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As a wedding photographer and editorial planner, Brianna Graca has built her career around documenting connection. Her work lives in the in-between moments, the emotional glances, the quiet elegance of thoughtful design. So it makes sense that when she hosts at home, she approaches it the same way. With intention.

Drawing from her Portuguese heritage, Brianna designs dinner parties that revolve around food, storytelling, and inclusion. She believes every guest should feel considered, from curated interactive elements to drink options for those skipping alcohol. Lighting sets the mood. Music builds energy. The table becomes an experience. Hosting, in her world, is not about perfection. It is about creating space for people to exhale and connect.

Q: Where do you start when planning a gathering?

A: I start with the table layout. I always decide first how I am going to structure my table experience based on if there will be children present or not. I want everyone to feel together but also have a curated interactive space for them. I want to include all guests in my design experience.

The structure of a table quietly shapes the entire evening. Conversation, comfort, connection. It all begins there.

Q: How do you break the ice with guests?

A: Because I come from a Portuguese family, we always use food to break the ice. A build-your-own element like cocktails, mocktails, bruschetta, or dessert toppings. Including dishes with stories behind them, whether they are recipes passed down or picked up in travels.

Interactive elements naturally draw people in. They give guests something to do with their hands and something to talk about

Q: On a limited budget, what would you focus on the tablescape?

A: I would invest almost entirely in lighting and atmosphere. A mix of candles at varying heights, dimmed overhead lights, and warm, soft tones instantly elevate the table and make everything else feel considered. With the right glow, even the simplest linens and tableware feel special. Ambiance sets the rhythm of the evening. It invites people to slow down, linger, and connect.

Q: What turns a gathering into something unforgettable?

A: A great gathering becomes memorable when people feel comfortable enough to let their guard down. With my closest friends, that often looks like lingering after dinner, playing games, breaking into karaoke, dancing to traditional music, and laughing until it’s effortless. With newer friends, it’s simpler games and shared moments that ease everyone in. The common thread is creating space for joy without pressure.

Q: What would you tell someone feeling stressed about hosting?

A: Hosting isn’t about impressing. It’s about creating ease. Choose one or two things to care about and let the rest be simple. Prep what you can ahead of time, keep the menu unfussy, and allow the house to feel lived-in. If it’s within the budget, having the meal catered can lower stress and help you stay present. People remember how they felt, not whether everything was perfect.

Q: What is your signature recipe?

A: Here’s a simple, home-style version that is often the starter for our family holiday dinners—meant to be shared, not fussed over:

Caldo Verde (Portuguese Kale and Potato Soup)

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 to 5 Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1 bunch kale, sliced thin
Salt and pepper

Optional: sliced chouriço or linguiça

Method

Warm olive oil and cook onion until soft. Add garlic until fragrant.
Add potatoes and stock. Simmer until tender.
Lightly mash potatoes to create a velvety base.
Stir in kale until tender.
Season and finish with olive oil. Add chouriço if using.
Serve warm with crusty bread. Simple. Nourishing. A quiet way to begin a meal together.

Q: What’s on your dinner party playlist?

A: Songs by Jorge Ferreira for joyful, dance-friendly energy, and nostalgic hits from the 90s and 2000s.

Q: What’s your favorite party trick?

A: My favorite party trick is designing an experience that considers every guest. Interactive games, a curated drink selection that includes options for new moms or anyone skipping alcohol. It’s about creating moments where everyone feels included and part of the fun.

Q: Most memorable party you’ve attended or hosted?

A: One of the most memorable gatherings I’ve attended was a 40th birthday at the House of Blues Boston. A cover band launched into “Don’t Stop Believing” and confetti fell from the ceiling. The energy in the room was electric.

Equally unforgettable was a wedding I photographed at Newport Harbor Island Resort. The couple exuded old-world elegance and deep love. A particularly moving moment was when the bride danced with her mother and sister after recently losing her father. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

Both gatherings reminded me how powerful connection and love are in creating memories that last.

Q: Favorite brands to use when hosting?

A: I love using luxury table linens from Nuage Designs. The textures and range of options elevate the entire table design effortlessly. They always arrive pressed and in impeccable condition, which makes setting the table feel seamless and refined.

Q: What do you love about Partytrick?

A: What I love about Partytrick is how it makes hosting feel effortless and inspired. My favorite feature is the curated tips and tricks. Little ideas that spark connection, elevate ambiance, or make guests feel seen. It helps a gathering feel intentional without adding stress.

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Brianna’s hosting style mirrors her photography. Emotional. Intentional. Rooted in connection. To explore Brianna’s work, follow her on Instagram at @briannagracaweddings and visit briannagracaweddings.com to see the weddings and editorials she brings to life.

Feeling inspired to host your own gathering? Sign up for a free Partytrick account to access curated templates, expert tips, and everything you need to plan beautifully and effortlessly. Let Partytrick keep your details organized so you can focus on what matters most: bringing people together.