Bonnie Chase believes that the most unforgettable gatherings aren’t about perfection—they’re about people. As the founder and creative force behind Bliss Events, a luxury international wedding planning and design firm, Bonnie has spent years producing breathtaking, authentic celebrations around the world with intention, warmth, and a deep understanding of human connection. With a background in event-driven marketing and over 450 weddings planned worldwide, she’s admired for her vision and meticulous attention to detail—without ever losing sight of meaning or budget. Whether she’s producing a candlelit wedding in Italy or hosting a lively dinner party at home, Bonnie approaches every gathering with heart, creativity, and a belief that experiences matter more than details.

Q: When planning a gathering at home, where do you start?

“When planning in my home, I like to start the same way that weddings start—with the guest list. Every decision, from the menu to the entertainment, depends on having some clarity around that number.”

Starting with the guest list allows Bonnie to plan intentionally. Knowing how many people are coming helps shape the flow of the evening and informs decisions around food, layout, and overall atmosphere.

Q: What are your favorite ways to break the ice or entertain guests?

“My favorite way to break the ice is through the age-old practice of mingling. I always start events, even private ones, with a cocktail hour so guests and I can mix around and get to know each other better.”

A cocktail hour creates a relaxed entry point into the gathering. It gives guests time to settle in, connect naturally, and ease into the experience before the evening unfolds.

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

“The food. If the budget were limited and table décor was not an option, I would place all of the food directly onto the table on beautiful serving platters, with candles sprinkled in. This can be purposeful, making the menu the center of attention.”

Bonnie treats the food itself as part of the design. By letting the menu take center stage, she creates a table that feels intentional and inviting without relying on extra décor.

Q: What makes a gathering truly memorable?

“People will remember experiences more than they will remember details. How do they experience the food? What kind of music is playing? Memorable doesn’t have to be expensive—it just has to be an experience.”

Her approach centers on how guests feel throughout the gathering. Rather than focusing on individual details, she prioritizes the overall experience created by atmosphere, food, and music.

Q: What advice would you give someone who feels overwhelmed about hosting at home?

“If you’re feeling overwhelmed about hosting, make an organized list of everything you feel needs to be done, and determine which part of that list is overwhelming you. Then ask yourself if that particular detail can be skipped. If not, can it be pared down? It’s easy to get wrapped up in the stress of being a good host, but your guests are most excited to spend time with you and probably won’t miss the thing that has you losing sleep.”

Bonnie encourages hosts to simplify and refocus. By identifying what truly matters and letting go of unnecessary pressure, hosting becomes more manageable and enjoyable.

Q: What’s your favorite party trick?

“No matter the condition of your home, dim the lights and light the candles, and you will immediately be carried to a sexy, moody new place. For an added touch, lightly spray or diffuse a clean, masculine oil like sandalwood.”

This simple shift instantly changes the atmosphere of a space. Lighting and scent work together to create a mood that feels intentional and elevated.

Q: What do you love most about Partytrick?

“My favorite part about Partytrick is the blog. It’s endless information about anything you could ever need, and I love reading through it for ideas.”

Bonnie turns to Partytrick as a source of inspiration, using it as a place to gather ideas and spark creativity when planning events.

Q: What’s the most memorable gathering you’ve hosted or attended?

“My most memorable party every year is Thanksgiving, which I host annually. I love Thanksgiving because it’s a holiday about gratitude, not gift-giving. About forty of my closest family and friends come for dinner, and it inevitably ends in a dance party—possibly because I always hire a DJ for after dinner, and who can resist?”

Thanksgiving stands out for Bonnie because of its focus on togetherness. The combination of meaningful tradition and celebration makes it a gathering she looks forward to each year.

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

“I love to cook, and after a tremendous amount of research and consumer testing, my favorite brand for cookware is Scanpan from Denmark. The quality is excellent.”

Reliable cookware plays an important role in Bonnie’s hosting process, allowing her to focus on creating the experience rather than worrying about execution.

To see how Bonnie Chase creates thoughtful, experience-driven gatherings, follow her on Instagram @bonnie_chase and @eventsbybliss, or explore her work at www.eventsbybliss.com.

Feeling inspired to host something of your own? Partytrick helps you turn ideas into gatherings with ease—offering curated templates, practical guidance, and all your planning details in one simple place. Create a free Partytrick account and start designing a gathering that feels intentional, personal, and effortless.