Description
How do you host a house party that people actually remember? From planning the perfect menu to knowing where to spend your budget, Pooja Raheja shares the art of hosting done right.
In this episode of The Masoom Minawala Show, I sit down with Pooja Raheja, luxury caterer and founder of Eat Drink Design, to talk about everything that goes into hosting a great party. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner, a house party or a large celebration, this conversation will change how you think about entertaining.
We discuss:
✨ Party planning: The three questions to ask yourself before you start planning any event.
🍽️ How to plan a party menu: How to balance cuisines, avoid repetitive dishes and create a menu that works.
💰 Where to spend and save when hosting: From quality food and statement flowers to the details that make a difference.
🥂 Food and drinks for a house party: What to serve when guests arrive, how to plan food service and why a few well-chosen dishes can be better than too many counters.
🍰 The art of desserts: Why classic, comforting desserts can be the highlight of a party.
🏡 Hosting etiquette: The mistakes hosts make, the behaviour guests should avoid and how to make everyone feel comfortable.
💡 Hosting hacks: Simple ways to elevate your party, even when you’re hosting at home without a caterer.
We also get into the party food Pooja would ban, why the basic cheese platter needs a rethink, and the small details that separate a good host from a great one.
If you love hosting, entertaining at home or finding ways to make your gatherings more thoughtful and memorable, this conversation is for you.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Precap
1:08 - Introduction
1:58 - Why is throwing a party important?
2:59 - Role of the host
4:32 - Designing for an event
6:44 - What should one ask before throwing a party?
7:40 - Coolest party she has been to?
9:33 - Events for Martha Stewart
10:42 - Are themes overdone?
11:32 - Parties reflecting current trends
12:40 - How to have parties which are not generic?
13:20 - Don’t go to Pinterest for ideation
14:33 - Most unique Diwali party
16:04 - A sit down dinner themed around Ramayana
17:13 - Tableware and serveware - where is it sourced from?
17:48 - Where are the props of the party from?
21:02 - The team behind the whole event
22:03 - “I love going to parties that are not curated”
23:35 - Pooja being the mysterious shadow
25:17 - What not to do when hosting a party?
25:56 - Biggest food mistakes hosts make
27:34 - How to accommodate allergies and food palettes?
28:20 - Manifesto for incredibly well planned food
30:20 - Don’t have fancy names for your food
31:20 - Decor is personal
31:40 - How to balance the menu?
35:48 - We reach the parties hungry, so do this as a host.
38:23 - After party food
39:26 - One food item to be banned in parties
40:10 - What can one replace a cheese board with?
42:08 - Place food that can survive the night
44:08 - What’’s a flying buffet?
47:53 - Can we do a flying buffet at home?
48:20 - Hacks for parties?
51:09 - Theme, food, drinks, dress code, energy - what should one plan first?
54:45 - Plan for everything - Cutleries, ice, etc
56:05 - Don’t have plastic water bottles at a house party
57:18 - Where should one spend and save at a house party?
58:32 - Spend on Desserts
59:09 - What are the classic Desserts?
1:00:33 - How to scent our homes for parties?
1:01:52 - What are the entertainment options when hosting a party at home?
1:04:10 - What makes a good guest?
Social Media:
My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masoomminawala/
My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masoomminawala/?trk=public_profile_browsemap&originalSubdomain=in
About Me:
Masoom Minawala is the Founder and Creative Director of MSF Media, a women-focused media company built around one conviction: India's women are the largest underserved media audience in the world. She hosts The Masoom Minawala Show, a long-form podcast for ambitious women, and is an angel investor backing women founders across lifestyle, fashion, and digital media. A Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 honouree and pioneer of the #SupportIndianDesigners movement, Masoom has spent over a decade bringing Indian fashion, craft, and culture to global audiences.
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