Meg Blancato and Natalie Gill are the co-owners of Native Poppy, a boutique event and retail florist in sunny San Diego known for whimsical, artistic floral designs. Together, they have built Native Poppy into more than a flower shop. The brand creates daily arrangements, weddings, events, classes, artisan gifts, and even grows flowers on its own flower farm. Meg and Natalie are also co-authors of their debut floral education book, Flower Moments, written with Erin Dollar.

For Meg and Natalie, hosting begins with the same instinct that guides Native Poppy’s work: color first, flowers close behind. Their gatherings feel thoughtful without being stiff, beautiful without being precious, and relaxed enough for guests to actually settle in. The result is a hosting style that feels magical, cozy, and deeply welcoming.

Hosting Q&A with Meg Blancato and Natalie Gill

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

A: We usually think of a color palette first, and flowers shortly after. Sometimes it is inspired by a theme as well, but color and florals are the jumping-off point.

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

A: We love a custom cocktail or a decorated glass of bubbles. Tying a beautiful ribbon and dried flowers onto glassware looks instantly chic and festive. You can vary the colors and flowers, then let guests pick their own so it becomes interactive.

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

A: Flowers. They instantly set the tone and elevate a table, and even small arrangements can make a big impact. If you are limited on budget, opt for a few bud vases and pair them with candles. Magic.

Q: What makes a great gathering memorable?

A: First and foremost, it is about making people feel welcome and comfortable. Beyond that, little details can go a long way in making a gathering feel special, like a name card on each place setting. Those thoughtful touches leave guests thinking about your care long after the party.

Q: What tips would you give someone who feels overwhelmed by hosting friends at home?

A: Let it not be perfect. Things can be beautiful and relaxed at the same time. Mismatch glassware and plates, set up a grazing board at the coffee table with pillows on the floor, and let the gathering feel lived-in. If everything is immaculate, people can feel nervous to mess it up. Gatherings should feel accessible, comfortable, and a little elevated.

Q: What is your signature recipe or beverage to serve when hosting?

A: We love a grazing board with edible flowers. They instantly make a charcuterie board look fun and magical, and they will absolutely wow your guests. Make sure to use food-grade flowers, which are typically available at specialty grocers, and sprinkle them over your favorite cheeses, meats, crackers, and other board staples.

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

A: Either “French Cafe” or “Bossa Nova.” Both are relaxing enough to make guests feel at ease, but also a little whimsical, which helps romanticize the gathering.

Q: What is your favorite party trick?

A: If you have olives with pits or an appetizer on toothpicks, eat a few first and put the pits or picks in the discard bowl. That way, guests know where they go and feel encouraged to dig in.

Q: What do you love about Partytrick?

A: We love how Partytrick is always looking to make hosting more accessible and enjoyable for people. Hosting can feel intimidating, but creating comfortable and beautiful gatherings is a gift you can give your community.

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

A: We love Mole Hollow tapered candlesticks. They come in so many beautiful colors and automatically elevate a gathering.

Partytrick Take: Real Hosting Takeaways

Meg and Natalie’s hosting style is a reminder that atmosphere does not need to be complicated. A strong color palette, flowers, candles, and a few guest-centered details can create a gathering that feels intentional, warm, and memorable.

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

Start with one color story and let it guide the table. Choose a few bud vases, add taper candles in a coordinating shade, and bring the same color into a drink garnish, ribbon, or small place-setting detail. This creates a cohesive look without requiring a full tablescape overhaul.

What is the most important planning decision behind this gathering?

The most important decision is creating an atmosphere that feels beautiful but not too precious. That choice shapes everything: casual seating, approachable food, soft lighting, flowers in smaller vessels, and details that invite guests to relax.

Instead of designing a table people are afraid to touch, Meg and Natalie’s approach encourages guests to sit down, eat, sip, and stay awhile.

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

• Choose a color palette before buying decor.
• Use flowers in small bud vases to stretch your budget.
• Pair candles with florals for instant atmosphere.
• Add one interactive detail, like decorated glasses guests can choose from.
• Make practical things visible, like a discard bowl for pits or toothpicks.
• Let the gathering feel lived-in rather than perfect.

For more from Meg, Natalie, and Native Poppy, follow along on Instagram at @native_poppy and visit nativepoppy.com for floral inspiration, tips, and a peek into their whimsical San Diego flower world. Ready to plan your own flower-forward gathering? Create a free Partytrick account and start with a playbook that helps bring the details to life.

• Always Sparkling Dinner Party
• Summer Solstice with Poppy Gifting
• Summer Honey Dinner Party