For Lauren Thomas, hosting is not about impressing people. It is about inviting them into something meaningful. As the cookbook author, speaker, and the voice behind The Modern Hippie Table, Lauren helps women gather with intention, using food as the invitation and connection as the purpose. Her approach to hosting centers on one powerful question: How do I want people to feel when they leave?

Through thoughtful themes, layered ambiance, and conversation that goes deeper than small talk, Lauren creates dinner parties that feel warm, grounded, and quietly transformative. She believes a relaxed host sets the tone for the entire evening, and that preparation is the greatest gift you can give your guests. If you have ever wanted your table to feel less like a production and more like a place of belonging, Lauren’s philosophy will feel like a breath of fresh air.

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

A: I always start with the occasion which is the “why,” followed by the theme, menu, and decor in that order. I ask myself, “How do I want people to feel when they leave?” That single question quietly answers everything else.

It is a subtle shift, but an important one. Instead of beginning with a Pinterest board or a recipe list, Lauren begins with emotion. This is what transforms a dinner party into an experience.

Q: Your favorite way to break the ice?

A: My signature ice breaker is to go around the table and ask people questions about themselves that are thought-provoking and interesting for others to hear. My favorite question to ask is, “What is something you’re good at that MOST people don’t know?” You’d be surprised how good people feel answering this question. They feel seen.

In a world full of surface-level small talk, this kind of prompt creates instant depth. It turns a dinner party into a place where confidence grows and guests walk away feeling valued.

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

A: Votives with tealights, bud vases with greenery or flowers from my yard, cloth napkins tied with twine and a sprig of fresh herbs tucked in.

Proof that you do not need extravagant florals or designer rentals to create a memorable tablescape. Thoughtful details, especially those sourced from your own yard, often feel more personal and inviting.

Q: What makes a great gathering unforgettable?

A: One where people walk into the space you’ve intentionally created and immediately feel transported to a place they want to be. Hosting with intention makes sure every guest feels relaxed, seen, and keeps them engaged.

The keyword here is intentional. From ambiance to food to conversation, every element supports the emotional experience.

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

A: Preparation is KEY. This is the best gift you can give your guests because it allows you to show up for them while they’re there and lets you enjoy your own gathering. A relaxed host is the best host.

Q: Your go-to recipe when hosting?

A: A beautiful charcuterie board with fresh herbs and clipped flowers always wows guests.

Q: Your go-to dinner party soundtrack?

A: It depends on the mood. I usually assign this lane to my husband or my teenagers who have great taste in music. For a small dinner party, I love some jazz on the turntable.

Q: Your favorite party trick?

A: Hands down, preparation. I like to sit with a glass of wine or a cocktail 15 minutes before my guests arrive to give the room good energy. If you prepare the bulk of the food in advance and have the atmosphere ready to go, this allows YOU the gift of showing up for them and enjoying this quiet time beforehand.

Q: What do you love about Partytrick?

A: I love how you give a hostess more confidence to get out of their comfort zone and give a gathering a fun theme, which is something we all love to attend.

Q: The most memorable party you’ve attended or hosted?

A: One where I arrive and the ambiance, food, and company is well thought out.

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To explore Lauren’s artful approach to intentional entertaining, follow her on Instagram @lauren_thomas_living or visit laurenthomas.org.

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