Welcome to 2025, the year I’m fully embracing home life and hosting. Inspired by Ina Garten’s iconic approach to life and cooking (her memoir is on my reading list), binge-watching Nancy Meyers movies, and baking like Martha Stewart, I’ve decided to make hosting a central part of my life. To kick things off, I hosted a cozy New Year’s Eve gathering at our new home—a pajama party with surf and turf on the menu and a playful nod to the "surf" theme with seashell-shaped cookies.

Hosting again after a long time felt like a fresh start, but it also came with a learning curve—especially as someone who had never baked before! Naturally, I turned to some hosting essentials and Amazon finds to pull it all together. Let me take you through the highlights of my first event, from the kitchen to the tablescape.

The Menu: Surf & Turf with a sweet twist

For dinner, I wanted to keep things simple yet elegant. The main course was surf and turf paired with roasted small potatoes, which I made using my favorite Staub cookware (in the stunning neutral shade, White Truffle of course). This piece not only cooks like a dream but looks beautiful on the table.

The dessert? Seashell-shaped Madeleine cookies. Or rather, what should have been Madeleines! With the help of my new and adorable KitchenAid Hand Mixer in pistachio, my cookies turned out more like fluffy cupcakes. But honestly, who’s complaining? They were absolutely delicious, and now I have a signature “happy accident” dessert.

Here’s my simple Madeleine-inspired recipe:

Ingredients

1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (plus extra for greasing the pan)

2 large eggs

1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract (or almond extract for variation)

1/2 tsp lemon zest (I use more because I love lemon!)

3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/8 tsp salt

Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Grease the mold with butter or non-stick spray, then dust with flour and tap out excess.

Melt Butter: Melt the butter and set it aside to cool.

Whip Eggs and Sugar: Beat eggs and sugar for 4-5 minutes until pale and thick. Add vanilla and lemon zest.

Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Combine: Gently fold dry ingredients into the egg mixture, then fold in melted butter until just combined.

Chill Batter: Cover and chill the batter for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Fill Molds: Spoon batter into molds, filling each about 2/3 full.

Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden and springy to the touch.

Cool and Release: Let cool in the pan for 1-2 minutes, then release onto a wire rack.

Optional Dusting: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

They’re a sweet ending to any gathering, whether they’re cookies or cupcakes!

The Tablescape: Timeless Elegance

Creating the perfect ambiance for the evening was just as important as the food. I wanted a classic yet affordable tablescape, and after searching high and low, I found the most beautiful glass candle holders (set of 6) on Amazon. They were perfect for holding dripless candles, which kept the vibe sophisticated and mess-free. To add a New Year’s touch, I tied velvet ribbons around the candle holders for a pop of luxury. To complete the look, I incorporated fresh greenery and blooms from Christmas along with pieces repurposed from previous floral arrangements.

What I Learned

This evening wasn’t just about hosting; it was about creating memories in our new home. Despite some imperfections—my beginner baking skills, for instance—everything came together beautifully. Hosting doesn’t have to be overwhelming or perfect. It’s about gathering with people you love and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Looking Ahead

I’m excited to make small dinner parties a regular part of our lives moving forward—monthly or bi-monthly feels like a good cadence. Our first event was such a success, and I can’t wait to see how our hosting style evolves. Whether it’s trying new recipes, experimenting with themes, or elevating our tablescapes, the possibilities are endless. Here’s to more gatherings, good food, and cherished memories!

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