Dara Wax approaches hosting the same way she approaches wellness: thoughtfully, intentionally, and without unnecessary pressure. As the founder of SAM+LEO, a brand creating clean, vegan gummy vitamins that support teens’ mental health, Dara is deeply attuned to how environments and energy shape how people feel. That perspective carries into her gatherings, where the focus is never on perfection but on presence.

She is not interested in elaborate themes or overproduced moments. Instead, Dara anchors every gathering to its purpose, sets a relaxed tone through music and candlelight, and prioritizes connection over performance. Her hosting style proves that memorable nights are built through comfort, calm, and care. The kind that lingers long after the last candle burns out.

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

A: I start with the occasion. I’m not a natural party planner, so anchoring everything to the why of the gathering helps the rest fall into place.

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

A: I keep it simple and low-pressure. A thoughtful drink or snack everyone can help themselves to, music that sets a relaxed tone, and one light, open-ended question that invites conversation usually does the trick. I’m less about planned activities and more about creating an easy, welcoming flow where people can naturally connect.

Q: If you had a limited budget for a small dinner party, what would you focus on?

A: I’d focus on a few intentional elements rather than trying to do everything. Simple linens, lots of candlelight, and one organic centerpiece like seasonal flowers or greenery. I think warmth, texture, and lighting matter far more than having everything perfectly matched.

Q: What makes a gathering truly memorable?

A: A great gathering is memorable because people feel seen, comfortable, and connected. When the conversation flows easily, there’s no pressure to perform, and guests leave feeling lighter or more inspired than when they arrived, that’s what sticks with you.

Q: What advice would you give someone overwhelmed by hosting?

A: Lower the bar and keep it simple. Your home does not need to be perfect and the food does not need to be complicated, people are there for connection, not presentation. Set clear boundaries, ask for help, and remember that a good gathering is about how everyone feels, not how everything looks.

Q: What’s your signature recipe when hosting?

A: Spanakopita. It takes a bit of time to make, but it’s a recipe my mom taught me and it’s always a crowd favorite, which makes the extra effort feel worth it every time.

Q: What’s on your dinner party playlist?

A: My go-to dinner party soundtrack is relaxed, warm, and a little soulful. Think Norah Jones, Poolside, Lake Street Dive, Phosphorescent, and Blind Pilot. It’s easygoing and inviting, the kind of music that sets a great mood without stealing the spotlight from conversation.

Q: What’s your favorite party trick?

A: My favorite party trick is doing as much as possible before anyone arrives. I prep food early, set the playlist, light candles, and put everything I’ll need in one place so once guests show up, I’m fully present instead of running around. A calm host sets the tone for a great night.

Q: What do you love about Partytrick?

A: I love that Partytrick makes hosting feel more doable and more fun, not intimidating. My favorite feature is the bite-sized tips from real people, because they’re practical, relatable, and actually easy to use in real life. It feels like getting smart advice from a friend who’s done this before.

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

A: My sister’s wedding in upstate New York is the most memorable. It struck the perfect balance between elegant and totally relaxed, with great music, food trucks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor moments that kept everything feeling fun and effortless. It felt personal, joyful, and exactly like her, which made it unforgettable.

Q: Favorite products or brands you love to use when hosting?

A: First, the obvious and non-negotiable: SAM+LEO RELAX gummies on the counter. They’re designed for teens, but let’s be honest, calm energy is for everyone before guests arrive.

My Denver go-tos include Sweet Action Ice Cream, because ending the night with ice cream always wins, especially when the flavors are a little unexpected, and Block Distilling Co. for a simple cocktail moment that feels intentional without turning into a whole production.

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Get inspired by Dara’s thoughtful approach to gathering by following @shopsamandleo or visiting shopsamandleo.com. When you’re ready to host your own meaningful moment, Partytrick has customizable templates, expert tips, and everything you need to plan beautifully, all in one place. Create a free Partytrick account and make hosting feel easy again.