Plan, Connect, and Keep People Out Of Your Kitchen: Mastering the Art of Entertaining with Joseph Marini
In this episode, I talk with Joseph Marini, author of Mastering the Art of Entertaining. We cover what it really means to host, beyond the perfect table setting. Joseph shares why entertaining is about connection, not performance, and how a little planning goes a long way. We talk about what makes a good guest, how to keep people out of the kitchen, and why it’s okay to serve store-bought food, as long as you put it in a real bowl. This is a practical, honest conversation about making people feel welcome in your home, no matter your style or budget.
Watch this entire episode on YouTube HERE
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Hosting Is About Being Yourself
Joseph said that for him, entertaining was a way to feel seen. It wasn’t about showing off—it was about showing up as himself and inviting people into that. The point of having people over isn’t to impress them. It’s to connect with them.
That simple idea reframes a lot. It means your dinner party doesn’t need to look like a magazine shoot. It just needs to reflect you.
Stop Aiming for Perfect
Joseph and I both see a lot of pressure out there, on social media, in magazines, even in beautiful design books, to make things look flawless. But perfect isn’t the goal. In fact, trying to be perfect usually just makes us anxious.
He reminded me (and all of us) that things will go wrong. Something might burn. A dish might not turn out. That’s okay. Sometimes those are the moments people remember and laugh about later.
Plan Ahead So You Can Be Present
One of Joseph’s biggest tips was to do as much as possible before guests arrive. He keeps a journal for every party with a timeline: when to buy groceries, when to prep, when to set the table. That way, when the doorbell rings, he can actually enjoy the night, and so can his guests.
This doesn’t mean every detail has to be complicated. In fact, Joseph believes in keeping things simple. But the prep work helps the whole experience feel more relaxed.
Store-Bought is Fine—Presentation Matters
Joseph made a point I loved: you don’t have to cook everything from scratch. You can buy the food. But take it out of the plastic containers. Plate it in a way that feels intentional.
Even pouring chips into a china bowl (his example: Doritos) can send the message that you care. It’s not about effort for effort’s sake. It’s about showing people they matter to you.
What Makes a Good Guest
We also talked about how guests play a role in a party's success. Joseph had a few strong opinions:
Don’t show up early. Not even five minutes.
Bring a thoughtful host gift—something personal, like a homemade treat or something that reflects your interests.
Don’t bring flowers that need arranging on the spot.
Don’t expect your wine to be served unless you’re asked.
It all comes down to being considerate. Think about what would make the host’s night easier, not harder.
Making the Kitchen Less of a Magnet
We both agreed: too many people end up standing in the kitchen. Especially with open floor plans, it can be hard to get people to move. Joseph’s tip? Keep the food out of the kitchen. Use the island as a bar, not a buffet. It naturally encourages people to get their drink and keep moving.
And if possible, have a spot outside the kitchen to stash dirty dishes so guests aren’t hovering around the mess.
The Prop Closet
One of my favorite parts of the conversation was hearing about Joseph’s “prop closet.” It’s where he keeps his linens, platters, candlesticks, and everything he might need to set a table. He organizes by material: metal, ceramic, wood, textile.
You don’t need a whole room to do this. Even one drawer helps. The point is to make the things you already have easy to access, so you’ll actually use them. A silver tray or linen napkin doesn’t help anyone if it’s buried in a basement box.
Make One Thing Special
Joseph’s last tip: don’t try to make everything impressive. Choose one thing to elevate, maybe it’s the centerpiece, maybe it’s dessert, and let everything else be simple. That one special touch can make the whole evening feel intentional.
This conversation was a good reminder of why we gather. It’s not about perfection or performance. It’s about being together. Joseph’s approach is practical, warm, and grounded. Whether you're hosting two friends or a full dinner party, this episode has something useful for you.
You can find Joseph’s book, Mastering the Art of Entertaining, wherever books are sold. And stay tuned—he’s working on a second one all about hosting in France.
Until Next Time!
-Zandra