Welcome to Hosts at Heart, an expert guide on how to bring people together with CHANDON– with advice on everything from menus to music and so much more.


In this edition, chef Romilly Newman shares advice on what you’ll need to host an intimate dinner party. As the “Gen Z Martha Stewart,” Romilly believes hosting is all about setting a scene that can unfold throughout the night so that friends – old and new -- can feel comfortable and leave inspired.


Photography by Kate Owens


BE OVER PREPARED



The more you do ahead of time the more you can enjoy the company of your guests. Soften butter, prepare a heaping tray of bread. Cook and chill your shrimp. Slice lemon wedges. Make drink garnishes. Do it all! Then the fun is for you to have!

FIND RESERVE BLANC DE BLANCS

PAIR YOUR FOOD TO YOUR WINE





I love to serve CHANDON Reserve Blanc de Blancs with briny seafood. I set the table with a tray of sea urchin, oysters, sweet pink shrimp, and a plate of savory Iberico Jamon for balance.

ORDER YOUR WINE

INVITE A MIX OF FRIENDS, OLD AND NEW





Having a party is a fun way to get to know people better. I tend to invite people whom I haven’t spent much time with yet, because it’s a great way to become fast friends. It's also more interesting to have a room of people who have yet to meet one another.


DON'T TRY TO MAKE EVERYTHING PERFECT


The beauty of hosting is watching the night unfold. Let it take twists and turns and don’t try to force things. I see hosting as creating a set for a play or movie. Create the environment, then let the people play their parts.

LOOKING FOR MORE HOSTING TIPS?

EXPLORE