Larina Chen-Mehta is an angel investor and community builder fueling standout consumer, hospitality, and real estate ventures. She is the founder of LWC Ventures, where she connects visionary founders with values-aligned capital and designs the experiences where those relationships spark. With roots in hospitality and 15+ years of brand-strategy experience, she brings momentum, visibility, and the right investors to the table. Her mission is to move capital and build community one gathering at a time.

Q: When planning a gathering in your home, where do you start? The menu, décor, occasion, or theme?

A: I start with the reason we’re gathering and who’s at the table — the why and the who. The vibe follows naturally from there, and then the menu and décor fall into place with elevated-but-effortless touches. The goal is always focused on the guests enjoying themselves and having a great time!

Q: What are your go-to party activities or games to break the ice?

A: My old go-to party activities were drinking games like Never Have I Ever. Ha! But now, I find that card games (like What Do You Meme) are always great icebreakers and fun to get everyone to let their hair down.

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

A: If I had a limited budget for the tablescape, I would focus on the florals! You can do a lot with grocery store bouquets and lighting. Keeping everything simple can still make the ambiance feel elevated.

Q: What makes a great gathering memorable?

A: The conversation. When guests are laughing and really talking — not just sharing small talk — that’s when real connection happens.

Q: If someone is feeling overwhelmed by hosting their friends at home, what tips would you give them?

A: Let go of what you can't control. The weather might not cooperate, someone might get sick and cancel last minute, a dish might not turn out exactly as planned — and that's okay.

The gathering will still happen. People will still show up. Focus on what you can control: having good food ready, creating a welcoming space, and being present when your guests arrive. Everything else is just noise.

If you're overwhelmed, simplify. Pick one thing to anchor the meal and keep everything else easy. No one remembers if you had three appetizers or one. They remember if you were stressed the whole time!

Q: What’s your favorite recipe or food to serve when hosting?

A: My favorite thing to serve when hosting is a beautiful cheese and charcuterie spread. You can really dress it up with flowers and fruit, shape it how you want, and make it very beautiful!

Q: What is the soundtrack to a dinner party in your home? Any favorite playlists?

A: Honestly, if it were up to me? I'd play rap the whole time. My husband disagrees, so we end up with chill vibes like Poolside or Rufus Du Sol instead. Early in the night it's mellow, but once people are comfortable, the energy shifts — and so does the music.

Q: What is your favorite party trick?

A: My party trick is sabering — or at least it used to be. I'm rusty now and haven't done it in a while, but the idea of sabering a bottle still gets people excited. Maybe it's time to bring it back.

Q: What is the most memorable party or gathering you've attended or hosted?

A: The most memorable event I’ve ever attended was a Formula 1 kickoff party hosted at a prominent businessman’s vacation home. The property overlooked a golf course, and every level offered a completely different experience.

Downstairs, chefs were firing up the grill while a sushi master sliced fresh cuts right in front of you. The wine cellar felt like a scene out of a Michelin-star restaurant — walls of rare bottles, with vintage pours from the ’70s and ’80s flowing freely.

Upstairs, a DJ had the top floor turned into a full-on dance club with bubbles, holograms, and multiple bars. And as you headed out, there were curated merch and swag bags waiting at the door. It was extravagant in the most joyful way — not stuffy or overly curated, just pure hospitality.

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

A: My must-haves are a hearty grazing board, party supplies from Bonjour Fete, and wine from Juliet. I also love having swag bags for guests—it’s such a fun way to send people home with something thoughtful.

‍

To explore more of Larina’s work in community-building, hospitality, and founder support, follow @chenpagnemami and @lwcventures on Instagram, connect with her on LinkedIn, or visit LWC Ventures to learn more about her investment and community initiatives. Feeling inspired to host your own gathering? Sign up for a free Partytrick account to explore curated templates, expert tips, and everything you need to bring your next event to life.