Annie Lee is the principal planner of Daughter of Design, author of Learn to Speak Wedding: Flashcards for Beginners, and founder of PLANNIE, a global network of event planners available for hire by the hour.

Named one of The 100 Most Influential Wedding Professionals, Annie is known across the industry as an innovator, problem-solver, and the ultimate pro when it comes to both large-scale productions and at-home entertaining. You may also know her as Annie Plannie, The Wedding Doctor, or just the guest who shows up with the best story.

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

The theme or the occasion is definitely the first thing to consider, and then I build the rest to match that.

Q: Go-to way to break the ice?

So I'm a little infamous for putting my guests to work—but not in the normal “cut the green onions” kind of way. I find other errands I need done around the house and pair up strangers to go work on something, like pick fruit from my tree or move patio furniture outdoors. What? Free labor in the house! And it really breaks the ice as they work on a group project.

Q: Signature food or drink when hosting?

I have a starfruit tree, so first I make guests go pick the fruit (see above, hahah) and then use those slices to make a pretty glass garnish so everyone remembers which cup is theirs.

Q: How do you create a standout table without a big budget?

A decorative printed menu goes a long way in visual impact and is pretty dang cheap to design and print at home—even on regular paper. Extra credit: use a pretty font and put guests’ names at the top for a menu/escort card combo. Fancy!

Q: What is your favorite partytrick?

When I’m hosting personally, it’s always making sure each guest feels super included. Even though the house chore assignments seem super selfish (which they are a little), it also creates a buddy system so the people who came solo quickly make a friend.

Q: Most memorable party you’ve hosted?

After all these questions about home entertaining, the first one that pops into my head was the time I had people over for dinner and then brought out a surprise birthday cake… for myself. That group still talks about how unexpected and fun it was as they looked around in confusion to see who it was for and realized it had my own name on the cake and then all started laughing and singing along. I just love a prank or rascal move—it was very bonding! I wanted to get a cake, and my birthday was in a week, so I was like, you know what? Close enough.

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

Oh, I'm so big on reusables, so a cloth napkin is a must. No to one-time-use paper products at home.

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To keep up with Annie’s tips, event inspiration, and creative hosting moves, visit Daughter of Design and follow @plannieevents. Ready to host your own inspired gathering? Sign up for a free Partytrick account to explore curated hosting templates, expert tips, and everything you need to plan your next event with ease—and fun.