Best hosting advice you’ve received

Music can set the tone for an event. Too loud and you can't make conversation, too soft and you lose the meaning. The playlist you select can set the vibe of the entire event.

Go-to meal when guests come to dinner

Tacos! Everyone loves a taco and it's a great meal that can be customized, cooked together or elevated for a special occasion.

Cocktail (or mocktail!) order

The Stipe from RBF, Your Authentic Champagne Bar! Muddled blackberries, freshly squeezed lemon juice and rosemary topped with ginger beer.

Favorite current hosting trend

Cookbook Clubs! Hosting a gathering where everyone brings a recipe made from the same cookbook.

Seated dinner or cocktail reception?

Seated dinners are always my favorite. They allow for more community in conversation, creativity in the table setting and transitioning into dessert and board games.

Dream event

Tailgating for Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals in Raleigh, N.C. There’ssomething special about taking a casual activity like tailgating and elevating it to a fancy cocktail gathering. Knowing you get to leave the tailgate for a hockey game? Nothing better.

Best hosting advice you’ve received

Don’t be afraid to take a friend up on their offer to help because it actually highlights the whole point of hosting – bringing people together to appreciate one another. I love a friend that comes early to lend a hand, prep a dish or pour a cocktail!

Go-to meal when guests come to dinner

Tapas & Pizza Bar! On pizza night, I cover the island with an assortment of toppings and we all take turns rolling out the dough by hand. And I find that it’s best to have a few premade sides and grazing plates sprinkled throughout the kitchen to snack on while guests are working on their pies.

Cocktail (or mocktail!) order

My preferred cocktails rotate through the seasons, but one of my go-to beverages – snow or sunshine – is any variation of a spicy mango margarita.

Favorite current hosting trend

Finding ways to incorporate your treasured family heirlooms in your tablescape and utilizing conversation pieces to highlight your individual style.

Seated dinner or cocktail reception?

I prefer a seated dinner with an intimate group of guests around one table. It’s so much fun to meet friends-of-friends at a dinner and have meaningful conversation over a meal.

Dream event

An outdoor party on an early summer evening. Tables set, drinks flowing, lounge seating in an open garden and a live band playing. I’m a sucker for live music, so add in my favorite people, delicious food and some warm weather outdoors…sounds dreamy!