How Liv Perez Stays Perpetually Host-Ready

Rip & Tan: How would you describe your hosting style?

Liv Perez: My parents hosted frequently when I was a kid, so I’ve always loved having people around! I love getting dressed up and putting on an evening. I think hosting is a fine balance between amazing details and keeping your environment as laid back and relaxed as you want your guests to be—everything I do for the night is about finding that middle ground. You can come in and kick off your shoes, but also know you’re going to find something unique on the table and have a meal that you won’t forget.

Rip & Tan: In what ways does your expertise in styling translate to entertaining?

Liv Perez: I dress for the mood I’m feeling and bring that same ethos into how I dress my home. I don’t like to subscribe to having a certain “style” and like to find a unique vision for every outfit or dinner party that feels like me and brings it to life. Dressing a table requires so many of the same concepts—the color, proportions, and style of the decor all need to work the same way they would in an outfit.

Rip & Tan: What are some of the ways you keep your home stocked and ready for last-minute gatherings? 

Liv Perez: Keep the guest bathroom stocked, light a fresh candle at the front door, and leave wine and chocolates in the pantry for those last-minute game nights with friends.

Rip & Tan: What are a few of your favorite ways to put a personalized touch on an event? 

Liv Perez: My mom passed down her deep love of tableware to me, and she’s given me so many special pieces from her collection. My tables often mix the old and the new—these ceramic Jenni Kayne dishes are staples in my home and fit in so nicely with any vintage or heirloom pieces you may have in your cabinets. The table setting is also a great conversation starter and an easy way for your guests to get to know you in a deeper, more personal way.

Rip & Tan: When in doubt, what’s one easily-executed dish that’s always guaranteed to please?

Liv Perez: I’ve never met a person who doesn’t beeline to a cheese board. They’re so easy to put together, and you can put as much or as little effort into it as you want. It’s also fun to add personal touches—maybe it’s a new floral arrangement or honey from our local farmers market that makes it stand out from the rest.

Rip & Tan: Can you tell us a bit about this particular spread? From décor to dishes served, what was the inspiration? 

Liv Perez: With the start of the new year, I like to set the table in a way that feels organic and clean. While I enjoyed the era of bows and sparkles, this setting feels like a reset in both food and decor. These Jenni Kayne Raffia Placemats, paired with the flowers from our neighborhood, and a colorful salad and side dish truly feel like a fresh start. One of my favorite pro tips: when putting together a table of neutrals, throw in color through your glasses. These amber glasses add the warmest touch and make the table feel bright! 

Rip & Tan: Beyond the tablescape, what are the must-have elements of a great dinner party?

Liv Perez: We can get so caught up in the preparation that we can often forget to settle into the moment once our guests have arrived. The best elements of a dinner party are the ones you can’t prepare for—new memories made or an incredible joke at the dinner table—so once your prep is done, be present and enjoy the evening with your guests.

Rip & Tan: What makes the perfect host’s gift?

Liv Perez: Flowers are always an easy win, but make sure you bring them cut and in a vase so your host doesn’t have more work to do. A close second is a delicious dessert—you can never have enough on the table!