Meet Ashton Keefe, a New York–based chef and on-air culinary personality who brings warmth, creativity, and a touch of everyday elegance to everything she creates. With features in The New York Times, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Food & Wine, plus regular appearances on Today, Good Morning America, and Fox News, Ashton has built a career around making good food feel joyful and accessible. She’s also the author of two cookbooks that reflect her belief that cooking—and gathering—should always come from the heart.

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Q: If someone is feeling overwhelmed by hosting their friends in their home, what tips would you give them?

A: Hire help. Someone to clean up, load the dishwasher, pour drinks, etc. There are so many services where you can pay someone an hourly rate to give you a hostess-hand. I also say, order food, or don't try and make it all. Stick with 2-3 liquor options, a white, a red, and an evergreen beer. People are easier than you think they are. They're just happy to be out and having a good time. A stressed hostess = stressed guests.

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Q: What is your favorite recipe or food to serve when hosting?

A: I love pasta, salad, bread (with good butter and olive oil), and a dessert (this can be purchased!). I also love having multiple family style salads (grain salad, veg-based salad, lettuce salad) to fill out a table. In the summer I love making large format dishes like paella with fresh seafood, or steaks with a batched chimmichurri sauce and sending everyone outside to grill and imbibe.

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Q: What is your favorite partytrick?

A: An empty dish washer, candles lit, music on, and a host a half a drink in, makes for the ideal setting for someone to walk into, ready for a good time.

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Q: What is the most memorable party or gathering you've attended or hosted?

A: I'm sent SO MANY bottles of wines, new spirits, etc. throughout the year and not only do they take up so much space, I barely scratch the surface consuming them. When I was younger and lived in the tiniest apartment ever (I called the Lady Lair), I used to throw an annual Friendsgiving for my oldest childhood friends and tell them they could drink anything they wanted. If they opened something and didn't like it, open another. Let's just say, people stayed late, and I'm sure we all remember very little of those parties except that they were tons of fun.

Q: If you had a limited budget to put together a small dinner party, what would you focus on for the tablescape?

A: Lighting. Low or dimly lit lights and candles. Other than that, you don't need much on a table. Maybe a flower or two but nothing elaborate.

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To keep up with Ashton’s latest recipes, hosting inspiration, and behind-the-scenes moments, follow her on Instagram @ashtonkeefe or check our her website. If you’re feeling inspired to host your own gathering, sign up for a free Partytrick account to explore curated templates, expert tips, and everything you need to bring your next event to life.

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