Host How I Host: Jaala Sheldon on People-First Dinner Parties

Jaala Sheldon is the founder of jaala & co, a full-service event design and production studio based in Denver and serving Colorado and beyond. Whether they’re producing a dream wedding, a corporate event, or an intimate celebration at home, Jaala’s work is rooted in thoughtful details that make guests feel genuinely cared for.

Her hosting philosophy is simple: start with the people. From there, everything else (menu, table, music, mood) falls into place with intention.

In this Host How I Host feature, Jaala shares the small decisions that make gatherings feel personal, relaxed, and memorable (without turning the host into the bartender all night).

Hosting Q&A with Jaala Sheldon

Q: When planning a gathering in your home, where do you start?

A: The people. What’s a gathering without guests and a well-curated group of friends and or family?

Q: What are your favorite ways to break the ice or entertain guests?

A: A fun cocktail or mocktail is always a great start, especially if it’s something a little different and made pretty. Find unique glassware and always add a fresh garnish (Jaala’s favorites are fresh herbs or edible flowers).

Q: If you had a limited budget for a small dinner party, what would you focus on for the tablescape?

A: Florals, unique place cards (so your guests feel special), and pretty linens.

Q: What makes a great gathering memorable?

A: A prepared and relaxed host is always helpful to set the tone. I also love to incorporate all five senses: a beautiful table and surroundings, a space filled with nice scents (not overpowering or competing), good food & drink, soft linens, and always a fitting playlist.

Q: If someone is feeling overwhelmed by hosting, what tips would you give them?

A: Prepare ahead of time and just go for it. You can do it. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. People are just happy to be included and appreciate the effort.

Q: What’s your signature recipe (food or beverage) to serve when hosting?

A: Start with burrata, always with fresh bread or assorted crackers. In summer, cut it open and drizzle with lemon olive oil, lemon zest, plus salt and pepper. In colder months, drizzle with truffle oil and season with salt and pepper. Super fast and simple, and always a hit.

Q: What’s your favorite party trick for hosting at home?

A: Offer guests their first drink when they arrive to welcome them, then set up a self-serve bar so they can help themselves. That way, you’re not distracted refilling glasses, and you can focus on everything else. Keep the food simple and delicious with trusted recipes.

Q: What are your favorite products or brands to use when hosting?

A: Ina Garten has mastered simple and delicious entertaining, and many of the recipes I use come from her cookbooks. Make It Ahead and How Easy Is That? are staples for me. I also love Gourmet Sweet Botanicals for fresh edible flower garnishes, plus the cutest mini veggies.

Partytrick Take: Real Hosting Takeaways

Jaala’s approach is a reminder that the most ‘designed’ gatherings aren’t the ones with the most moving parts. They’re the ones where guests feel considered, and the host actually gets to enjoy the night.

If you want to recreate her vibe, focus on a warm welcome, a table that feels personal, and a few sensory cues that make the space feel intentionally set.

How can I recreate this hosting style in a simple way?

Pick one signature element and execute it well: a first drink moment. Offer each guest their initial cocktail or mocktail upon arrival, complete with a fresh garnish (herbs or edible flowers) and a glass that feels special.

Then keep the rest simple: set up a self-serve station so you can stop handling logistics and start being present.

What is the most important planning decision behind this gathering?

Deciding how you’ll welcome guests and how you’ll keep yourself free to enjoy them.

Jaala’s solution of offering the first drink, then letting the self-serve system handle refills, does both: it sets a welcoming tone immediately and removes the constant distraction of refilling glasses, so you can focus on food, flow, and conversation.

What can hosts borrow from this approach for their own event?

• Curate your guest list first. Plan for the people you’re bringing together.
• Build a simple five-senses checklist: table (sight), soft linens (touch), a subtle scent (smell), one crowd-pleasing bite (taste), and a matching playlist (sound).
• Keep food simple and delicious with trusted recipes (Jaala’s go-to inspiration: Ina Garten).

Want more from Jaala? Follow along on Instagram @jaala_co and visit jaala.com for more hosting inspiration. Ready to plan your own? Create a free Partytrick account and start with our playbooks.