Angelica Hicks knows how to throw a dinner party. Not the kind where guests stand awkwardly in the kitchen while the host frantically plates food, but the kind where everyone feels at home—where the food stays warm, the drinks flow, and the details communicate, You’re welcome here.
Her method relies on subtle, intentional choices rather than grand displays. Hicks, an illustrator whose Instagram recreates red carpet aesthetics using everyday objects, applies the same philosophy to hosting: work with available resources, but do so deliberately. In her small New York City apartment, she serves dishes like ravioli and salad—not because they are elaborate, but because they require minimal effort while keeping the kitchen functional.
The process begins with the invitation. Hicks avoids last-minute texts in favor of something deliberate, a visual or written note that establishes the event as intentional. Her own collection of illustrated invites, released in October, demonstrates this principle: the invitation sets expectations. Clear communication about time, location, and details ensures guests aren’t left piecing together scattered information.
Guest selection is equally deliberate. Hicks intentionally mixes acquaintances with strangers, breaking up couples who might otherwise spend the evening together.
Food planning follows a straightforward principle: abundance without excessive effort. Plates of cheese, crackers, olives, or charcuterie can be replenished without draining the host’s energy. A well-stocked spread means she remains accessible rather than trapped in the kitchen.
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Effortless drinks for every guest
Drinks follow the same efficiency. Hicks assumes guests won’t bring their own wine and stocks a variety, red, white, sparkling water, and a non-alcoholic option that avoids making abstainers feel excluded.
Decor remains minimal but purposeful. A single bud vase with a few stems serves better than an overbearing arrangement that obstructs sightlines.
Lighting transforms the atmosphere. Wall-mounted candle sconces replace overhead lights, casting warmth without the risk of spills or obstructed views.
Music is essential to setting the tone. Awkward silences often stem from one oversight: no background track. Hicks uses friends’ Spotify playlists tailored to the crowd.
Small details spark meaningful connections
Personal touches raise the experience. Hicks’ Lego Statue of Liberty, built during the pandemic, now serves as a conversation starter. It’s not just decoration; it invites questions and stories.
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Hicks’ hosting philosophy extends beyond the table. She designs a relaxed flow to prevent kitchen chaos or a host darting between rooms. Seating and food stations are arranged for effortless movement, with a buffet-style setup allowing easy access to platters.
The focus is on anticipating needs before they arise. Extra napkins, a small trash bin, and hand sanitizer are placed near seating areas, not out of concern, but to eliminate minor frustrations.
Menu planning balances heartiness with simplicity. A large salad, for example, can be prepped ahead and dressed just before serving. The goal is to serve special food without spending the evening cooking.
Evening structure avoids rigidity but maintains a natural progression, from mingling to seated dinner to winding down with dessert or coffee. Hicks might begin with a casual drink hour, guide guests to the table when food is ready, and offer late-night snacks if conversation continues.
