Samantha Sarine believes every gathering should start with intention. As the founder of Sarine Planning, a New York City–based event management company focused on people-first experiences, Samantha has spent over 11 years designing gatherings that prioritize connection, community, and meaningful engagement. She brings that same philosophy to her personal hosting style, where thoughtful details and intentional conversation matter more than elaborate décor.

Beyond client work, Samantha also leads Amigas Means Friends, a women’s community centered on growth and authentic relationships, which deeply influences how she approaches hosting. Whether she’s planning a corporate networking event, an intimate dinner, or a retreat, her goal is always the same: create spaces where guests feel seen, comfortable, and inspired to connect. In this Host How I Host feature, Samantha shares her signature hosting tips, her favorite way to break the ice, and why collaboration is at the heart of every memorable gathering.

Hosting Q&A with Samantha

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

A: I always start with the why. Understanding why we’re gathering and who we’re bringing together lays the foundation for every decision, from the menu to the décor to the flow of the event. Answering these questions with my clients allows me to intentionally design experiences where every detail has meaning and purpose.

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

A: I love starting with a small-group introduction where each guest answers a simple, thoughtful question. The question is easy to answer but reveals a bit about their mindset, goals, or intentions for the gathering. When possible, this sets a warm, intentional tone and can have a big impact on the energy and effectiveness of the event, even in corporate settings.

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

A: When working with a small budget, I focus on fresh florals and candles. Simple DIY arrangements can ebb and flow with the seasons, and they provide a classic, thoughtful touch that elevates any tablescape. These can make a small gathering feel intentional and special. I often lean on this approach for events with my women’s community, Amigas Means Friends.

Q: What makes a great gathering memorable?

A: What makes a gathering memorable is the conversation, the community, and the time spent together. It’s not the décor, but the energy and care put into creating a space that encourages deep connection and honest dialogue. When people feel safe to engage and be seen, the experience stays with them long after the event ends.

Q: What tips would you give someone feeling overwhelmed about hosting?

A: First, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Even from a professional! Start by focusing on your why and let that guide every decision for the gathering. When your purpose is clear, everything else falls into place. And of course, resources like Partytrick can be a great source of inspiration and support.

Q: Do you have a signature recipe or drink?

A: I like to start every gathering with a signature cocktail or welcome drink (even a mocktail). It’s a small but meaningful moment of hospitality, and it’s a great way to set the tone for the event while subtly weaving in branding, especially for corporate clients.

Q: What’s your go-to dinner party soundtrack?

A: This is actually a go to playlist for me: Latin Dinner Party.

Q: What’s your favorite party trick?

A: My biggest hosting tip is to partner up. You don’t have to do everything yourself — lean on collaborators or friends to handle the pieces that aren’t your strongest. Working together not only eases the load but elevates the event, combining your expertise with theirs to create a more thoughtful, memorable experience. In my world, collaboration > everything.

Q: What do you love about Partytrick?

A: What I love about Partytrick is the inspiration it provides. When you’re in the midst of planning and decision fatigue sets in, Partytrick helps streamline ideas and gives you a clear starting point to bring your vision to life. It’s a great resource for keeping creativity flowing while making execution feel manageable.

Q: What’s the most memorable gathering you’ve attended?

A: One of the most memorable gatherings I’ve attended was a networking event paired with a transformational session led by my friend Victoria at Apapacho Cacao. She guided us through a mirror exercise that brought me to tears — in the middle of a Mexican restaurant, surrounded by new friends! It was so powerful that I invited her to lead a ceremony at my Amigas Means Friends Retreat the following summer. I love when leaders create space for attendees to be vulnerable and authentic, no matter the type of event.

Q: Favorite brands or products for hosting?

A: I love to shop sustainably whenever possible, mixing vintage finds with new pieces from my personal warehouse. I’m also really excited about the growing rental market — concepts like TBLSCAPE and the team behind Something Vintage are so inspiring. These options allow planners to add personality and style to an event without buying everything outright, and for hosting at home, they make it possible to go all out and then return items afterward.

The Partytrick Take: Hosting Lessons to Try

Samantha’s approach to hosting is rooted in clarity, collaboration, and connection. Rather than focusing on elaborate details, her style highlights intentional choices that make guests feel comfortable and engaged. Here’s how hosts can apply her philosophy in a simple, practical way.

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

Start by defining your purpose before planning anything else. Whether it’s reconnecting with friends or hosting a small networking dinner, clarity helps guide every decision from seating to menu. Keep décor minimal but meaningful, using candles or seasonal florals to create warmth without overcomplicating the setup. Most importantly, build in intentional conversation moments, like a simple icebreaker question, to encourage genuine interaction.

What is the most important planning decision behind this gathering?

The most impactful decision is identifying the “why” behind the event. When the purpose is clear, it naturally shapes the guest list, flow, and overall tone. Samantha’s emphasis on collaboration also plays a key role, whether that means co-hosting, asking guests to contribute, or leaning on helpful tools to streamline planning. This clarity reduces overwhelm and allows hosts to focus on creating a welcoming experience.

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

Hosts can adopt the mindset that connection matters more than perfection. Simple touches like a welcome drink, thoughtful introductions, or small-group conversations can transform the atmosphere. Budget-friendly details, such as candles and fresh florals, can elevate the space without requiring extensive planning. Above all, inviting collaboration and focusing on guest experience helps create gatherings that feel relaxed, intentional, and memorable.

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For more inspiration on connection-driven hosting, follow Samantha on Instagram @sarineplanning or visit www.sarineplanning.com. 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. Partytrick makes hosting easier by keeping all your plans, details, and inspiration in one streamlined place.