Dinner Party (Suzy Chase)

On the first episode of Dinner Party Podcast Katherine Lewin, founder of Big Night and author of the Big Night cookbook joins me to discuss how she’s helping people rediscover the joy of gathering. From mismatched plates to spritz bars, she’s all about making hosting fun and relaxed. Listen in for tips to make your next dinner party shine! 🎙️🍷

🏡✨ Curate a home that speaks! Josh Young’s design philosophy is all about creating spaces that reflect who you are. On the podcast, he shares tips on layering textures, incorporating history, and how to develop your own creative vibe. Listen in and get inspired! 🎧

In this episode, Edy Massih talks about his journey from Lebanon to New York City, where he transformed a beloved Polish deli into Edy’s Grocer in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. He shares insights from his Lebanese cookbook Keep It Zesty and discusses how he modernizes traditional dishes with practical shortcuts for today’s busy cooks. Edy also reflects on the importance of supporting Middle Eastern-owned businesses and how food connects him to his roots. Lastly, he dives into his love for bold spices, the joy of hosting, and his mission to showcase the beauty of Lebanese cuisine.

In this episode, I talk about my love for store-bought and bodega flowers and how they bring so much joy and beauty into my everyday life. I share how accessible fresh blooms are, no matter the season, and how they can instantly transform any space. I also offer tips on mixing affordable flowers with more special flowers and encourage getting creative with vases. Ultimately, I remind you that adding flowers to your home is a simple, joyful way to connect with the present season, and elevate your space.

In this Dinner Party Podcast episode, I sit down with Alice Lascelles, author of The Martini: The Ultimate Guide to a Cocktail Icon. We dive into the rich history of the martini, exploring how it’s more than just a drink—it’s a cultural icon that reflects different eras. Alice shares her first martini experience at The Dorchester and the unforgettable impact it had on her. She explains why the martini is a ritual in itself, from choosing the right glass to the sensory magic of lemon zest and stirred ice. We talk about the martini’s iconic associations, like James Bond’s Vesper Martini and discuss the ongoing debate: shaken or stirred. Alice also shares the secrets to pre-batching martinis for dinner parties and how different garnishes create distinct personalities for the drink. We touch on the '80s cocktail craze, which spawned countless “-tinis,” and how the martini has since reclaimed its elegance. For anyone who loves cocktails and culture, this episode serves up plenty of inspiration and a little bit of history with each sip.

On this solo episode, I'm diving into the surprising comeback of the wet martini, inspired by a recent New York Times article by Pete Wells. I explore how Manhattan's Eel Bar is reimagining this overlooked classic, celebrating vermouth in a way that’s redefining what a martini can be. This twist on tradition is sparking curiosity and conversation, inviting us to savor the art of a balanced cocktail once again.

Ingrid Weir is back on the podcast with a follow-up to New Rural.

In this episode, I dive into The Atlantic's article on the disappearance of dining rooms and how it mirrors deeper trends in American loneliness and isolation. I explore how the shift toward open layouts and the decline of traditional dining spaces may be reshaping our social lives, impacting family gatherings, friendships, and the way we share meals. I'll look at why many new homes prioritize multi-functional spaces over dedicated dining areas and how these design choices might be fueling a loneliness epidemic. Join me as I unpack the cultural and social costs of losing these gathering spaces and what it means for connection and community in modern American life.

🥂 🎉 The Dinner Party Project meets Dinner Party Podcast!

In this episode of Dinner Party, I chat with Natasha Feldman about her book, The Dinner Party Project: A No-Stress Guide to Food With Friends. We discuss the vanishing dining room, creative ways to host gatherings, and the joy of building connections around food. Natasha encourages us to reimagine our spaces and explore our unique entertaining styles without stress or perfectionism. From room-temperature veggies to simple snack tables, this conversation brings fresh, approachable ideas to the art of gathering.

I chat with chef and writer Evan Hanczor, founder of Tables of Contents, an arts organization merging food and literature. Evan shares his journey from New Orleans kitchens to hosting book-inspired meals at Little Egg in Brooklyn. We discuss his Tables of Contents Community Cookbook, filled with recipes that tell diverse stories, his new artist residency upstate, and his love for simple, memorable bites that celebrate shared meals.

