Amy Zaroff has spent more than two decades producing immersive experiences across the hospitality, entertainment, and media industries. Through her company, Amy Zaroff Events + Design, she has built a coast-to-coast and global network of trusted creative partners, hand-selecting expert teams to execute events that challenge traditional norms and leave lasting impressions.

But when Amy hosts at home, her approach is surprisingly simple. She starts with the menu. She believes every day is a reason to celebrate. And she focuses on making people feel truly taken care of. Whether it’s shimmering crystal glassware, a platter of caviar and crème fraîche, or a 70s-inspired disco moment, her gatherings blend professional polish with warmth and ease. In this edition of Host How I Host, she shares her signature Eggplant “Caviar,” her last-minute entertaining hack, and the philosophy behind unforgettable celebrations.

Q: When planning a gathering at home, where do you begin?

A: Every day is a reason to celebrate so the menu is the place I begin.

For Amy, food is not an afterthought. It’s the anchor. The flavor profile, the seasonality, the way it’s served. It sets the tone for the entire experience. Even in a relaxed home setting, the strategy starts with what’s on the plate.

Q: How do you break the ice with guests?

A: When welcoming guests in to our home, we always offer a beverage and a bite to make them feel taken care of.

Hospitality is a feeling. A drink in hand. A small bite waiting. That first moment signals care and comfort. Amy’s approach to entertaining at home mirrors her professional philosophy. Anticipate needs. Create ease. Make it seamless.

Q: If you’re hosting a dinner party on a limited budget, what matters most?

A: Food as decor. Gorgeous breads, caviar and creme fraiche, beautiful platters and tiered serving trays and crystal glassware that shimmers in the light.

Food-forward tablescapes are one of the smartest entertaining trends right now. Instead of investing heavily in decorative elements, Amy layers height, texture, and shimmer through the menu itself. Tiered trays. Crystal that catches candlelight. Edible abundance as visual design.

Q: What makes a gathering truly memorable?

A: Great people, engaging conversation and making people feel truly taken care of.

Not the florals. Not the lighting. Not even the menu. It’s how people feel when they leave. Amy’s answer circles back to connection, which is ultimately the point of any event, large or small.

Q: What would you say to someone feeling overwhelmed about hosting?

A: Relax! It doesn't need to be fancy. The more casual the better in my opinion. There is truly nothing better than friends, food and fun and games at home.

This is your reminder that stress-free hosting is allowed. Casual gatherings often create the most authentic connection. A simple meal. Music playing. Maybe a game. The magic lives there.

Q: Your signature hosting recipe?

A: Eggplant “Caviar.” Eggplant, onion, green pepper, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, sugar, tomato paste, vinegar, green olives, chopped mushroom and capers simmered and then chilled and served on cocktail breads.

Q: What’s always playing in the background?

A: 70s R+B, Funk and Soul.

Warm basslines. Nostalgic energy. A soundtrack that invites conversation and, eventually, 

Q: Your favorite party trick?

A: I have a drawer of "last minute entertaining" supplies. Personalized cocktail napkins, fun appetizer plates, stemless wine glasses and a few designated platters just for bites. I keep it stocked and replenish with seasonal add ons to ensure I am always ready to party.

Q: What do you love about Partytrick?

A: I love the templates. They make it fool proof to plan an event from start to finish. No guessing what is needed and no excuse for forgetting anything.

Q: Most memorable gathering you’ve hosted?

A: My 50th Birthday. I was surrounded with everyone I adore complete with the very best creative partners in my community. We dressed in 70s style attire, transformed a venue in to my own personal disco, carried a theme to the next level, and danced until we could no longer feel our feet.

Q: Favorite hosting brand?

A: I love Verterra disposable, eco-friendly dinnerware. It looks great, feels great and is perfect for indoor or outdoor use when casually entertaining.

Amy’s approach to hosting blends decades of production expertise with heartfelt simplicity. Start with the menu. Take care of your guests. Build systems that support spontaneity. And never underestimate the power of a disco moment.

To see how Amy reinvents experiences across the globe, visit Amy Zaroff Events + Design or follow her on Instagram at @amyzaroff.

Ready to host your own unforgettable gathering? Create your free Partytrick account and explore curated templates, expert guidance, and everything you need to plan beautifully from start to finish. Hosting feels a lot lighter when everything lives in one place.