60:"RelatedArticlesSection" 61:I[540542,["$4","$5","$6","$7","$8","$9","$a","$b","$c","$d","$e","$f","$10","$11","$12","$13","$14","$15","$16","$17","$18","$19","$1a","$1b","$1c","$1d","$1e","$1f","$20","$21","$22","$23","$24","$25","$26","$27","$28","$42","$43","$44","$45","$46","$47","$48"],"$60"] 62:I[503909,["$4","$5","$6","$7","$8","$9","$a","$b","$c","$d","$e","$f","$10","$11","$12","$13","$14","$15","$16","$17","$18","$19","$1a","$1b","$1c","$1d","$1e","$1f","$20","$21","$22","$23","$24","$25","$26","$27","$28","$42","$43","$44","$45","$46","$47","$48"],"RelatedArticles"] 63:Tac9,

If you've ever wanted to attend or even host a female-focused, community event, you may find yourself asking, "where do I begin?" You may want your community's leading women to share their stories with aspiring, motivated attendees. You want it to be fun, valuable and meaningful. So where do you begin? Such an event called “WHAT SHE SAID” recently happened in San Diego at Sandbox where the panel featured female founders who shared their personal entrepreneurial stories. The Venue Report's very own founder and CEO, Cortnie Fausner, was a panel speaker to share her story and give advice to the entrepreneurial-minded audience. Along with the other female founders, the event was not only focused on sharing experiences and offering take-home advice, but also on bringing a like-minded community together to make new connections, friends and memories.

We caught up with the event hosts – Bumble’s San Diego Community Marketing Manager, Madison Marchetti and the Founder and CEO of Dames Collective, Chanel Sonego – to learn how to throw a successful, female-focused community event direct from the pros themselves.

Credits:

64:T1e10,

Hot Take: Hosting an Elegant Dinner Party Is About Vibes, Not Perfection.
Let’s set the record straight—elegance isn’t about knowing which fork goes where or hosting a stuffy, formal affair. It’s about creating a feeling of wait… are we fancy now? without actually trying too hard. Light the candles, put on a playlist that transports you to a chic Parisian bistro, and gather your favorite people. Whether it’s martinis and fries or a beautifully set table with candlelight, the magic is in the mood, not the perfection. Here’s how to host an effortlessly stylish dinner party that’s full of charm, not stress.

People Remember the Vibes, Not the Napkin Folds
Yes, a gorgeous table is lovely, but no one’s leaving your house talking about how you folded the napkins into swans. They’ll remember the laughter, the conversation, and how good the wine tasted with that ridiculously good pasta you made. Hosting should feel fun—think cozy, candlelit, and full of personality.

Fancy Doesn’t Mean Fussy
Elegance isn’t about five-course meals or white tablecloths. It’s about thoughtful details, great company, and a setting that makes people feel special. Maybe that’s a dimly lit townhouse dinner, or maybe it’s wine and pasta under the stars. The key? Keep it simple but intentional. Light some candles, pour the wine, and serve a meal that’s delicious without requiring last-minute stress.

High-Low Food Pairings Are Your Secret Weapon

Mixing comfort food with a little elegance? That’s the move. Forget the usual overdone pairings—these are unexpected, conversation-starting bites that make your dinner party feel both cool and indulgent.

Caviar French Fries – The ultimate contrast: salty, crispy fries with the briny luxury of caviar and a touch of lemon crème fraîche.
Lobster Corn Dogs – A playful, elevated take on a fairground classic. Sweet corn batter meets buttery lobster for a bite that’s indulgent yet fun.
Truffle Popcorn – A sprinkle of truffle salt and Parmesan turns movie-night popcorn into something undeniably chic.
Tater Tots + Truffle Parmesan Fondue – Salty, crispy, nostalgic tater tots get an instant upgrade when dunked in warm truffle-infused Parmesan fondue.
Mini Grilled Cheese + Tomato & Basil Sorbet – The comfort of grilled cheese meets the cool, tangy freshness of a tomato-basil sorbet for a playful contrast.

Signature Cocktails Named After Your Guests
Take the bar game up a notch—craft signature cocktails inspired by your guests’ personalities and let them guess which drink was made in their honor. A great conversation starter and an excuse to mix up something fun.

