Tessa Tran on Hosting Laid-Back Summer Dinner Parties

Tessa Tran, CEO and creative director of Chan Luu, shares her approach to hosting relaxed summer dinner parties in a Vogue feature. She emphasizes that potlucks are unacceptable and that she takes full responsibility for her guests. Her culinary inspiration comes from her backyard garden, and she prefers open windows, natural light, and a drink in hand to create a relaxed atmosphere. For a recent Sunday supper, she served a menu featuring warm bean salad, roasted pattypan squash, tomato salad, and baby bok choy, all inspired by market finds. She uses antique Haviland porcelain plates, Mepra utensils, and colorful Matilda Goad cutlery. Her hosting outfit included board shorts and crystal Manolo Blahnik flats. She recommends starting with a Campari spritz with a green olive, followed by wines like Dulan Chenin Blanc and Turley Zinfandel Rosé. She avoids scented candles, preferring a terracotta pomegranate diffuser, and decorates with oversized sunflowers and calla lilies in ikebana style. Her guest list strategy involves mixing old friends, newer acquaintances, and someone unexpected.