From domino · Lydia Geisel · · 1m 20s
Suleika Jaouad and Jon Batiste's Dinner Party Secrets
Suleika Jaouad and Jon Batiste share hosting tips for dinner parties with conversation starters, garden herbs, and music.
In brief
Suleika Jaouad and Jon Batiste share hosting tips for dinner parties with conversation starters, garden herbs, and music. Suleika Jaouad and Jon Batiste host dinner parties with conversation starters, garden herbs, and music that encourage guests to participate. Originally reported by domino.
Welcome drink
Suleika Jaouad makes a citrusy cocktail with orange blossom water, fresh lemon, and garden herbs for guests.
“I love making a cocktail that nods to my Tunisian heritage: something citrusy and fragrant, with orange blossom water, fresh lemon, and a sprig of rosemary or mint snipped from the garden.”
Ice-breaker question
Suleika Jaouad uses 'What’s on your unofficial résumé?' to start conversations about personal pride.
“One I particularly love is: ‘What’s on your unofficial résumé?’ It steers the conversation away from job titles toward the things you’re secretly proud of that would never make it onto a professional bio.”
Music selection
Jon Batiste picks music that brings out the best in guests and defines the night’s energy.
“Consider the music another guest at the party. Chemistry is everything! Will this playlist bring pleasant surprises? Will this playlist bring out the best in the other guests?”
Table linens
Suleika Jaouad prefers slightly rumpled tablecloths and linen napkins that look lived-in.
“I’m partial to linen napkins that look like they’ve lived a little. I also love a slightly rumpled tablecloth.”
Culinary traditions
Suleika Jaouad shares Tunisian and Louisiana dishes like chicken tagine with preserved lemons and lemon olive oil cake.
“For dessert, a lemon olive oil cake. My father’s Tunisian and Jon is from Louisiana, so between the two of us, we come from culinary traditions that take their spices, seasoning, and hospitality very seriously.”
Morning tea
Suleika Jaouad serves fresh mint tea with toasted pine nuts in the Tunisian style.
“There’s something wonderfully ceremonial about pouring it into little glasses.”
Platter of memories
Suleika Jaouad paints a wooden platter for their Anthropologie collection that serves as a functional art piece.
“I’ve collected antique wooden trays and serving platters from all over the world, and I love thinking about the meals and conversations they’ve witnessed before arriving at our table.”
Guest participation
Suleika Jaouad gives guests jobs like tearing herbs or lighting candles to encourage involvement.
“Give your guests a job. Nothing too onerous, obviously, but I find people relax almost immediately when they’re invited to participate.”
Dinner transition
Suleika Jaouad moves guests from dinner to tea and dancing when the evening shifts to its second act.
“When it’s time to move from the dining table to the sofa: The plates have been cleared but no one has made the slightest move to leave.”
The main idea
Suleika Jaouad and Jon Batiste host dinner parties with conversation starters, garden herbs, and music that encourage guests to participate.
