Rachel Havel approaches hosting the same way she approaches wedding photography: with intuition, intention, and an effortless sense of calm. 

As a destination wedding photographer, Rachel has built her career documenting celebrations that feel authentic, unscripted, and deeply personal. That same philosophy carries into the way she hosts gatherings at home. Her approach is intuitive and grounded in intention, beginning with the menu and building the atmosphere around it. Music sets the mood, the kitchen stays lively, and guests often arrive while something is still simmering on the stove.

Rather than chasing perfection, Rachel focuses on creating warmth and genuine connection. A few candles, fresh flowers, and thoughtful energy go much further than elaborate hosting rules. In this Host How I Host feature, she shares her philosophy for memorable gatherings, her favorite simple tablescape upgrades, and the hosting mindset that keeps dinner parties feeling relaxed instead of stressful.

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

A: I start with the menu. The food drives everything else: the music, the atmosphere, the environment. Everything is built to support the cuisine.

It’s a refreshingly intuitive approach to hosting. Rather than forcing a theme or aesthetic, Rachel allows the meal to shape the tone of the evening. If the menu leans rustic, the setting might follow suit. If it’s lighter and seasonal, the energy becomes relaxed and airy.

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

A: I greet guests like they’re already part of the home. My energy is warm and casual, and I come as I am, which gives others permission to do the same. Music is always on, and the kitchen is usually still in motion. I love when people arrive while we’re still cooking; it softens the energy and keeps the gathering from feeling too formal.

There’s something undeniably comforting about walking into a home where the kitchen is alive and music is already playing. It instantly dissolves the pressure of a “perfect” dinner party and replaces it with something much more meaningful: shared experience.

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

A: Flowers and candles make the biggest impact. Even simple tea lights and greenery from your garden can instantly add warmth and intention. I also love adding a bit of texture and layering; cloth napkins are an easy way to elevate the table. For more formal gatherings, printed name cards are such a sweet touch, and you can find free templates online.

This approach reflects a broader hosting trend: intentional simplicity. A few thoughtful elements can make a table feel welcoming without requiring a full event design budget.

Q: What makes a great gathering memorable?

A: Intention is what matters most. If you show up with authenticity and a genuine desire to make your guests feel comfortable and cared for, they’ll feel it. Energy transfers into everything we do—including hosting—so I always start by setting my intention and letting that guide the experience.

Q: What tips would you give someone feeling overwhelmed by hosting?

A: Stick to what you do best and outsource the rest. Focus on one area you’re genuinely excited about, then keep everything else simple: store-bought dessert, an easy cocktail, a few effortless appetizers. Give yourself plenty of time so you’re not rushing. Hosting is about connection more than anything else, and when it starts to feel like a chore, you lose that. Throw the rules out the window and do it in the way that feels most like you.

Q: Do you have a signature dish you serve when hosting?

A: I don’t believe in a signature dish. I love change, experimentation, and letting the meal evolve. Even if something flops, it usually turns into a great talking point, and I’m perfectly okay with that.

That spirit of experimentation adds a layer of spontaneity to Rachel’s gatherings. It keeps the experience fresh and encourages conversation around the table.

Q: What’s your go-to dinner party soundtrack?

A: This goes back to the menu, but if you're looking for a general playlist, I'll usually turn on the Jungle Radio or Kings of Convenience Radio.

Q: What’s your favorite party trick?

A: No one loves a messy kitchen at the end of the day. I do as much prep and cleaning as I can to ease the load at the end of the evening. Your future self will thank you.

Sometimes the best party trick isn’t flashy. It’s simply making the end of the night easier.

Q: What’s your favorite Partytrick feature?

A: I love the timelines and checklist. It's helpful to keep things organized and on time.

Q: What’s the most memorable gathering you’ve attended or hosted?

A: The most memorable gatherings are the ones I walk away from feeling full of love and joy. Hosting isn’t about putting on a show. It’s about making people feel comfortable and genuinely connecting. Any gathering that creates that is my favorite.

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

A: Afterglow AF cocktails.

‍

Get inspired by Rachel’s approach to gathering by following her work at rachelhavel.com.

Feeling inspired to host your own gathering? Create a free Partytrick account to explore curated hosting templates, expert tips, and beautifully organized timelines that make planning your next gathering effortless.