Kim Zebron, founder of Count In Threes Photo, approaches hosting the same way she approaches wedding photography: with intention, emotional awareness, and a deep respect for memory. That same philosophy carries into how she hosts at home. For Kim, gatherings aren’t about trends or overcomplication. They’re about crafting an atmosphere with intention, one that guests can feel the moment they walk through the door.

Whether she’s designing a dramatic vendor dinner built on contrast or pulling together a simple evening around a shared experience, Kim starts with feeling and lets everything else follow. Her approach is thoughtful, visual, and grounded in memory-making. It’s hosting that feels artful without being precious, welcoming without being casual, and always designed to linger long after the night ends.

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

A: Experience, experience, experience. Make the event an experience that people won’t forget. Guests always remember the things they do.

This is a recurring theme in Kim’s approach. Interaction matters more than perfection. Doing something together anchors people in the moment, whether that’s a shared activity, a visual concept, or even a simple ritual.

Q: What makes a great gathering memorable?

A: The feeling people felt from beginning to end.

This philosophy runs through everything Kim does. Memory isn’t about the menu or the place cards. It’s about how guests felt when they arrived, while they were there, and when they left. Hosting, at its best, is emotional design.

Q: If someone is feeling overwhelmed by hosting, what would you tell them?

A: Keep it simple when it comes to a theme. Focus more on the experience.

Simplicity creates space. When hosts stop trying to do everything, guests relax too. Kim’s advice is a permission slip to strip things back and lean into connection instead.

Q: What’s your signature recipe when hosting?

A: Wine. Bottle opener, sniff, pour, and enjoy.

Effortless, unfussy, and perfectly on brand. Sometimes the best hosting move is knowing when not to overthink it.

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

A: A soft instrumental is always a winner. It’s the easiest to talk over without feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated.

Sound is part of atmosphere, and Kim treats it the same way she treats lighting. Present, intentional, and never distracting.

Q: What’s your favorite party trick?

A: When you don’t have time to cook, incorporate one main piece from a local staple. You’d be surprised how many guests have never had it or absolutely love it already. Easy win.

This is smart hosting. Supporting local, reducing stress, and creating a shared point of excitement all at once.

Q: What do you love about Partytrick?

A: I love how attainable the inspo is! Ali Kaminetsky has been a favorite so far.

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

A: The most memorable gathering I’ve hosted was my vendor event, A Study in Contrast. The entire evening was built around the interplay of light and dark—a theme that mirrors the foundation of photography itself. Guests arrived dressed in either all black or all white, becoming part of the concept the moment they stepped through the door. Inside, two long king tables split the room perfectly: one side designed entirely in white, the other in deep black. Floor-to-ceiling draping immersed everyone in a monochrome world, letting the contrast become something you could feel, not just see.

As a photographer, light and shadow are my language, so creating a physical space that embodied that duality felt incredibly personal. Watching guests interact with the environment—seeing the concept spark conversation, connection, and curiosity—made it unforgettable. It was an event where design, emotion, and my creative perspective all aligned.

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

A: Local vendors always come first for something big. West Elm has amazing pieces I can’t host a party without. 

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If Kim’s approach made you rethink how you host, you’re not alone. Follow her on Instagram @countinthreesphoto or explore her work at www.countinthreesphoto.com for more inspiration. Ready to plan your own gathering? Partytrick is there to keep everything organized, intentional, and easy to bring to life. Sign up for a free Partytrick account and start hosting your way.