🏛️🍃 Ever wondered how architecture can make you feel truly at home? Erik Evens shares his process of creating thoughtful, classical homes designed around what matters most.

I’m sharing the story of how I created a niche in the podcasting world. I'll take you behind the scenes, from the initial spark of inspiration to the challenges and triumphs that came with carving out my unique space. I'll talk about how Dinner Party evolved from a passion project into a podcast dedicated to celebrating cookbooks, decorating books, and the art of homemaking. Join me as I reflect on the joy of following an uncharted path, building a community around shared passions, and setting the table for the meaningful conversations that define Dinner Party.

🗳️ Happy Election Day! Whether you’re headed to vote or reflecting on the significance of today, take a moment to tune into my conversation with Stacey Mei Yan Fong. Her book, 50 Pies, 50 States is a delicious celebration of America’s diversity, one slice at a time. 🇺🇸🥧

🌅 Hillary shares tips for planning outdoor meals, even in harsh weather, and how to stay warm and cozy while dining outside 🧣🔥. We chat about the art of setting tables in unexpected places, like fields and riverbanks, and how these natural settings elevate the experience 🏞️. Plus, she gives her best advice on foraging for natural decor to create breathtaking centerpieces that are perfectly in tune with the season. 🍃✨

My insights into the Martha Stewart documentary 📽️ and I share how Martha’s influence shaped my passion for homemaking 🏡 and inspired me to create Dinner Party Podcast 🎙️. From Martha’s love of discovery to her role as the first lifestyle influencer 👑, I reflect on the power of homemaking and the DIY revolution she started 🛠️.

I had an unforgettable conversation with the legendary photographer Dustin Pittman, who shared wild stories from his new book Dustin Pittman: New York After Dark. We talked about meeting Andy Warhol at the Factory, Mick Jagger drenching him with a bucket of water, and the magic of Studio 54 with Liza Minnelli and even First Lady Betty Ford. From Madonna at Danceteria to capturing Diana Vreeland’s elegance, you won’t want to miss these incredible moments in pop culture history.

🎉 Lauren McDuffie is back on the show with her 3rd cookbook Homemade-ish! From easy, flavorful dishes to clever kitchen tips, this episode is a must for anyone looking to make cooking more fun and less stressful.

🍽️ Balancing Aspirational vs. Realistic Cooking  🛒 Grocery Store Hacks  🏡 The Art of Keeping It Real  🍠 Friendsgiving Dish Inspiration  📸 Food Photography Tips

Thanksgiving has always held a special place in my heart. This year, I'm hosting a non-potluck Friendsgiving, carefully planning each dish as an act of love and hospitality. From golden herbed turkey meatballs to creamy mashed potatoes inspired by my Kansas childhood, I'm excited to curate a warm and welcoming gathering that celebrates connection and tradition.

🎙️🍂 This is the Thanksgiving episode you’ll want playing in the background while you’re prepping the house, whipping up recipes, and getting into the holiday spirit. 🦃🍁👩‍🍳 Chef Shannon Smith, straight out of Tulsa, Oklahoma, is my dear friend. 💕🎉👩‍🍳 From cooking classes in the Dominican Republic to dinner parties in Tulsa, Shannon's experiences are nothing short of inspiring! 👀 Fun fact: Shannon doesn’t like Thanksgiving! 😮Tune in until the very end to find out why.Calling Shannon my friend is a privilege, and once you’ve heard her stories, you’ll see why she’s someone to be truly thankful for. ❤️

🍪🌲 It’s time! The holiday cookie swap season is here. Hetal Vasavada is sharing her best holiday hosting tips, cookie swap strategies, and holiday cookie recipes.

Plus, learn how you can support Cookies for Kids’ Cancer for the “Challenge for a Cure” initiative, encouraging families to bake together and support pediatric cancer research, partnering with Challenge Butter to encourage families to bake together and support pediatric cancer research this holiday season.

🥖🍞🥪🥐 The first episode of 2025!

I’m so excited to welcome James Beard Award–nominated baker, Melissa Weller, to the podcast.

