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Host How I Host: Purvi Padia of House of Revelry on Mood-First, Elegantly Undone Entertaining
Host How I Host: Purvi Padia of House of Revelry on Mood-First, Elegantly Undone Entertaining
Hosting at Purvi Padia’s house doesn’t begin with a menu or a centerpiece; it begins with a vibe. As the founder of House of Revelry, Purvi creates beautifully elevated objects for the home that blur the line between design and “undone,” effortless entertaining. That same philosophy carries straight into how they gather people: start with the feeling, then let every detail fall into place.
Whether the night calls for shoes-off coziness, a tabletop dance party, or a casual lounge hang with billiards and table tennis, Purvi’s approach is a reminder that the best parties aren’t about perfection—they’re about warmth, energy, and intention.
Hosting Q&A with Purvi Padia
Q: Where do you begin when you’re planning a gathering?
A: I start with the feeling I want people to leave with. Maybe it’s shoes-off coziness, an intimate tabletop dance party, or a casual lounge night with billiards and table tennis. From there, the rest flows. The food, music, drink menu, lighting, and tabletop are all informed by the mood.
Q: How do you break the ice when guests arrive?
A: I do something special at each place setting. It makes each guest feel intentional and welcome, and it’s also a great conversation starter. It can be as simple as a quote that reminds me of them or as elaborate as a personalized piece of jewelry.
Q: If you’re hosting on a budget, what’s your tablescape priority?
A: Candles. They’re less expensive than flowers, and they ooze moodiness. To lean into the elegantly undone feel, I like to mix and match tapers and votives. Varied candle holders are also great.
Q: What makes a gathering truly memorable?
A: For me, it always comes down to the mood. Once the food is gone, the last sip has been taken, and the music and lights are turned down, what lingers is how the night made you feel. That warmth is the remnant of a night well spent.
Q: What would you tell someone who feels overwhelmed by hosting?
A: Keep it simple, focus on mood, and forget about perfection. The beauty and authenticity lie in the imperfect. Create a space that feels special and inviting through layered lighting, great music, and easy access to drinks. The rest will fall into place.
Q: Share your signature recipe to serve when hosting.
A: I don’t have one signature recipe, but you will never come to a gathering I’m hosting without some element of bite-sized finger food. I love offering bites of delicious things so guests can try more. I also love the casual, festive feeling of finger food.
Q: What’s your ideal dinner-party soundtrack?
A: It depends on the mood I’m going for, so it changes based on the gathering. At my house, you’ll hear everything from 90s hip hop to classic rock. I also live for live music, even in an intimate setting. That’s my hostessing indulgence.
Q: What’s your best hosting “party trick”?
A: Never let the energy dip. Have the drinks poured, the music playing, the candles lit, and some food out before anyone arrives. Guests should feel like they’re walking into something festive, even if they’re the first to arrive. Bonus: It also lightens the hosting load once guests start rolling in.
Q: Most memorable event you’ve attended (and why)?
A: I’ve served on the UNICEF board for about 15 years, and in 2018, I cofounded the LION FUND with UNICEF. Every year, I have the honor of attending the UNICEF Snowflake Ball in NYC, and it’s always one of my favorite nights of the year. Gathering hundreds of people with a similar mission is powerful, and the energy in the room is palpable.
Partytrick Take: Real Hosting Takeaways
Purvi’s style proves that “effortless” doesn’t mean unplanned—it means well-set mood. The most impactful hosts aren’t chasing perfection; they’re curating a feeling. If you can create warmth, energy, and ease, the rest becomes detail—not pressure.
How can I recreate this hosting style in a simple way?
Pick one clear mood and design around it. Start with candles + music, then add one intentional touch that makes guests feel seen (like a small note or place-setting detail). Keep food casual—bite-sized, easy, and plentiful—so the night stays flowing.
What is the most important planning decision behind this gathering?
Not letting the energy dip. That decision shapes everything: have the room “on” before anyone arrives (lighting + music), make drinks accessible early, and put food out immediately so guests feel taken care of without waiting for the host to catch up.
What can hosts borrow from this approach for their own event?
- Build the plan around the feeling, not the details.
- Use candles as your high-impact, low-cost tablescape foundation.
- Do one personal, place-setting moment to make guests feel instantly welcomed.
- Keep it imperfect on purpose—authentic is more memorable than flawless.
Want more from Purvi Padia? Follow along at @purvipadiarevelry, and explore www.houseofrevelry.com and www.purvipadia.com for more beautifully undone inspiration. Ready to plan your own gathering? Create a free Partytrick account and start with our playbooks.
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