Lisa Fero is the founder of Peace Love Light, a modern Judaica and lifestyle boutique curating thoughtful pieces for Shabbat, holidays, entertaining, gifting, and everyday living. Her approach to hosting is grounded in purposeful moments: start with the occasion, honor the traditions and symbolism, and let the menu, table, and small details fall into place in service of that feeling. The result is an elevated but welcoming environment where people can relax, connect, and actually enjoy being together. 

Hosting Q&A with Lisa Fero

Q: When planning a gathering in your home, where do you start? The menu, the decor, the occasion, or the theme?

A: I always start with the occasion, because it sets the intention for everything that follows. I think about gatherings through the lens of meaningful moments. Whether it’s a holiday, Shabbat dinner, or a simple get-together with friends. Each occasion carries its own energy, traditions, and symbolism, and once that is clear, everything else naturally unfolds. The menu, decor, linens, and small thoughtful details all come together to support that feeling and create a warm, elevated space where people can connect and truly be present at the table.

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

A: One of my favorite ways to break the ice is through simple, hands-on activities that everyone can take part in. For example, at a Hanukkah gathering, we once made dessert dreidels together using chocolate kisses, marshmallows, and sprinkles. It instantly brought people together and created so much laughter and connection. I also love creating moments where guests naturally gather, like around a beautiful buffet. It encourages conversation and allows the evening to flow in a relaxed, welcoming way where everyone feels included.

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

A: With a limited budget, I would prioritize a cohesive, warm tablescape using simple linens, candles, and flowers. I also like adding an accent to each place setting that ties into the evening's theme, like a honey stick for Rosh Hashanah or a dreidel tucked into a napkin for Hanukkah. Those small touches create a sense of intention, and when combined with a beautifully set table, even in a simple way, they set the tone for a meaningful evening.

Q: What makes a great gathering memorable?

A: A warm, comfortable environment with purpose and meaning. Not everything needs to be perfect, but it should feel intentional. When people feel relaxed and cared for, they naturally open up, connect more, and are fully present.

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

A: Start simple and focus on what actually matters, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It also helps to prepare as much as possible in advance so you can be present when guests arrive. Create lists of menu items, gather decor in advance, and set the table earlier in the day so you’re not rushing at the last minute. When you take the pressure off perfection and focus instead on hospitality and ease, the entire experience becomes more enjoyable for both you and your guests.

Q: What’s your signature recipe to serve when hosting?

A: It really depends on the occasion, but I love Lion's Bread challah recipe. It comes out perfect every time!

Q: What’s your go-to soundtrack for a dinner party at home?

A: My go-to soundtrack is always a mix that feels nostalgic, warm, and easy in the background, something that sets a mood without overpowering conversation. As a Gen Xer, I naturally lean into old-school favorites: Billy Joel is always on the list, along with classic R&B. I also love weaving in ’90s favorites, which add a layer of familiarity and nostalgia. For current artists, I tend to gravitate toward softer, acoustic-leaning voices that sit beautifully in the background. Olivia Dean, Noah Kahan, and Gracie Abrams are perfect for that modern but still intimate dinner party feel. The goal is always the same: music that supports conversation, brings people together, and quietly elevates the evening's feeling without taking center stage.

Q: What’s your favorite party trick?

A: I love a good charcuterie board. I like to put it out as soon as guests arrive. It’s easy to put together, visually beautiful, and instantly encourages people to gather and start talking. I also love that you can theme it around the holiday or season, which makes it feel fun and connected to the occasion without requiring much extra effort or expense.

Q: What do you love about Partytrick? What’s your favorite feature?

A: What I love about Partytrick is that it takes the stress out of hosting and replaces it with inspiration and ease. It’s such a great resource for creative ideas, practical tips, and thoughtful details that make entertaining feel more approachable and fun.

Q: What is the most memorable party or gathering you've hosted, and why?

A: The most memorable gathering I’ve ever hosted was my twins’ Bar and Bat Mitzvah. We held it at the oldest live entertainment theater in the United States, which already made it feel incredibly unique and special. One of the most meaningful moments was their entrance video and montage, which played on a huge movie screen. The kids absolutely loved it, and it set such an emotional and exciting tone for the celebration. What made it truly unforgettable, though, was how all the details came together. Everything aligned beautifully and created a celebration that felt deeply personal, joyful, and incredibly memorable.

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

A: At Peace Love Light, votives are a staple at every gathering. They add such a warm, meaningful glow and work beautifully for both holidays and everyday entertaining. I also always love a beautiful table runner, whether it’s embroidered or hand-blocked. It’s one of the simplest ways to set the tone for the table and bring in texture and intention. Disposables have come a long way. There are so many beautiful, high-quality options now that are both durable and stylish, which makes hosting easier and allows for easy cleanup at the end of the night.

Partytrick Take: Real Hosting Takeaways

Lisa’s hosting philosophy is a reminder that the most “elevated” gatherings are often the most grounded ones. Start with why you’re gathering, choose a few warm layers to support that feeling, and give guests an easy way to settle in and connect.

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

Choose one occasion-led detail and build around it. Light candles, add a simple runner, and include one small thematic accent per place setting. Then let the food and conversation do the rest.

What is the most important planning decision behind this gathering?

Deciding on the intention of the occasion. Once that’s clear, it guides everything: what you serve, how you set the table, where guests naturally gather, and how the night flows.

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

• Start with the occasion, not the Pinterest board.
• Use one meaningful “anchor” detail to set the tone.
• Put out something snackable the moment guests arrive (a board, a buffet, or a simple spread).
• Prep early so you can greet guests calmly and enjoy the moment.

Want more from Lisa Fero? Follow @peacelovelightshop and visit www.peacelovelightshop.com for modern Judaica and meaningful hosting inspiration. Ready to plan your own gathering? Create a free Partytrick account and start with our playbooks.

• Hanukkah Dinner Party
• Hanukkalikimaka by Kiki Aranita