Occasions

Whatever you’re celebrating,start with a plan that’s been done.

Each guide has a countdown timeline, a menu that suits the day, décor and activity ideas, and straight answers to the questions every host asks.

Game Day PartyBig screen, big flavours, and food that waits for halftime
Wine and Cheese NightA relaxed tasting evening with good bottles and better cheese
DiwaliLights, a shared meal, and sweets people can take home
Rosh HashanahA sweet new year, with the honey cake baked ahead
Dia de los MuertosA table for people who are here, and the ones being remembered
Halloween partyFood that can be eaten standing, between the door and the doorbell
Thanksgiving DinnerThe big table, planned backwards so the bird is not the boss
FriendsgivingA potluck feast with friends, organised just enough
Christmas DinnerThe festive feast, with a plan that lets you open presents too
Holiday PartyA festive open house that runs itself once the door opens
New Year's Eve PartyBubbles, bites and a countdown worth staying up for
HanukkahA fried-potato night that still leaves room for the brisket
KwanzaaSeven evenings, one pot that can be reheated
Seven fishesChristmas Eve fish, counted so the kitchen can actually cook it
Adult Birthday PartyA birthday that feels like the guest of honour, not a chore
Kids' Birthday PartyHappy kids, fed parents, and a host who still has a voice at the end
Baby ShowerA gentle afternoon celebration built around the parent-to-be
Brunch PartyA lazy late morning of eggs, coffee and good company
Cocktail PartyStanding, sipping and small bites that carry the evening
Dinner PartyA proper sit-down dinner that leaves you time to sit down
Retirement PartyHonour a career and toast the next chapter
Lunar New YearA new-year table, planned around the foods your guests keep
HousewarmingA walk-through with food that does not need the new oven
Engagement partyA short celebration that does not spend the wedding budget
First birthdayA small party timed to a nap, with nothing alcoholic poured
QuinceaneraA reception at home, with the meal and the dancing in one plan
Bar and bat mitzvahA reception after the service, fed as a crowd not a dinner party
Anniversary dinnerA seated dinner for the people who were there the first time
Celebration of lifeFood that holds, so the people talking are not stuck in the kitchen
Awards watch partyA long evening of grazing, timed to a broadcast not a dinner bell
Eid al-FitrAn iftar or Eid meal without pork or alcohol on the plan
Passover sederA seder plate's worth of cooking, without a false certification
NowruzA spring new year, with herbs on the table and rice in the pot
Easter brunchA late morning table, with the ham or without it
Bridal ShowerA pretty, relaxed celebration before the big day
Graduation PartyCelebrate the graduate with an easy open house for a big crowd
Backyard BBQFire, friends and a cooler that never runs dry
PicnicA blanket, a basket and food that travels well
Mother's DayBrunch cooked by someone other than the person being fed
JuneteenthA summer cookout with the red drink and the long-cooked greens
Father's DayA grill lunch that does not require the guest of honour to cook
Fourth of JulyAn afternoon outside, with the grill doing one job at a time

Something else

Planning something else?

Describe it and we’ll plan it anyway.