Elizabeth Wexler is the founder of Spennie and Emlan Events, New York's premier wedding planning and event consulting company. She is a born and bred New Yorker who first started in the hospitality industry at age 18. She jokes she was "raised" in catering before making her way to planning, and eventually the tech side of things.

Elizabeth lives in New York City with her husband, Eric, and 10-year-old schnauzer-mix pup adopted from Social Tees in the East Village. When not working, Elizabeth and Eric love traveling, trying new restaurants, and eating at their local diner. Elizabeth went to the University of Michigan and while it is very rare she’s free on a fall Saturday, if she is, she’s with friends supporting her alma mater. Her work has been featured in Brides, New York Times, Carats & Cake, and Party Slate. She is a member of the Live Event Association and has worked tirelessly to make events happen (safely) in our post-pandemic world.

When it comes to hosting in her own home, Elizabeth brings the same energy she brings to her clients—thoughtful touches, relaxed charm, and a focus on connection. 

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

Work with what you have! If you have a bag of clementines, put them in a pretty bowl on the table. If its the fall or Thanksgiving time, cranberries in a glass bowl with a few of them "spilling over" is a great centerpiece trick. I really don't think you need to go out and spend money on flowers (although, I love flowers and it never hurts) but you can really look in your fridge and pantry and work with what you already have!

Q: What makes a great gathering memorable?

Great food, great drinks, great people. Its important to not only make it pretty and make a nice menu, but to engage your guests, be hospitable, offer them drinks, and engage in conversation - especially amongst those that might not be friends (yet)!

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

Start small! Don't have a party of 20 - but have another couple or two over. It does not need to be anything excessive. I also think it helps to start with a holiday - there are certain cultural norms around holidays and that gives you easy guidelines for what to serve, how to decorate, and even games to play! For example, on Valentines Day, you can make heart shaped pizza, do a full red tablescape, put out sweethearts candies, etc!

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

I live on the New York Times cooking app when cooking! Those recipes never fail me and they are generally easy to follow! There's a lemon chicken I always make from there that is a crowd favorite. There's a few great sheet pan recipes (I love this miso salmon sheetpan recipe) which is great for my apartment lifestyle (less dishes)! I also think you always need apps. I always put out hummus and veggies, pretzels and pita chips, nuts, olives, and pickles. I like nosh! If you want to up the anti - go to trader joes and shop in the frozen section. Their apps are killer - the spanakopita is my personal favorite and such a party hit!

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

Great question. This definitely depends on who's coming. Lately we've been listening to Toddler Dance Party (perks of being a toddler mom) but jazz vibes is good for an older crowd, and sometimes I'll just type in Millennial Hits or something that's just super relatable to the crowd! Spotify never fails.

Q: What is your favorite partytrick?

This is so silly sounding, and almost obvious, but always have water, seltzer and ice! I always make sure not to just have drinks, but always fill a pitcher with ice and water and have cold seltzers in the fridge!

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

Every wedding I plan for my clients I try to make it the most memorable party they've ever hosted. Personal touches in the menu and decor, welcome bags with specific and special gifts for guests, and through entertainment and music - this is the goal. Its a journey but we try to make each event feel very very uniquely personal!

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

Anything from Spennie! Tchotchke, Goldie, Sprezz, Modern Wick, Hamkke Home, and Inner Child are a few I am loving at the moment!

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Want more real-life hosting tips from someone who plans unforgettable events for a living? Follow @emlan_events on Instagram for a peek behind the scenes, and explore spennie.com and emlanevents.com to see how Elizabeth brings magic to every moment. Ready to host like a pro in your own home? Create a free Partytrick account and get access to curated templates, expert insights, and all the tools you need to plan with confidence—minus the stress.