The Planner: A sparkling, citrusy French 75—organized, bright, and effortlessly classic.
The Wild One: A spicy mezcal margarita—bold, smoky, and always bringing the energy.
The Put-Together Friend: A sleek, minimalist martini—clean, crisp, and timeless.
The Life of the Party: A smooth espresso martini—strong, a little sweet, and dangerously charming.

A Question at Each Place Setting
Skip basic place cards and instead place a fun, quirky question at each seat—guests can pick their spot based on the one they’re most excited to answer. Think: What’s your guilty pleasure movie? or What’s the best meal you’ve ever had? It’s an instant icebreaker.

Food as Décor + Funky Flowers
A stunning spread doubles as decoration—pile cheeses, roasted vegetables, and colorful tapas onto brushed silver platters, and let the food be the centerpiece. Skip predictable flowers and opt for something sculptural: dramatic amaranthus, love lies bleeding, or classic and tropical pairings. Add candles for instant warmth and ambiance.

Chic Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
Minimalist but thoughtful is the way to go. Mismatched vintage glassware, hand-written menus, or a simple white tablecloth with statement candleholders can look effortlessly chic. Good lighting, a killer playlist, and a mix of textures elevate the mood more than any expensive centerpiece.

The Easiest Way to Host Without Losing Your Mind

Easy Apps: Bowls of marinated olives, whipped goat cheese on bruschetta, or a few store-bought gourmet snacks beautifully plated.
A “Set It & Forget It” Main Course: Slow-roasted lamb, coq au vin, or a pasta bake—dishes that cook in the background while you sip cocktails.
Store-Bought Dessert = No Shame: A gorgeous bakery cake plated beautifully is just as impressive as homemade. No one’s judging.

Your Friends Want You, Not a Michelin-Starred Experience

If you’re running around stressed, your guests will feel it. But if you’re sipping a drink, laughing, and having fun, they’ll follow your lead. A dinner party is about connection, not perfection.

Imperfections Make It Charming

Maybe the roast is a little overcooked, maybe someone spills their drink, maybe you forgot to put out the fancy salt—who cares? The best dinner parties feel effortless, where the conversation flows and no one’s stressing about perfect plating. Pour the wine, light the candles, and enjoy your own party—because a relaxed host is the best vibe of all.

Moral of the story? Light the candles, pour the wine, and just do the dang dinner party. It’s about gathering, not perfection. 🍷✨

65:T477,

From creating an entrance with wow-status impact to weaving in a "tropic like it's hot" theme, the team behind Be Inspired PR are sharing their top ten event design ideas and tricks to get your creative wheels turning. Their team hosts all kinds of events for some of the top designers, planners, and influencers in the event industry, so they certainly know a lot about what it takes to pull off a fabulous party.

Considering transforming your end-of-summer backyard barbecue into a Moroccan oasis? Bring on the dried palm leaves and hammock swing chairs, they say. Planning a bridal shower with a Boho beauty theme? Bring along a hairstylist to do on-site braiding with fun accessories, as they recently did at an event.

We just love the bright and breezy style this team brings to the show. For more event design tips, including what company to hire for the best swag bags, read on below.

Reporter: Alyssa Brown & Be Inspired PR

5c:[["$","$L61",null,{"placeId":null,"categorySlugs":["weddings","gatherings"],"subcategorySlugs":[],"excludeId":[23296,23413,23433,27815],"moreArticlesLink":"/magazine","transparentBackground":true,"currentItem":{"id":"23296","href":"/roundups/7-tips-to-creating-a-stylishly-spooky-kids-halloween-party"}}],["$","$L62",null,{"articles":[{"type":"roundup","data":{"id":23413,"title":"11 Tips on Planning a Successful Community Panel and Discussion","content":"$63","slug":"11-tips-on-planning-a-successful-community-panel-and-discussion","status":5,"image":"https://d3emaq2p21aram.cloudfront.net/uploads/ 0Regular_Roundup/2019/5-May/BumbleBizz/Cover-BumbleBizz-TheVenueReport.jpg","imageAlt":null,"credit":"Meg Marie Photo","creditUrl":"https://www.megmariephoto.com/","dateAdded":"2019-05-15T14:14:25.000Z","dateModified":"2026-02-20T11:29:08.000Z","datePublished":"2025-05-05T16:24:00.000Z","seoTitle":null,"seoKeywords":null,"seoDescription":null,"saveMeta":"{\"who\":1,\"who_name\":\"Cortnie Fausner\",\"when\":1771615748}","location":null,"addressComponents":null,"googleLatitude":null,"googleLongitude":null,"placeId":null,"primaryCategory":{"id":1967,"title":"Tips + Advice","position":0,"css_class":"","importance_order":0,"attrType2":{"attrType":"wedding_types","title":"Wedding","color_class":"lightsand","icon_class":"weddings","slug":"weddings"},"slug":"tips-advice","parent_ids":null},"adUnitsDisabled":false,"isThemed":null,"faq":null,"tags":[]}},{"type":"roundup","data":{"id":23433,"title":"7 Creative Twists on Classic Wedding Traditions That Are Fun and Easy","content":"

