.webp)
with
Host How I Host: Poy T. Granati
Host How I Host: Poy T. Granati
Hosts with imaginations all their own
Founder of Summer Space Studio
"I love sharing a taste of what I grew up with."
What's your process for planning a gathering in your home?
Occasion first, then brainstorming the menu. I usually host home-cooked Thai food for people, so I need to know if they are able to handle spicy food or not. Then I'll plan the menu, grocery list, and finally decor.
What are your go-to party activities or games to break the ice?
In terms of conversation: Always ask about the food! What are their preferences, go-to recipes... food is something everyone has in common.
If you had a limited budget to put together a small dinner party, what would you focus on for the tablescape?
Mats, napkins, and plates. The essentials! And so many ways you can dress them up.
"Occasion first, brainstorm the menu, then I'll plan the menu, grocery list, and finally decor."
What makes a great gathering memorable?
Meeting new people or learning new things about your friends. Good food, good conversation!
If someone is feeling overwhelmed by hosting their friends in their home, what tips would you give them?
Break down the tasks into more minor ones, prioritize them, and tackle the most important ones first. Think: What is the expectation and what is the budget? See if they match and go from there.
"Break down the tasks into more minor ones, prioritize them, and tackle the most important ones first."
Favorite recipe or food to serve when hosting?
For appetizer: Thai Curry Puffs with cucumber salad and some chips. For the main dish, I usually make green curry with roti or vermicelli noodles and pair it with a fried egg or pickled radish. It's a combination that we don't typically get in the US, and I love sharing what I grew up with.
What is the soundtrack to a dinner party in your home? Have any favorite playlists?
Guardian of The Galaxy awesome mix vol. 1, 2, and 3; Billy Joel and Seth MacFarland for holiday season.
What is your favorite partytrick?
Looking forward to trying a Supper Club by Partytrick with friends and family.
About our host
Poy T. Granati founded Summer Space Studio, (translation “A Happy Place”), in 2017 where she took a journey to combine her love of papercrafts, colors, and made one paper flower daily for a hundred days.
Summer Space’s works range from offering ready-to-ship bouquets, to custom orders such as bridal bouquet recreation and hosting workshops both in-person and online. The studio is now based in Long Island, NY and offers in-person service within the Island and NYC.
Join her party:
- Instagram: @summerspacestudio
- Website: summerspace.studio
- YouTube: Poy | Summer Space
More articles
From First Decision to Final Detail
This guide walks you through how to plan a party step by step, so you can move forward with clarity instead of overwhelm. From setting your purpose and guest list to building a timeline, organizing your checklist, and planning food with confidence, you’ll have a simple framework that makes hosting feel calm, doable, and genuinely enjoyable.
Host How I Host: Kristin Taylor
Host How I Host is Partytrick’s editorial series spotlighting the hosts who make gathering feel effortless, intentional, and deeply human. In this feature, Kristin Taylor shares how she builds memorable moments through food-first planning, relaxed energy, and wine that brings people together.
Host How I Host: Corrie Mendes
In our Host How I Host series, we sit down with creative tastemakers who know how to bring people together beautifully. Event planner Corrie Mendes of C Event Studio shares her approach to entertaining at home, from starting with a joyful theme to the small details guests always remember.
Sign up for expert tips, exclusive content, and the 411 on the latest parties—all straight to your inbox.
Your shortcut to stress-free hosting
Spend less time coordinating and more time actually connecting.