A graduate of the French Culinary Institute, Melissa has honed her craft at legendary NYC spots like Babbo, Sullivan Street Bakery, Bread Alone, Per Se, and more. We’re chatting about her new baking book, Very Good Bread, and exploring the art of sourdough baking.

🎧 Tune in now for a delicious start to the year!

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🔥 I absolutely adore celebrated architectural designers and art advisors Rodman Primack and Rudy Weissenberg. Let this episode ignite your creative interior inspo in 2025!

I'm hopping on the pod today to say my heart goes out to everyone affected by the devastating California wildfires. These fires have displaced thousands of families, destroyed homes and lives, and left entire communities in urgent need of support.

When disasters like this strike, it's not just about rebuilding. It's about survival in the here and now. That's where organizations like the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank step in, they've been working tirelessly to provide essential food assistance like water and meals to shelters and relief agencies serving those affected by the wildfires. In the spirit of giving back and doing something, I've created a fundraiser over on the Cookery by the Book Instagram page to support this incredible organization and its efforts to bring immediate relief to those in need.

It's times like these we're reminded of the incredible bravery and dedication of the firefighters who risk everything to keep us safe. But did you know that many of these heroes rely on support from organizations to ensure that they have tools and supplies that they need to battle these relentless blazes? That's why I've created another fundraiser over on the Decorating by the Book Instagram for the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. This incredible organization is actively raising funds to equip LAFD members with critical gear, tools, and resources to fight wildfires more effectively and stay safe while doing so.

Both of these organizations have been vetted by Charity Navigator, so you can be assured every dollar raised goes directly toward providing food and for resources for families who've lost so much, and also supporting these frontline heroes.

So let's stand with California and its firefighters during this challenging time. Thank you for your support and take good care. Talk to you later. Bye.

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🥹✨ This is a combo appreciation post + episode drop! Vanessa Seder is one of my all-time favorite recipe developers & cookbook authors. Her recipes are endlessly inspiring, wonderfully creative, and totally approachable. Ready to warm your bones? 🦪🍳🧀 Think oyster stew, baked eggs, and grilled cheese perfection. Listen now! 🔥🎧

I caught up with the fabulous interior designer Jo Berryman to chat about the beauty of imperfection ✨, bold choices 💪, her love for dramatic juxtapositions like lace + concrete 🪞⚙️, how to design with heart ❤️ and history 🏰📜, and her brilliant bloom board process for sparking inspiration 🌸💡!

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🎙️ This Is Your Sign to Try a New Cuisine in the New Year! 🌟Have you ever experienced the vibrant flavors and rich traditions of Persian cuisine? 🌿🍗 From fragrant saffron rice to tender kebabs and the perfectly balanced sweet and sour notes of pomegranate and walnuts, Persian food is a feast for the senses.Nadia Eshaghpour is on the show this week🍴✨Let’s kick off 2025 by embracing new flavors. Who knows, Persian cuisine might just become your new favorite!

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🌟 Excited to welcome Emilia Terragni to the show this week to discuss the magnificent book Stone Houses! 🏡✨ As Associate Publisher at Phaidon, Emilia has been a visionary force behind architecture, design, and culinary titles. 🖼️📚🍴 She founded the design list and later developed the culinary list, creating extraordinary books that beautifully combine architecture, lifestyle, food, and hospitality. 🏛️🍽️💫 Don't miss this inspiring conversation! 🎙️🎧

"Food should have no boundaries, nor should life. Everybody deserves good, affordable, accessible food, rich in flavor and steeped in culture." Jess and Jo Edun two sisters who are bringing the sweet taste of Nigeria to the streets of London.

Inspired by their Grandma's joyful cooking, they are keeping her legacy alive in their restaurant and pop-up residencies. Local heroes themselves, these siblings are striving to make a positive impact through food and the social connections it can create.

🎧 Listen now.

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🌿 Thomas Woltz on the Poetics of Landscape Design 🌿

Thomas Woltz, the visionary landscape architect behind Nelson Byrd Woltz (NBW), believes that public spaces are more than just designed environments—they are living, breathing narratives that connect people to the land’s deep history. His work, spanning from historic preservation to large-scale ecological restoration, is rooted in storytelling, honoring the natural and cultural histories of each site.

