Let's Party!
Here’s a suggestion. Throw a party just for fun. Not for a birthday. Not for a milestone. Just for the joy of it.
A few weeks ago, I went to a party. And a couple of weekends ago, in a wildly unusual turn of events, I co-hosted one. Both times, the motivation was the same: fun.
Before that, I hadn’t been to a proper party since a friend’s wedding in Greece two years ago. And let me tell you — two years is far too long to go without a party.
When Brian first told me about Rigatoni Club (a roving Italo-disco party his friend throws), I knew I had to go. It’s a party in two parts: pasta dinner first, Italian disco after.
That’s my love language. And it was fun.
Our seat-mate Shelby booked a solo ticket after seeing past party photos — proof of the carefree joy Rigatoni Club provides. If that’s not great marketing, I don’t know what is. Sitting there, eating pasta among strangers, it hit me: I’d forgotten how fun it is to simply attend a party. No agenda, no networking, no ulterior motive—just mingling, eating, dancing, meeting someone new, surprising yourself, making a friend, building community. Gathering for the sake of joy.
Halfway through our own party, the conversation turned to an article in The Atlantic — about the sharp decline of parties, about how people have stopped gathering. What a loss. A party is more than an event; it’s a catalyst. It’s where you meet, where you listen, where you see and are seen.
It’s where new ideas spark and old friendships strengthen. For me, it’s a place I find creativity and joy.
Moving somewhere new can be lonely. Setting up a home on the west side of L.A. has been exactly that. It takes time to build a life in a new place, especially in a world where most of our connections exist behind a screen. Lately, I’ve felt a little adrift.
I run a collaborative creative company, but in some ways, I’m the poster child of the loneliness epidemic: I work remotely, travel often, coordinate with teams scattered across time zones. No church, no standing weekly tradition, no roots in this city yet. And I’ve been craving what can’t be scheduled — community, connection, intimacy, spontaneity.
So a few weekends ago, I opened my door…
Together, Brian and I threw a spring equinox beach BBQ bacchanal. A table heavy with snacks, bright with spring produce and flowers from the farmers’ market.
We rallied around the spring equinox theme, everyone writing down something to leave behind in winter, and something to call in for spring. (the ‘leave behinds’ were burned together mid-party).
It was the kind of open, easy gathering where joy and connection could flourish. We started in the afternoon, and as the sun dipped low, we were still working our way through the feast. (Yes, we had leftovers for a week.)
Neighbors met. The postman took a plate to go. There was harmony. Togetherness. A reminder that we live among each other, and sometimes, that’s reason enough to celebrate.
So let’s hold ourselves accountable. Throw a party. Soon.
And if you need a blueprint, here’s one:
Invite a bunch of friends.
Keep it low-key.
Serve food that’s easy to set and forget.
Try a thoughtful activity.
Don’t take it too seriously.
A theme is always a nice touch, if that’s your thing.
Be fun. Have fun. Make fun.
Need some party hosting inspiration? Here are a few faves to get you started.
1. Stainless steel trays (perfect for kitchens with very little storage, but entertaining dreams) 2. Enamelware pitcher as indestructible vase 3. Splattered Serving Bowl 4. Chic bottle opener 5. Fun napkins, you can’t go wrong with anything Block Shop 6. The glasses from my childhood kitchen, timeless and perfect for any occasion 7. Cute serving tongs! 8. The most beautiful salt dish I’m currently lusting after 9. Stainless serving bowls 10. A beautiful pitcher (I use this one daily) 11. Splattered serving platter 12. My MVP serving bowl, hands down worth the investment.
LOVED this so much and deeply inspired to party. <3
Loved this one….well done!