few of the linen’s natural wrinkles for a look that’s (perfectly) imperfect.

Casa Zuma

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Oversized Linen Napkin

Made in Lithuania from heavyweight flax linen, this generously-sized napkin is made to double as a beautiful dishtowel for the kitchen.

Casa Zuma

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Add an evergreen runner for Scandi vibes

This is the third year in a row that I’ve worked with Elle from Gracious Garlands on the evergreen elements of our holiday decor, and I love how we’ve been able to capture this simple Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic that feels really special all season long.

For a modern Christmas table setting, I love using a garland down the center of the table. It acts as a sort of “runner,” and doesn’t block conversation the way that a taller floral centerpiece would. Plus, it lasts for weeks, which means that you can enjoy it throughout the entire holiday season (not just on party night!) I’m all for getting as much mileage out of my dinner party decor as possible.

California Christmas Garland

This luscious garland is bursting with textured evergreens and west coast seeded eucalpytus. It comes in 5ft, 10ft, 15ft, or 25ft lengths.

Gracious Garlands

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California Christmas Wreath

This wreath includes Seeded Eucalyptus, Leyland Cypress, Fraser Fir, White Pine + Boxwood. Sized up to 36″.

Gracious Garlands

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Embrace the wabi sabi beauty of handmade ceramics

It’s no secret that I love handmade ceramics, and thankfully, the warmth and rusticity of handcrafted objects will never go out of style. There’s just something about them—when I pickup a hand thrown mug or slightly irregular bowl, there’s a subtle connection with the person who made it with their own hands. I set this Christmas table with our oversized stoneware dinner plates, and I love that these feel elevated for a dinner party but are also the dishes we use every night for dinner.

If you’ve had your eye on these plates, get excited because they’ll finally be in stock from our ceramicists in Mexico in just a few weeks! We’re now accepting pre-orders, so now’s the time to snag ’em as a little Christmas gift to yourself.

Canyon Dinner Plate

Handmade in Mexico, these oversized stoneware dinner plates are what we use to set our table each evening. They’re made of high-temperature hand-glazed ceramic, and are dishwasher-safe.

Casa Zuma

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Create simple place settings

As much as I love a casual table, I’m also a fan of place cards as a simple way to make each setting feel special for the holidays. And, it’s always nice for guests to know exactly where to sit! Place cards are a perfect opportunity to bring a natural touch to the table, and I love adorning them with seasonal elements like fresh herbs, dried citrus slices, or cinnamon sticks. For this setting, we made simple rosemary wreath place cards with major wow factor.

How to make rosemary wreath place cards

• Start with the freshest rosemary you can get, as it bends with less effort. Grab 3 rosemary stems, each 6-8″ long, some green floral wire, and wire cutters.
• Begin by wrapping the floral wire around one rosemary stem, twisting lightly as you go. About midway through, add another piece of rosemary and continue twisting the wire to connect the two pieces. Add the final stem of rosemary halfway through the second piece.
• Once you reach the middle of the third piece, loop it back to connect it to the first stem of rosemary. Wrap the wire to secure it and then snip. Gently adjust the wire to create a circle if necessary.

For more modern Christmas table setting inspiration, hop over to last year’s pomegranate-adorned holiday table. And be sure to check out our Holiday HQ for all our best recipes, decor ideas, and of course gift guides to fully celebrate the season!

The post Evergreen Garlands and Twinkling Lights—How I Set the Table for This Year’s Holiday Dinner Party appeared first on Camille Styles.