In this series, we sit down with our favorite hosts to hear their thoughts on entertaining. This week, Erica Domesek, design and style expert and founder of the innovative DIY lifestyle brand @psimadethis hosts a fall dinner party with her friend Kate Driver of @westhaddonhall (that's giving us major Thanksgiving inspo). Here, Erica shares her tips on hosting and how to create a beautiful, personalized tablescape with our mix-and-match colors.
Why do you love hosting?
There is nothing better than creating an intimate evening for friends and family with amazing food, drinks, and welcoming vibes. I have always been a big advocate of bringing the people i love together over laughs as we break bread. Curating the right mix of guests and cooking for them is just my jam. I don't know any other way to say it!
What is your favorite thing about hosting dinner parties?
Nothing makes me happier than personalizing a space, from flowers to a cool cocktail menu. Going the extra mile and paying attention to all of the details is fun for me. Even if I am just throwing it together, I can't not make it pretty for my guests.
What are your top three host tips?
Family-style serving makes life a lot easier.
Never forget fresh flowers, even if you're just ordering in.
Use nice serving dishes to always elevate the meal.
What are three words that describe your hosting style?
More is more!
How did you decide what to incorporate into your tablescape?
My flowers were actually all found at grocery stores - true story! It was so hot in LA, but it was actually fall, so I leaned toward earthy tones of peach, creams, burnt orange, and pops of blush. Year & Day's Daybreak and Midnight made the perfect Bud Vases to pair the flowers with. We played off of those colors by layering in the Infinite Candle to add some evening cozy vibes. We used blush linen napkins which were the perfect accent for the Fog dinner plates.
Tell us how you used your favorite Year & Day products for this party?
I love how all of the elements mix and match. From the Matte Steel Flatware to the chic tall clear glasses used for water, Fog Ceramic dinner plates and serving dishes- everything simply worked together. We kept the flow very casual, especially since it was family style serving. Being able to layer greys, blacks, and hues of blush (aka Daybreak) is my mix-and-match kind of style. It shows that you're not trying too hard to keep it formal when you layer in different colors. It's a more fun way to entertain.
What's your favorite thing to serve and why?
I love doing over-the-top cheese boards for guests. People go crazy for them. Don't be afraid to throw in non-traditional elements outside of cheese and meats.
Who is your dream dinner party guest?
Since I live on the West Coast and so many of my friends live on the East Coast... it's them!
Finish this sentence: A dinner party isn't complete without ______
the people you love!
Set The Table with Erica
The Everyday Napkin in Daybreak
