Amanda Danku knows how to turn a gathering into a moment. As Marketing & PR Manager at The Caviar Co., she brings a celebratory yet approachable lens to hosting at home. Originally from Marin County and inspired by San Francisco’s coastal lifestyle, Amanda’s gatherings balance elevated food moments with an easygoing, social atmosphere. She believes a strong theme is the secret to stress-free hosting, once that’s set, everything else falls into place. Her tables are thoughtfully styled, her menus are crowd-pleasing, and there’s always something interactive to bring guests together. Whether it’s a casual dinner party or a full-on celebration, Amanda’s hosting philosophy centers on connection, laughter, and creating moments guests don’t want to leave.

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

A: I usually start with a theme. Once that’s set, everything else like the menu, décor, and details start to fall into place.

A theme doesn’t have to mean costumes or over-the-top décor. For Amanda, it’s more about creating a cohesive throughline that makes decision-making easier and keeps the vibe intentional.

Q: Please share your go-to ways to break the ice or things to do to entertain guests:

A: I love to start with an interactive cocktail hour where guests can choose or mix their own drinks. It sets a fun, relaxed tone for the night! I also like to include games, whether it’s card games or something funny, to keep everyone entertained and laughing.

Interactive moments are a recurring theme in Amanda’s hosting style. They remove pressure from the host and instantly make guests feel involved.

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

A: I’d focus on napkins that match the theme and some simple florals to tie everything together. If there’s room in the budget, I love adding candles or nice plating to elevate the look.

This is a reminder that small, intentional details often have the biggest impact. Texture, color, and lighting can do the heavy lifting.

Q: What makes a great gathering unforgettable?

A: When guests don’t want to leave, are full of compliments, and there’s lots of laughter around the table, that’s when I know it’s a truly memorable gathering.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about energy.

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

A: I’d tell them to keep it simple, serve easy, crowd-pleasing food and drinks, and plan one fun activity to keep everyone engaged. And of course… use Partytrick, duh!

Simple menus plus one standout moment equals a gathering that feels thoughtful, not chaotic.

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

A: I love to batch cocktails like margaritas or ranch waters so guests can easily help themselves. Lately I’ve been obsessed with bacon-wrapped dates — they’re always a hit. And of course, the star of the show is always a caviar board!

Q: What is your favorite party trick?

A: Serving caviar bumps, of course! It instantly turns any moment into a celebration.

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

A: I do a lot of my last-minute shopping on Amazon for fun, on-theme items, and I love browsing marketplaces for unique décor pieces that tie everything together.

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Join her party: Follow @thecaviarco on Instagram and visit thecaviarco.com to explore their world of fine caviar and elevated entertaining. And when you’re ready to plan your own event, Partytrick makes it easy to turn ideas into something real. With curated templates, smart tools, and everything in one place, Partytrick helps you host beautifully without the overwhelm. Sign up for a free Partytrick account and start planning your next gathering with confidence.