Never Miss a Headline!

The hostess handbook

Updated On: 22 March, 2020 07:41 AM IST | Nasrin Modak Siddiqi

A luxe blogger grams the city's best homegrown businesses to call for your tasteful parties

Often called "hostess with the mostess", Aparna Punjabi learnt the art of hosting from her mother. "I remember sitting with her while she curated menus and never repeated them. She baked herself and was constantly trying out recipes," says Punjabi, who is known for curating interesting menus and table styling.

In 2017, she started @whatmakesappyhappy to give a face to the home chefs of the city who otherwise escape recognition. "I've been to so many parties and have had some great food. Sometimes, the hostess doesn't even know where the dishes on the table are from. I thought it was a good idea to give them [hone cooks] a platform," says Punjabi, who conceptualised the blog to spread the word about how to throw the best parties in town. It's a little black book of all things gourmet and she has a four-point checklist for those who make the cut. "It has to be a home baker or someone new; the packaging has to be perfect; the taste must be authentic with a touch of home, and lastly, their food must make me happy."

Trending Stories

Skand Thakur: We have to prove ourselves even for a one-minute role

India thrash Japan 5-1 in Asian Champions Trophy

"The rise of ...": Khawaja feels this has boosted Australia to defeat India

Murali worried about Test cricket’s future

"The kind of cricket Bangladesh have played is impressive": Shubman Gill

Apple iPhone 16 launch: Know the features, prices and availability in India

Up and about: Bye bye Bappa!

Have you heard? Powerful combo

Latest Web Stories

Kim Kardashian turns into a soccer mom

1 years ago

5 reasons Sargun Mehta is a boss lady!

1 years ago

Aadar and Alekha's loved-up pics

1 years ago

Ananya Panday with her late dog Fudge

1 years ago

Latest Photos

06 August, 2026 08:34 PM IST | In Photos: Hiroshima Day Silent Peace March 2026

Preshit Deorukhkar

17 December, 2025 11:56 AM IST | IN PHOTOS: MLAs at Vidhan Bhavan during Maharashtra Legislative Council polls

Asif Ali Sayed

09 September, 2024 09:32 PM IST | IN PHOTOS: People in Mumbai celebrate Gauri Puja during Ganeshotsav

Asif Ali Sayed

09 September, 2024 09:13 PM IST | IN PHOTOS: Mumbai witnesses sunny weather as rains take a break

Asif Ali Sayed

Latest Videos

Iran's BIGGEST Revenge on US; Pounds Jordan After Larak Island Strike

Nepal Begins MASS BURIALS Of Unidentified Flood Victim With 750 Dead, 3,000+ Still Missing

Nepal Flood Rescue: Army Breaks Into Tunnel, 100+ Workers Feared Trapped Underground

“NO MUSLIMS In Bharat” View Is Not Hindutva: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Delivers Big Speech In New York

Nepal Issues Fresh Flood Warning: 734 Dead, 2,498 Still Missing As Bhote Koshi River Rises

Mid-day Fast

Entertainment

Deepika & Ranveer's daughter is boon to her parents, predicts astrologer

Lifestyle

The art of accessorising traditional attire for Ganesh Chaturthi

Entertainment

IC 814 actor Rajiv Thakur shares, 'Maine toh real hijack...'

Latest Headlines

23 August, 2026 09:06 AM IST | mid-day online correspondent

19 August, 2026 11:50 AM IST | Test Tushar

Kindly mail us your feedback

Follow Us:

Home

Photos

E-Paper

Videos

MD Fast