Hosting a Dinner Party 101 | Interview with my Mom

How to Throw a Dinner Party

I was so looking forward to spending Easter in my hometown this year for several reasons. The flowers are always in full bloom, & the Easter egg hunts are hard to beat in my parent's beautifully manicured lawn. What I was most excited about, however, was my interview with my mom. I intended on interviewing her (over a glass of wine) this weekend & planned to document all of her beautiful flower arrangements; but, due to the current circumstances with COVID-19, we did a virtual meeting instead (she's becoming quite the pro at Zoom, & I’m getting much better at maintaining my own yard, I must say!).

My mom has a green thumb like no other, & her dinner parties have always been a hit. I've always admired her effortless hosting ways and the many talents that she has juggled. To align with my upcoming series, I felt that it would be fun to ask her some of her pro-tips, especially for those new to the hosting game!

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CZ: What is your best advice to someone hosting their first dinner party?

MZ: Do as much as you can in advance. Pull out your crystal and china a week before and set the table. It will start to get you excited about what's to come! The day before your party, figure out what flowers you will use and the type of arrangement you will be doing. Always make sure you can see your guests across the table; otherwise, someone will invariably remove it all together!

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CZ: Any survival advice for when there’s a faux-pa in the kitchen or awkward moment at the table?

• MZ: Turn your awkward moments into a laughing matter. So what if you burn the rolls?! Walk out of the kitchen and ask your guests, " Anyone care for a roll?" Nothing; however, beats having your guests fall to the floor after they have leaned back on your antique chairs and broken the legs off [of the said chair]. My New York antique finds didn't work out so well. The chairs were so old that the wood couldn't withstand people’s weight. That too became a joke. If you broke a chair, your name got written underneath it after the repair! After this became a known thing, before sitting down, my guests would sneak to find a chair that had been reinforced with iron and would choose that one instead. I never understood why my place cards were always shuffled before we sat down!

CZ: I still haven’t gotten to autograph a chair! Changing gears, what flowers would you suggest for a simple, inexpensive arrangement?

• MZ: Alstroemeria is hardy, cheap, and majestic! Plus it comes in a variety of colors. Place in small and extra tall clear vases and voila! You will have a gorgeous and dramatic table. I always try to pick from my garden for fresh cut flowers and greenery. Beautiful, sentimental, and makes for a lovely conversation piece. 

CZ: What is your favorite hostess gift you’ve ever received? 

• MZ: Hostess gifts are usually "the thought that counts" kind of thing. People often give candles, wine, etc., so you really don't remember them. However, the personal handwritten note on pretty stationery stays with you forever!

CZ: What type of music do you like to have as background music?

• MZ: You never want to drown out your guests with music (wait to pull out the microphone later!). Ask Alexa to play "easy listening" music. You can't go wrong with Michael Bublé!

*If you know me, you know that I’m a big fan of Michael.

CZ: Who is a style icon that you admire or look to for tablescape inspiration?

• MZ: I love everything that Charlotte Moss creates; yet, I do not look through books for table inspirations. It will make you want to go out and buy new china, monogrammed napkins, etc. Use what you have and get creative! Make arrangements in your grandmother's coffee cups, use that hand-me-down china and pull out some of that color on your table, and always try to do something different!

CZ: What is your favorite holiday to host people and why?

• MZ: I love every holiday. Christmas is the hardest because there is more to it than the table and food (like cleaning up the wrapping paper!). Easter is the easiest, because everything is usually in bloom, the gardens are ready to receive guests, and excitement is in the air. However, Thanksgiving is the most fun! Nothing beats sitting on the porch watching football after a Thanksgiving feast!

CZ: Now for the final question! If your last dinner was tonight, what would it be and which 3 famous people (dead or alive), would be at your dinner table?

• MZ: My last meal would be steak and Grandma's potatoes! I think you should mix up your guest list. Invite someone new to your group. With that being said, wouldn't it be fun to have Tom Hanks, Lucille Ball, and Jesus Christ for dinner? The wine would certainly be flowing!

CZ: Well then, one more question in that case. How do you like your steak at The Last Supper?!

• MZ: Medium rare, always!

….and Lucille Ball roared with laughter!

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I learned a few new things about my mom through this fun interview. We both share a love for Michael Bublé, Charlotte Moss, & all things Tom Hanks; I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, after all! In all seriousness, I hope that you took a few things from this conversation, as I know I sure did. My mom is always the life of the party, and she sure knows how to let the small things roll off her back.

Below is one of her favorite recipes taken from one of her most coveted cookbooks in the kitchen (don’t let the title discourage you, it’s a fan favorite, promise!). To be honest, I’ve worn my own copy of this cookbook thin, and it is what I give as a hostess gift often!

Want to know what I’m up to on the every day? Follow along on Instagram at @cocozentner_art or on my Pinterest page. I love to post what inspires me, behind the scenes of my painting process, and my pup, Maudie!

Until next time,

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To see more about what inspires CoCo, check-out her Instagram page at @cocozentner_art!