Kristin Taylor believes the best gatherings feel easy, even when a lot of thought goes into them. As the Founder of KT Winery, the parent company behind Mom Juice, Kristin approaches hosting the same way she approaches business. Start with intention, strip away the excess, and make people feel welcome.

Based in Denver and originally from Portsmouth, Virginia, Kristin has built her career around creating community-driven consumer brands that challenge outdated narratives. Hosting, for her, is an extension of that work. She plans from the menu outward, designs tables that feel inviting rather than precious, and focuses on laughter as the true measure of success. Whether she’s mixing a Rosé All Day Fizz or helping a friend breathe through hosting anxiety, Kristin proves that memorable gatherings are less about budget and more about connection.

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

A: I start with the menu as my base, so I know if the decor and plating will feature larger dishes like ham or roast, or if it’s more fanciful, like crepes or quiche.

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

A: I love a little conversation starter, so I usually introduce one more shy guest to a chatty guest and tell them why I wanted them to meet. For example, “Oh, guest X, you have to meet guest Y. She also works in space, but she’ll have to tell you about those satellites.” Then I move on to another pairing.

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

A: Candles are one of the best ways to stretch a budget and you can use them over and over again. Dollar Tree has a lovely selection.

Q: What makes a great gathering memorable?

A: Laughter. Start with the music, invite good people. Food and wine are important, but it’s not about the budget. It’s about the feeling. Don’t try to control the process too much. Let things flow.

Q: What tips would you give someone who feels overwhelmed by hosting?

A: Take a deep breath. Ask one friend to help you co-host so you have someone to lean on and delegate whatever you’re worst at. Not so great at cooking? Order out or grab frozen pieces from Trader Joe’s. Not great at DJ’ing? Find a Spotify playlist and let it play. Need help decorating? Go to Partytrick, order the items from their suggestions, and invite your girlfriend over early to help.

Q: Share your signature recipe to serve when hosting.

A: I love a good signature cocktail but my always handy one is going to be the Mom Juice Rosé All Day Fizz.

Ingredients

• 4 oz Mom Juice Rosé
• 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur like St. Germain
• 2 oz sparkling grapefruit soda like Q or Fever Tree
• Splash of lemon juice
• Fresh mint
• Edible flowers optional but cute

Instructions

1. Fill a stemless wine glass with ice.

2. Add elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and grapefruit soda.

3. Top with Rosé and stir gently.

4. Garnish with mint and a flower for ✨main character energy✨

Q: What’s your go-to dinner party playlist?

A: Listen here.

Q: What’s your favorite party trick?

A: Meat and cheese can get expensive, so go straight to Trader Joe’s. Start with a baguette, grab manchego, blueberry goat cheese, olives, grapes, salami, and prosciutto. Then go to the flower section and grab hydrangea. Put them in a clear vase with lots of water. The stems look gorgeous, and they take up space while being pretty.

Q: What do you love about Partytrick?

A: There is so much I love about Partytrick. I love that you don’t have to think so hard and can just grab a playbook for your parties.

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

A: My best friend Rechelle’s bridal shower was so thoughtful and well planned because it was personal. It wasn’t overdone or expensive, but it was intentional, and we all felt so seen as guests.

Q: Favorite products or brands when hosting?

A: Mom Juice wines, La Croix, and beautiful glassware.

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To see how Kristin brings people together, explore Mom Juice and keep an eye out for her More Than the Hype podcast. And when you’re ready to host something of your own, Partytrick makes it easy with curated playbooks, simple templates, and everything you need in one place. Create a free Partytrick account and start planning your next gathering with confidence.