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Escape and Celebrate is a unique online platform dedicated to making gatherings easy, stylish, and memorable. Founded by Lauren Dills, this innovative service offers everything from curated hosting essentials to creative recipes, and even a popular supper club that has redefined hospitality with its warm, accessible approach. Lauren’s vision centers around making connections through elevated hosting, creating the perfect mix of fun and sophistication for hosts of all levels.
Meg and I️ had the joy of interviewing Lauren on our podcast. Listen here.
The Birth of Escape and Celebrate
Lauren Dills founded Escape and Celebrate to help people prioritize quality time with their loved ones. Like many, she struggled to consistently get together with friends and family due to busy schedules. With a background in design and a passion for entertaining, Lauren created this service as a solution. Escape and Celebrate was designed to bring people together with ease, providing all the essentials for hosting memorable gatherings. At the heart of the service is the supper club concept, featuring monthly themed dinners that make hosting accessible, stress-free, and enjoyable for everyone.
Through Escape and Celebrate, Lauren found a way to provide a sense of 'accountability'—making it easier to plan regular gatherings with a twist. Her supper club concept has garnered attention for its unique themes, curated menus, and detailed hosting tips, which bring fresh inspiration to anyone looking to throw an unforgettable party.
Building Community Through Partnerships and Collaborations
Escape and Celebrate’s success can also be attributed to its impressive partnerships with renowned chefs and culinary experts. These collaborations make each supper club theme special, with recipes that are both delicious and easy to recreate at home. For instance, Lauren partnered with Top Chef alum Elizabeth Binder to create a series of recipes, and worked with “barbecue heiress” Amy Mills to develop a collection of tailgate-inspired dishes.
These partnerships not only elevate the recipes provided but also bring a touch of expertise that enhances the experience for subscribers. Each recipe is chosen to match the theme of the month and includes chef tips that make even the most elaborate dishes approachable. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an experienced home chef, Escape and Celebrate’s recipes inspire and challenge you to try something new.
Essential Hosting Tips and Advice
A big part of Lauren’s mission is to make hosting as simple and enjoyable as possible. Here are some of her top hosting tips, which have become signature advice for the Escape and Celebrate community:
Greet Guests Personally: Lauren stresses the importance of a warm welcome. Greeting guests personally sets a relaxed tone for the gathering.
Set Up a Drink and Nibble Station: Having refreshments and small bites ready allows guests to mingle and feel at home immediately.
Use Place Cards and Conversation Starters: Place cards can encourage guests to connect, especially when paired with a few conversation starters. It’s a great way to help people who may not know each other well feel included.
Don’t Wait for Perfection: Lauren emphasizes that the goal is to enjoy the company, not stress over small details. Use items you already own for decor and focus on making memories.
Prepare Yourself in Advance: Getting ready before the event allows you to relax and fully enjoy the gathering. It’s a simple tip that can make all the difference.
Clear Directions for Guests: To help make guests feel comfortable, ensure they know where to park, find the restroom, and locate anything else they might need.
By focusing on thoughtful details and removing the pressure for everything to be perfect, Lauren’s advice makes hosting more approachable for everyone. She encourages hosts to focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere rather than stressing about every detail.
Expanding Escape and Celebrate
Lauren has big plans for expanding Escape and Celebrate’s reach and impact. Some of her future ideas include launching a book on hosting, developing a dedicated wedding registry, and targeting new audiences like recent graduates, retirees, and busy families. These plans reflect her commitment to making hosting and gathering accessible for different stages of life.
The potential for a wedding registry is particularly exciting, as it would allow couples to select unique hosting essentials to support their journey of creating a welcoming home. Lauren also hopes to create guides and kits tailored for specific needs, such as first-time hosts or families looking to establish meaningful traditions. The overarching goal is to make Escape and Celebrate a go-to resource for anyone looking to connect and celebrate with their loved ones.
Conclusion: Bringing People Together, One Celebration at a Time
Escape and Celebrate is much more than a hosting service; it’s a celebration of connections, friendships, and community. Lauren Dills’ passion for creating beautiful, welcoming spaces shines through in every aspect of the brand. From the curated supper club to her practical hosting advice, Lauren has created a space that inspires people to gather and make memories.
Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch or planning an elaborate dinner, Escape and Celebrate provides the tools and tips you need to create an inviting atmosphere. Lauren’s journey is an inspiring example of turning a passion into a platform that brings people together, showing that sometimes, all it takes to make a difference is a simple invitation to escape and celebrate.
For small business owners, aspiring hosts, and anyone interested in elevating their gatherings, Lauren’s story is a reminder that hospitality is about more than the details—it’s about the experience and the people. Escape and Celebrate is here to make that experience as seamless, stylish, and memorable as possible.
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