Wedding traditions have a way of sticking around like a good love story – timeless, comforting, but sometimes a little too familiar. But what if we told you it’s time to flip the script? If you’re craving something that feels fresh, bold, and totally you, then keep reading. We’ve rounded up a few fun twists on classic traditions, giving your big day the modern spin it deserves. Because let’s be real—your wedding should be as unforgettable as your love story.

\r\n\r\n

Reporter: Be Inspired PR

","slug":"7-creative-twists-on-classic-wedding-traditions-that-are-fun-and-easy","status":5,"image":"https://d3emaq2p21aram.cloudfront.net/uploads/0e527e1b-9731-46a9-9619-b1c2003aff9b.jpg","imageAlt":null,"credit":null,"creditUrl":null,"dateAdded":"2019-06-17T11:02:21.000Z","dateModified":"2025-03-12T14:04:29.000Z","datePublished":"2025-03-12T13:56:00.000Z","seoTitle":null,"seoKeywords":null,"seoDescription":null,"saveMeta":"{\"who\":1,\"who_name\":\"Cortnie Fausner\",\"when\":1741813469}","location":null,"addressComponents":null,"googleLatitude":null,"googleLongitude":null,"placeId":null,"primaryCategory":{"id":1967,"title":"Tips + Advice","position":0,"css_class":"","importance_order":0,"attrType2":{"attrType":"wedding_types","title":"Wedding","color_class":"lightsand","icon_class":"weddings","slug":"weddings"},"slug":"tips-advice","parent_ids":null},"adUnitsDisabled":false,"isThemed":null,"faq":null,"tags":[{"id":1967,"title":"Tips + Advice","position":0,"css_class":"","importance_order":0,"slug":"tips-advice","parent_ids":null},{"id":1968,"title":"Wedding Planning","position":0,"css_class":"","importance_order":0,"slug":"wedding-planning","parent_ids":null}]}},{"type":"report","data":{"id":27815,"title":"Why You Should Absolutely Host an Elegant Dinner Party (Even if You’re More “Pizza on the Couch” Than “Fine Dining”)","content":"$64","theReport":null,"theScoop":null,"bonus":null,"styleSettingContent":null,"insideScoop":null,"highlightReel":null,"aroundTown1Title":null,"aroundTown1Content":null,"aroundTown1Image":null,"aroundTown2Title":null,"aroundTown2Content":null,"aroundTown2Image":null,"aroundTown3Title":null,"aroundTown3Content":null,"aroundTown3Image":null,"photoCredits":null,"status":5,"name":"why-you-should-absolutely-host-an-elegant-dinner-party-even-if-youre-more-pizza-on-the-couch-than-fine-dining","location":"Los Angeles, CA, USA","googleLatitude":"34.0549076","googleLongitude":"-118.242643","placeId":"ChIJE9on3F3HwoAR9AhGJW_fL-I","addressComponents":"[{\"long_name\":\"Los Angeles\",\"short_name\":\"Los Angeles\",\"types\":[\"locality\",\"political\"]},{\"long_name\":\"Los Angeles County\",\"short_name\":\"Los Angeles County\",\"types\":[\"administrative_area_level_2\",\"political\"]},{\"long_name\":\"California\",\"short_name\":\"CA\",\"types\":[\"administrative_area_level_1\",\"political\"]},{\"long_name\":\"United States\",\"short_name\":\"US\",\"types\":[\"country\",\"political\"]}]","dateAdded":"2025-02-25T10:36:25.000Z","dateModified":"2025-02-25T12:31:41.000Z","datePublished":"2025-02-25T12:31:35.000Z","venueName":null,"venueLocation":null,"venueWebsite":null,"venueContact":null,"seoDescription":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoKeywords":null,"venuePhone":null,"venueEmail":null,"credits":null,"primaryCategory":{"id":1967,"title":"Tips + Advice","position":0,"css_class":"","importance_order":0,"attrType2":{"attrType":"wedding_types","title":"Wedding","color_class":"lightsand","icon_class":"weddings","slug":"weddings"},"slug":"tips-advice","parent_ids":null},"tags":[{"id":140,"title":"dinner party","position":70,"css_class":"","importance_order":14,"slug":"dinner-party","parent_ids":null}],"isRemoved":null,"saveMeta":{"who":543035,"who_name":"Morgan Johnson","when":1740515498},"isSponsored":false,"sponsoredDesc":null,"sponsoredUrl":null,"adUnitsDisabled":false,"image":"https://d3emaq2p21aram.cloudfront.net/uploads/neutral-elegant-minimalist-exclusive-offer-instagram-post.png","displayType":null,"smartDisplayType":"view_single","excerpt":"

