The Art of Hosting
(and Actually Enjoying it)
So many of my friends tell me they find hosting stressful—and I get it. But, as the best hosts and the ones who do it a lot, know: there is a playbook to doing it on the reg, in a way that sparks joy.
Here’s my recipe for an easy gathering anytime, even with kids in the mix:
A concept: what’s the party about?
A group of friends: who’s coming?
A plan to execute: how you pulling this off?
First up this summer?
A Coastal Nonna Dinner Party at my house…
Hey Cesca, what’s for dinner?
The number one thing I get asked by my friends is what I’m making for dinner (second only to where to dine out in various cities, but I digress…) It’s a universal conundrum—because dinner happens every damn night. For some, that reality is a source of existential dread. For me, it’s 30 minutes of me-time.
Here’s how I think about it. You don’t need to be a culinary genius, domestic goddess or a cookbook junkie to be a great home cook…
You don’t need a recipe—you need a repertoire.
You can make it nice, anytime
On Eagle Street in Newburyport, hosting friends and family is just how we do—on a weekday, weekend, or whenever we need to spark joy. We’re communal beings after all, so gathering over good food is just how we get together.
I’ve been addicted to all things food since I caught the bug watching endless Food Network episodes and first subscribed to Gourmet in middle school—and now after many years working in restaurants, food media, and tech, I’m back to the kitchen with my big eating husband and two hungry kids.
My career in food taught me: you don’t need a recipe—but you do need a few core skills, a repertoire, and a plan. Plus, cooking should be fun.
Join me at home, where having fun while you feed yourself (and the masses) is what it’s all about.