This ethos shines through in his quote:"We don’t just design spaces, we design the poetics of human experience in the landscape. Every public place should tell a story, evoke emotion, and connect us to the land’s deep history."

For Woltz, landscape architecture is not about imposing a vision but about revealing the hidden layers of history, ecology, and human interaction that shape a place. Whether transforming the 1,500-acre Memorial Park in Houston or reimagining urban spaces like Hudson Yards, every project speaks to the past while fostering a more sustainable and meaningful future.

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3 Essential Design Principles for a Timeless Home

* Start with Intention – Reflect on how you live before making design decisions.

* Balance Beauty & Function – Every space should be as practical as it is stylish.

* Layer for Personality – Mix textures, vintage finds, and meaningful pieces to create a home that feels uniquely you.

Hear more expert tips from Caitlin Creer on the latest Dinner Party podcast episode.

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“There’s something timeless about flipping through a beautiful magazine, free from digital distractions. It’s a way to slow down and truly savor the stories inside.”

Mike McCormick, publisher Homecooked magazine

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After years of pristine white cabinetry and glossy countertops, are homeowners growing tired of the all-white aesthetic? Or do these kitchens simply need a modern touch to stay fresh and inviting?

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"Culture isn’t always passed down in a straight line. Sometimes, we have to find our own way to it."

Kiera Wright-Ruiz on navigating identity, food, and heritage.

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With 15-Minute Indian, Anjula Devi aims to make Indian food easier and less intimidating. The book simplifies ingredient lists (using five spices or less in most dishes) and offers meal-planning tips, so anyone can prepare a delicious Indian feast.

🎯 Takeaway: Great food doesn’t have to be time-consuming—simplified cooking methods can still bring out incredible flavors.

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🥦🔍 Beyond the Plate: Becoming a Food Citizen in a Changing World with philosopher Julian Baggini.

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What if your kitchen was a portal to your past travels? On this week’s episode I chat with food & travel writer Caroline Eden about Cold Kitchen, her transportive new book that journeys through Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey & more weaving together food, memory, and the meaning of home. Thrilled to have her back on the show for a 3rd time!

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From Dough to Glory: My Chat with the Best Pizza Chef in the World! 🍕🏆

What does the word Kin mean when it comes to Caribbean food, heritage, and identity? For chef and author Marie Mitchell, Kin is about family, both chosen and blood, and the deep connections that shape us. In this episode, we unpack her journey of reclaiming her Caribbean roots, the emotional process of writing her cookbook, and the powerful ways food ties us to history.

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"Fried rice to me is like a little black dress. It goes with everything.”Peter Som is an award-winning fashion designer known for his elegant sportswear and use of color and pattern. In recent years, he has expanded into the culinary and lifestyle space, publishing a new cookbook Family Style that draws on his heritage and passion for cooking.

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Emma Beryl Kemper is on the show this week to share her great insights on topics like finding your personal design style, intentional purging, hero pieces, dining room furniture, design software, using large pieces in small spaces, the importance of entryways, color psychology, and organizing closets. Emma is everything and so is this darling book!

📖🎨 What do you get when you mix a graphic novel with a cookbook? A graphic cookbook—the best of both worlds! 🍽️✨

From Roman rose gardens to Chanel No. 5, it's all about the timeless allure of the world’s most beloved flower this week with Kristine Paulus, Collection Development Librarian at the New York Botanical Garden.

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✨ What makes a house truly special? Ros Byam Shaw, former Features Editor at The World of Interiors and author of 15 acclaimed books shares the surprising inspiration behind her latest book on small houses. From space-saving secrets to the emotional art of letting go, this conversation will make you fall in love with the charm of a small, cozy home. 🏡💛

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Discovering place through tradition and taste with award-winning writer, photographer, traveler and cook Jeff Koehler.

In this episode, I talk with the legendary (even if he won’t admit it) Tony Tan about the flavors of his childhood, his signature duck curry dumplings, and how something as funky as shrimp paste can turn magical in the pan.