‘Tis the season for holiday entertaining, and we’ve asked some of the most stylish hosts we know to share their party tricks in a holiday hosting mini-series. Dress code is festive, and an RSVP is requested. À Table!

When it comes to entertaining, culinary artist and model Maryah Ananda likes to mix things up. Sometimes she hosts an intimate gathering with close friends; other times, it’s a lavish party with plenty of wine and a fancy dress code. “This suits all the different sides of me,” she says. “Sometimes I just want to wear faux fur and gloves, or my favorite black dress with a red wine lip!”

For this particular evening—a cozy, buffet-style dinner on a soft golden tablecloth to raise funds for the One Love Community Fridge—the vibe was more intimate. “I wanted the table to feel warm and inviting, bringing in the holiday season with care,” Ananda explains. Everything, from the comforting dishes and soft candlelight to the handwritten menus on folding notecards, helped create a laid-back yet welcoming atmosphere that was perfectly on theme.

Below, go behind the scenes of Ananda’s holiday dinner party, shop similar items, and take note of her essential rules for easy hosting—starting with always having flowers around.

Crafting the Table
“I always start with the basics and build from there. First, I decide: tablecloth, table runner, or nothing at all? Flowers are a must. I decide early on whether I want a large centerpiece or scattered single stems, as that choice really sets the visual flow. Then I ask myself: How do I want guests to feel? I find that when the table reflects the season, it creates a sense of comfort and gives people something to talk about. With that in mind, I choose colors and materials.

Since this gathering was in winter, I wanted it to feel autumnal and cozy—something to offset the cold outside. I chose a mustard-colored linen tablecloth and asked my friend Fernando Daquiz Kabigting of FDK Florals to create a whimsical arrangement that fit the theme.”

The Hosting Outfit
“My hosting formula is to have two outfits: one for cooking, tidying up, and getting ready, and another for when guests arrive. (Same goes for aprons!) A black T-shirt and jeans are my prep outfit, while my hosting outfit is whatever I feel most comfortable and confident in. I avoid silk for large gatherings because stains show easily. Cotton and linen are my go-to choices—they’re breathable, lightweight, and easier to clean. This suit set from Ganni is my favorite hosting outfit. It makes me feel structured, slightly sexy, and effortless. That’s my vibe. I also love wearing J.Crew, Ganni, Aritzia, Damson Madder, or Jacquemus.”

Tabletop Heroes
“I love everything from Sophie Lou Jacobson, Maison Balzac, and Hudson Wilder. And anything vintage—just clean and polish it first. Candles are almost always a yes. There are rare times when a room has enough beautiful natural light, but usually, I’ll still use some form of candlelight, whether tapers or tea lights. Personally, I adore a gorgeous table display. I love going to the flower district to build my own bouquets or upgrading from bodega flowers with arrangements from the farmers market. They have beautiful ready-made bouquets or stems to mix with bodega flowers. No matter how big or small the gathering, I always print a menu.”Menu
Photography by Kelsey Cherry

Sophie Lou Jacobsen
Spiral candleholder – $125

Sophie Lou Jacobsen
Dipped taper candles – $8

Crate & Barrel
Smythson tented place cards – $37

West Elm
Stone platters – $41

What’s on the Menu
“The menu also reflects seasonality. A lot of my inspiration comes from nature and feelings—with that in mind, I may create a menu highlighting squash, apples, pears, grapes, and herbs like thyme and sage for this time of year. Currently, I’m loving a miso sage honey nut squash gnocchi with Comté or a kabocha squash risotto with thyme and pecorino. For dessert, Earl Grey poached pears with rose and vanilla crème anglaise or a pavlova topped with early winter citrus.”

Photography by Kelsey Cherry

Cocktail Hour
“Usually, I like things to feel intimate and familial, so I enjoy low-maintenance cocktails and having wine bottles on the table. My tip is to find a recipe where you can pre-batch a mixer and fill a pitcher, ready to make drinks on demand! I love an orange hibiscus or watermelon, vanilla, lime hibiscus mixer. Basically, you just make a simple syrup and add in your desired flavors.”

Photography by Kelsey Cherry

Sophie Lou Jacobsen
Totem glasses set – $110

Sophie Lou Jacobsen
Ripple cup set – $60

Dinner Party Dos & Don’ts

The Faux Pas…
“Throwing away leftover food or produce. Order chic to-go boxes and include a little meal in your guest goodie bag, or pack up the leftover dessert and distribute it to your guests as they leave. You could have some friends help you pack everything up and the next day donate it at your nearest community fridge or shelter. Throwing away food will never be chic!”

The Party Playlist…
“Lots of D’Angelo, jazz, R&B, and a little disco.”

The Guest List…
“If I think of you and you bring me joy, you’re in. I also try to think about whether people are in complementary fields or tend to enjoy or post about similar values.”

The Stress-Reducing Secret…
“Pick my guest-facing outfit the night before and steam it, set the table the night before, and prep anything possible the night before: cook sauces, wash vegetables, make cocktail mixers, and finish dessert if possible.”

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about At the Table An Overflowing Buffet Dinner with Maryah Ananda designed to sound like questions from real attendees or interested guests

General Event Details

Q What exactly is At the Table
A Its a unique immersive dining experience hosted by Maryah Ananda Its more than just a meal its a curated event focused on community mindful eating and abundance presented as an overflowing buffet to encourage sharing and connection

Q Is this just a fancy dinner party
A Its a step beyond While the food is central and lavish the event intentionally creates a space for meaningful conversation sensory engagement and a celebration of plenty in a communal setting

Q Where and when are these dinners held
A Dates and locations vary They are often held in unique intimate venues like art galleries private gardens or beautifully decorated studios Youll need to check Maryahs official website or social media for upcoming event announcements

Q What should I wear
A The dress code is typically elegant eclectic or creative cocktail Think of it as an opportunity to express yourselfcolorful stylish and comfortable Specific guidance is usually provided with your ticket confirmation

Food Dining Experience

Q What kind of food is served
A The menu is plantbased colorful and globally inspired It focuses on whole nourishing ingredients and is designed to be a feast for the eyes and the palate Think vibrant salads hearty mains artisan breads and decadent dessertsall in abundance

Q I have dietary restrictions Can you accommodate me
A Absolutely Because its a buffet with many dishes there are usually plenty of options However its crucial to note your specific restrictions when purchasing your ticket so the kitchen can be informed and often label dishes clearly

Q Is alcohol served
A This varies by event Some dinners are alcoholfree featuring crafted mocktails and elixirs Others may offer a selection of natural wines or paired beverages The event description will always specify what is included

Q Why a buffet format Doesnt that feel less premium
A The overflowing buffet is a intentional