Hot Take: Hosting an Elegant Dinner Party Is About Vibes, Not Perfection.
\r\nLet’s set the record straight—elegance isn’t about knowing which fork goes where or hosting a stuffy, formal affair. It’s about creating a feeling of wait… are we fancy now? without actually trying too hard. Light the candles, put on a playlist that transports you to a chic Parisian bistro, and gather your favorite people. Whether it’s martinis and fries or a beautifully set table with candlelight, the magic is in the mood, not the perfection. Here’s how to host an effortlessly stylish dinner party that’s full of charm, not stress.

\r\n\r\n

$\"\"$

","url":"why-you-should-absolutely-host-an-elegant-dinner-party-even-if-youre-more-pizza-on-the-couch-than-fine-dining"}},{"type":"roundup","data":{"id":23479,"title":"How to Create Your Own Moroccan Oasis & Other Event Design Ideas You're Going to Want to Steal","content":"$65","slug":"how-to-create-your-own-moroccan-oasis-and-other-event-design-ideas-youre-going-to-want-to-steal","status":5,"image":"https://d3emaq2p21aram.cloudfront.net/uploads/TheVenueReport-AngelicaMariePhotography-02.JPG","imageAlt":null,"credit":"Angelica Marie Photo","creditUrl":"https://angelicamariephotography.com","dateAdded":"2019-09-09T11:22:28.000Z","dateModified":"2025-03-21T05:43:47.000Z","datePublished":"2019-09-12T03:36:00.000Z","seoTitle":"Event Design Ideas You'll Want to Steal | Venue Report","seoKeywords":"Event Design Ideas","seoDescription":null,"saveMeta":"{\"who\":210541,\"who_name\":\"Alexz Miller\",\"when\":1568306511}","location":null,"addressComponents":null,"googleLatitude":null,"googleLongitude":null,"placeId":null,"primaryCategory":{"id":1967,"title":"Tips + Advice","position":0,"css_class":"","importance_order":0,"attrType2":{"attrType":"wedding_types","title":"Wedding","color_class":"lightsand","icon_class":"weddings","slug":"weddings"},"slug":"tips-advice","parent_ids":null},"adUnitsDisabled":false,"isThemed":null,"faq":null,"tags":[{"id":139,"title":"corporate event","position":60,"css_class":"","importance_order":16,"slug":"corporate-event","parent_ids":null},{"id":140,"title":"dinner party","position":70,"css_class":"","importance_order":14,"slug":"dinner-party","parent_ids":null},{"id":141,"title":"holiday party","position":110,"css_class":"","importance_order":15,"slug":"holiday-party","parent_ids":null},{"id":144,"title":"social event","position":150,"css_class":"","importance_order":19,"slug":"social-event","parent_ids":null},{"id":639,"title":"Moroccan","position":310,"css_class":"","importance_order":0,"slug":"moroccan","parent_ids":null}]}}],"title":"More in Weddings","moreArticlesLink":"/magazine/weddings","moreArticlesCtaLabel":"More Articles","transparentBackground":true}]]