Amy Lynn, founder of Poppy + Lynn, approaches wedding planning the way a director stages a production: with intention, personality, and just enough edge to keep things interesting. Based in NYC, her boutique planning company is known for non traditional, highly personalized, elevated event design that feels high end but never stuffy. With a background in fashion and theater and features in The New York Times, BRIDES, Bustle, and The Knot, Amy has built a reputation for creating weddings that are creative, emotional, and a damn good time. At home, that same thoughtful, guest-first philosophy defines how she hosts.

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

A: I always start with the occasion. Which does not always have to be something official. It can simply be a girls night in or an intimate dinner with friends. Similarly to how I plan weddings, once we set the why, it's so much easier to design the rest of the event with intention and care.

Q: Favorite ways to break the ice or entertain guests?

A: I have been collecting vintage glassware for years, so whenever I have guests over, I have them select one for the night for their drinks. I love this because one, it's a conversation starter and two, it makes it easy for guests to find their drink when they've set it down inevitably throughout the night.

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

A: I personally adore flowers so I would invest there. I think fresh flowers feel so elevated and inviting and you can keep things simple for the rest of the table and let the flowers' natural beauty shine.

Q: What makes a great gathering memorable?

A: The right group of people, an intentional outline of events, and thoughtful small touches to make guests feel taken care of and comfortable.

Q: If someone feels overwhelmed hosting at home, what would you tell them?

A: Don't overthink it. Most of the time you will be the only one to notice really minute details, so focus your energy on making sure everyone is well fed, has a yummy drink, and feels included in the conversations or activities. Small touches like having a nice candle burning in your favorite scent, a clean, fresh restroom, and a setup that allows guests to feel comfortable and not crammed will make all the difference.

Q: Signature recipe to serve when hosting?

A: I always love a fun cocktail. One of my go to's is a seasonal sangria. Depending on the time of year, I make a sangria that feels season appropriate with fresh cut fruit and have it available in a beautiful decanter.

Q: Go-to dinner party playlist?

A: I love to curate the playlist to the event. But my regular rotation includes music from artists such as Sammy Rae & The Friends, Olivia Dean, The Dip, Couch, and Lake Street Dive. Upbeat, soulful, but easy enough to have conversation still.

Q: Favorite party trick?

A: As a wedding planner, my house is stocked with random every day items for my emergency kit. So my personal favorite party trick is being able to whip out just about anything someone might need in a bind quickly. Think medicine, safety pin, bobby pin, hair tie, Tide pen. My office cabinet is stocked full of items like this and I love being able to step in to help fix anything that could come up quickly and efficiently so we can go back to having the best time and everyone feels comfy.

Q: Most memorable party you’ve hosted?

A: Last year, I hosted a five year anniversary party for my business with past clients, friends, and fellow vendors. I embraced all the things I love and that make my brand unique, including my cat illustrated on cocktail napkins, glitter covered flowers, and a signature cocktail inspired by my favorite day to day drink, a Starbucks Pink Drink. I encouraged everyone to show up in their most fabulous attire and it was so fun to see everyone dressed up, celebrating this milestone for me, and just having a blast being together.

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

A: Empress 1908 Gin for a colorful cocktail moment, a Capri Blue Volcano candle burning, and a sweet treat from a local shop such as Zabar's, Martha's Country Bakery, or Janie's Life Changing Baked Goods.

Q: What’s your favorite Partytrick feature?

A: I love that Partytrick makes it easy for anyone to host a great event even on a small scale. Especially in today's world, I feel like there are so many cute themed dinner parties and ideas floating around, and it can be intimidating to try and host friends and family. Life is meant to be celebrated though and we should soak in all of the moments we can create quality connections and celebrate even little wins. I think the checklists are a great outline to help people feel like they have an actionable plan so the process feels less overwhelming.

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To explore Amy’s artful approach to weddings and gatherings, follow her on Instagram at @poppy.and.lynn, on TikTok at @nycweddingplanner, or visit www.poppyandlynn.com.

Feeling inspired to host your own gathering? Sign up for a free Partytrick account to explore curated templates, smart checklists, and everything you need to bring your next event to life. Partytrick keeps your plans, details, and inspiration all in one place so you can focus on what actually matters: the people in the room.