Erika Bellitt is the founder, studio owner, and principal planner of Array Creative Design, with eight years of experience designing weddings and events that feel original, intentional, and deeply personal. Based in Santa Barbara, Erika’s passion for celebration comes from her love of love and her appreciation for the beauty found in everyday moments. Her creative lens is shaped by contemporary art, interiors, and fashion, resulting in gatherings that feel elevated yet effortless.

Her work has been featured in People Magazine, BRIDES, Over The Moon, Anti-Bride, 100 Layer Cake, Martha Stewart, and more, but her approach to hosting at home remains refreshingly grounded. Erika believes the most memorable gatherings are created by the people in the room, not the pressure to impress. When she’s not dreaming up design concepts or collaborating with creative peers, you’ll find her hiking the hills, taking midday ocean dips, or wandering the farmer’s market for seasonal inspiration alongside her fiancé and two boxer pups.

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

A: I always start with the occasion.

That clarity shapes everything that follows. The menu, the mood, the table. Anchoring your plans to the “why” keeps decisions intentional instead of overwhelming.

Q: What’s your go-to way to break the ice or entertain guests?

A: A welcome beverage goes a long way in making someone feel comfortable in your home, whether that’s a specialty cocktail or just a refreshing beverage to enjoy.

It’s a small gesture, but it immediately signals hospitality. Guests feel settled, and conversation flows more easily when everyone has something in hand.

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

A: A layer of the tablescape that can also be enjoyed by your guests. Styling with food is a great way to add to the decor but serve a deeper purpose than just aesthetics.

Think edible design. Cheese, bread, fruit, spreads. Beautiful and functional always wins.

Q: What makes a gathering truly memorable?

A: The people. At the end of the day, all the decor and design is fun to create and play with, but the people are what truly create the most memorable events. Being intentional with your guest list is always a great place to put energy in during the beginning stages of planning.

This is where Erika’s event background shines. A thoughtful guest mix creates chemistry you can’t fake.

Q: What advice would you give someone feeling overwhelmed about hosting friends at home?

A: Your friends are just excited to spend time with you. Creating the environment for memories and moments together doesn’t have to be perfect or even look a certain way. Do you.

Permission granted to let go of the pressure.

Q: What’s your signature recipe when hosting?

A; I love an amazing cheese plate with different cheeses from the local farmer’s market and Oak Bakery bread and spreads.

Effortless, local, and endlessly crowd-pleasing.

Q: What’s your favorite party trick?

A: Always have a serve-yourself option or splurge on a bartender when hosting so guests feel comfortable not waiting on you for a beverage of choice.

Freedom for guests, freedom for the host. A win on both sides.

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

Honestly, most parties I attend have something special about them, whether it’s meeting someone new or just connecting on a deeper level.

Proof that memorable moments don’t need spectacle, just presence.

Q: What products or brands do you love using when hosting?

A: I love picking up festive pieces from our local showrooms.

Supporting local while keeping things unique feels very on-brand.

Get inspired by Erika’s approach to gathering by following her work through Array Creative Design and exploring how she brings artful intention into every celebration. When you’re ready to host your own, Partytrick makes it simple with customizable templates, smart planning tools, and everything you need in one place to create something meaningful without the stress. 

✨ Ready to plan your next gathering? Sign up for a free Partytrick account and start hosting with confidence, clarity, and ease.