Meet Aimee Monihan — an event industry disruptor since the late ’90s and the visionary CEO of Destination Occasions. She launched the first-ever wedding planning company in Costa Rica, pioneering the destination wedding market there, and has since expanded her reach globally. With a background in hotel management and fluency in Spanish, Aimee now oversees three event production companies: Tropical Occasions for beach celebrations in Costa Rica and Latin America, Mountain Occasions for events in the Rockies, and Destination Desi with a focus in South Asian weddings. She’s produced over 1,500 events worldwide — from celebrity weddings to remote corporate retreats — with her work featured in Brides, The Wall Street Journal, Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, and People Magazine. Across every gathering, Aimee leads with one belief: love is at the heart of everything we do.

Q: Please share your go-to ways to break the ice or things to do to entertain guests:

Apps on the kitchen island and make yourself a cocktail station, so guests become bartenders to one another and meet.

Q: If you had a limited budget to put together a small dinner party, what would you focus on for the tablescape?

Candles and an inviting place setting (China, nice napkins, cutlery and stemware)

Q: What makes a great gathering memorable?

Great food, fun company, great conversation and laughter!

Q: If someone is feeling overwhelmed by hosting their friends in their home, what tips would you give them?

Plan a menu that is easy to make, and once people arrive, you are freer to play host and less stressed about getting everything ready in front of guests. Assign someone to help play bartender and assist you with getting dinner plated so you do not become overwhelmed.

Q: Share your signature recipe (food or beverage) to serve when hosting?

I always have some champagne, a signature cocktail, and a mocktail. I love a Paloma Margarita with a Tajin rim, and a mocktail with fresh lemonade, mint, and ice is my go-to. As for food, I have so many go-to recipes and will typically stick to a theme based on the time of year and my guests' dietary needs. Like comfort food: delicious roasted chicken with baked sweet potatoes. Or I will do a full Mexican or Indian spread.

Q: What's your go-to soundtrack for dinner party at home? We'd love your fave playlist!

Bossa Nova, or Brazilian Music, and I will also play classic jazz standards. I rely on my DJ Alexa and ask her to play a station with the above prompts.

Q: What is your favorite Partytrick?

Being Prepared. Having all done (bar ready, appetizers all set, and dinner in final stages), that way you are ready for when guests arrive, so you too can be part of the party!

Q: What is the most memorable party or gathering you've attended or hosted? Why?

Hosting my annual Christmas Eve with my family and many friends has always brought me so much happiness. We make it so much fun — a huge spread always that my entire family helps with, and friends pitch in with a side dish, appetizer, or dessert, so it has a very group effort to it. We do a gift exchange and celebrate with British holiday crackers that I have placed at each guest's table setting. We start dinner by crossing arms and popping the crackers together. Then we put on the crowns inside and go around the table reading the jokes inside them. It makes for lots of laughter, and the crowns are just cute.

Q: What are your favorite products or brands to use when hosting?

I love Tattinger Champagne and Casa Dragones Tequila. I have used a great charcuterie company called Boarderie before — you can design and order these gorgeous charcuterie boards, and they arrive on your doorstep, so all that prep work to create one is not needed. I also love Schott Zwiesel stemware.

To keep up with Aimee’s global events, signature hosting style, and behind-the-scenes from destinations around the world, follow her on Instagram @aimeemonihan or visit Destination Occasions. If you’re feeling inspired to host your own gathering, sign up for a free Partytrick account to explore curated templates, expert tips, and everything you need to bring your next event to life.