If you have ever been to a gathering that felt polished yet still totally relaxed, there is usually one thing behind it: a host who knows what matters and lets the rest be easy. That is exactly how Janie Lemons approaches entertaining.

Janie is the founder of J.Lemons Events, an Aspen-based luxury wedding planning and design firm known for bringing sophistication, joy, and calm precision to high-stakes celebrations. Aspen-born and deeply vendor-endorsed, Janie is also the kind of planner clients describe as a lifelong friend and devoted advocate.

In this edition of Host How I Host, Janie shares the hosting mindset that keeps things fun (even when life is serious), the tablescape shortcut every host should steal, and the unglamorous but genius tip that prevents chaos before it starts.

Hosting Q&A with Janie Lemons

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

A: Always the theme. A playful reason to gather brings levity, especially when the world feels serious. Once the theme is set, I think through the accessories I need (glassware, flatware, food, and so on) and how they can subtly support the theme.

I love a high-low approach. I am not above a fun paper plate. I sometimes add ribbons to the glassware I already have. And I always want a great cocktail napkin, preferably linen.

I also like to tell people what to expect, like whether shoes are welcome, so they can plan their outfits. And I see my cohost as the playlist. Dinner at 8 never fails.

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

A: Recently, a guy friend and I started sneakily playing “who’s most likely to…” in the corner, and it caught on like wildfire. It works whether guests barely know each other or you are all old friends having a laugh.

I also like offering an optional activity. If someone is not feeling conversational in the moment, they can play pickleball or decorate a gingerbread house.

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

A: Candlelight. It is every planner’s secret weapon when you do not have a big floral or linen budget. It is dynamic, and people have been gathering around fire for millennia.

What makes a great gathering memorable?

A: The laughs are usually sparked by something unplanned. The mess becomes the story. Stay flexible and let life be outside of the box.

Q: Any advice for someone feeling overwhelmed about hosting friends at home?

A: Take one thing out of your grand plan. Early on, I always tried to be Martha Stewart with everything dazzling and perfect, but it was too much pressure.

Half the time, people do not even notice what you spent hours on. Buy the whipped cream from Whole Foods instead of making it from scratch. Removing one thing makes the whole experience more manageable and more enjoyable.

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

A: I love my Nancy Meyers playlist. It sets a timeless mood at any time of day. If you do not know Nancy Meyers, you do. The Parent Trap, Father of the Bride, It’s Complicated… classics.

Q: What is your favorite party trick (your best hosting hack)?

A: Unglamorous but crucial: think about the discard pile. Empty the trash before any event, so people don't shove trash in or ask where another bag is.

Also, make discard points available. It keeps items from collecting everywhere while you are in conversation or, worse, chasing after everyone’s garbage.

Q: Most memorable party you have attended or hosted, and why?

A: My Pickleball Picnic. Tennis whites, refreshing Arnold Palmers, strawberry shortcake, but low-key with blankets by the courts and a pond. With “Saturday in the Park” playing in the background.

Q: Favorite products or brands to use when hosting?

A: Linen cocktail napkins and Sonos.

Partytrick Take: Real Hosting Takeaways

Janie’s approach is a masterclass in how planners think: start with a clear point of view, make decisions that support it, and build in simple systems that let you stay present. The magic is not in overdoing it. It is in choosing the right few things.

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

Pick one playful theme, then choose one small “signal” detail that shows it off.

For example, you could do “tennis whites” and add striped cocktail napkins, a citrusy spritz, and a simple playlist that matches the mood. Your guests will feel the intention without you needing to overstyle every corner.

What is the most important planning decision behind this gathering?

Deciding the theme first is the core planning move. It shapes what you serve, the table details you choose, what you tell guests to wear, and even how the night flows. It keeps you from making 100 separate decisions because everything has an anchor.

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

• Use candlelight as your fastest “elevated” upgrade.
• Remove one task from your plan so you can actually enjoy the night.
• Set up discard points before guests arrive.
• Offer an optional activity so conversation is not the only way to participate.
• Embrace the messy moments. They usually become the best stories.

Want more from Janie Lemons? Follow along on Instagram @j.lemonsevents and visit jlemonsevents.com for more. Ready to plan your own? Create a free Partytrick account and start with our templates.