Brooke Hafen is an avid party planner, detail enthusiast, and creator of Shindig by Brooke, where she shares the magical and messy moments of intentional, artful gatherings. 

Her signature is elevating the everyday through thoughtful choices that feel immersive without feeling fussy. Instead of planning a party like a performance, Brooke focuses on how guests will feel, then builds the menu, decor, and moments around that emotional anchor. The result is a gathering where everything feels cohesive, and the host still gets to enjoy it. 

Hosting Q&A with Brooke Hafen

Q: When you’re planning a gathering at home, what’s the first thing you decide?

A: I always start planning by examining my why. What is the point of this party? What feeling do I want my guests to walk away with? Building out the gathering comes naturally from there, as the theme, menu, decor, and details all tie back to that initial focus. It ensures that all my parties feel cohesive, immersive, and deeply personal.

Q: What are your go-to ways to help guests relax and connect right away?

A: I love incorporating interactive moments that get people talking naturally. Things like hands-on crafts or playful twists on a party theme that make guests feel immediately included and connected.

Q: If you were hosting a dinner on a tight budget, what would you prioritize on the table?

A: I’d focus on creating an intimate atmosphere that draws people in instead of just wowing. A beautiful tablecloth, candlelight, and one special detail, like a printed menu, to show the care you put into the evening.

Q: In your opinion, what separates a good gathering from a truly memorable one?

A: The most memorable gatherings are the ones where the host gets to enjoy the moment alongside her guests! When the host is stressed and micromanaging every inch of the evening, no one gets the chance to fully settle in and connect.

Q: What would you tell someone who feels stressed about having people over?

A: I’d tell them to stop thinking about hosting as a performance. No one expects you to have a perfect home or the perfect decor. Hosting is simply about providing an opportunity for your friends to gather and connect!

Q: Do you have a signature dish or drink you love to serve?

A: I think I would be so much cooler if I had a signature recipe…I usually just build the menu around the theme of my gathering. But also, I make a mean candy salad!

Q: What’s your most reliable hosting hack, the thing you swear by every time?

A: I have a designated hosting cabinet in my kitchen that I keep stocked with all my hosting essentials (linens, candlesticks, my go-to serveware pieces, etc) so I can put a tablescape together at a moment’s notice. I change it out seasonally!

Q: What’s been your favorite part of using Partytrick so far?

A: Good gatherings always start with an organized game plan. I love that Partytrick makes it so easy!

Q: What’s the most meaningful gathering you’ve hosted or attended, and why does it stick with you?

A: Any birthday party I get to throw for my kids will always be so special to me. Celebrating my people is one of the biggest ways I show love!

Q: Which products or brands are always in your hosting rotation?

A: I love mixing elevated pieces with affordable staples. A stunning antique vase paired with some Trader Joe’s flowers? Perfection.

Partytrick Take: Real Hosting Takeaways

Brooke’s style is elevated but never stiff. The secret is that the details are not there to impress; they are there to support a specific feeling and to make it easier for the host to be present.

How can I recreate this hosting style in a simple way?

Pick the feeling first, then choose one intentional detail that reinforces it. Add candlelight and a tablecloth to instantly shift the mood, then anchor the table with a small gesture that feels personal, like a printed menu or a place card.

What is the most important planning decision behind this gathering?

Define the why. When you name the purpose and the emotional goal, every other decision gets easier: what food fits, what music matches, how you set the pace, and which details are worth your time.

What can hosts borrow from this approach for their own event?

• Plan for the host to enjoy the party, not manage it.
• Use interactive moments to create connections quickly.
• Build a small hosting system, like a stocked cabinet, so you can host without starting from zero.

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Want more from Brooke? Follow @shindigbybrooke on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest for elevated, artful hosting inspiration. Ready to plan your own gathering? Create a free Partytrick account and start with our playbooks.