Jusmine Martin is the owner of Dearly Studio, a secular wedding chapel in Somerville, Massachusetts, offering couples a fun, elegant alternative to courthouse weddings. Her professional focus on meaningful celebrations carries naturally into the way she hosts at home: start with the people, consider how you want them to feel, and let every other decision follow. Rather than chasing perfection, Jusmine prioritizes practical logistics, an inviting atmosphere, and thoughtful details that help guests settle in. Her approach proves that memorable gatherings are often less about elaborate décor and more about creating space for genuine connection.

Hosting Q&A with Jusmine Martin

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

A: I work backward from the occasion and the invite list to curate how I want the night to feel for my guests. Event logistics aren’t the sexiest topic, but they can influence guests’ comfort levels far more than décor.

I’m in my mid-thirties, so my social circle includes people pursuing all kinds of life paths. The way I host dinner for friends with young families will follow a different timeline than a themed birthday party. Things flow more easily on the night when you keep the guest experience top of mind throughout the planning process.

Q: What are your favorite ways to break the ice or entertain guests?

A: Before anyone arrives, I think about who I’ve invited and who might have things in common so I can introduce people accordingly. I’m not big on blanket icebreakers or games, although I’ll put out a lawn game or two if I’m hosting outside.

Regardless of the setting, snacks and drinks have to be immediately available—people need something to hold! I also keep a low-lift task in mind for more introverted guests, such as, “Would you mind picking the next record?” If the atmosphere is inviting, people tend to relax on their own.

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

A: Candles and fresh flowers! I love tapers, but on an even tighter budget, you can place tealights in unique glassware. Visit a thrift store for vintage coupes and textured glasses in different sizes. They cast beautiful shadows and might cost only about two dollars each.

Fresh flowers can also elevate a table without a large budget, especially if you already have a few useful tools at home. I keep flower frogs and ikebana vases on hand so I can make fun, asymmetrical arrangements with minimal effort.

Q: What makes a great gathering memorable?

A: Thoughtful details of any kind. The smaller the group, the easier it is to personalize the experience. You could use handwritten notes instead of place cards, for example.

At a recent party, we left out a Polaroid camera. The next day, I scanned all the photos and sent our guests a shared album so everyone had a copy. A memorable detail can even be something as simple as leftovers. My mom keeps a drawer full of restaurant-style to-go boxes and packs individual portions for guests whenever she hosts dinner.

Q: What advice would you give someone who feels overwhelmed by hosting?

A: Keep it tiny. So much of hosting happens in the preparation, and there is simply less to prepare with a smaller group. Once you become comfortable hosting your closest circle, it won’t feel like such a big jump to plan a larger gathering.

Q: What is your signature food or drink to serve when hosting?

A: I’m not the greatest cook, so my signature recipe tends to be whichever one-pot pasta I feel confident making. Ideally, my husband is in charge of dinner. In that case, my contribution is usually a grazing board and some sort of amaro and soda. I want people to have something light and easy as soon as they arrive.

Q: What is your go-to dinner party soundtrack?

A: My playlists are very specific to the situation, but lately I’ve been letting Olivia Dean radio do its thing.

Q: What is your favorite party trick?

A: Play with lighting. If your event begins during the day, keep the interior lighting naturally dim and use plenty of candlelight. As the sun sets, it creates a natural ambiance without requiring you to make any adjustments.

You can also purchase inexpensive spotlights and disco balls. Choose the right moment to turn them on and create a fun shift in the party's energy.

Q: What do you love about Partytrick?

A: The timeline feature—I love a to-do list.

Q: What is the most memorable gathering you’ve hosted?

A: Years ago, we co-hosted a pasta-making day for about 12 people at our apartment. A good friend, a professional chef, taught us the basics while we snacked and drank spritzes. We made three kinds of fresh pasta, listened to great music, laughed a lot, and then sat down to dinner together outside on our patio.

There wasn’t anything particularly aesthetic about the party beyond a few candles on the table. It was simply a group of us spending quality time together and eating really good food. Years later, that is what sticks with me more than anything else.

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

A: I love Danica Candles. They’re hand-dipped tapers made in Maine, come in great colors, and burn very evenly. They’re perfect for any tablescape.

Partytrick Take: Real Hosting Takeaways

Jusmine’s approach reminds us that the most important hosting decisions often happen before the menu is finalized or the table is set. By planning around guests’ comfort, energy, and schedules, hosts can create an experience that feels effortless—even when plenty of thought went into it behind the scenes.

How can I recreate this hosting style in a simple way?

Focus on creating an inviting arrival. Prepare one grazing board or easy snack, offer a simple drink, dim the overhead lights, and light a few candles before guests walk through the door.

You do not need an elaborate theme or tablescape. Choose one defining atmospheric element—such as candlelight, a thoughtful playlist, or small floral arrangements—and allow it to set the tone.

What is the most important planning decision behind this gathering?

The central planning decision is determining how you want guests to feel. That priority influences everything else: when the event begins, where people gather, when food is served, and how easily guests can move through the space.

For a mixed group, it could also mean planning a few thoughtful introductions in advance. For friends with young families, it may mean serving dinner earlier. Guest-first logistics make it easier for everyone, including the host, to relax.

What can hosts borrow from this approach for their own event?

• Keep the guest list small when you are building your confidence as a host.
• Make snacks and drinks available immediately.
• Prepare thoughtful introductions instead of relying on formal icebreakers.
• Use candles and thrifted glassware to create an affordable, layered tablescape.
• Add one personal gesture, such as a handwritten note, shared photo album, or packed leftovers.
• Plan the flow around your guests’ needs rather than an arbitrary schedule.

For more from Jusmine Martin and Dearly Studio, follow @dearly.studio on Instagram and visit dearly.studio. Ready to plan your own guest-first gathering? Create a free Partytrick account and explore playbooks like Classic Dinner Party, Supper Club, and Pasta Palooza.

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