Partytrick is thrilled to spotlight the vibrant hosting style of Chesa Baker—the Dallas-based engineer–turned–culinary creative behind Cooking, Hosting & Toasting. Known for her warm, intentional gatherings and playful yet elegant approach to entertaining, Chesa brings people together through thoughtful menus, welcoming atmospheres, and an infectious love for good vibes. With a heart deeply tied to the kitchen, she has built a lifestyle brand that celebrates approachable menus, smart hosting tips, and memorable moments. If you love gatherings that feel effortless and elevated (often with a cocktail in hand), Chesa is your new hosting inspiration.

Where Chesa Starts When Planning a Gathering

For Chesa, everything begins with the occasion.
“The occasion sets the tone—the feeling I want people to have and the kind of moment I want to create,” she shared. Once she understands the why, the rest naturally unfolds: a menu that matches the mood, décor that feels playful yet elegant, and an atmosphere that’s warm, intentional, and fun.

For her, themes aren’t about matching everything perfectly. They’re about crafting a vibe that makes guests feel cared for from the moment they arrive.

Her Favorite Ways to Break the Ice

Chesa swears by a simple rule: put a fun cocktail in your guests’ hands immediately.

“It relaxes the room,” she says. “It gives people something to hold and sip, which instantly puts everyone at ease.”

She also stays present—no chaotic last-minute scurrying. Her focus on being with her guests sets the tone more than any décor ever could.

For entertainment, she keeps things classic and interactive. A quick drinking card game works in a pinch, but her favorite is fishbowl—a mix of guessing, charades, and teamwork that gets everyone laughing.

Designing a Dinner Party Tablescape on a Budget

Chesa’s must-haves: florals and candles.

Fresh, simple flowers add color and creativity without blowing the budget. A few small arrangements—or one understated, elegant centerpiece—go a long way.

And then there’s lighting.
“Lighting is one of the top three most important elements when hosting,” she emphasizes. Even a couple of taper candles or tea lights can instantly transform the atmosphere into something warm, cozy, and intimate.

If your florals and candles are on point? No one notices mismatched plates. They just feel welcomed.

Tips for Hosts Feeling Overwhelmed

Chesa’s advice: design your event so you can be present.

That might mean keeping things intentionally casual—ordering food, simplifying the menu, or focusing your energy on making your space feel welcoming instead of perfect.

Her practical strategy?
Make your to-do list and aim to finish it at least a day before. That breathing room prevents stress from overshadowing the fun.

“If you’re too busy to be present, your guests will feel it,” she says. “Give yourself space to enjoy the night, too.”

Her Signature Recipes

When she wants to wow guests at a dinner party, Chesa makes:

• Cast Iron Seared Fish with White Wine Cream Sauce

For larger gatherings, she has a go-to crowd-pleaser:

• Chicken & Andouille Gumbo

Both dishes reflect her style perfectly—comforting, impressive, and full of flavor.

Chesa’s Favorite Party Trick

Her philosophy? Invest, borrow, thrift.

A few timeless investments—like durable dinnerware, solid serveware, and quality glassware—create the foundation for effortless hosting. The rest can be creatively filled in.

She loves borrowing pieces from friends and family, whether it’s her mom’s placemats, a friend’s unique glassware, or extra chairs from the neighbor.

And of course, thrifting and antiquing are treasure troves for character-rich hosting pieces. Chic, affordable finds from Amazon also make great reusable or disposable accents.

“There are so many ways to host beautifully on a budget,” she says. “It’s all about balancing long-term investments with creative, in-the-moment touches.”

Why She Loves Partytrick

Chesa is obsessed with the Partytrick playlists.

Music is a key part of the energy she creates at her gatherings, and she loves that Partytrick offers curated soundtracks for every vibe. Just one more tool that makes hosting feel easy and inspiring.

Her Favorite Hosting Products

• Vista Alegre White Porcelain Dinner Set – She loves the Utopia Vista Alegre line for its beauty and durability.
  
  
• Le Creuset Oval Dutch Oven – Her desert island piece. She uses it for nearly everything.
  
  
• Schott Zwiesel Wine Glasses – Stunning, strong, and battle-tested through many gatherings.

Get a closer look at how Chesa brings people together by following her on Instagram at @cookinghostingtoasting or exploring her lifestyle brand online.

Inspired to create your own moment of connection? Partytrick gives you everything you need to host beautifully—curated templates, smart guidance, playlists for every vibe, and a simple, intuitive space to organize all your plans. Start your next gathering with Partytrick and bring your vision to life.