Host How I Host: Meredith McAllister

Hosts with imaginations all their own

CEO & Co-founder of Marma

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What's your process for planning a gathering in your home?

I love entertaining, and it always starts with an occasion - whether it's just a weekend evening hangout that becomes a firepit and cozy wine night or a planned birthday party that calls for a dedicated theme. Everything else comes together for me after that.

What are your go-to party activities or games to break the ice?

If the weather is nice, I love some yard games. If there is a good theme, I love a costume party with some competition tied to it.

If you had a limited budget to put together a small dinner party, what would you focus on for the tablescape?

Fresh flowers & candles. Why change a good thing?

What makes a great gathering memorable?

Good food and wine and conversation. I always try to keep things simple or outsource it. If I'm stressed and running around trying to make everything perfect, my guests can pick up on it and it's less enjoyable for them.

If someone is feeling overwhelmed by hosting their friends in their home, what tips would you give them?

If cooking stresses you out, outsource the food or pick an event that doesn't center around food. It doesn't need to be fancy - just plan as much as you can out.

"Think about what you're most excited about doing yourself and outsource the rest."

Favorite recipe or food to serve when hosting?

We love cooking seasonally (both the actual food and the preparation). If it's summer, we're definitely grilling and making cocktails. Wintertime calls for cozy stews, crusty bread and wine.

What is the soundtrack to a dinner party in your home? Have any favorite playlists?

June Tunes from Spotify or Dinner Jazz.

What is your favorite partytrick?

I cannot wait to try Lunar New Year!

About our Host

Meredith McAllister, CEO & Co-founder of Marma, is an entrepreneur, mother, and lover of hosting and attending parties. She currently runs Marma, a platform for nutrition during the birthing years. Prior to Marma, she founded a curbside compost company. She spends her ‘spare time’ chasing around her one and four-year-old, and looking for any reason to celebrate.

Join her party:

• Instagram: @marmahealth
• Website: MARMA.health

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