Hosting is an art, and for Alicia Fritz, founder of A Day in May Events, it’s about creating experiences that leave a lasting impact. As a luxury planning and design studio, Alicia and her team are known for their impeccable attention to detail, intentional hospitality, and deeply personal celebrations. In this feature, Alicia shares her expert hosting tips, personal insights, and a few of her signature tricks to make any gathering memorable. Whether it’s a backyard wedding or an intimate dinner party, Alicia believes that excellence lies in the details—the unspoken moments that create lasting memories.

Q: What’s your starting point when planning a gathering in your home?

A: It starts with the occasion and the time of year. Hosting a wedding in the spring feels completely different than a summer dinner party or a holiday gathering. Each has its own needs, but also its own excitement. I love imagining the spaces in our home (or a client’s) that can come to life for the event—whether it’s reimagining the backyard for a wedding or making an intimate dinner party feel extra special.

Q: How do you break the ice and entertain guests?

A: Less is more. It’s all about making your guests feel comfortable and welcome. When we entertain at home, we always greet each guest at the front door to show them how important they are. A chilled beverage follows quickly after the greeting, and from there, we invite them to a space where they can slow down and connect—whether that’s a porch, fire-lit space, or cozy seating outdoors. Creating a space where people feel at ease is everything.

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

A: I would definitely focus on the china, flatware, and glassware. Nothing elevates a meal more than a beautiful table setting. It doesn’t have to be fussy, but it should tell the story of the evening and the guests you’re hosting. I love using imported ceramic dinnerware, vintage silver flatware, and Murano glass glasses. Customized napkins that double as place cards can also be a special touch.

Q: What makes a great gathering memorable?

A: It’s how you made your guests feel. The lasting impact comes from the connection and the moments they share, not just how pretty the décor was or how much effort you put into the food.

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

1. Start with the menu. It helps you navigate how much you need to do yourself versus what you can pick up from your favorite purveyors.
2. If your guest count allows, try to include something that connects you to each of your guests. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture—just a small, “if you know, you know” moment goes a long way.
3. Don’t overthink it—grab a bouquet from the market, light a candle (or several for layered scents), and put on a great playlist.

Q: Share your signature recipe to serve when hosting.

A: We serve a spritz at our house—sparkling wine or champagne, Lillet Blanc, St. Germain, and a lemon twist. It’s the perfect balance of effervescence, fragrance, and flavor. Cin cin!

Q: What's your go-to soundtrack for a dinner party?

A: I love playing Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle Cocktail Hour or The Girl from Ipanema Radio on Spotify. Both sets create a great atmosphere for an evening in, setting just the right tone for a relaxed dinner party.

Q: What is your favorite party trick?

A: One of my favorite party tricks is using interesting water glasses. In the excitement of being together, it’s easy to forget to hydrate. Having a beautiful glass to drink from always helps encourage more water consumption. We love these handblown Murano wave tumblers from Summerill & Bishop or the elegant water glasses from Porta NYC.

Here’s my trick: If you're right-handed, move your wine glass to the left side of your place setting and your water glass to the right. When you reach for a drink, even mimicking social behavior, you’ll naturally reach for your right hand and inadvertently drink more water!

Another great trick is using personal Maldon salt tins. They are great to have for each guest and can double as a take-home gift! You can refill them before they leave as a special little gesture.

Lastly, when cooking and hosting, choose a meal that's not only easy to serve but also lets you stay engaged with your guests. We love grilling Greek chicken souvlaki kabobs. Marinate the chicken the night before, skewer it just before guests arrive, and prep the Greek salad and dressing ahead of time. Chill everything, and when the skewers are on the grill, toss the salad—it’s easy and keeps you in the action!

Q: What’s your favorite Partytrick feature?

A: It’s the true definition of a pocket planner! Partytrick is like a party concierge in your hand.

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

A: One of my most memorable gatherings was a summer badminton party. We grilled, ate watermelon, and played badminton like we were in the finals at Wimbledon.

‍

Follow Alicia's work in @adayinmayevents on Instagram for exclusive event design inspiration, hosting tips, and behind-the-scenes peeks into her beautifully crafted celebrations. Then, take your event planning to the next level with Partytrick—your pocket-sized party planner! 🎉 Create your free Partytrick account now and effortlessly design your next unforgettable celebration with expert tips and tools right at your fingertips.