Daria Olanski is the founder of Denver Women Social Club, a community built around meaningful connection and elevated social experiences for women in Denver and NYC. Through workshops, dinners, and cultural gatherings, she creates spaces where people can comfortably show up solo, connect naturally, and expand their circles.

Her approach to hosting mirrors the ethos of her events: intentional but relaxed, detail-oriented without feeling precious. Daria believes the best gatherings start with a clear theme, are grounded in seasonality, and prioritize atmosphere over perfection. Whether she’s foraging elements for a tablescape or pairing guests together with a small shared task, her goal is always the same—to make people feel at ease and genuinely welcomed. For Daria, hosting is less about impressing and more about creating a mood where connection can unfold naturally.

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

A: I always begin with the theme, then plan the menu around seasonal produce. From there, every other element is chosen to complement that foundation and come together as one cohesive story.

Starting with a theme gives everything else direction. It also makes decisions easier, which is often the most underrated hosting hack.

Q: What are your favorite ways to break the ice or entertain guests?

A: When guests start to arrive, I like to hand them a glass of wine and get them involved in a small task with others, pairing up people who don’t know each other. It gives them a shared little mission, which makes connecting feel much easier and more natural.

This is social chemistry at work. A tiny shared activity lowers the pressure and creates instant common ground.

Q: If you had a limited budget for a small dinner party, where would you focus for the tablescape?

A: With a limited budget, I’d start by looking outside for inspiration. Using foraged elements paired with candles, fresh herbs, tree stems, and even vegetables like a cauliflower turned into a candle holder creates an elevated, distinctive tablescape without spending much.

Q: What makes a gathering truly memorable?

A: For me, it’s always about the people, but attention to detail and great wine served in proper glassware can definitely leave a lasting impression.

The balance here matters. People remember how they felt, but details help anchor that feeling.

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

A: Plan far enough ahead and get as much done as possible before guests arrive. Have background music on, dim the lights, light the candles, put out appetizers, and open a bottle of wine. Focus on atmosphere over perfection, and most importantly, remember to enjoy the evening.

Atmosphere is the silent host. Set it early and let it do the work for you.

Q: What’s your signature recipe when hosting?

A: Finger foods are my signature, and my favorite is tuna tartare tartlets with yuzu and crème fraîche.

Elegant, bite-sized, and easy to enjoy while standing with a drink. Exactly what hosting food should be.

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

A: Jazz House. It sets the mood without overpowering conversation and keeps the energy warm and relaxed.

Q: What’s your favorite party trick?

A: My favorite party trick is the pre-event vibe shift. Right before guests arrive, I put on the music, dim the lights, light the candles, and pour myself a glass of wine. Those few moments instantly move me into hosting mode, reduce stress, and set a warm, inviting mood from the very first minute.

Consider this permission to romanticize your own hosting experience.

Q: What do you love about Partytrick?

A: I love getting inspired to try new things and expanding my hosting ideas.

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

A: As a host of women’s community events, it’s so hard to choose just one. We’ve had so many amazing events, workshops, and culinary experiences, but it’s always about the people that make it so special and memorable.

Q: Any favorite products or brands you use when hosting?

A: I always prioritize supporting local, women-owned brands through unique gifts for attendees, pop-ups, or by hiring them as vendors for our community events. For me, it’s about building a supportive, connected community.

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Follow Daria and explore upcoming gatherings through Women Social Club on Instagram @socialclub.fml, visit socialclubfml.com to learn more about the community, or join the mailing list at socialclubfml.myflodesk.com/mailinglist for updates on future events. Get inspired by how Daria brings people together by following along online, and when you’re ready to plan your own gathering, Partytrick helps you bring it all together with curated templates, smart guidance, and everything you need in one place.