Hilliary Bianca Salamanca is the founder of Circle of Friends, a community-centered hosting platform built around circularity, storytelling, and genuine connection. Through projects like The Stoop Series and intimate dinner gatherings, she blends her love for vintage treasures, seasonal cooking, and meaningful moments to create experiences that feel both intentional and effortless. A devoted vintage collector and two-rescue-dog mom, Hilliary believes wholeheartedly in bringing people together—and, as she likes to say, “One cannot have too large a party.”
First, it’s always the occasion that sets the reason for gathering. From there, I think about the theme, which helps me shape the direction of the decor. Then I think about the menu, the flow of the event, and even the little details that make it feel intentional and personal. I love when each element feels connected.
This is always dependent on the event. For a Secondhand September dinner, I asked guests to wear their favorite pre-loved pieces, then during the dinner, everyone shared the stories behind their pieces. For a much larger Halloween house party, we set up a photo backdrop and plenty of cameras for guests to capture each other’s costumes.
I’d focus on creating a tablescape that feels thoughtful and elevated through circularity, which is always at the heart of my events. I lean into vintage and reclaimed pieces—things like mismatched vintage silver and glassware—and layering vintage linens.
I’d bring in lots of taper candles (the really tall 18"+ ones are my favorite) to create height and atmosphere, and then layer in seasonal florals and produce. I often use produce as part of the design—candles set in tomatoes, fruit as place settings—small touches that feel whimsical. Then I use that produce afterward.
It ends up being a mix of creativity and sustainability, proving that a meaningful table doesn’t need a big budget, just intention.
Start small! Maybe instead of hosting a full dinner party, host a cookbook club where everyone cooks a different dish from a book so you can focus on the decor, details, and drinks, and guests can bring the rest!
I like to cook very seasonally. In the summer, I host a Girls in the Garden dinner series where I cook for 14 friends. My go-to dishes for this are galettes with what was in season at the farmer’s market. I can make them in advance, then pop them in the oven as guests arrive. It cooks during cocktail hour and is ready just in time for dinner, and is always a hit on the table.
Large vintage silver bowls for drinks as well as desserts—like a giant silver vat of banana pudding or tiramisu!
Our Best in Show Halloween House Party. I wrote a whole Substack about it to see all the details! Read it here
I use a mix of my vintage glassware and silver collection paired with brands I like, such as Porta and Heath Ceramics. When cooking, I try to incorporate as many upcycled and regenerative products as possible. Some of my go-to brands are West Bourne, Flamingo Estate, Simpli, and Matriark Foods.
Get inspired by the way Hilliary brings people together through thoughtful design, seasonal cooking, and circular hosting. Follow her on Instagram @hilliaryb or explore her work on circleoffriends.substack.com. Feeling inspired to host your own gathering? Partytrick has customizable templates, expert tips, and everything you need to create something personal and memorable. Start your event on Partytrick and bring your vision to life—beautifully, intentionally, and without the stress.
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