Christie Buck is the founder of Christie’s, a better-for-you potato chip brand that treats flavor like a recipe, not a formula. Trained in classic French cuisine and shaped by time in a two-Michelin-star kitchen, Christie brings a chef’s intuition to both her business and her gatherings. She believes great food does the heavy lifting, setting the tone, sparking conversation, and creating connection without the need for excess. Originally from Indiana and now based in New York City, Christie’s creative perspective is fueled by the city’s energy, culture, and constant inspiration. Her hosting style mirrors her brand philosophy: clean, intentional, and genuinely satisfying. Nothing flashy, nothing forced. Just thoughtful choices that make people feel instantly at home.

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

A: I always start with the menu! Food is my passion and always the most fun for me. Once I know what we’re serving, the whole tone clicks. Is it clean and bright, bold and poppy, or warm and comforting. From there, everything else falls into place.

Food as the foundation is a recurring theme for Christie. It is less about following a theme and more about letting flavor guide the mood of the night.

Q: How do you break the ice or entertain guests?

A: My favorite way to break the ice is to set a tone that makes people instantly feel at home. I’m never the center of attention when I host. Instead, I focus on creating a warm atmosphere with a beautiful food spread and music that gently pulls everyone in. If someone seems a little out of place, I always make a point to walk over, spark a conversation, and bring them into the fold. I know how it feels to be on the outside, so I’m intentional about making sure no one feels that way in my space.

This kind of hosting is subtle but powerful. The room does the talking, and the host quietly makes sure everyone belongs.

Q: If you had a limited budget, what would you focus on for the tablescape?

A: I’d focus on letting the food shine and keeping the tablescape clean and minimal. A simple arrangement of flowers or a small plant in the center adds just enough color and life. The rest stays understated so the spread feels intentional and inviting rather than busy.

Minimal does not mean bare. It means edited, which is often what makes a table feel elevated.

Q: What advice do you give to overwhelmed hosts?

A: Always start small. Choose a simple menu you’re excited about, tidy just the spaces people will actually use, and set one or two elements, like music or a small centerpiece, that make the room feel warm. Remember, people aren’t coming for a perfect performance. They’re coming to spend time with you. Create a space that feels welcoming rather than elaborate and let the rest unfold naturally.

This is hosting advice that feels especially relevant right now. Less perfection, more presence.

Q: What’s your signature recipe when hosting?

A: My signature dish is a warm short rib recipe. They seem much more advanced than they are and always impress guests. I love cooking short ribs because the bulk of the work is at the beginning, then they cook in the oven for hours giving you time to prepare everything else. They reheat beautifully, so when it’s go time, there’s much less stress in making sure it tastes delicious and isn’t dry.

A make-ahead main is one of the smartest hosting moves there is.

Q: What’s your go-to dinner party soundtrack?

A: Ella Fitzgerald playlists. Her music creates such a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Q: What’s your favorite party trick?

A: I don’t have a classic party trick, but I’m great at building an effortless food spread that looks far more elaborate than it is. People always think I spent hours on it, and it instantly becomes a conversation starter.

Q: What do you love most about Partytrick?

A: My favorite feature is definitely the templates. I’m obsessed with how they instantly give you a gorgeous, cohesive plan to follow without having to overthink a thing.

For hosts who love structure but not stress, this kind of guidance makes all the difference.

Q: What’s the most memorable event you’ve attended or hosted?

A: Working as a guest host at Jay-Z’s grandmother’s 100th birthday. It was extraordinary. The food, the ambience, the setting on the top floor of the Domino Sugar Factory in Brooklyn, the stunning décor, and a private performance by Stevie Wonder. Nothing has ever compared, and I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.

Q: What products or brands do you love using when hosting?

A: I love modern Scandinavian plates and silverware. The clean lines and simple design create an elegant, modern backdrop that makes any food spread feel elevated without trying too hard. IKEA has a lot of affordable options in this style. There are more upscale brands like Stelton, but those cost quite a bit more.

Get inspired by Christie Buck’s thoughtful, food-first approach to gathering by following her on Instagram @christieschips or browsing Christies Chips to explore her modern, better-for-you take on a classic snack. And when you’re ready to host your own gathering, Partytrick makes it easy to bring everything together. With curated templates, smart guidance, and all your plans organized in one place, Partytrick helps you host beautifully without the overwhelm. Create your free Partytrick account and start planning something memorable.