As the founder of Jenn Sanchez Design, Jenn Sanchez has built a career around creating immersive floral environments for weddings and events that feel layered, thoughtful, and unforgettable. But when it comes to hosting in her own home, she takes a refreshingly different approach. Instead of starting with decor or a theme, Jenn begins with the menu. Cooking is her creative outlet, and the kitchen is where her gatherings naturally unfold.

Living in Southern California with her husband and business partner Dan and their two daughters, Jenn hosts with a sense of ease that feels earned. Guests help with appetizers, candles get a second life, and cleanup can wait until tomorrow. Her philosophy is simple but powerful. When the host is relaxed and enjoying themselves, everyone else follows. The result is a style of entertaining that feels unpretentious, generous, and deeply human.

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

A: For a gathering in my home it’s the menu, always. When entertaining with close friends the food feels the most important starting point as I enjoy that creative outlet the most. My work-life is where I focus on the decor or ambiance first so I approach personal entertaining a bit differently.

This distinction feels key. Jenn’s professional world is built on visual impact, so at home she lets food lead and allows the atmosphere to unfold naturally around it.

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

A: Have guests help with the appetizer or something in the kitchen. I think people like to be involved in the evening and it breaks the ice and makes people feel welcome to participate.

There’s something disarming about chopping, stirring, or tasting together. It signals that this is not a performance, it’s a shared experience.

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

A: Candles! Which are not always the most cost effective for all, but if you are in my line of work you have thousands of gently used candles at your disposal. Give them their second life!

Lighting does a lot of heavy lifting here. A simple table can feel instantly elevated with the right glow.

Q: What makes a gathering truly memorable?

A: Great conversation, which I think is facilitated by giving guests the gift of feeling at home and at ease. A great playlist helps a lot too.

Ease is the throughline. When people feel comfortable, conversation flows and memories stick.

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

A: Easier said than done, but think less about it! We are most creative when we are relaxed and truly finding joy in the making.

This is permission to stop overthinking and start enjoying.

Q: What’s your signature recipe to serve when hosting?

A: Pickle plate with olives, cornichons, pickled green beans. Some good crackers and a stinky cheese will be found on standby as well.

Low effort, high payoff, and endlessly snackable.

Q: What’s always playing in the background?

A: A go-to apple radio station for us is Khruangbin.

Laid-back, atmospheric, and perfect for lingering conversations.

Q: What’s your favorite party trick?

A: Resist the urge to clean up as the evening unfolds, people feel most relaxed when you the host are enjoying yourself. Pour yourself a drink as the guests arrive!

Host energy sets the tone. If you’re relaxed, everyone else will be too.

Q: What do you love about Partytrick?

A: I like the How I Host series that empowers people to throw their own dinner parties and events. Demystifying intimate dinner parties!

Q: What’s the most memorable gathering you’ve been part of?

A: In college my roommates and I had a dinner party at a friend’s house in the backyard. Everyone figuring out what it means to be a grown up, trying a fancy recipe and drinking wine. We ended around a bonfire and hung out and talked until 12 or 1am. It was sincere, and I have a fond memory of it 15 years later. I try to capture that when hosting, unpretentious and focused on good food and good friends.

That feeling of early adulthood, trying, experimenting, lingering. It’s exactly what Jenn still aims to recreate.

Q: Favorite products or brands for hosting?

A: I have several great platters from Heath Ceramics and Year and Day. I think you can do a lot with 2–3 sizes of appetizer trays and a large serving bowl for a salad or side. We always have non-alcoholic options for drinks and our current favorites are De Soi and Ghia.

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Want more hosting inspiration like Jenn’s? Follow her at @jennchezdesign or explore her work at jennchez.com. And when you’re ready to bring people together, Partytrick makes hosting easier with curated templates, smart guidance, and everything you need in one streamlined place. Create your free Partytrick account and start planning your next gathering with confidence.